"j": start of construction 1975, finished 1976 … and still running

The first theft, Mini Las Vegas and the further plan

05.08.
The first (small) theft. I spent two nights in Asheville. In some way I did not like the city when I drove into it. You know, sometimes you have those feelings. The hostel was fine, new, modern, clean, located in the lively center, perhaps too lively. On the second day I was out around midnight, just to check if everything is allright. I was a bit worried. There were many pubs and bars in the area. You know, drunk people sometimes have stupid ideas. On the morning of departure, I went to the bike and my motorcycle cover was gone. Who does that? Maybe a contract job. Everything else was still there. I had my gloves, a sweater, a USB cable and lashings in the top bag. Luckily everything was still there. With horror, I saw that the pannier in which I keep my tools, sleeping bag, shoes and a lot of other thing, was not locked properly. Nothing was gone. Maybe I’ve been lucky. There is no emotional value to a cover, so it’s not a big deal, it’s just the money. I accounted the amount for the new one on the maintenance budget.
Nevertheless, I curse the thief. In New Orleans, you can have done that officially, right? But to do that you need an item from the person you want to be cursed. So I can only do it here. Cursed is the thief. May the thing you use the cover for make you big troubles!

Why so much fuss about the cover? It serves two purposes. Firstly, of course, as protection. At the moment it pours again, so I’m happy my bike is covered. Secondly, I would like to draw attention from my motorcycle at night. Because I get a lot attention, almost daily and more than once. When shopping, while refueling, at the motel … . People lean out of the car window on the highway and give me a thumbs up sign. Days ago someone took a picture of me passing by. The questions are almost the same. “Where are you from? .. Where are you going? .. How long? .. All the best! Good luck!” The other day I was ordering a beer in a pub. The person standing next to me recognised I am a foreigner. I told him what I do. He said only “Holy shit, what?” He payed my beer, talking only for two minutes. I meet people like that as well.
Also just the bike is drawing attention. “Cool bike” is what people often say passing by. In general, you see cruisers and choppers here, big fat Harleys or the large Japanese ones, like Honda Goldwing. There are a lot of three wheelers on the road too. Then there are a some Japanese road bikes such as Suzuki and Yamaha. The BMW bikes I’ve seen so far, I can count on one hand.

Out of the city and into nature. I visit the “Chimney Rock” park. The elevator does not work. Too many stairs up there. Then I drive the Blue Ridge Parkway to its end. The Parkway runs through the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. My tour ends in Pigeon Forge. What I see there blows my mind. The “village” is a combination of Mini Las Vegas and an amusement park. Over miles an miles motels, roller coasters, mini golf courses, theme restaurants and other amusment facilities.

06., 07.08.
I’m on the road now for exactly four weeks. Could not say I get bored or that I don’t enjoy the time. I have reached my cruising speed and did almost 5,000 km. Driving three or four days and then staying for one or two days.
I stop for two nights in Chattanooga, because I wanted to think, where I will go next.
My first plan was to go to Florida and have my motorcycle transported to Colombia. But I decided to move straight on south-west to Central America. From here to Panama City it is about 8,000 km. This can be done in 6 to 7 weeks. I want to start in South America in October.

In the new stylish pub, next to the stylish hostel, I was talking very long with Greg. I hope the name was Greg. Contact me, if not. I had way too many beers this evening. Greg is an industrial diver. His workplace is under water, for example at dams or nuclear power plants. We discussed many things, including which job is more boring. Mine, sitting almost whole day in front of a computer or his, putting concrete against a wall for hours under water with a big hose.

Tennesse seems very religious. A lot of people have the 10 commandments on a board hanging on their fences. And you can see a lot of churches, Prespyterians, Lutherians, Baptists, … with their many many groups. “The Curch of Jesus Christ”, a few hundred meters on, “The Church of Christ Jesus”. Immediately Monthy Phytons “The Live of Brian” comes into my mind. If you are looking for salvation. I’m sure, they can help you here.

Thank you for reading, Jürgen.

 


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