The R . M . Brooks store has been a gathering place for residents and visitors alike for generations .
pointing out the attached house where her grandparents had lived and telling us more of the store ’ s rich history .
After promising Linda that we ’ d be back in time for supper , we continued south through Wartburg and on to Harriman . We learned that Harriman , known as “ The Town that Temperance Built ,” was founded in 1891 as an ideal industrial city built on foundational values of sobriety , exalted character , and learning . Although its founding core tenants sound somewhat restrictive , the town is lively and vibrant .
Looking for something cool to drink , we stopped in at The Sweet Spot and were greeted by a man named Blake , who pointed out historical photos on his shop ’ s walls as he answered our questions about the town . We bought a couple RC Colas and a small loaf of banana nut bread
to enjoy as we strolled by the historic places Blake had recommended , like the grand Temperance Building and the historic Cornstalk Heights district .
When we finished our snack and walk , we saddled up again . Remembering our promise to Linda , we didn ’ t spend too long at the next three historic stops on our trip , which included the 18th- century Fort Southwest Point , the Wheat Community African Burial Ground , and the town of Oak Ridge , famous for its role in the Manhattan Project .
About 27 miles north of Oak Ridge , we found ourselves at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary , a historic prison nestled among mountains covered in thick growth , making escape nearly impossible , which James Earl Ray , who assassinated Martin Luther King Jr ., discovered in 1977 .
Next up was the best road of the trip , State Route 116 , one part of the popular Devil ’ s Triangle loop . We rode the curviest section , which rivals the Tail of the Dragon with challenging corners and exciting twists . It was also less populated than the Dragon tends to be , allowing us to enjoy it at our own pace .
When the road came to an end at an intersection by a creek , our preplanned route told us to go left , which would take us along a gravel road . From what I could see , the road looked smooth enough , so we continued on , hoping it would turn back to pavement soon .
It did turn to pavement … in about 10 miles . By the end , we were covered in a layer of white dust and had lost time . After brushing off the dust as
Linda slices us some hoop cheese , a tasty Southern staple .
38 / APRIL 2025 / RIDERMAGAZINE . COM