hdspyder
New member
This past Labor Day weekend found the wife and I headed to Pikeville KY. We headed for the Cumberland Gap on the :spyder2:. We left Shelby going North on 226 till we got to Marion and headed west on I-40.
At Asheville, we took I-26 for a short distance and then turned onto Elk Mountain Rd. going toward Marshall, NC. This is a very relaxing road with mild twists and turns. It runs beside the French Broad River.
We were going to Hot Springs but the road was closed on 25E north in TN. Following the detour, we headed toward Greeneville TN on 208. It turned out to be a nice ride as we traveled to Newport and then on to Cumberland Gap National Park. As we rode to the top of the Pinnacle we encountered a doe and her fawn standing in the road way. They ran into the woods when they saw us, but not before we stopped and watched them for a moment. They were too quick for a picture or we were to slow.
As we continued on our way to Pikeville, we took all back roads: 66, 221, 699, 7, 122 and 23/119 into Pikeville. At times the only vehicles we encountered were big gravel trucks on these small two lanes.
Pikeville is home to the Hatfield and McCoy feud. You can take a driving, walking, or guided tour. Pike County is the only place visitors can still see historic buildings from the feud. This includes the Cotton Top hanging site.
From Pikeville we took 23/ 119 which is part of the Pikeville Cut-Through to Williamson, WV. There we turned right onto 52 South after crossing the Tug River. The rail yard at Williamson was full of coal cars that were full of coal waiting to go to their destination.
As we traveled 52, that is part of The Coal Heritage Trail, we passed through small towns and communities that are very patriotic and proud of their heritage. Gilbert, Welch and Keystone are just a few of the towns.
Sunday morning we headed home taking I-77 South. It doesn’t matter how many times
I come down Fancy Gap from VA to NC it is always a thrilling awesome ryde.:yes: Although, I believe it is more fun on the Harley:doorag:. I believe I’ll plan another trip to Pikeville next year. There are many more roads and history to explore.
At Asheville, we took I-26 for a short distance and then turned onto Elk Mountain Rd. going toward Marshall, NC. This is a very relaxing road with mild twists and turns. It runs beside the French Broad River.
We were going to Hot Springs but the road was closed on 25E north in TN. Following the detour, we headed toward Greeneville TN on 208. It turned out to be a nice ride as we traveled to Newport and then on to Cumberland Gap National Park. As we rode to the top of the Pinnacle we encountered a doe and her fawn standing in the road way. They ran into the woods when they saw us, but not before we stopped and watched them for a moment. They were too quick for a picture or we were to slow.
As we continued on our way to Pikeville, we took all back roads: 66, 221, 699, 7, 122 and 23/119 into Pikeville. At times the only vehicles we encountered were big gravel trucks on these small two lanes.
Pikeville is home to the Hatfield and McCoy feud. You can take a driving, walking, or guided tour. Pike County is the only place visitors can still see historic buildings from the feud. This includes the Cotton Top hanging site.
From Pikeville we took 23/ 119 which is part of the Pikeville Cut-Through to Williamson, WV. There we turned right onto 52 South after crossing the Tug River. The rail yard at Williamson was full of coal cars that were full of coal waiting to go to their destination.
As we traveled 52, that is part of The Coal Heritage Trail, we passed through small towns and communities that are very patriotic and proud of their heritage. Gilbert, Welch and Keystone are just a few of the towns.
Sunday morning we headed home taking I-77 South. It doesn’t matter how many times
I come down Fancy Gap from VA to NC it is always a thrilling awesome ryde.:yes: Although, I believe it is more fun on the Harley:doorag:. I believe I’ll plan another trip to Pikeville next year. There are many more roads and history to explore.
