Friends,

I am traveling on my bike, Moto Fabini, between the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and Pasquo, Tennessee, the northern entrance to the Natchez Trace Parkway. I am looking for a pleasant and interesting route between the two.

My desires in a route are summed up in one sentence: "Paved country roads having low traffic counts running through small towns with diners, accompanied by scenery, sightseeing, and photo opportunities." Can you suggest any places to see or roads to travel in this part of Tennessee?

While looking at Tennessee on Google Maps, I noticed that all roads lead to McMinnville. A little exploration led me to Cumberland Caverns with the Bluegrass Underground and Rock Island State Park on Caney Fork River. Both seem like great places to visit as does the city of McMinnville. So what else should I see and which roads should I take?

Thanks for any and all help you provide. I appreciate it.

- Moto Fabini & John

John, have you already snooped through this site?

http://motorcycleroads.com/Routes/Tennessee_118.html

Rt 28 is always mentioned as lovely to ride, but I think is north of where yore talking about. And there's this road, which maybe is closer to the area you want to travel. I'd have to sit down and look at a map; its been a few years since I've been up there.
http://www.cherohala.com/

Just remember, there are fuel stops, places to shop, and eateries but you have to plan ahead to get down off the parkways (in the National Parks) to get to them. Beautiful scenic country; concentrate on keeping your eyes on the road, and plan on stopping to actually admire the scenery and take pictures. Those roads in that area have a lot of zig and zag in them, and not nearly as many guardrails as zigs and zags.

Thanks HC. I am familiar with Motorcycle Roads .com. It's a gret site to follow. I used it to take a closer look at the Ozarks and discovered not only great mountain rides, but Buffalo River National Park. I am adding it to my itinerary. I promise to plan my fuel stops well.

When the ride begins, I'll post the link to a blog I've started. Thanks again.

Moto Fabini & John

P.S. Are you back in New Hampshire?

Hey John, would you be interested in a ride tomorrow up to the open house at Whitehorse Gear? I'll send you a pm with a phone number.

Thanks for the tip & contact HC. My bike came out of the shop yesterday with a new front tire and new clutch rollers. Today will be sunny and in the 80s. We've waited 8 months for this weather. A shakedown run over the Kancamagus is in order. I look forward to seeing 400+ other riders at Whitehorse. -J