Day 1 Williamstown to Blue Lick SP < Route Map
Monday we started out from Williamstown, a rather small town which will be impacted by the opening of The Ark Encounter in July of 2016. We parked vehicles in the municipal lot and headed Southeast with the destination of Blue Lick State Park for an overnight. Phyllis and I had traveled the routes in the fall of 2016 to assure no surprises. Today, of course, was very different with all the lush green landscape. The route was nearly all on remote paved backroads meandering past freshly planted tobacco fields, beautiful rural homes, the occasional ancient barn and of course a few mobile homes. The riders could expect interesting scenery hiding behind the upcoming hill or around a curve.
We stopped at around 15 miles and ordered deli sandwiches then continued on several miles enjoying a picnic lunch at an ancient walled cemetery. The road was almost one lane. While riding up a small hill, a pickup pulling three wagons of tobacco plants came up behind us. Kentuckians were very patient, creeping along to a point where the bikers could pull off the road, they waved and smiled as they passed us by. Toward the end of the ride we ventured down a "Road Closed" sign creating some skepticism among the group. The riders of course are use to this and ventured into the abyss knowing that we'd make the destination.
Day 2 Blue Lick State Park to Maysville < Route Map
Tuesday we headed out to Maysville, the long way around Flemingsburg. Again on remote backroads, we pedaled along the Licking River and over some rolling hills. At the ten mile point the riders turned onto a gravel road for 1.5 miles. Last fall the road had been fairly nice compacted gravel with wheel tracks however in the spring the county applied a layer of crushed stone. There was little complaining and the gravel ended at a water ford which turned out to be dry. When verifying the route early Spring, it had a fast flowing 4-6" of water and scaring us from taking the Honda Element across. A later conversation with a local farmer assured us it was OK however we erred on the safe side and took a detour around the water ford.
Condition in fall of 2015
Further along the route we stopped at a hand woven rug shop run by an Amish family. Among the group four rugs were purchased for $25 each.
We then continued on to a deli for a great sandwich at the 42 mile point and visited with some of the locals, one of which was determined to reroute us to the highway which was "the only way to get to Maysville! We learned from the two ladies running the deli that this man was a "local character"and was in in rare form as usual. Continuing on we startled a large herd of cattle creating a stampede as we rounded a corner. 
We entered Maysville on very narrow pot-holed road that paralleled the railroad. It was heavily treelined and much cooler, plus it was heading downhill. Our stay would be at the French Quarter Inn next to the suspension bridge to Ohio. We had stayed there on the 2012 ride and were happy with the location and rooms. A nice dinner at Chandlers which we also visited in 2012.
Gathering after the ride!
Day 3 Maysville Loop into Ohio < Route Map
Wednesday was a loop route into Ohio then returning to Maysville for another overnight. Checking the weather forecast we decided to do a shorter route to hopefully miss an afternoon shower. It was a nice easy climb out of the Ohio River valley then across the river on the newer 68 bridge with a wide shoulder. Unfortunately, the wide sawtooth expansion joints on the bridge caused a pinch flat for one of the riders. A quick fix and we were soon "again" climbing out of the river valley on the Ohio side. 
It A couple of climbs later and we were rolling along some creek valleys looking for the Ebeneezer Church for a short break. It was just off to the left on a sde road at the top of a short steep hill giving the leader a bit of BS! At the 17 mile point, dark clouds to the West got our attention and a quick stop for a radar check confirmed that we might be in trouble. We decided to take an even shorter route to over to highway 41 then downhill seven miles getting us back to the Maysville bridge just as the rain started. The Maysville bridge has a sidewalk on the West side, kinda narrow but is does keep you out of traffic. Our original 50+ mile ride dropped to 30 miles. A nice dinner at Caproni's was a great way to finish of the day.
Day 4 Maysville to Williamstown < Route Map
Thursday was forecast to be hot with possible late afternoon showers. We had 62 miles for the day so breakfast at the hotel was in order. We stocked the SAG with plenty of Gatorade and ice plus some beer for the end of the ride due to ending in a dry county. Our first stop was in Augusta at 20 miles. 
The ferry (not on the route) and the local store provided some additional interest especially when the SAG driver found out she was talking with Nick Clooney, George's father, in the general store. She mentioned he did look familiar! Leaving Augusta and heading to lunch at Lenoxburg found us grinding up one of the toughest hills on the route, it never seemed to end. After that it was rollers and finally dropping down to Snag Creek road and another climb to Lennoxburg. The road was very narrow with a ragged hill causing some to question the leader's choice. However, after crossing the AA highway, the pavement improved and the gentle climb continued on until the last short "Booger of a hill" ending at the Lenoxburg store. The store was a gathering point for locals with several old chairs to congregate and a deli with tables in the back. Another great sandwich and a chance for some minor tuning of a couple of bikes. When we were assembling to leave an elderly local man hobbled down the steps in front of the store and slowly mounted a VW trike. He put on his amber sunglasses, fired up the noisy machine and roared up the hill toward home. It was a site to see!
Note the walker behind his seat!
We headed on along for several miles of ridge top riding before dropping into the Licking River town of Falmouth. Howard's Place in Falmouth was the destination serving up some good ice-cream and chocolate malts which cooled the "hot riders". From there it was a scenic five miles along Fishing Creek Road where a local stopped to tell us we were "on one of the most dangerous roads around!!" 
We kept our thoughts to ourselves thinking of the narrow highways nearby with traffic was running at 55 - 60! Arriving back in Williamstown we picked up the vehicles and shuttled back to Dry Ridge for an overnight. This was the annual pizza night dining under the shade trees next to the hotel.
We kept our thoughts to ourselves thinking of the narrow highways nearby with traffic was running at 55 - 60! Arriving back in Williamstown we picked up the vehicles and shuttled back to Dry Ridge for an overnight. This was the annual pizza night dining under the shade trees next to the hotel.
Day 5 Corinth Loop < Route Map
Friday was forecast to be cooler but with a few of the attendees wanting to head home after the ride we opted for a 48 mile alternate cutting off ten miles. I had picked this route up from RalphieBoy (Ride with GPS ID). We parked at the truckstop east of Interstate 75 then headed to Corinth and onto more backroads East of Dixie Highway. And were welcomed to Corinth!
Store In Corinth
A short tunnel on Double Culvert Road
We found lots of great pavement for the majority of the route with some being only days old. We opted to skip lunch since the SAG had plenty of snacks and Gatorade. This route was my favorite of the week with the never-ending rolling, one-lane and treelined roads. What a gem for the end of the ride.
Comments at the end of the ride were very positive about the whole ride with several saying the first and last days being the best! Hopefully all will return for another trip through Kentucky on remote roads with Ralf!
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