State Party Scenic Ride of the Western Carolinas

Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock

A small yet dedicated group of riders departed at 10:00 AM Saturday from the ABATE of SC State Party for a scenic ride. Bad Bob came along and even took a few of the photos. Our first stop was Cowpens Battlefield complete with live musket fire.

Video: Cowpens Battlefield

Video: Cowpens musket fire

Additional stops included Campbell's Covered Bridge, Poinsett Bridge, Looking Glass Falls, and the French Broad Brewing Company. Scenice roads included SC 11, US 276, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. No helmet tickets issued on this ride but there was a verabl warning given by a state trooper in downtown Brevard. He never turned on his blue light and left promptly after a short chat.

First Stop	Cowpens Battlefield	Kitchen supplies for the camp
Re-enactment camp	Re-enactors	Musket fire
Campbell's Covered Bridge	Campbell's Covered Bridge	Campbell's Covered Bridge
Campbell's Covered Bridge	Campbell's Covered Bridge	Poinsett Bridge
Poinsett Bridge	JB getting a drink	Poinsett Bridge
Poinsett Bridge	US 276 in WNC	Looking Glass Falls

Lessons learned along thew way: Check that riders have filled their stomachs as well as gas tanks. We had open close call along SC 11; watch for the unexpected and learn to brake effectivelly. I looked over my back in time to make a little more space for the rider behind me.