TRO

Month: October 2016

  • Goodbye My Tracks, Hello Ride With GPS

    Goodbye My Tracks, Hello Ride With GPS

    It’s tough to tell exactly when the announcement was made. Apparently, there was some mention toward the middle of the 2016 riding season followed by whispers across the niche motorcycling blogosphere. I myself only learned of our (soon to be introduced) issue recently, courtesy of the animately worried wordings of fellow rider and writer [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=1519|John Saporta[/build_link].

    John cried foul when his copy of Google’s free but proprietary “My Tracks” Android app announced that not only would support for its operability soon come to an end, the app itself would cease to function altogether. Apparently Google never intended the app for our use. We’ve leaned on it religously to record curve-‘o’-licious twisties all over the world.

    Google is abandoning said app in favor of its fitness-centered “Google Fit”. Walking, jogging and cycling apparently eliminates all things motorbike. Obviously, a replacement would demand immediate research and I’m reporting back to say that, well … the alternatives are numerous and there’s really no problem.

    Option one is our go-to app for [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=3198|custom route navigation[/build_link], namely the ever-developing, open-sourced [build_link]https://osmand.net/|OsmAnd[/build_link]. This megalith development in experimental GPS “good happy fun time” riding has an optional plugin that’s self installing and allows for direct-to-GPX route recording. That may work for some but safety being a priority, a small number of big, dumb buttons fairs better whereas OsmAnd’s are tiny and intricate.

    Other prospects made themselves known through review comparisons in the [build_link]https://play.google.com/store/search?q=gps%20tracker|Google Play Store[/build_link]. Our decided favorite comes from a source we’ve relied on many times prior: the Ride With GPS [build_link]https://ridewithgps.com/app|mobile app[/build_link]. Many of our preplanned (not recorded off the cuff) sport touring motorcycle maps are built on their multi-format web interface. They’ve been good to us. We maintain that their route planner is the finest on the web (until ours is released, prospectively in 2017, hint-hint).

    For more information on the technical specifics, see our tutorial revamp on [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=6005|how to record motorcycle routes on-the-fly using your smartphone[/build_link], updated to make use of the very same Ride With GPS smartphone app.

    [post_an_article]What’s your favorite GPS track recording smartphone app?|There’s a lot of great software on the market. Which downloads have you tried? What do you like about them and why?|Don’t forget to include the app name in your title!|Upload A Screenshot[/post_an_article]

  • Nashville To Chattanooga: Riding The Ridge

    Nashville To Chattanooga: Riding The Ridge

    Riding a motorcycle [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=14197|across Tennessee[/build_link] introduces a variety of different road surface types. Each expresses pleasantries and technical challenges in concert with beautiful scenery. South/Westward by design, we’re gaining on the North Carolina border, curves multiplying as a result.

    Reflecting on the smooth and consistent tarmac that is [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=14725|Natchez Trace[/build_link], our afternoon trek provides more of the same before gliding into the unexpected. Four lanes and endless guard rails lead to tack-and-seal back country. Arduous switchbacks slingshot into valley baselines. Dense forestry expands into dizzying overlooks. Map planner, [amazon]0760343446|Total Control[/amazon] instructor and friend to the site [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=8641|Greg White[/build_link] has once again delivered.

    It starts with a cruise along US-41, a standard issue slab ride that serves to warm up the senses. Much of this stretch has a “big sky” feel to it though that notion is to be short lived. Just past [tripadvisor]Murfreesboro, TN|Murfreesboro[/tripadvisor], a sport touring motorcycle enthusiast begins to find their stride.

    [sgpx gpx=”Nashville_To_Chattanooga.gpx”]

    US-70S to [tripadvisor]McMinnville, TN|McMinnville[/tripadvisor] is a hilly good time despite its high-traffic-ready, split lane configuration. Deep sweepers skate the valley floor, occasionally “threading the needle” through machined rock outlets. It’s an industrious effort to guide us into more rural twisties.

    It’s after McMinnville that our motorbike route gets its first “Tennessee Tuneup.” Ascending dramatically, the pace directs us toward state route 111 with vigor before continuing due south. The skills required escalate accordingly, demanding more and more safety-minded attention deep into the humorously hectic US-127.

    It’s here that we gracefully land in Chattanooga. All of the rider-centric entertainment above concludes with a simple, albeit steep downward coast into the inner city. A fine route courtesy of the one and only GBW from [build_link]https://www.thegsresources.com/|The GS Resources[/build_link], it’s one we look forward to enjoying again.

    [youtube_embed]5Jr6hjpKl_A[/youtube_embed]

    [post_an_article]What roads between Nashville and Chattanooga have you explored?|There are a plenty of great alternate riding roads between these two cities. Which ones have you ridden? What do you like about them and why?|Don’t forget to include a route name in your title!|Upload A Route Photo[/post_an_article]

  • Load/View GPX File Data On Any GPS Unit

    Load/View GPX File Data On Any GPS Unit

    Navigating the menus of electronics firmware can be tedious for those who either aren’t tech savvy or have yet to become familiar with the device in question. For many, this puts [amazon_s]motorcycle gps|GPS modules[/amazon_s] at the top of their “confusing” list. My goal for this post is to jump through a few basic hoops in attempts to load and view GPX file data on any GPS device that supports it.

    A lot of modern GPS units still employ GUIs (general user interface) that mirror the look and feel of a mid-nineties cellphone. Clunky buttons and a handful of 16-bit icons find their buyer demographic in part thanks to reliable accuracy and a beautiful in-travel visual scheme. The success of these products is all about trust and clarity, neither of which make themselves known until you enter a destination and hit “go.”

    It’s getting to that “go” part which makes this article so necessary. While I myself am staunchly devoted to the [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=3198|Android platform for all things GPS[/build_link], I can’t pretend I don’t respect and appreciate the [amazon_s]Garmin Zumo 590LM|Garmin Zumo 590LM[/amazon_s] for its ability to [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=9780|seek out twisty roads[/build_link] automatically. Smartphone apps are more adaptable, however and that’s enough reason to break down the “best” approach to load and view GPX file data on firmware-driven, dedicated GPS units.

    GPX To GPS Primers And Preparation

    [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=9498|What is GPX, you ask?|_blank[/build_link] It’s a map file format that’s gained momentum over the past few years. Essentially a list of comma-separated GPS coordinates, it allows 3rd party software to navigate from one “waypoint” to the next in specific order. To date, no other map file is easier to import or convert for a device or software, including Google Maps. We use it exclusively across this site.

    [youtube_embed]PUswmRuBwms[/youtube_embed]

    As for uploading/transferring these files to your GPS unit, the words of resident author [build_link]https://tro.bike/author/joe_nardy/|Joe Konrardy[/build_link] come to mind. Here are his (wise) thoughts on the matter of sensible motorcycle maintenance …

    [blockquote]Whenever I turn a wrench, twist a screwdriver or position a part, my thoughts are anchored in three simple questions: What is happening to the bike when I do this? Which components are being effected? At what point do my actions reach my goal?[/blockquote]

    The same concept can be applied to transfer and view GPX file information. It starts with a foundational knowledge of your unit’s manual before moving forward patiently with a linear mindset. Assuming you have a fully unboxed, installed and operational GPS, let’s get started …

    Most GPS units have some form of USB connection be it mini, micro or otherwise. Should this be the case with your device, we at least know that it can be connected to a computer. That doesn’t mean the computer will recognize it, however. You’ll have to refer to your manual for specifics on whether or not it can be detected externally. Not all systems provide such a convenience, preferring licensed software that can be questionably janky.

    View GPX File Side Loading To Garmin (BaseCamp)

    Look at Garmin’s (discontinued) [amazon_s]Nuvi 500|Nuvi 500[/amazon_s], for example. Some say that [build_link]#auto-import|auto-import[/build_link] methods work. Others suggest the only way to transfer files via USB requires now defunct “MapSource” software.

    The same goes for their newer [amazon_s]BMW Motorrad Navigator V|Navigator V[/amazon_s], though it does mount as external storage. Placing GPX files into their respective folder doesn’t trigger automatic import. Our only solution here is to side load the converted files using [build_link]https://www.garmin.com/en-US/shop/downloads/basecamp|BaseCamp[/build_link].

    [slideshow]
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/view-gpx-file-garmin-basecamp-01.png
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    [/slideshow]

    BaseCamp Instructions:

    [build_list]

    1. Load/Run BaseCamp
    2. Resize its viewport window (make it smaller)
    3. Find the GPX file on your computer
    4. Drag its icon over the BaseCamp map area
    5. Select its newly added icon from within “My Collection”
    6. Transfer to device (up arrow, main tool bar)

    [/build_list]

    View GPX File On Garmin Units With Auto-Import

    On a Windows PC, many Garmin units appear under “My Computer” as an external drive. This makes folder navigation easy. Using Windows Explorer, traverse the file system until you reach the GPX directory. Copy your GPX route(s) into this folder before “properly” disconnecting the unit.

    Important: If the designated folder doesn’t exist, create it using your manual’s specified directory structure so it’s listed under the import menu.

    After powering everything back up, tap the wrench located base-right on the home screen. This takes you to a page in the unit’s GUI where you’ll hopefully find “My Data”. Here, the option to import and eventually view GPX file information is supposedly waiting.

    If you don’t see your file listed, double check its location or consider the BaseCamp method. You’d also be wise to note that once imported, your device might not present the route exactly as you designed it. This is due to some units’ preferred path between two waypoints not cooperating with whatever resource you used to create the file.

    There’s also the matter of waypoint limitations. Older devices such as the now retired Nuvi don’t allow for more than two hundred waypoints total. That ceiling has gradually been raised with the introduction of newer models, a bluntly anticipated development for sport touring motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere (especially since Android’s open-source [build_link]https://osmand.net/|OsmAnd[/build_link] has allowed for unlimited waypoints from the very beginning and iPhone’s [build_link]https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1089668246|Scenic[/build_link] is working to do the same).

    The above instructions are specific to [amazon_s]garmin motorcycle|Garmin[/amazon_s] units and even then, maybe only certain models. The point I’m aiming to make is that your device likely has a built in folder structure that’s accessible through a USB or wireless connection. The common elements which may take some getting used to are the manual, dedicated forums and a surplus of patience.

    View GPX File Info And Follow Your Custom Route

    I’m only going to relay instructions specific to the Garmin Navigator V because I actually own one. In all likelihood, your (GPX compatible) Garmin’s behavior will be similar if not identical. That stated, the steps are as follows:

    [build_list]

    1. With your GPX file successfully transferred onto your Garmin, boot it normally.
    2. Tap the “Apps” icon. In my case, it’s a folder with a gear next to it.
    3. If you want guided navigation and haven’t already converted your file into a “trip” …
      • Select “Tracks” (Tire/Tread)
      • View GPX file listings by title. Not there? Review the [build_link]#basecamp|transfer process[/build_link].
      • Select your newly added route.
      • After the map loads, click the wrench icon (top/left)
      • Select “Convert to Trip”
      • Pick the direction in which you want to travel.
      • Wait while your Garmin converts the file.
      • Revert back to the home screen.
    4. If you merely wish to display your route without navigation …
      • Select “Tracks” (Tire/Tread)
      • View GPX file listings by title. Not there? Review the [build_link]#basecamp|transfer process[/build_link].
      • Select your newly added route.
      • After the map loads, click the wrench icon (top/left)
      • Make sure “Show on Map” is checked
      • Set the route’s line color and/or rename as needed.
      • Revert back to the home screen.
    5. Depending on your operational preference, choose from the following …
      • Guided: Select Apps -> Trip Planner -> Your Route -> Go! -> Start -> Go!
      • Display Only: Tap “View Map”
    6. Get riding!

    [/build_list]

    [slideshow]
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/view-gpx-file-garmin-map-01.png
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    [/slideshow]

    Regardless of “mastering” these instructions, the process varies from one model to the next. Hopefully this guide helps to make things easier. We predict future GPS units will be more receptive to file format and data transfer. Once you get the hang of it, each action becomes second nature. It’s then that these electronic luxuries prove their worth, especially when used in concert with smartphones for more reliable navigation.

    [post_an_article]Do You Ride Custom GPX Routes Using Your Stand Alone GPS Unit?|Other systems on the market are able to make use of the GPX file format. Which ones have you tried? What do you like about them and why?|Don’t forget to include the GPS make/model in your title!|Upload A GPS Photo[/post_an_article]

  • Motorcycling In Nashville: Tips And Taps

    Motorcycling In Nashville: Tips And Taps

    Nashville marks the next leg of our [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=14197|Tennessee trip[/build_link] and we’re looking forward to getting there via the [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=14725|Natchez Trace Parkway[/build_link]. NTP is a two-laner, much like the Blue Ridge Parkway but less traveled, following the countryside like any rider should. There are no commercial trucks, traffic lights, billboards or stop signs.

    We’re on high [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=4039|deer[/build_link] alert while enjoying the quiet and rustic scenery. The Trace between Memphis and Nashville isn’t intensely twisty per-say but beats taking I-40 East direct hands down. Thanks to our [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=2030#sena|Sena SMH10s[/build_link], Robin and I have the option of listening to [build_link]https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/d7b301c8-3c8e-40a8-baaf-3df3df8851df|music|||Robin’s Road Ruckus[/build_link], podcasts or e-books. Still, we often choose to talk as if we were in our car. We discuss life and our goals/dreams. We make each other laugh. We practice the art of communication.

    Traveling on a gentler roadway like Natchez Trace facilitates that. You don’t always have to fill space with noise but if you do, why not fill it with real conversation and connection?

    [images]
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nashville-2016-01.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nashville-2016-01.png|Natchez Trace
    [/images]

    One of the things we discuss during our quality time is whether there’s a restaurant along the way called Nachos Tres. Natchez Nachos? We found neither but the Trace is 444 miles long and we’re only seeing 100 total, so maybe it’s out there. Okay … when you’re on the road for a long time, some of your chat may become nonsense.

    We arrive in Nashville heading straight to our next [build_link]https://www.airbnb.com/|AirBnB[/build_link] on the East side without any prior research into neighborhoods. East Nashville, for those of you who weren’t aware, is a trendy ‘hood full of nice homes, hipster cafes, artsy shops, foodie and vegan restaurants galore with countless craft beer producing bars.

    [images]
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nashville-2016-06.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nashville-2016-06.png|AirBnB
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nashville-2016-02.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nashville-2016-02.png|Carriage House Garage
    [/images]

    We’re staying in a carriage house that’s often booked solid and we can see why upon arrival. It’s a private space in a quiet neighborhood and within walking distance to Five Points. I could go on and on about the space itself, but look it up if you’re on AirBnB. I’d recommend staying there anytime.

    Grimy and hungry after a full day’s ride, we decide to try a walkable BBQ place with high ratings on Google and Yelp. [build_link]https://www.yelp.com/biz/gz-bbq-nashville|GZ’s BBQ[/build_link] isn’t fancy or big. They’re not messing around being bourgeois. They just cook up solid BBQ. There’s some seating but most place their orders for pick up. You can’t go wrong with the ribs or a pulled pork sandwich.

    The next morning we skip downtown Nashville in favor of the East side’s hip, walkable area. We opt to explore the neighborhood and stay amongst the locals instead of throwing in with all the other tourists downtown. We only have one day for Nashville and don’t wish to spend it motoring from attraction to attraction like we did in [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=14656|Memphis[/build_link].

    Walking towards [tripadvisor]Marche Artisan Foods|Marche Artisan Foods[/tripadvisor] for breakfast and coffee, we see a café called [build_link]https://www.yelp.com/biz/barista-parlor-nashville-2|Barista Parlor[/build_link] along the way. It looks intriguing but we can see the “hipster quotient” is high. Limited in our outfits by our mode of travel, we wouldn’t want to bring the total average “cool factor” down but we note its location for a possible mid-day revisit.

    [images]
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nashville-2016-04.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nashville-2016-04.png|Bowl of Coffee
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nashville-2016-03.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nashville-2016-03.png|Coffee!
    [/images]

    Marche is a European-style café attached to a market. Diners are plentiful and diverse. We share an almond croissant as a starter. I order what turns out to be a massive latte. It’s literally in a bowl and I’m not sure how to drink it. Do I need a soup spoon for my latte?! I look around for social cues before settling on the use of both hands to hold my bowl ‘o’ coffee, spoonless.

    I order the scrambled eggs and bacon with parmesan grits. The grits are the best I’ve ever had. Robin tries ’em as well and his face tells me I’m not wrong. Robin, who has had more grits over his lifetime than I, wants to take over my portion. I’m growling like a dog protecting a bone when you’ve gotten too close. His breakfast sandwich is good but I’ll recommend ordering anything that comes with a side of Parmesan grits.

    After breakfast we continue into the area of [build_link]https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g55229-s204/Nashville:Tennessee:Neighborhoods.html|Five Points[/build_link]. You can pick up a Five Points local walking map in any of the area businesses. Following the map, we find local shops tucked along residential streets keeping the neighborhood vibe rather than retail. We see a music school, art studios, book nooks and an ice-cream shop before hitting a more commercial looking corner full of trendy boutiques and stores.

    The weather is hot enough that fresh juice at [tripadvisor]Lynne Lorraine’s juice bar|Lynne Lorraine’s juice bar[/tripadvisor] is necessary. The Pineapple Rain (pineapple, apple, orange, mango, lemon) will satisfy anyone. Go for the PDA (cucumber, carrot, beet, kale, celery, ginger, turmeric, apple cider vinegar) if you’re more of a seasoned juicer or detoxer. Feeling refreshed and re-energized, we continue walking and imagine ourselves living there (or at least I did).

    We casually meander around as only tourists, retirees or stay at home parents can on a Wednesday afternoon. It’s glorious. We find our way into [build_link]https://fatherlanddistrict.com/portfolio/rusty-rats/|Rusty Rats Antiques & Vintage[/build_link] where we purchase a trio of framed sketches. The accommodating staff handle getting the sketches shipped so that we don’t have to pack them into our precious, limited capacity [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=8377|motorcycle luggage[/build_link].

    Back at our AirBnB, we find a guest book where people wrote thank yous to the hosts and included recommendations of what to check out or where to eat. One place is mentioned in almost every entry that’s also mentioned in many online articles about this neighborhood … [build_link]https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g55229-d434815-Reviews-The_Family_Wash_Garage_Coffee-Nashville_Tennessee.html|The Family Wash[/build_link].

    [images]
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/family-wash-nashville-01.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/family-wash-nashville-01.png|Family Wash Coffee
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/family-wash-nashville-04.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/family-wash-nashville-04.png|Family Wash Bar
    [/images]

    We get on the bike and head towards this place for an afternoon coffee break. The Family Wash serves food, coffee, has a full bar and live music. I get the slingshot latte and a slice of the daily pie which, to my good fortune, is strawberry. The barista can’t quite remember everything that goes into the slingshot latte but I can tell you it was worth getting as a coffee treat (topped with caramel – ’nuff said).

    [images]
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/family-wash-nashville-02.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/family-wash-nashville-02.png|Family Wash Bar
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/family-wash-nashville-03.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/family-wash-nashville-03.png|Family Wash Stage
    [/images]

    Our server is friendly and inadvertently selling us on why Nashville is a great place to be. We learn that Nashville, like many popular and growing cities is full of transplants. You’d assume that many come to Nashville for music (and they do) but Nashville is job rich in several industries, including tech. The cost of living is affordable. The weather is mild during winter months. There’s no state income tax and its food/beer scene competes with any in a travel magazine. Sign me up!

    Our day in Nashville concludes at the home of Robin’s friend from his home town of [tripadvisor]Canal Winchester, OH|Canal Winchester, Ohio[/tripadvisor]. Nathan invites us out to his house for a home cooked dinner and to see another part of the Nashville area, namely the suburb of [build_link]https://www.springhilltn.org/|Spring Hill[/build_link].

    Spring Hill is about an hour south of Nashville. It’s listed as one of the 10 best Nashville suburbs to live in and Nathan would attest to that. Nathan took us on a short drive around the ‘burb and gave us the lowdown about the area and other surrounding ‘burbs and cities such as [build_link]https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g55055-Franklin_Tennessee-Vacations.html|Franklin[/build_link]. He also confirmed that we were staying in “hipster central” and the trendiest city neighborhood.

    Nathan has a lovely home and an even lovelier family and family life. We’re reminded that as much as we love motorcycle travel, exploring new cities and meeting new people, good friends and family are where it’s at. We dine on grilled chicken, fresh salad from the garden, homemade rosemary bread, great company and laughs. Robin and Nathan ponder business ideas and music projects together in between reminiscing about their youth growing up in Canal Winchester. I think beer was involved.

    Another sunrise and we sign the carriage house guest book before visiting The [tripadvisor]Nashville Biscuit House|Nashville Biscuit House[/tripadvisor] for breakfast. It’s a local favorite and unpretentious. There aren’t any fancy descriptions of where the meat was grown or craft anything, with down to earth prices. It’s a busy hub of diners for breakfast and lunch, only open until 2pm.

    I only remember those biscuits and that I want more of them. Our meal costs less than fifteen dollars, including tax and tip for the two of us. This place is also mentioned in many guest book entries alongside the hip restaurants and bars of the area for those that require social proof.

    Next stop, [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=14950|Chattanooga[/build_link].

    [post_an_article]What Tennessee Destinations Have You Ridden To?|There are a lot of great routes and cities across “the volunteer state.” Which ones do you prefer? What do you like about them and why?|Don’t forget to include the region in your title!|Upload A Photo[/post_an_article]

  • Natchez Trace: Tennessee’s Forest Parkway

    Natchez Trace: Tennessee’s Forest Parkway

    Tennessee is a beautiful place to either visit or live. Our [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=14197|motorcycle tour[/build_link] across “the volunteer state” introduced many fine riding roads, none of which was I familiar with until now. TRO author and Murfreesboro resident [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=8641|Greg White[/build_link] single handedly built our entire route (thanks Greg!), pointing us toward Natchez Trace to kick things off.

    Natchez Trace isn’t twisty by [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=9194|Blue Ridge Parkway[/build_link] or [build_link]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI6lIC5Kok4|Tail of the Dragon[/build_link] standards. It’s more of a pleasant/scenic direct route between [tripadvisor]Memphis, TN|Memphis[/tripadvisor] and [tripadvisor]Nashville, TN|Nashville[/tripadvisor]. Being a two lane parkway, there aren’t any stop signs or signals and commercial traffic isn’t allowed. Sailing through the countryside via the deepest of sweepers, it provides a number of reliable food/gas stations along the way.

    The southern terminus of Natchez Trace, i.e. mile marker zero begins in [tripadvisor]Natchez, MS|Natchez, Mississippi[/tripadvisor] before crossing over the Tennessee border near [tripadvisor]Collinwood, TN|Collinwood[/tripadvisor] by way of Alabama. Also referred to as “[build_link]https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/natchez-trace-05.png|Old Natchez Trace[/build_link]”, the 400+ mile historic forest trail was originally cleared by indigenous tribes following prehistoric animal tracks along a dry ridge line. Its post-industrial status allows for motorcycling that’s far more fun than anything slab, be it highway or expressway.

    [images]
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/natchez-trace-02.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/natchez-trace-02.png|Natchez Trace Ride
    https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/natchez-trace-03.png|https://tro.bike/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/natchez-trace-03.png|Natchez Trace Ride
    [/images]

    Natchez Trace is lightly patrolled by forest rangers. Our spirited travel time between Memphis and Nashville totaled around five hours. This is a road worth enjoying with a relaxed mindset, taking many breaks to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

    [sgpx gpx=”Memphis_To_Nashville.gpx”]

    Think of it as a sort of sport touring expressway. It’s low in traffic with plenty of space to pass with curves to boot, making it a fun yet direct route. What a great way to never decide which city’s barbecue is better, forcing you to repeatedly visit both! Next stop: [build_link]https://tro.bike/?p=14767|Nashville …[/build_link]

    [youtube_embed]eVmvj8BO44w[/youtube_embed]

    Sidenote: If you feel like exploring other places along the trace, noteworthy towns include [tripadvisor]Franklin, TN|Franklin[/tripadvisor], [tripadvisor]Columbia, TN|Columbia[/tripadvisor], [tripadvisor]Lawrenceburg, TN|Lawrenceburg[/tripadvisor], [tripadvisor]Florence, AL|Florence[/tripadvisor], [tripadvisor]Cherokee, AL|Cherokee[/tripadvisor], [tripadvisor]Tupelo, MS|Tupelo[/tripadvisor] and [tripadvisor]Houston, MS|Houston[/tripadvisor].

    [post_an_article]What Twisty Roads In Tennessee Are Your Favorite?|There are a lot of great riding roads in the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Which ones do you prefer? What do you like about them and why?|Don’t forget to include a route name in your title!|Upload A Route Photo[/post_an_article]