Off of NC-3 in Concord I ride to Old Concord-Salisbury Road. Its a scenic and nicely curved two lane back road past some fine fields, and with little traffic. I stay on that road which curves (but follow it around). It will cross over a major road (believe that is Jake Alexander) with a resturant called "The Farmhouse" (great place for breakfast, and you will probably see a few motorcycles out there). Going a little further you will see the National Cemetary on your right. That was at the site of a Confederate Prison which was near there. It is worth a stop, they have the trenches were the Union soldiers were buried who died in the prison; estimates vary from some 8000-11,000. There are also soldiers buried there from various wars. Some state memorials are also there as well. Nothing of the prison remains to be seen; I believe it was burned to the ground when the Union Army came to Salisbury near the end of the Civil War. At the cemetary, or going just past it, turn left up one of the side streets to Salisbury Avenue, and there you turn right. Going on that road you will be in the old downtown. The buildings are very interesting, and just past downtown are some beautiful old houses. You should within a mile or two cross into Spencer; the NC Transportation Museum will be on your right and you can not miss it. You will find the gate to turn in just past the big buildings on your right.
The NC Transportation Museum was a train repair depot for many years, and was turned over to the state. There is no admission charge (free is always good), and they have a large round house, a nice display of trains there (steam engines, and electric diesels), an interesting car display, a few planes, and (of course) a few motorcycles. Some of those can be seen in the photo above. Its not a big collection, but worth a look.They also often have special events there, which are posted on the web site (which you can find via Googling "NC Transportation Museum"). One of the bike show's that I mentioned in my previous post was held there earlier this year.
Other points of interest in Salisbury include Tilley Harley-Davidson, and it is also a great return ride toward Concord via Bringle Ferry Road which takes you past High Rock Lake. A stop at Tamerac Marina for a quick snack and a beverage is always a nice pause. Bringle Ferry Road is another curvy two-lane road. Taking it all the way to its end will take you to Highway 8, turn right a short distance and then you will at the intersection with NC-49. At that intersection take a right and follow that back to Concord, NC. The museum, and the cities of Salisbury and Spencer are worth spending some time in, and is a popular ride which I take often solo or ride with my friends.
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