Since relocating to north Georgia, I have experienced renewed interest in riding both my FZ-09 and Morphous. Living in Maryland and working in Pennsylvania until 2018, the large majority of my riding was the 60-mile round trip commute. For several months, my motorcycles were stored in North Carolina while I spent most of my time 'up north.' Upon relocation to North Carolina, but no longer commuting on a daily basis, the FZ-09 and Morphous only occasionally emerged from their storage unit.
In somewhat over three months in Georgia, I probably have more two-wheel miles than in the previous year and a half. On a few occasions, I have half-heartedly pulled one ride or the other out of storage, and started up. Minutes later, rather unexpectedly, the pleasure of riding returns like an old friend. Unlike a couple years ago, I have no particular destination, but the destination's importance has faded. Somewhere still in storage, I have a wall sign reading, "it's not the destination, it's the ride." The phrase seems to fit me better these days. Looking forward to the next ride again feels great.
Without question, my riding skills suffered from lack of practice. One excursion on a twisty road revealed my comfort level wasn't where it needed to be. Fortunately, no incident or damage to rider or ride occurred. As a result, I have gradually increased distances on new, interesting, but fairly straight to mildly curved roads.
One of my favorite rides, about 70 miles, includes a four-lane highway, Route 76, to Blairsville, Georgia.
After a left turn in Blairsville on Route 19, the two-lane road crosses into North Carolina...
...and continues to Murphy.
Another left turn, and Route 64 takes me into Tennessee...
While parked, I decide another photo of the FZ-09 seems appropriate...
The scenery (in addition to the FZ-09) is delightful, and never gets old or uninteresting.
Soon after entering Tennessee, my next left turn is in Ducktown onto Route 68...
On the sign, that's Cleveland, Tennessee... not the better known Cleveland, in some other state...
Copperhill, Tennessee and McCaysville, Georgia are side-by-side on the state line. The following photo is on the Tennessee side...
These towns have a growing tourism industry, but still retain a small town charm. They are great places to spend a few hours.
After a right turn (finally!), and preparing to cross the state line and river bridge on Route 5, Georgia beckons.
Home is now minutes away, and the next two-wheel adventure lies ahead.
