Oct 27 2008
Blinded by the Light
I survived the mountains. And my butt was completely unclenched after a couple of days.
Yes, I was the bright yellow roadblock, but I relaxed and smoothed out by Monday. Hwy 60 from Blue Ridge was a workout, but I loosened up a bit by the time we got to T.W.O. On Sunday, we went to Helen ’cause I hadn’t been there in years. Now I remember why; tons of tourist traffic, and greasy tourist food.
On the way back from Helen, we went to Pappy’s Riverwalk Restaurant on 129 (’cause there’s no dinner at T.W.O. on Sunday nights), then back down 180 (Wolf Pen Gap Road).
Oh. My. God. Late, bright, sunny afternoon on 180 with the brutal sun strobing through the trees. The contrast between sunny sections and deep shadows was a challenge, and there were some spots where I was utterly blinded by the sun. In some corners, my only hint to head in the proper direction came from brief glimpses of the looming grilles of oncoming vehicles. I finally pushed my sunglasses down on my nose and squinted against the sun. That cut down on the bleary glare (maybe they’re old glasses), but didn’t help in that crucial second of adjustment in the sudden light/dark changes. Fun gave way to tension, I slowed down even more (to the annoyance of the competent rider behind me, I’m sure). I was glad to see the stop sign at the end of 180. But I’m in one piece, and when I got back to civilization, the roads close to home suddenly seemed so much blander.
When I got home, I ordered the Helmet Sunblocker, which may do the trick on future trips. It’s unobtrusive, and it subdues the sun without impeding my view; so far, I really like it. I also ordered the SuperVisor “bill,” but haven’t installed it yet.
Not bad for a first trip to the mountains. And T.W.O. is great; peaceful, quiet, and pretty good food.
Two Wheels Only motorcycle resort
Nice view of the mountain countryside from the deck at T.W.O.
Rocking chairs on the porch at T.W.O.
