2nd Annual Retro Tour

[BamaRider_imp]

Leaving 6-28-18 on a 5 day ride through 4 states on my 2017 CB 1100 EX. In terms of long riding, it will be nothing impressive- 1200 miles in a whopping 5 days LOL. That is by design. I have a cross country ride coming up in mid august on the RT, that tour is a entirely different animal than this ride.

Last year I did a retro ride on the CB, and thoroughly enjoyed that layed back tour. On my return I decided to make the retro ride an annual event.

I don't ride the CB 1100 in the manner of my sleek, ultra fast sport touring bikes. I have no desire to ride it on a 700 mile day. The retro ride is about the experience, about taking a step back, and just taking a road trip.

No camping. The CB does not have the space to pack the needed equipment. Yes, I could add aftermarket or racks, but I'm loathe to do that. To me the CB MUST remain true to his heritage.

Itinerary-

Day 1- a 250 mile ride to Jackson Ms, to position myself for the Natchez Trace. I'll be riding Alabama and Mississippi country roads exclusively. I'll get there when I get there is my mindset. On a full on cross country ride that is a luxury.

Day 2- The Natchez Trace north to Nashville, about 350 miles. The Trace is the same era as the Blue Ridge Parkway. No commercial vehicles, well kept tarmac, no traffic lights or stop signs, just a nice ride through the country. Not been on the Trace in 10 years or so. That night in Nashville supper will be fried chicken and biscuits at the Loveless Cafe. I'll take a quick night jaunt into downtown to see the sights on Music Row then back to the motel.

Day 3- Ride east to the Smoky Mtns 325 miles. Uncle Phil has set me up with a route that winds me through rural Tennessee. I know the CB is a little out of his element on twisty roads, but that's ok, leaning any bike is fun. Plan to over night in the Pigeon Forge area.

Day 4- Back into Alabama via North Georgia 300 miles. Lots of good roads to choose from. I'll spend the night in Guntersville, Ala. The lake there is really nice, and the town is located almost on the shoreline. Very scenic area, not been to Guntersville in many, many years. On the sport touring bikes I make the ride 425 mile ride home from the Blue Ridge in half a day, but not this time, will split it in 2.

Day 5- Easy 150 miles home on roads I need no map for.

I hope to be off the road each day by 4 pm lol. Showered and shaved and eating steak 2 hours later, and then Netflix on my Ipad back at the room. It will be that kind of road trip. Ride, see stuff, meet people, relax. With only 300 miles to do each day, crack of dawn starts are not necessary, so I might even sleep in a little late each day.

I'll keep things posted along the way on my FB, and full report and pics on my website upon return. Keep the rain away!

[Banned_imp]

Sounds like a fun trip.

I actually stumbled onto your blog about 2 years ago, before getting my CB, I enjoy it quite a bit.

[the Ferret]

Enjoyed your retro report last year, and this one sounds great too. The CB is perfect for the Trace.

[Stichill_imp]

Great ride concept. Sounds like my kind of trip too!

[Roper_imp]

If I lived in your part of the country, I would want to join you. At least for part of the way. That sounds like my style of riding!

[Guth_imp]

Enjoy!

[cooldrum_imp]

Bama, You and I have the same mindset. "I'll get there when I get there." That's the way to enjoy a road trip!

[Mscb1100_imp]

Leaving 6-28-18 on a 5 day ride through 4 states on my 2017 CB 1100 EX. In terms of long riding, it will be nothing impressive- 1200 miles in a whopping 5 days LOL. That is by design. I have a cross country ride coming up in mid august on the RT, that tour is a entirely different animal than this ride.

Last year I did a retro ride on the CB, and thoroughly enjoyed that layed back tour. On my return I decided to make the retro ride an annual event.

I don't ride the CB 1100 in the manner of my sleek, ultra fast sport touring bikes. I have no desire to ride it on a 700 mile day. The retro ride is about the experience, about taking a step back, and just taking a road trip.

No camping. The CB does not have the space to pack the needed equipment. Yes, I could add aftermarket or racks, but I'm loathe to do that. To me the CB MUST remain true to his heritage.

Itinerary-

Day 1- a 250 mile ride to Jackson Ms, to position myself for the Natchez Trace. I'll be riding Alabama and Mississippi country roads exclusively. I'll get there when I get there is my mindset. On a full on cross country ride that is a luxury.

Day 2- The Natchez Trace north to Nashville, about 350 miles. The Trace is the same era as the Blue Ridge Parkway. No commercial vehicles, well kept tarmac, no traffic lights or stop signs, just a nice ride through the country. Not been on the Trace in 10 years or so. That night in Nashville supper will be fried chicken and biscuits at the Loveless Cafe. I'll take a quick night jaunt into downtown to see the sights on Music Row then back to the motel.

Day 3- Ride east to the Smoky Mtns 325 miles. Uncle Phil has set me up with a route that winds me through rural Tennessee. I know the CB is a little out of his element on twisty roads, but that's ok, leaning any bike is fun. Plan to over night in the Pigeon Forge area.

Day 4- Back into Alabama via North Georgia 300 miles. Lots of good roads to choose from. I'll spend the night in Guntersville, Ala. The lake there is really nice, and the town is located almost on the shoreline. Very scenic area, not been to Guntersville in many, many years. On the sport touring bikes I make the ride 425 mile ride home from the Blue Ridge in half a day, but not this time, will split it in 2.

Day 5- Easy 150 miles home on roads I need no map for.

I hope to be off the road each day by 4 pm lol. Showered and shaved and eating steak 2 hours later, and then Netflix on my Ipad back at the room. It will be that kind of road trip. Ride, see stuff, meet people, relax. With only 300 miles to do each day, crack of dawn starts are not necessary, so I might even sleep in a little late each day.

I'll keep things posted along the way on my FB, and full report and pics on my website upon return. Keep the rain away!

Sounds like a great trip.
I live in Jackson MS 1 mile off the Trace. If you d like touch base
with me on PM and I can point out a few good roads to try

[LongRanger_imp]

If I lived in your part of the country, I would want to join you. At least for part of the way. That sounds like my style of riding!

+1

I've not ridden in this part of the country but it sounds wonderful. Enjoy!

[Cormanus]

Sounds an excellent trip BamaRider. Look forward to the report.