Mississippi Rocks

[Ritten]

Jason and I have been riding sportbikes together for years. From the days of New Orleans bike nights with the "Angelle's Crew", to a few trips up to the gap, and all of those Saturday afternoon rides out to wherever in between, we were always surpassing speed limits and carving corners. It's been a while though, and with the onset of my love for adventure riding, and Jason going back to school, we haven't been able to ride that much together lately. So when Jason saw a few days of opportunity to put some miles on the bike, he volunteered me to throw something together.

Of course, the first person I turned to was DSRL's own Roadmaster, Weave who graciously gave up some routes and insider information as to good roads starting north of I-12 on into Mississippi. I would have liked to ride with Weave again but work duties called and he wouldn't be able to make the ride. Maybe next time Buddy.

So, I get home from offshore, pack the bike, get ready to go, call Jason, and then we had to decide...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1656.jpg

It was POURING all over the south. Weave even called me around 5pm to see if we had left yet, and if we did, where were we hiding out. He said it was coming down harder than he's ever seen up there and lightning was popping all around. I told Jason we could head out and get wet if he wanted, but I doubt we'd gain anything. The best bet would be to just wait till the morning and leave a little early to beat traffic. So that's what we did.

I was at Jason's house for 6am and we rolled out from there.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1660.jpg

The weather from the night before was gone, and except for a few clouds in the sky, it was a glorious morning. We rode into Metarie and crossed the Causeway.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1716.jpg

We picked up the route that I programmed into the GPS V, but I could only load either Mississippi or Louisiana details, so for now I only had waypoints that were connected by straight lines. It took a few U-turns and roundabouts to get it, but we managed to keep the wheels pointed in the desired directions only stopping on occasion to get our bearings.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1662.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1664.jpg

There really are no bad roads up here for dual-sports or any bike that doesn't mind the occasional gravel. We were trying not to hit any though so that the freshly powder coated wheels on the 954 wouldn't be in risk of getting scratched. A shop mechanic who got a bit too liberal with the chain lube had Jason on the ground cleaning it off of the kick stand and fairings.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1666.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1667.jpg

[Ritten]

We hit the roads just west of Columbia and rode north towards Red Bluff. I figured we would be rolling into Monticello just in time for lunch. The morning had evolved into a gorgeous day with the roads and corners just perfect for the amazing suspension on the GS. I figured that sportbike had to be beating Mr. Nuclear Medicine to all hell on some of the broken pavement, so I offered to trade bikes for a bit......and to fuel the fire for a real backroad machine. Not long after we pulled up to a stop sign and I heard those all too familiar words, "Get me off of this thing before my wallet regrets it."

The roads took us up, down, around, and through all kinds of back wood towns and areas. But the all too obvious sight of overlooking the Pear River Valley was soon in front of us...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1670.jpg

There was a front wheel floater in between these two pictures that I missed...Bable12
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1672.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1673.jpg

We jumped on the Red Bluff Rd. and once again found out why it's such a popular riding road. The high speed sweepers, with their gradual and smooth character, inspire a good amount of confidence along their path. We made it to the park, turned off on the northern entrance, and parked the bikes on the side of the road.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1675.jpg

It's still amazing to see a ravine that deep around here...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1676.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1677.jpg

We found a nice size mud hold on the trail leading to the lookout...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1678.jpg

And, against my recomendations, Jason decided he JUST HAD to make a water crossing on the CBR...
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So I got the camera ready...
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http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/watercrossing.jpg

Once he cleaned all of the mud off of the bike, we were ready to soak up some of that 60mph A/C as the temperatures were still climbing. We cruised into Monticello and stopped at this place for some great burgers.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1679.jpg

So good, in fact, that I had already eaten half of mine in the time it took me to get the camera out...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1680.jpg

We then discussed where we'd go from here. The planned route ended with this town and we still had 24 hours to kill, so we milled it over for a bit.

[nickatnite]

Ahhhh...

Jay's Resturant. Good food, great people.... Wonderful report Ted..









































I still don't miss the fucking place or my ex-inlaws......

[Ritten]

We never really did decide on anything to do, so I just started going down side roads and back roads, and even some gravel roads (which facilitated a U-turn). For not looking for rocks, I must say we found alot of them, and so was born the name of this report. One of the roads that looked promising lead us here.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1682.jpg

See......more rocks...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1683.jpg

We were in the middle of nowhere but headed for Brookhaven when I slowed to get a shot of these two. I'm sure they were admiring the sleek lines and amazing presence of the thoroughbred I was riding.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1685.jpg

One of the backroads seemed to be nicely laid chip-seal, until we hit an intersection that was 1"-2" of gravel. It's an awkward sound to hear your hot tires picking up and throwing gravel all over, and it was sickening to hear what it was doing to that 954.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1686.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1687.jpg

Can you see the evil look and cursing that must be going on here??
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1688.jpg

We hit Brookhaven and being so close to I-55 started to brainstorm possible routes. Being Thursday afternoon, we could always ride down into B.R. just in time to meet everyone at the Exxon or Cathouse, but with a quick call to Juice, it looked like there wouldn't be a "meet and greet" for the evening. "Well, we could hit Natchez and work our way south from there," Jason offered. "Sounds good" I replied as I slid my helmet on. We took off west and as we rode, I thought to myself..."Self, why don't we hit the trace, head north to Jackson, stay there for the night, and then we can superslab it home in the morning?" Once we hit the Natchez city limit I passed it by Jason who was content with the whole idea. It was time to pull over for a break though so we chose a Rally's with their nice, soft, comfortable benches.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1689.jpg

The absolute best time to eat ice cream is in the late afternoon of a summer day. So, we ordered a couple of them and enjoyed. It would be about 100 miles to Jackson so we had plenty of time.

By the time we hit the trace I was ready for some easy cruising...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1693.jpg

I do love these types of roads, and although the Blue Ridge is a bit more scenic, it's nice to know there's something so close to home.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1694.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1696.jpg

Jason seemed to be enjoying it also.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1699.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1698.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1702.jpg

Normally, I try to stay away from big cities, but with a Bass Pro Shops so close, Jackson was my vote. After checking out 4 hotels, we finally found a Motel 8 with a room with 2 beds. We unloaded the bikes and headed out to grab some food and check out BPS.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1703.jpg

In the spirit of the DSRL BMW club, I present you more photographic proof...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1704.jpg

A steak at O'Charleys, and checking out a rifle and scope I've been eyeing took up most of the evening.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1709.jpg

We headed back and Jason managed to squeeze the bike into the room. I sleep pretty good knowing that hooligans would never be caught dead riding something as sexy as a GS.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1710.jpg

Jason once slept on the OPPOSITE side of a double wide trailer from me in Robinsville, NC and I still kept him up with snoring. I think he's learned his lesson as this time he packed earplugs. I was so tired that I'm sure I rocked Mississippi.

[Ritten]

The night before Jason had noticed that he picked up a nail in his BRAND NEW tires and was pretty pissed about the whole idea. We checked the pressure in the morning and everything was holding, so he decided to just keep an eye on it.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1713.jpg

We were both in the mood for a good breakfast, but staying on the south side of town meant there wasn't too much offered on the way out. We ended up rolling into a Cracker Barrel somewhere along I-55. There's no way to eat at this place without playing a few games of the golf tee puzzle and I must submit this picture as irrefutable proof that I finished the game and only left one peg...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1711.jpg

Jason, on the other hand, didn't do so hot, but instead of being an "eg-no-ra-moose" as the block says I told him he's just "special". Owned
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/Red%20Bluff/IMG_1712.jpg

A good breakfast and just a couple of hundred miles to go meant we'd finish the ride by early afternoon. We took a detour into Metarie so Jason could pick up some uniforms and then rocketed our way back into Houma. By now I was carrying all of my equipment and gear, his tankbag...........his shoes.........his new uniforms.........his FRIEND's new uniforms, and I few other items to help lighten his load. So, knowing that I must say that Jesse bags ROCK......almost as much as Mississippi back roads do.

It was a great ride and we had a good time. I'm already itching to hit the Trace again and take it all the way to TN. Maybe parts of the Natchez trail along the way too...Cool12

[JayD]

TI'm already itching to hit the Trace

Love to hit some of it with ya if on a weekend Ted

great report (as usual :) )

[Doug]

Well done Ted!

[chappy]

Enjoyed it Ted!

[Fitty]

Great report! Thanks!

[jason70360]

How convenient! The guy with the camera and the report gets one peg, while the other gets "special"!

Dude I had an awesome time! We must do it again, I'd be up for the Trace all the way to TN after school (July 2007). Just say the word.

Oh, you forgot a few things!

How about the fact that you were amazed that I was NOT complaining about the 500 miles or so in one day on the 954?

Also, about how while you were doing your "Monkey fucking a football" impression on my girl, you said "Damn this thing has as much torque as the Busa I rode a while back!"

Oh, on a side note, I pulled the staple out and NO LEAK! I had a smile like I had won the lottery that morning.

[Ritten]

How convenient! The guy with the camera and the report gets one peg, while the other gets "special"!

Oh, you forgot a few things!

How about the fact that you were amazed that I was NOT complaining about the 500 miles or so in one day on the 954?

Also, about how while you were doing your "Monkey fucking a football" impression on my girl, you said "Damn this thing has as much torque as the Busa I rode a while back!"


Hey, if you're not willing to do the report then you can't complain about what is or isn't in it!!! HAHAHAHA. As far as the CBR having as much torque as the Busa, I meant rolling on it in 6th gear at 80mph it pulled the same up to about 100. Dropping one tooth in front like that on most liter bikes will yield that result.

There's always room on the board for more ride reports dude. Reach down into your verbal repertoire, grab some pictures, and have fun!!

[scooterhose]

Cool12 Great report!!! Thanks...

[Flying Low]

I'm already itching to hit the Trace again and take it all the way to TN. Maybe parts of the Natchez trail along the way too...Cool12

keep me too whenever you want to do this. i think a couple of bookend bikes with a red one in between would make a great sight going up the trace.

thanks for another great report for a short trip around the block.

[Rocky]

Nice Job Ted. Two Thumbs up!

[weave]

Yep MS rocks and rolls. So many roads to explore. Nice report Ted.

[mike in atlanta]

Wow, talk about a trip down memory lane. Grew up in southern MS, Tylertown to be exact. Awesome report to read while sitting on a jobsite in Duluth GA wanting to ride, lol. rocket.ride

I hear they are planning on repaving, changing Red bluff to make it safer? shame since it is a nice road for that area. I really miss the lack of traffic compared to the ATL and surronding areas. We are lucky in that we have places such as T.W.O.'s over here and the great mountain roads, but traffic is a killer on any nice weekend. I have meet a handful of riders from N.O. and Baton R. while stopping by T.W.O.'s, anyone from here frequent the place?

Will keep checking in for rides in southern Miss and try to plan to ride the 1150GS down while visiting family.

Mike

[weave]

Mike I'm only 50 great miles from tylertown. Shoot a PM when you come home.MS actually did a bypass around the Bluff. I get to suches at least twice a year usually camp at High valleyResort/