Got in a FROTY today.

[3fan4life]

It was a little cool but the skies were clear and sunny so I got in a FROTY (First Ride Of The Year) today.

It was only about 100 mi but it was seat time on New Years Day so I'll take it.

As I left the house I had no idea where I wanted to go.

After a quick stop for gas I just picked a general direction and pointed the bike in it.

(I really need to give DDT some PROPS here. This riding without a plan thing isn't nearly as easy as he makes it look.)

After a few minutes I had decided on a general loop ride that I wanted to ride.

Having at least a loose plan made it more relaxing.

Speaking of relaxing, that's what today's ride was really about.

Just an opportunity to smell the roses and enjoy the day.

My first stop was the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

  

In the summer this lot stays full of motorcycles, today mine was the only one.


There was a really nice 66 Mustang there though:




My next destination was Arcadia, VA.

Arcadia is a small unincorporated community near Buchanan, VA.

The area has multiple opportunities for hiking, camping and fishing.

I wasn't interested in any of that today.

I just wanted to check out the waterfall and the old iron furnace.

 
 



The Virginia countryside is dotted with old iron furnaces.

This one is still in exceptionally good condition.


From there I rode to Glasgow, VA where I encountered a creature from the past:




From Glasgow I headed home via US 501 across Snowden Mountain.

Snowden Mountain is one of my favorite mountains in this area to ride. I like it mainly because you can get on the throttle going both up and down.

At the bottom of Snowden Mountain is Snowden Dam.

Snowden Dam is on the James River:

 


The unique design of this dam has always intrigued me:



It zig zags across the river, making it deeper but not turning it into a lake.


This unique design does allow it to generate electricity almost constantly:

 



After a stop at Walmart to get something for dinner, I was home.

Only 4 hrs and 100 miles after I had left the home, I was back.

Neither my shortest nor longest ride.

But it sure felt good to get a FROTY in today.

[Oss]

 

[henry 008]

 

[Jack B]

Kept those ride reports coming it's been 2 months since I've had my bike out.

[old2soon]

            Even should the weather git warm enough here in Il. these folks use far far too much salt! And though I have permission to use my Bros fine machine I duz NOT wanna be responsible fer corrision on his wheels. Probably be tail end of Jan first of Feb before I git my FROTY in!   In Missouri where I feel a tad mite safer on 2 wheels then I duz here. Happy/glad/smiling ya got that FROTY in though. THAT green eyed monster be stirrin inside of me-an itch what gotta be scratched.   RIDE SAFE.

[Prescott John]

I started the New Year out right as well.  25 degrees out when I left home.  I watched the thermometer drop to 22 for a few miles.  I headed south for lower elevation and warmer temps.  Met up with several other VRCC members in Surprise, Arizona.  We had Mexican food for lunch at Sopia's in Gila Bend.  From there we went back north into Wickenburg, where I peeled off and headed back to Prescott.I sure enjoyed the day.  350 miles.

[DDT (12)]

Mark,

Nice report and pics! A really nice ride, too... My FROTY will occur later today... and I'm probably as excited as you were when you threw a leg over your girl's saddle!!! Something very special about rides, especially rides at significant times... Like any day whose spelling ends in 'Y', for example...

DDT