This was my first attempt to use Relive. I need to work on getting the pictures placed at the correct location and add a little music. Once it is done on the phone, I can’t seem to find a way to edit it.
However, let me tell you about the ride…
I started the day with almost a full tank. No need to fuel up. I got a phone of the starting miles at 10:46 and started rolling. I had just learned of the Natchez Trace HD’s new challenge, AL 15 for ’26. Much like the HOG 15 for ’26, this was 15 sites in the area to visit in 2026. I wasn’t at the meeting where the challenge was talked about in detail, but I assumed a few basic rules. First, I needed to ride the bike to the specific site. No pictures were included in the details, so I tried to err on the side of caution and use the AULDR policies to ensure that I got the required location. Next, I would need to have the bike and/or myself in each picture with the specific site. Lastly, I would need to have a copy of the 2026 HOG Members Guide. I try to print an 8 1/2 x 11 copy and laminate it so I don’t worry about wind or rain. I also keep it with my clipboard.
First stop was at Old Bank in Decatur. As I try to do, I did a little recon on the various sites. I would get the GPS coordinates and use mapping software and various sites to get a lay of the land. This would help me to make sure I could get there, take my picture, and get out quickly. Using this technique, I was able to park in front of the Old Bank. I didn’t realize that it was a holiday, so there was little traffic.
Next stop was just across the river in Mooresville. This is a very small, historic town. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is also an old Church of Christ where President James A. Garfield preached. With my family history in with the Church of Christ, I know this is a town I will visit again and hopefully attend church there. Anyway, I needed a picture at the Mooresville Post Office. I knew where I wanted to go and found a nice place to park.
Back on the road, I backtracked to Decatur then headed south on US31. My next stop was in Priceville at the Morgan County Veterans Park. I have visited here many times over the last few years on my rides with the Tour of Honor. There is a Huey and a Gold Star Memorial in the park. The Tour of Honor doesn’t start until April 1, so I will be back in a few months for more pictures.
I took the long way and headed southeast on AL67. I got to AL69 and turned right to get back to Cullman. Through Cullman and my next stop was not far off AL157 on the way back to the Shoals. I pulled into the parking lot at the Jesse Owens Museum. Even though it was a holiday, I did expect it to be open for visitors. I was wrong. I walked around the grounds a bit, got my picture and continued home.
My next stop was what was originally a Military School, but has changed focus, location, and name over the years. It is now known at The University of North Alabama and is in downtown Florence. My stop was at the original site of Lagrange College and Military Academy. There were several of places that I could use in the picture, but I picked a view of the bike with one of the original school building in the background. Others in the local HOG chapter have opted for either the sign at the main road or one of the memorial markers at the school’s site.
Almost home and I made a quick stop at FAME Studios. When you visit, you never know who will be there. The artists seldom announce they will be there working and they often start in the evening and will continue until they are done, which may be hours or even days. When the studio is not conducting recording sessions, tours are available. Not many cars were in the lot, so I expect that the production team was working on the touches of a recent artist’s visit. I parked in the lot and got a nice little picture.
Being in Muscle Shoals, I decided that I might as well head over to Tuscumbia for a picture at Ivy Green, the childhood home of Helen Keller. The gates were open and I was able to get a nice picture.
Day’s short ride is done. I pulled into a parking lot near the house for my ending day’s mileage photo. Home by 3:30pm, just under 5 hours. 197 miles. Not bad for a last minute decision to ride 7 of the 15 sites.