A couple of years ago we had a few inches of snow on the ground. Today it is 70 degrees and that means motorcycle riding weather. So I start thinking where to ride to? We are starting to run out of local rides to do. Then the Shakers Village at the South Union pops into my mind.
The Shaker Village is a place we have driven by 100 times or more. Between Russellville and Bowling Green on Highway 68. It is the best northern route to go east from Clarksville. So we're off, we first stop for lunch in Russellville. Which was the Confederate Capital of Kentucky during the Civil War, Being a border state during the war, Kentucky was split between the Union and the Confederacy. Russellville is also the Home of Jim Bowie, famous for the Alamo and the Bowie Knife. After lunch, we're off to the Shaker Village.
It is a solemn place, a convent of sorts. The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, more commonly known as the Shakers originated in England. There is only one Shaker Village left. It is in Maine with only 2 living members. Their declining numbers and closing of villages can be attributed to, a vow of celibacy and the closure of the order to new members in 1988. This seems to be one of those oddities of religious freedom in America. Something unusual, not right or wrong just different.
To our bad luck, we came here on a day that they were closed. They were still operating under their winter schedule. So we were unable to tour the museum. It was still nice to get out and walk the grounds and see the different buildings that were used for the different functions of a commune. Like cheese making shop, a broom factory, and an old-fashioned railroad tavern.
After our short stop, we take the back roads home to Clarksville. We pass through the small towns of Aburn, Middleton, and Adairsville. Although we have ridden these roads before we alway see or experience something different. This was a great start to the 2017 riding season. We cannot wait for warmer days and longer rides.
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