New Years Eve Ride 2011

The Pond at Grissom Farm

With the weather an unseasonably balmy 66 degrees Kelley and I went for a last spin in 2011. I selected the Northern Durham Scenic Byway as our main ride and took along the Canon for some shots, although I seldom stop for pictures when riding two-up. We just tend to ride.

We wind our way through familiar back road to pick up Red Mill Rd near I-85 and head toward Treyburn and old NC-75, where the actual scenic byway starts. We pass Historic Stagville and roll up Orange Factory towards Bahama. I notice with rising disappointment that more and more of the previously undisturbed forests now have signs for new subdivision. Suburban sprawl is about to claim another scenic area.

We choose to skip a stop at the old Bahama store this afternoon and turn right, descending through a series of turns before we cross Lake Michy.

From there the byway rolls through rural farm land and pine forests until you reach Red Mountain and Mooresville Road. Mooreville Road host several large horse farms and the rolling pastures make you think you are surely in another well known horse breeding state.

With the sun dipping low, and temperatures falling quickly, we cut short the less scenic loop through old Page Road and Mason Roads.

We cross over the Little River down stream from from Lake Michy, pass a few farm buildings of a bygone era and pick up old NC 75 again to make our way back home shortly before sunset set.

A good way to close out 2011.

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Tags: Durham County, Motorcycle rides NC, Motorcycle roads, Scenic Byways