The Anaconda (Long)

[LandElephant]

Although I didn't have the pleasure this year to attend the Fall Color Ride with SmokinJoe, I did find time to get to see some of Tennessee.  In July Joe took a few of us in search of the Anaconda in east central Tennessee. So because I could take a couple days off from work I attempted to find and ride this road.

This year has been a strange year for me.  I have at times not felt the same pleasure in riding that I have in years pass.  I've questioned if I have finally lost interest.  It only takes throwing my fat gas producing buttock into the seat and heading towards Tennessee to find the flame to ride.  As small as it is I keep feeding it.

So this Monday after spending the weekend with my brother Roger in Nashville I venture out for the Anaconda on my trip back to Michigan.  I had a plan. a route. I thought I had a plan.

I headed out early from Nashville and picked up TN 84 at exit 300.  Heading north the plan was to turn onto Highland Mountain Rd then Hickory Flat Road to TN 85 and the bottom of the Anaconda.  First, some day I will figure out that my Goldwing is not a duel sport or enduro.  Hickory Flat Road is dirt.  Gravel, ruts, with a washed out brook crossing.  It was that crossing that made me turn around. Six miles later.

Back on TN 84 and north to Livingston TN.  I recognized the town because Joe had taken us to Standing Stone State park one year.  Gased up and headed East on TN 52.  Found TN 85 and headed into the mountains.  The road is good easy curves and then there you are at the bottom of a number of tight switchback turns up the mountain.  Britman was right that those 25 mph turns can slap right into you if you are not careful.

Once through this section again some nice twist and turns.  I passed the intersection where stopped in July.  Right in the middle with a number of bikes and not traffic.  I continued on TN 85 and it is a nice road that follows the Obey River.  Colors were good with nice turns .  It ended at TN 127.

I proceeded south to TN 62 and followed that over to TN 329 and then TN 27.  At that point it was time to point the wing north to Michigan and another 466 miles to go.

I hope I haven't bored you all much and thanks Joe for showing me where this road was at.  Well worth riding through there again.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

You was within 150 miles of The Fall Color Ride ....Glad you had a good ride Charlie and we both know you could live anywhere you wanted too....Just know The Great State Of Tennessee will always welcome you....Come join us on The Veteran's Day Weekend Ride ( 20 miles west of Nashville ) I posted information .....Bring It...LET'S RIDE 

[BigAl]

Anaconda, I found this road to be not very challenging but more entertaining, whilst chasing my brethren through the many twists and drop offs it offers.

You did not bore me in the least and I love Hwy62 from the mighty Oliver Spirngs all the the way to Clark Range on 127.

Then ride to the main turnoff onto 85 to 52 then return back across Jamestown and Allardt is a hoot as well

Good road and not too crowded like the Infamous Dragon that I know like the back of my hand.

Good report there Charlie.

[BigAl]

I like this place to eat before I ride the Anaconda.

85 to the right.

[..]

The uphill with the switchbacks is fun