A Dip to the South

Even though the calendar may say it is still spring, usually by the end of May in North Carolina it is full on summer weather. With blue skies overhead, those temperatures were coming, but for the mid morning start, it was still comfortable, if not a bit cool.

Terry T-Bo and his pillion partner Kina met up with Kasey and I at the Sunoco Gas Station in Locust at 200 North and Bethel Church. After a brief exchange, we headed out with The Black Pearl in the lead. As the title would suggest, we started out heading south. We passed through Stanfield, and just passed the town's southern edge, we veered off on Harvell Road. We snaked our way over to Rushing Road with a short jog on Oak Grove Road.

Rushing eventually returned us to 200 South, which we rode on for a short while, and crossed the Rocky River. We made a shallow left on Morgan Academy sweeping right and left into New Salem. Back on a state highway, this time numbered 205, we headed further south.

A jog though the town streets of Marshville had us leaving town on White Street, which changes names to Landsford Road. This side road diversions offered some great scenery, and a chance for both of us to test the steering of our steeds. As had been the case, we arrived at another highway, 601, which would carry us into South Carolina.

Being so close to the dividing line between the two states is unusual for me. Back in Indiana there seemed to be such huge differences between the Hoosier State and the ones that surrounded it. Here, we are in the Carolinas, I rarely hear the North or South mentioned. Regardless of recognizing the border, you can see a difference just by looking at the ground. The hard red clay changes to a sandy soil.

The first South Carolina Town to great us is Pageland. We cruise through, and take Highway 151 further south into the sand hills. McBee, SC will be the southern most part of this trip. While the sun is blazing, the tree lined streets keeps us comfortable as we pass through the air. We pause for a break, and a drink of water. As we leave town, 7th Street becomes Highway One, and we start making our way north, half-way through the loop.

The ride starts with a study in contrast. The sand hill area seems desolate, with trees scattered like they are struggling to survive. Then the forest thickens, and through picture frame openings, we can the spring wheat, harvested and rolled into large bails.

We leave Highway One for State Road 145, heading north to Campbell Crossroads. The road continues to run tree lined with varying sizes of farms hidden behind them. Another change of roads, this time State Road 109 is taking us north. We make our way through Ruby and Mount Croghan. Soon we cross the boarder back into home territory, and make our way through Little Quarters.

We make our way through the winds and turns of State Road 109 for while. I get the false promise we are close to home when we turn left on Camden Church Road. It seems every road in Stanly County has church in the name, except for Love Chapel Road.

At some point, the road changes name, and I am more than disappointed that we are not near home, as the new name is Prison Camp. I kept my eyes focused, and made it safely with no hitch hikers along the side of the road.

For the first time, we met up with an Interstate, 74, and take it for a short stint to get to Polkton. We head north on Ansonville Road out of town. The area is becoming more familiar, as both Terry and I have traveled this road before, but usually in the opposite direction. After the sweet sounding Sugar Town, we make our way to State Road 742.

We all know where this road leads, but first it means another crossing over the Rocky River, as well as a riding back into Stanly County. Soon, we arrive in Oakboro, taking State Road 138 east. We barley skirt the town, but enough to ride past two parks, one that includes a caboose.

In Aquadale, we follow the bends on 138, and wind our way to Albemarle. Time for another break, and to wrap up the ride with discussion over a quick meal at Sonic, complete with frozen fruit smoothies.

From here, Terry and his bride make their way home, and do Kasey and I. We could have hopped on Highway 24/27, but instead we meander along the Stanly County back roads. It seems we never get tired of taking the scenic route.