And so on to the home of Country music.Today we journeyed from Jonesborough - the oldest town in Tennessee, with picturesque character buildings along the main street - to Nashville, the home of Country music. The route was largely on the Interstate, as we needed to arrive in good time to get to the Grand Ole Opry, for which Mandy-Jane and Craig had booked tickets. Don't know what the Grand Ole Opry is? It's the oldest live radio show, running continuously every week for nearly 88 years! There were seven acts this evening, including Dierks Bentley (Mandy's favourite!), and the Old Crow Medicine Show. It was a superb show, definitely a highlight of the tour. Yesterday and today's rides are the longest on the trip, both nearly 300 miles. We have found that an hour and a half, or 100 miles, are about the limit for comfortable riding. There are several good things about riding with your wife as pillion. When my neck muscles got stiff and achy, Sylvia massaged my neck and shoulders; when my back ached she rubbed my back; when I started to get "numb bum" … I kept changing position. Another of the joys of riding on a tour like this, is the people you meet along the way. Today, we stopped two thirds of the way, in Cookeville, to visit the Train Depot museum, and then looked for somewhere to get some lunch. At the World Foods Deli, we had lovely food, and the lady owner was delightful. Mind you, when Craig ordered a Greek Salad, she remarked "you don't look like a Greek Salad man." Perhaps it's best we don't ask for comments as to what sort of meal Craig does looks like! 277 miles today. Definitely ready for bed, and glad we have a "rest day" tomorrow.The original Iron Horse with a couple of foals.

Mandy-Jane's favorite. Dierks B.
DIERKS

The Grand finale at the Grand ole Opry
ALL THE SINGERS