October Anniversary Trip – Abingdon and ‘The Martha’

Abingdon history

Abingdon history

Having touched the Southwestern part of Virginia on a previous motorcycle trip, and knowing the great roads that lay in store, we chose Abingdon, Virginia as the destination for the first three days of our anniversary trip. Abingdon is a beautifully preserved historic town, first settled in the mid-18th century, and known for outdoor activities, civil war history, food, and culture. It lies in a lovely valley filled with working farms, equestrian facilities, and lavish estates.

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A brief respite from the routine

I finish packing my BMW 1200GS with just the essentials for a two-night getaway and ride north into darkening skies. A fine drizzle persists as I head up into the mountains, but on this late Saturday afternoon, the sweeping curves of US 129 over Blood Mountain are mine to enjoy, nearly free of traffic. The conditions are perfect for clearing the mind, and totally focusing on the flow of the ride. My destination is a rendezvous with my love, and we arrive within minutes of each other for a quick dinner in Blairsville, Georgia, before heading further north to our stop for the night in Dillsboro, North Carolina.

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