Nepernine Wandering (Northeastern Kentucky)

[Stichill]

Having (gladly) fulfilled my Mother's Day obligations on Saturday, I was free to head out Sunday for an all-day ride. I had no objective other than to go somewhere I hadn't been. I decided to head SE into the southern Nepernine region. The Native Americans' original name for the Licking River was the Nepernine. Early European/American explorers/settlers called it the Great Salt Lick Creek because of the many salty springs that attracted wild game animals.

Leg #1, Piner to Mt. Olivet via Falmouth.



Apologies for the reddish tint to some of these photos. I have a new phone case and I think it's the source. No matter, let's get to the thing...KY 22 west of Falmouth, east of Brooksville. This road is fantastic but is in a state of disrepair; this is a good section (if you check the map, you'll perceive that I sailed past my turn onto KY 539 South. Such is the allure of the legendary KY 22). I fully expect the Commonwealth of Kentucky to lay down new asphalt this season...in fact I would be shocked and will press for impeachment of the Governor if they don't! [url=http://goo.gl/maps/Kt9eS]38°39'36.95"N 84°10'40.97"W.



Locust blossoms smell so sweet, like Lilly of the Valley. KY 539 southeast of Falmouth. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/T2xba]38°36'43.93"N 84°12'8.17"W.



KY 539 north of Milford. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/HxXL4%20]38°36'43.93"N 84°12'8.17"W.



KY 539 west of the junction with KY 19, just north of the Charley Branch of the Licking River. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/9J8rq]38°35'33.4"N 84°11'22.3"W.



KY 539 west of Milford and north of the Licking River. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/SbdSO]38°34'58.88"N 84°10'23.97"W.



Out of the trees and into the fertile bottomland...looking back north on KY 539 west of Milford and north of the Licking River. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/P9Qd4]38°34'48.54"N 84°10'15.23"W.



It's wise to heed these signs when creeks and rivers are running high, typically after the winter thaw and during the spring rains. However on this day I had nothing to worry about. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/bAKKt]38°34'12.12"N 84°7'22.23"W.



Although it gets deep, slow, and muddy farther north, the Licking River here beside KY 539 runs fast, clear, and shallow. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/bAKKt]38°34'12.12"N 84°7'22.23"W.



The Licking River, on its way to Covington, Cincinnati, the Ohio, the Mississippi, and on to the Gulf of Mexico. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/bAKKt]38°34'12.12"N 84°7'22.23"W.



KY 539 bridge over the Licking River. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/TttvX]38°34'13.3"N 84°07'17.6"W.



Sycamore, just full of round seed pods. Sycamores are one of my favorite trees, with their white bark and preference for growing along creeks and rivers. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/TttvX]38°34'13.3"N 84°07'17.6"W.



KY 539 along Mud Lick, northwest of Mt. Olivet. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/vEHh3]38°33'57.21"N 84°05'32.56"W.


KY 539 approaching Mt. Olivet from the northwest. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/saqc9%20]38°33'39.47"N 84°05'18.27"W.



Another view of KY 539 approaching Mt. Olivet from the northwest. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/6UL35]38°33'39.38"N 84°05'2.15"W.



Foolishly, I had skipped breakfast and was getting very hungry by noontime. On Mother's Day (a Sunday) in a small Kentucky town...where do you find a place open that serves lunch? A grocery store seemed like a possibility. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/a3XH4]38°31'57.1"N 84°02'26.6"W.



Oooh. I hope they make sandwiches! [url=http://goo.gl/maps/a3XH4]38°31'57.1"N 84°02'26.6"W.



Now that's what I'm talking about: ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonaise on white bread. Fantastically fresh and delicious! [url=http://goo.gl/maps/a3XH4]38°31'57.1"N 84°02'26.6"W.



To be continued...

 

[jerrycon_imp]

Kentucky is still looking mighty fine. There are many parts of it that I've yet to see. I hope to rectify that, including Harlan, the place where the sun comes up about ten in the morning, and the sun goes down about three in the day.That's what I call deep down in a holler.

 

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Stichill that was a fine post. Good country photographed well. Am on the iPhone at the moment but will be sure to call again when I get to my desktop.

Cheers

 

[Stichill]

Kentucky is still looking mighty fine. There are many parts of it that I've yet to see. I hope to rectify that, including Harlan, the place where the sun comes up about ten in the morning, and the sun goes down about three in the day.That's what I call deep down in a holler.

Uncommon is the man who appreciates the sublime charms of Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. How do you know that astronomical trivia about Harlan?

 

[jerrycon_imp]

Recently, via Mr. Darrell Scott.

When I was growing up back on the Ohio, via stories about Harlan County.

 

[Chapomis_imp]

Great photos, looks like nice riding country.

 

[Rocky_imp]

Nice pictures. Great looking country

 

[the Ferret]

Hey you are wandering around in my back yard. We like to take 22 over to 227 south by Owenton (a road I call "too many curves" and one I led Empty Sea on one of his trips south) to Georgetown then cut over 460 through the horse farms to Paris and then back up 27 to home

we do Mt Olivet from the other end, crossing the ferry at Augusta then 19 to 62 to 1504 to 62 (another route I led Empty Sea on yet another trip to the south), to Mt Olivet then 165 north back to 19 then 10 at Brookville over to Maysville and take the bridge back across the river and 52 to home.

All great roads. What a great way to spend Mothers day.

Sandwich looks great BTW

 

[redbirds_imp]

Love the post Stichill and the photos of pretty country two-lanes. What a wonderful area for riding.

 

[Cormanus]

Great report and pictures Stichill. I'm away from home with a very slow internet connection this week, but I'll make sure to have a good look at them when I get home.

 

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Stichill that was a fine post. Good country photographed well. Am on the iPhone at the moment but will be sure to call again when I get to my desktop.

Cheers

Oh yes! On my large iMac that road and the countryside look fantastic. Not to mention the sandwich.

Cheers

 

[Stichill]

Hunger and thirst fully satisfied, it was time to saddle up in Mt. Olivet and point the little CBR towards Owingsville. This is not the planned route but...it's the route! I had intended to avoid Flemingsburg by cutting across on Plank Road to Tilton and on to Poplar Plains. But I missed my right onto Plank Road and suffered a slight consternation when I suddenly found myself entering Flemingsburg despite my intentions otherwise. More on the reason behind my aversion later.



Johnson Creek Covered Bridge off KY 1029, Old Blue Lick Road in Robertson County. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/c1IRJ]38°28'57.3"N 83°58'43.18"W.


Johnson Creek Covered Bridge off KY 1029, Old Blue Lick Road in Robertson County. Most of them are closed to all but foot traffic, but I was able to ride the CBR right across this one.


KY 1029 Old Blue Lick Road. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/zMXfO]38°28'52.91"N 83°59'6.28"W.


Wonderful purpose-built vintage filling station at the junction of KY 32, KY 165, and Pike Bluff Road. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/s97G7]38°25'2.49"N 83°50'19.4"W.


KY 170, Hilltop Road, south of the Licking River. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/cKVYT]38°22'22.98"N 83°49'59.02"W.


KY 57 Hilltop Road, between the north and south forks of the Licking River. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/scqPb]38°21'31.74"N 83°50'25.72"W.


KY 1123 Pecks Ridge Road, north of the south fork of the Licking River. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/bFXJV]38°20'29.6"N 83°50'39.04"W.


KY 1123 Pecks Ridge Road, west of Tilton. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/K5qeK]38°20'27.93"N 83°49'23.89"W.


KY 1123 Pecks Ridge Road, west of Tilton. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/2fu2B]38°21'5.50"N 83°48'16.93"W.


OK, here's why I didn't want to go through Flemingsburg. This kind of modern three-lane, wide-shouldered rural road is best avoided by motorcyclists (or any motorist seeking an interesting drive through the countryside). It cuts straight through the topography instead of following the natural lay of the land. KY 32 south of Flemingsburg. [url=https://goo.gl/maps/FMgaF]38°24'19.7"N 83°43'41.0"W.


Next stop: Poplar Plains.

 

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Looks good. Thanks.

Cheers

 

[Stichill]

Sure thing. I've suddenly gotten busy with travel and family life, so I don't have much time to visit the forum. I will be back to post the final leg of this trip when I get a chance.

Greetings to all - hope you guys are getting lots of seat time!

 

[redbirds_imp]

More lovely photos. Keep 'em coming. The covered bridge and the old gas station are especially nice.

 

[Cormanus]

I'll be looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks Stichill.

 

[Stichill]

After my unintended detour through Flemingsburg, I returned to the enchanting pastoral landscapes that exert their gravitational pull on my soul.

I happened past another old filling station structure, quite well-preserved. KY 111 Hillsboro Road at KY 156 Poplar Plains Road, in Poplar Plains. I would give several Guineas for that classic shaded light fixture still present on the front gable. 38°21'37.18"N 83°40'28.56"W.



Gothic-style farmhouse in Poplar Plains. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/2YU4f]38°21'37.18"N 83°40'28.56"W.



Stately brick Federal-style home in Poplar Plains. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/wbgKb]38°21'41.33"N 83°40'28.91"W.



KY 111 Hillsboro Road, south of Hillsboro. The steep hills in the distance remind me a bit of the Swabian Alps in southern Germany (but these are much smaller). Looking at the map now, I see that I could have gotten closer to them on KY 158, Ringos Mills Road. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/zE8Kw]38°16'32.08"N 83°39'34.15"W.



KY 111 Hillsboro Road, rolling along west of Davis Creek heading downgrade to the south fork of the Licking River. I got a kick out of the rumble strips on the right "shoulder"...if you feel those you're probably already in the ditch! [url=http://goo.gl/maps/6NRC5]38°16'21.56"N 83°39'27.44"W.



Crossing the south fork of the Licking River along KY 111 Hillsboro Road. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/1uM4v]38°15'18.57"N 83°39'10.94"W.



Grange City covered bridge over the south fork of the Licking River along KY 111 Hillsboro Road. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/1uM4v]8°15'18.57"N 83°39'10.94"W.



Fertile bottomland west of the Licking River along KY 111 Wyoming Road. Southwest of Grange City. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/d4FU4]38°14'4.48"N 83°41'35.65"W.



Abandoned postwar pickup truck in pretty good shape, considering it's been left to weather in the humid climate of Kentucky. KY 111 Wyoming Road north of Owingsville. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/Ymy6e]38°11'39.34"N 83°43'31.92"W.



I believe it's a Chevrolet or GMC. KY 111 Wyoming Road north of Owingsville. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/Ymy6e]38°11'39.34"N 83°43'31.92"W.



Nice little sequence of tight curves with rising grade. This view is looking downgrade, back the way I'd come. I liked it so much I turned around and rode it two more times! [url=https://goo.gl/maps/81YSn]38°9'27.44"N 83°44'16.41"W.



Looking upgrade on the same little series of curves. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/tAI5g]38°9'25.51"N 83°44'6.96"W.


Great place for a rest stop...[url=http://goo.gl/maps/gFhr0]Erma's Sandwiches & Ice Cream in Owingsville.



I love soft-serve ice cream in the summer! [url=http://goo.gl/maps/gFhr0]Owingsville.


"I'll take a large vanilla cone!" [url=http://goo.gl/maps/gFhr0]Owingsville.



It's a given that you sit on the obligatory electric-blue benches to enjoy your dessert. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/gFhr0]Owingsville.



I noticed the sky suddenly darkening overhead. I decided to have a look at the live weather app on my phone. Nice storm cell headed right for me. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/gFhr0]Owingsville.



I was weighing my shelter-in-place options (gas station, bank drive-through, church drive-up portico) when I saw this happy circumstance in progress. The storm decided to split apart and go around my location altogether. Feeling emboldened and finished with my ice cream, I saddled up and continued on my way. [url=http://goo.gl/maps/gFhr0]Owingsville.

 

[Cormanus]

Another great report with more wonderful photos. Really nice work, Stichill. You're far more patient that I am. Couldn't be doing with so much stopping when I'm under way. But your readers appreciate it.

 

[Novice_imp]

Another great report with more wonderful photos. Really nice work, Stichill. You're far more patient that I am. Couldn't be doing with so much stopping when I'm under way. But your readers appreciate it.

Yes we do!

 

[Stichill]

Another great report with more wonderful photos. Really nice work, Stichill. You're far more patient that I am. Couldn't be doing with so much stopping when I'm under way. But your readers appreciate it.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Cormanus and Novice. Cormanus, I understand your sentiment and often that is me as well. Usually during my evening "wind-down" rides after a day at the office. Even stopping for a photo is too much distraction from the simple joy of riding during the available remaining light of day, and represents another kind of "work" that sometimes we are just loathe to undertake.

On weekends and holidays, it's a different story. I probably stop to take a photo more often than the average guy...in this case, for some reason, I took even more than I usually do. Kind of depends on my mood and the scenery. Sometimes I take extra photos of roads I'm less familiar with. Recently, I've started a collection of Google map screen shots and links I call "Favorite Kentucky Motorcycle Roads." I like to have at least one if not more photos of the road in question for this archive. Someday, when I have enough roads in the collection, I plan to create "The Epic Kentucky Motorcycle Route" by stringing as many as possible together in the most interesting fashion I can devise.

When I ride alone, I am rarely adamant about getting to a particular destination by a certain time. I want the clock to become a non-factor in my consciousness. Once I enter that state of mind and I see something I want to remember, I just stop and grab a shot without thinking, "This will delay me three minutes." This, to me, is the essence of wandering by motorbike. No clock, no obligation, no rigidity, no predetermined outcome. Simply giving over to living in the range of the immediate moment with no thought of past actions or future plans. I love it - it's a blissful child-like state that reminds me of being 8 years old, out and about, exploring my small corner of the world on my bicycle.

I think, were I on a bigger bike on some of these roads, I probably would stop less frequently, because good scenes come up on you so quickly that sometimes it's necessary to go back to capture a photo. When I'm on the CBR and I zoom past something notable, I can whip a quick feet-up U-turn on the narrowest road and shoot back to the point of interest, execute another smart U-turn and pull it into the narrowest "wide spot" on the shoulder to get out of the traffic lane to take my shot. Other times I get lucky and there's a good pull-off on the right side (US rules) that's convenient and in the right location...usually not.

A lot of these roads, as you can see, literally have no shoulders or wide spots. In that case, I will pull over in the left lane, facing any oncoming traffic so I can monitor it, with the headlight lit (I ride with high beam in daylight), clad in my hi-viz gear. As long as you ensure that oncoming vehicles have a decently long sight line to you as they approach, I've found this to be very safe. People are considerate, slowing and moving over to their left / my right a bit to go around me.
Yesterday I rode past this old filling station that I photographed so recently...it has been razed. Completely gone.