Lake Country Route

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You may recall that I previously posted a ride route from a defunct local magazine, Motorcycle Lifestyle, published around 2007 through 2009.  The magazine featured motorcycles and motorcycle-related events, accessories, news, and other information. 

You may also know that there are several large man-made lakes not far from Easley, SC where I live, and there are many roads that circle them, and even run right into them.  The reasons for the latter are that the roads that were there before they formed the lakes are still there, but now end in the water instead of continuing on through as they used to.  There are also lots of houses that have sprung up around the lakes, some old, but many new and high dollar -- way beyond my means, I'm afraid.

So, here is a route that circles some of the lakes, from the Fall, 2008 issue of Motorcycle Lifestyle. 

The explanation of the route from the map:

Looping Lake Keowee and Northern Lake Hartwell.
120 miles of two-laned country fun, with nine lake crossings and dozens of lake views.  There are plenty of places to stop for photos and to regroup.  And a surprising number of gas stations in unexpected places.  Watch for slow-moving vehicles with boat trailers.  And you're likely to see possums and raccoons in the road (flat, of course).  It's all paved but you might encounter a spot or two of sand.  Be careful.

There are several bonus roads around lake Jocassee.  Take a chance and discover some on your own.  You'll hit a few dead ends, but that's part of the adventure.  Visit Devil's Fork State Park, Whitewater Falls, and more.  Google the area before you go.  Zoom in really tight and click between map, satellite, and terrain.  It's very revealing.  Enjoy the best the Upstate has to offer.

I decided to take the route of mostly sweepers on a 50 degree, windy, late winter day recently.  The roads were clean and the ride enjoyable.  Come along for the ride and the scenery.

Now here's the map.

Copyright 2008, Norm Blore.

March 8, 2018

When I start out, I'm glad I have my heated grips and Hippo Hands on yet. The temperature and the gusty winds blow away a man's body heat with ease.  The sky is beautiful, though, so that makes up for the chilly, windy conditions. 

I choose to ride the route in a clockwise direction starting at Clemson, the nearest point to my house. 
I turn south on SC-28/SC-76, then turn to the right onto SC-187.  There is lots of traffic around here, probably because of the nearby school, Clemson University, and a fair amout of industry and other businesses.  It is especially busy around Clemson and the lakes on weekends and on Clemson game days. 

I cross I-85, then turn right onto SC-24. 

The first lake crossing, an arm of Lake Hartwell, occurs on SC-24, and is the widest water crossing on the route.  There is a historical marker on the west side of the crossing for Portman Shoals, the location of the first hydroelectric plant in the area. 

The power plant was over there beyond the bike. 

Here is a circa. 1920 picture postcard of the dam and power plant, from the Historical Marker Database. 

Portman Shoals Power Plant, Seneca River

That postcard looks to be highly edited -- by hand, back then. 

The description on the back of the postcard: W.C. Whitner conceived the idea of the long distance transmission of electric power in 1894. The Portman Shoals Power Plant, on what was then the Seneca River, was built by the Anderson Light and Power Company.  Construction began in 1896.  It used Stanley Electric Company's 11,000-volt generators.  The Portman Dam, swept away in December of 1901, was rebuilt and returned to service in September 1902.  The plant caused [the nearby town of] Anderson to be called the "Electric City."

All along the route today, there are many boat ramps that usually have good views of the water, like this one.  Watch for the signs that call out access to the lakes. 

Those are not aliens landing in the upper left of the photograph.

And there are an ample number of places with picnic tables to sit and take in the view or to have a snack. Here are two: Search for Friendship Recreation Area and Oconee Point Park and Campground at the end of S. Friendship Road along and off of SC-65. 

Next, watch for J.P. Stevens Road, named after a textile manufacturer that was once prominent in the area.  At the intersection of J.P. Stevens and Cherry Road (near 191 W Cherry Rd, Seneca, SC 29678), is something interesting I stumble upon: An extensive new housing project for Clemson University students.  It is called, variously The Pier, Pointe West, and Highpointe.  It is located on the site of the former textile plant, and is considered a brownfield project.  That means that there was once an industry there, and the ground is probably contaminated, but remediation has allowed it to be used for certain new purposes.   In this case, a student housing development. 

The development consists of tiny houses, larger houses, and still larger houses.  There is a clubhouse, athletic fields, and walking trails.  Oh, and a bar and grill.  Naturally college students couldn't be without their booze.  Some of the houses are on the waterfront -- pretty posh for student housing, I'd say.   It looks as though they are going to build many more.  This place is about 4 miles from the campus, so I suppose it is convenient.  I expect that they run buses from here to campus to reduce road congestion. 

No aliens landing here either.

I continue on into the town of Seneca.  I ramble around the downtown section for a while, and spot what must be a couple of the buses that service the Clemson/Seneca area.  (I searched a little bit when I got home, and found that all nearby routes are serviced by catbus, a reference to the Clemson Tiger teams, and Clemson Area Transit.) 

I note that "Everyone Rides Free!  Clemson Area Transit (CAT) is a public service provided fare-free through federal, state, and local partnerships. Just board the bus, take a seat, and enjoy the ride." 

That means that you as a taxpayer are paying the fares for all these people to ride free. 

In Seneca, I spot an unusual pod hanging above a bus stop. 

See that thing on the left?  That's what I talking about. 

After I circle the downtown area a bit, it becomes obvious what that is used for.  It is a charging station for the battery-electric buses used on some of the routes.

The bus connects with the overhead pod and gets a partial charge from the electrical mains.  I sidle up to the curb and wait to see how long the bus stays there charging.

I wait, and I wait, and I wait some more. 

I finally get bored and leave. 

It turns out that the buses are manufactured by Proterra of Greenville, SC, and are battery powered, which means that they must be periodically recharged.  I note that the side of the buses proudly display that they are "ZERO EMISSIONS".  That is bologna, of course.  They have to get their power from somewhere, and that somewhere is a power plant that is burning coal, oil, or natural gas, using nuclear fission, or hydroelectric generation to make electrical power.  We have all of these in the surrounding area, and the leftist tree huggers don't like any of them.  I suppose if those power plants are out of their sight, and they don't have to think about it too much, it is OK with them that they are riding a bus that is really not zero emission at all, and, further, that they are riding at the taxpayers' expense.  By the way, the electric bus manufacturer is also subsidized by you the taxpayer. Read on. 

Here is a news story about Proterra's bus pricing and payback.  A quote from the article:  "...electric buses cost more up front — about $700,000 (not including charging infrastructure), compared with about $450,000 for a typical diesel or natural gas bus. But, according to Proterra, agencies win in the long run because the lifetime operation and maintenance of electric buses is more than $400,000 less."  Because there is such an interest on spending taxpayers' money for "green" transit, I suspect the calculations leave out some key factors and make some dubious assumptions that are not real world. 

Here is a fact:  The Oconee Nuclear Station power plant here in the upstate of South Carolina provides a large percentage of the power consumed in the area.  It is the longest-operating nuclear station in the United States, and has produced more power than any other in the nation.  In fact there are six nuclear plants in South Carolina.  Outside of hydroelectic plants, the nuclear plants provide the cleanest power. 

At any rate, the likely smug students riding on other people's backs probably believe they are having no impact on the environment when they take these buses.  Oh, and lest they think that windmills, and photoelectric systems simply need to be expanded to make more clean power, they should also know that such installations are expensive to build and will forever generate only a tiny fraction of our power needs.

The Federal Transit Administration published a list of Low-No [low-emission, no-emission] Grants during 2017 alone.  The Greenville South Carolina Transit Authority received $1,450,000 of the total of  $54,992,016 of your tax dollars.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather these projects stand on their own payback calculations instead of skewing it by giving away my money to make the payback look better. 


OK.  End of rant.  Back to the ride. 

I continue my journey on the route today, and find Nimmons Bridge Road (State Highway S37-128).  I spot a historical marker for Keowee Town at the intersection of Nimmons Bridge and Keowee Town Landing Road (State Highway S 37-98).

From the historical marker inscription:  "Keowee Town, which means 'mulberry grove place,' was the largest and most important of the Cherokee 'Lower Towns' in what is now S.C....  Keowee was also a major town on the main trading path between the British and the Cherokees....  The town and fort sites were covered by Lake Keowee (one of the lakes we have been circling today) in 1971." 

When I reach SC-11, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, I deviate from the map a bit.  I can't help myself. 

I turn south on 11 and go a little ways to SC-130 (in the very northwest corner of the map), where I turn to the north.  Whitewater Falls, located on one of my favorite routes, lies just about ten miles from here on a road that is mostly well maintained, usually clean of debris, and filled with sweeping curves. You can read more postings about it by clicking the "Whitewater Falls" link along the left side of the page. 

I circle the parking lot,

stop for a few minutes to eat a snack and drink some water, then turn back to the south to rejoin the intended route.  I love riding this road. 

I also find that I have again forgotten to turn off the GoPro while I am parked at the falls and get to watch myself pacing around on camera. 

Next, and heading back toward my starting point today, are SC-133, then SC-130 again (but a different section than before). 

The little mill town of Newry is along here. Watch for the sign that points to Newry, otherwise you can easily miss it.  The textile mill here is long closed, but there are still many houses near it. I have been here before as well, and written a few postings about it.  I enjoy revisiting some of the places I have ridden through before, like this one.  It hasn't changed much. Oh, there is also a twisty gravel road that leads in and out of Newry.  Look it up in the blog posting. It is good enough for almost any street bike. 

Just a little further south on 130, I reach SC-123.  This is a too-busy four-lane road that bypasses downtown Seneca and Clemson.  It is a quick way to get back to Easley, though. 

I have traveled 169.9 miles today, so that means I added about 50 miles to the map by intentional detours, getting to and from the starting/ending point, and accidental mistakes.  The roads were good, the scenery pretty (and will be much prettier as spring develops and the flowers appear). 

Go enjoy yourself on this watery route! 

Other maps from Motorcycle Lifestyle Magazine:

• The Pumpkintown Loop: Get Lost! -- Early Spring 2009 issue.  Explores "great roads you've never ridden", centered on the crossroads known as Pumpkintown.  56 miles. 
  
• Lake Country -- Fall 2008 issue.  Explores two of the lakes in Upstate South Carolina, Keowee and northern Hartwell.  120 miles. 
• A Two Hour Afternoon's Jaunt -- Spring 2008 issue.  Covers and area centered on Tigerville, SC.  82 miles. 
• Spartanburg, Saluda, Rutherfordton Route -- Summer 2008 issue.  This route goes into North Carolina, and includes the twistiest road I know of.  98 miles. 

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A Constitutional Right, Plainly Stated

I recently heard something about the mayor of Greensboro, NC, Nancy Vaughn.

Ms. Vaughn says she recently had a conversation with her daughter, a high school student, about the Florida school shooting.

Now that is a topic of discussion in many families nowadays, unfortunately, because mentally deranged people go into places like schools where the occupants are defenseless, and open fire on them.

Ms. Vaughn's discussion was certainly an opportunity to explain to her daughter, who at her age, is formulating her views of the world, why these shooting are happening with alarming frequency, and what would be effective in preventing them. 

Unfortunately, instead of using logic, she took the shallow-thinker route and announced that she and the entire Greensboro City Council are in support of canceling a gun show scheduled for August 25th and 26th at the Greensboro Coliseum.  

That is what her daughter, with her limited understanding of the world, would probably believe to be an easy way to prevent such crimes -- ban the sale of firearms.  Her daughter would also likely believe that this effort should begin right there in Greensboro in late August at that gun show.

Her daughter would certainly feel good about that move -- that she had done something. 

But would it have any real effect on preventing that type of crime? 

Listen to what this Greensboro resident has to say:

His name is Mark Robinson.  He does not own a gun. He understands the United States Constitution clearly, especially its second amendment. 

I agree with his points in their entirety.

Ms. Vaughn, should stop listening to her child, and instead, use actual logic, not feelings, to put forth real-world solutions to major problems.

It is plain as day -- and should be to Ms. Vaughn -- that leftists like her, apparently, want to take guns away from law-abiding citizens, resulting in our having only those with criminal intent or those who are deranged to posses weapons.  They are certainly not going to turn in their weapons no matter what the laws say. 

Those defenseless school children in Florida were less well protected than the money in a Brinks truck or the jewels in a fine jewelry store because there is a sign on the door like this one:

Those children are sitting ducks for violence against them. 

By the way, the proposal by the Greensboro City Council is a regulation of the sale and purchase of firearms and components by an action of a municipality and, as such, is a direct violation of North Carolina law. 

Now read about a town in Georgia -- one of six nationwide -- that requires households to own a firearm.

I would think twice -- no at least three times -- about going there to shoot up a school or commit some other crime.

That is a good way to stop school shootings, and, indeed, almost all other kinds of crime. 

Oh, and reopening mental institutions to treat those with troubles like that instead of "mainstreaming" them into society is another facet of an effective solution.  


Nevertheless, Democrats and other leftists are working their hardest to further restrict the ability to own firearms.  Think about the misguided, naive Ms. Vaughn, her daughter, and the City Council of Greensboro. 

I am with Mr. Robinson.  How about you?


Write to your government officials, show up at their meetings, and visit them in their offices to tell them what you think about this serious matter. 

Here is where you find out how to contact them:  

• President:
• Senate  Click on "Contact"
• House of Representatives  Enter your Zip Code to find your representative

Check the Internet to find your state and local politicians. 
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Droopy Rear Turn Signal Fix for Kawasaki Ninja 650R

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If you own a 2006 through 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, then you are probably wondering what to do about the rear turn signals -- or as the Brits would say -- indicators. 

If you don't own one of these bikes, here is what happens: 

See the right signal hanging down?  Droopy, I'd say. 

The reason why they fail is that they are made with a rubber piece so that they have some flexibility and don't get broken off by a careless boot when mounting, or when they get crowded by a set of side bags,

or when you have a minor tipover. 

That rubber piece deteriorates with age and sunlight until it becomes cracked and broken.  ...and you can't buy the rubber piece by itself.  You have to buy the whole assembly. 

I have fixed mine using Dap 18384 Flexi-Clear Elastomeric Sealant (UPC code: 70798 18376),

along with a stiff wire covered in rubber tubing to support the lamp from the side reflector. 

Rubber-covered wire beneath signal lamp,
supported from reflector mount.

Underside of fender view.
The wire support has a loop that wraps around
the screw and under the nut on the back of the reflector.

Be sure to apply the sealant into the cracks and then smear some on the outside to smooth out the cracks.  It is very messy, but solvent removes it from your hands. 

This holds up fairly well, is inconspicuous, and is very inexpensive. 

If your signals are in much worse shape, then an alternative is needed.  New signals cost about $70 each. 

Eek! 

I have been unable to find a set of used ones that are in any better shape than mine, and I won't spend that kind of money to get new ones. 

You can buy a set of Chinese LED lights that look almost like the originals, but since the originals are incandescent, you do have to install a different flasher or install parallel resistors to make the lamps flash at the correct rate with this option.  It is also not certain that those meet DOT light output requirements. 

Most of the other cheap aftermarket LED signals are very weak and almost invisible in daylight. 

You could also install an integrated LED tail/stop/turn signal.  The disadvantage is the flasher replacement issue above and the fact that the separation distance between the tail light and the signal does not meet DOT requirements.  In other words, a following driver may not be able to distinguish the brake light from a turn signal because they are so close together. 

One other solution that looks factory is to replace the signals with some from a later year bike.  The ones for the 2009-2011 are a different shape, and have a different rubber piece, but they fit the same opening and use the same mounting hardware and electrical sockets. ...and you can be sure that they meet all DOT visibility requirements. 

Here are some pictures for comparison:

2006-2008 signal showing mounting hardware.

Top, 2009-2011.
Bottom, 2006-2008.

2009-2011 signal shown mounted on 2006-2008 rear fender flap.

The later year rubber piece is of a different design, it does not appear to deteriorate as fast as the older design, and it fits the openings in the rear fender flap properly.  You can find them used for a fairly low price (certainly well under the $70 each retail price new). 

I bought my set on ebay from seller mxnmama (Sooner State Cycle in Tulsa, OK) for $4.90 + $5.00 shipping each. 

Here is a rundown of part numbers and current retail prices to help you find what you need:

2006-2008 

• 23037
  LAMP-ASSY-SIGNAL,RR,LH
  23037-0077
  $69.78
• 23037A
  LAMP-ASSY-SIGNAL,RR,RH
  23037-0078
  $69.78

2009-2011 

• 23037
  LAMP-ASSY-SIGNAL,RR,LH
  23037-0235 (was 23037-0161)
  $69.85
• 23037A
  LAMP-ASSY-SIGNAL,RR,RH
  23037-0236 (was 23037-0162)
  $69.85

Mounting Hardware for either 2006-2008 or 2009-2011 (one of each part number required for each signal.)

• 92200
  WASHER,SIGNAL LAMP
  92200-0164
  $2.32
• 92200A
  WASHER,SIGNAL LAMP
  92200-0165
  $2.32 
• 224
  SCREW-PAN-WP-CROS,4X8
  224AB0408
  $2.48

Here is an exploded 2009-2011 parts diagram:

OK, so now you have no excuse to run around with those droopy turn signals.  

See you on the road soon!  I'll signal 'ya.  

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The Pumpkintown Loop: Get Lost!

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Back around 2007 through 2009, a local graphic artist with an interest in motorcycles by the name of Norm Blore brought out a nice glossy magazine called Motorcycle Lifestyle.  The magazine featured motorcycles and motorcycle-related events, accessories, news, and other information.  In fact, I wrote an article for the magazine about washing leather motorcycle clothing yourself at home.

The magazine was certainly not dependent on my little article, though I also don't think that is what caused its demise.   Rather, small independent publishers have a very difficult time making money in their endeavor.

One thing Mr. Blore included in many of the issues was a ride map.  These highlighted roads and attractions that are interesting to motorcyclists in the upstate of South Carolina and the bordering states of North Carolina and Georgia.  He also occasionally wrote about further-away trips, some on the other side of the globe.

One of these local ride maps was called Get Lost!, because it is a fairly complex route from which is it easy to do just that -- get lost.  Incidentally, that is one of the neat things about riding, I think.  Just go down a road that looks interesting either in person or on the map to see where it leads, and what borders it.  It is especially encouraging, nowadays, that almost no matter how lost you are, you can press the "home" button on a GPS and it will (usually) get you back to that by the shortest route.

Anyway, the Get Lost! route appeared in the Early Spring 2009 issue of the magazine, and was actually called "The Pumpkintown Loop, GREAT ROADS YOU'VE NEVER RIDDEN".  He goes on to describe the route in more detail:

56 miles of two-lane as they zigzag through our upper South Carolina rural landscape.  Some roads are pretty tight.  All have farms and old country homes and interesting sights to see.  I almost like it better in winter because I can see what is normally hidden behind the trees.  Ride slow, ride careful and have a great afternoon.  This should take about two hours if you don't get lost.  This is a complicated one.  A great route for a scavenger hunt.  

Copyright 2008, Norm Blore.

By the way, Pumpkintown is a crossroads just about in the center of this ride map, though you don't go through it while following the route.  I tried the route out with the help of my GPS.  You can download the GetLost.GPX file here, by clicking the Download button on the page the link takes you to, then selecting Save File, and entering the desired location on your hard disk or GPS.  The GPX file was created by the Harley-Davidson Ride Planner website using the Motorcycle Lifestyle magazine map.  I wrote a posting about using the Ride Planner website here in case you want to give it a try.

Disclaimer:

All information given here is thought to be correct, however, it is YOUR responsibility to make certain that it works correctly, works with your GPS, works with your computer, and so on and on. 
Routes generated in various ways may cause you to be routed in the wrong direction -- maybe the wrong way or off a cliff.  That, too, is YOUR responsibility. 
The contents, usability, accuracy, and suitability of any files referenced are not warranted in any way.  YOU must determine whether to use any information in the files or in this posting, or referenced by this posting. 
Do not fiddle with your GPS while riding. Always stop in a safe place before attempting to manipulate your GPS screen.
There are no warranties on anything here whatsoever, express or implied.

I use an earphone plugged into my GPS so I can hear its verbal directions.  That helps avoid having to study the screen while you are riding along, that being a potentially dangerous activity. 

If you use the GPS route, ignore any instructions to make a U-turn.  Those are apparently caused by slight errors in selecting the waypoints in Ride Planner.  Look at the paper map to see where it is taking you, and follow the paper map when in doubt.  You will get back onto the GPS route, usually in a minute or two. 

A letter "F" on the map indicates that fuel is available there (though there is no fuel at Pumpkintown, but there is a restaurant).

And so I start out on my way to getting lost. 


February 22, 2018
The weather is good today -- temperate, about 60 degrees, with quite a few clouds -- as I head northward on SC-135 to my starting point on the route where it crosses Earl's Bridge Road.  I plan on riding the route clockwise today.  From that starting point, the route takes me up and down, hither and yon.

Most of these roads are gently curving, but occasionally there is a tight turn -- not necessarily marked as such, I might add.  I did find that there were quite a few places where there was mud on the road, washed out of unpaved driveways onto the road by recent rains,

...and from a couple of logging operations.

Fortunately most of the mud is dry and thin, so it is easy to avoid trouble.  There is a little gravel in places, but not much, and there are a few significant pavement heaves that I take the brunt of along the way. 

I ride along, following the GPS instructions and the paper map.  I am going pretty slowly, so I can look around at the pretty scenery. There are a lot of old barns and outbuildings.

After a few trips west to east and back west, I find myself on Tater Hill Mountain Road.  I don't see much of a mountain, but it must be a place where they grew potatoes.  An old red dog lying in the road looks at me sleepily as I pass by.

I hope drivers coming from the other direction see him in time to swerve around him. 

In a few miles, I am on Carrick Creek Road.  Just north of where it intersects with Table Rock Road is the Amelia Falls Event Venue.  This is a place that is available for weddings and other gatherings.  They advertise: "Our picturesque setting provides opportunities for distinctive ceremonies, receptions, reunions, and picnics."  The main attraction is a small waterfall that is visible from the road.  There is a narrow pulloff on the road from which you can view the falls.

That's the bike parked way up there.

After I drink in the view of the falls, I continue northward on Carrick Creek Road, keeping a sharp eye out for a gargantuan St. Bernard dog that chased me the last time I rode through here.  He runs like a gazelle, and that time I was saved only by an oncoming car that the dog had to avoid before intercepting me.  I don't see him today, fortunately.  

I continue across SC-11, known as the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway that runs along the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, and continue onto Back Park Road.  Table Rock State Park has an entrance just south of here on SC-11; a nice place to picnic, hike, and enjoy the views.  There is a picturesque barn with a quilt pattern on the side and an old truck peeking out the far end here.  I stop to snap its picture. 

Back Park Road comes out near Aunt Sue's Country Corner, "Where families can still be families!"  It is a good place to stop for lunch, or a scoop of ice cream, and they have some other shops there to buy souvenirs.  They are closed in winter, unfortunately. 

From there, I go up South Saluda Road, which turns right onto Table Rock Road (not the same as the previously-mentioned road of the same name), which changes into River Road.  I pass the makeshift helicopter landing field they used during the forest fire back in November of 2016.  It is a campground in the warm season.  Further along, the road parallels the South Saluda River with many shallow picturesque shoals.  There are a few places to stop if you want a closer look at them. 

I come out onto SC-276.  If you want, it is only about seven twisty miles to the north from here to reach Caesars Head State Park.  The road is a little rough in places, and watch for the vendor at Bald Rock selling honey and other touristy items in one place about a third of the way up along the right side of the road.  Coming back down you can't see it from around a bend, and there might be cars stopped or turning there.  I didn't go up this time because it is cloudy, but the view is excellent on a clear day.  You can walk out onto the very large, aptly named Bald Rock if you like. 

I turn to the south on SC-8 and again cross SC-11 onto Talley Bridge Road.  At the Greenville County line, there is a bridge that passes over some pretty shoals in the river on the left side. 

There are remnants of an older highway bridge on the right side, and calmer waters.

I continue on a short distance and turn sharply right onto Moody Bridge Road.  Around the first left-hand sweeper, look for a pulloff on the left side on the shore of Tall Pines Lake.  Kill a few minutes to take in the view of the miniature lighthouse on an island in the lake.

A little further still, I run across the Causey Tract public dove hunting field on the right, at 1776 Moody Bridge Road.  It is only open Saturdays after noon, and there is a limit of 50 shells or 15 birds, whichever comes first.  I don't stop to shoot.  It isn't Saturday, after all. 

Moody Bridge runs into Pleasant Grove Road, then into Liberia Road.  There is a church on the left side called Soapstone Baptist Church and cemetery.  There is a large outcropping of soapstone near the church, and they have a monthly fish fry supper that I'm told is quite good.  The cemetery just to the south has many very old gravestones. 

I finish out the route, coming back to SC-135.  I follow it back to Easley, then go a little further south, meander around the countryside some more, do some low speed practice, than go home to my garage. 


All along as I ride today, I have seen views and glimpses of the mountains, both near and far.

I got lost from the intended route a few times, but managed to recover and get home all right. 

I also am not so good about remembering to turn off my GoPro when I stop someplace.  I inadvertently got my picture taken many times during this trip.  Some examples:

Try out this route for yourself when you have a little time.  I think you'll like it. 

By the time you read this, the dogwoods, Bradford pears, redbuds, and forsythias will have begun flowering, so get out there and Get Lost!

Let me know how you liked this route in the comments section. 


Other maps from Motorcycle Lifestyle Magazine:

• The Pumpkintown Loop: Get Lost! -- Early Spring 2009 issue.  Explores "great roads you've never ridden", centered on the crossroads known as Pumpkintown.  56 miles. 
  
• Lake Country -- Fall 2008 issue.  Explores two of the lakes in Upstate South Carolina, Keowee and northern Hartwell.  120 miles. 
• A Two Hour Afternoon's Jaunt -- Spring 2008 issue.  Covers and area centered on Tigerville, SC.  82 miles. 
• Spartanburg, Saluda, Rutherfordton Route -- Summer 2008 issue.  This route goes into North Carolina, and includes the twistiest road I know of.  98 miles. 

A clever ad that appeared in Motorcycle Lifestyle Magazine:   

4-bike garage!

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