The return to Talimena in early October of 2016 was much less fraught with peril and discomfort than the 2014 trip. It started out gray and rainy when James, Eben and I hit the road, and we were met with dense fog once we reached the campground, cutting short any notion of any quick rides along the Byway itself that first afternoon or evening. The night was also uncomfortably chilly, with temps dipping down into the 40’s.
That first morning, we awoke to discover that we were sharing the campgrounds with a rally being held by a group of classic Moto Guzzi owners . They were incredibly hospitable, and we shared some great stories (and food) with them.
Riding conditions were generally perfect, and we were able to get in some great camping and superb riding along the Talimena Byway, adjacent roads, and around Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend. Riding over the dam at Broken Bow was an unforgettable experience.
