July 3rd ride- KY 10/22

I had been looking forward to this ride for weeks, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. When I headed out around 9:30am, it was still relatively cool outside at about 65°. I took I-471S out of Cincinnati and I-275W to the AA highway (Route 9 southbound). I stopped to top off my tank before turning right onto route 915, which meets route 10 near Alexandria.

Route 10 is a single lane road with so many twists and turns that it demands a rider's full attention at all times. The road snakes up and down the rolling Kentucky hills, through farms and woods. Speaking of snakes, I spotted one somewhere along route 10. He was curled up on the tarmac, catching some rays, completely unaware of how close he came to becoming snake pudding. I saw several horses, cows and even a couple of vultures feeding on a carcass by the road. Traffic is almost non-existant, except for a few bikers or the occasional pick-up truck. The speed limit is 45-55mph but it pays to follow the posted yellow signs on recommended speeds at the curves. Thanks to the wide ratio gearbox on my Shadow VLX 600, I could stay in 3rd for all but the sharpest of turns and I dragged the pegs on more than one occasion.

At Willow, I turned right onto route 22 and headed west toward Falmouth. I stopped there to grab a bite and continued on 22 to Williamstown. Route 22 is exactly like route 10, with slopes, twist and turns and almost no traffic. At Williamstown I took I-75 to Cincinnati, a 36 mile ride back.The next time I ride this route, I intend to stop more frequently and take a few pictures to post here.