Allons, Tn & Bristol, Va,

It was great to see Rick Barrett and his family in Allons, Tennesse. Rick had just had seeds implanted to combat prostate cancer,so he was a little under the weather but has improved in the short time I was there. It was nice to finally meet Rick's wife Darlene. Nice lady and a killer at making eggs. Darlene's daughter, Jennifer, had flown up from Texas to help out with chores around the house. Also A good cook. Has a tendency to stay up late but is a hard worker!!! Rick gave me the tour of Livingston, Tn. and we also went out to the local marina. It seems that every place I visit puts out a big spread of food. I really appreciate all the hospitality that everyone has provided to me.
Left Rick's place this AM at 9:30 AM central time. Weather was overcast and light rain. I bundeled up in extra warm clothes and turned east on Hwy 52. Very windey with lots of S curves. Speeds posted at 20 mph in many curves. I took my time as I promised Valley I would ride safe. Finally hooked up to Hwy 63 and had to get on Interstate 75 and travel south. I don't like travelling on the interstates. Posted speed limits are 70 mph but every travels 80+ mph. The "Mule" likes 65 mph, me too!! Hooked into Hwy 331 going east and north and went by the Norris Lake/dam. Nice placce to visit. Travelled through a lot of small towns and finally reached Hwy 11W north. This is a four lane highway and I could cruise at 60-65 mph. I stopped in a gas station outside Kingsport, Tn. and queried a local constable about how far it was to Bristol, Va. Turns out he is a Harley guy and we talked for a while about rides all around this area. Finally got on the road again as it was close to 7 PM eastern standard and getting dark. I lost an hour travelling east and it cut my riding time. I had planned on stopping in Wytheville, Va. but not enough daylight. Found a Budget Inn that has wireless capabilities and now finishing a Subway sandwich that is complemented with some Jack and diet coke.
I will follow 11 North tomorrow. It parrell's Interstae 81. I hope to pull a long day and arrive in Nokesville, VA. and stay with my sister, Irene and her husband Ron Croushorn for a few days. I will be visiting my MOM and hope to get to Arlington National cemetary to visit my fathers grave site. Will be getting new tires and also visitng OLD high school chums before heading out on the Blue Ridge Parkway travelling south towards Boone, NC, home of Appalachian State University and then continue south to Florida.
Gotta get up early and repack some gear. I hope the weather is better but I have all the gear to ride in the rain.