This route goes along three lakes - Palestine, Richland Chambers, and Ceder Creek Reservoir - so the scenery is lots of trees and water.

Main hazards are animals. Watch for deer and small four legged mobile speed bumps.

Seven Points - the Wings restaurant just before the bridge. Good food in an interesting building.

Approx. 175 miles

1. Head south on Tx-155 out of Tyler through Noonday, Frankston, and Pert.
2. When you go through Pert, ride to FM-321 and take it west towards Montalba and Tennessee Colony.
3. At Tennessee Colony, turn north on US-287 towards Richland Creek Reservoir.
4. When you intersect with Tx-31 turn left.
5. Just west of the community of Powell, turn north on FM-1129.
6. Ride 1129 until you hit Tx-85 and turn right towards Seven Points.
7. Go past Gun Barrel City to US-175 and turn right to Eustace.
8. In Athens, turn onto Tx-31 east through Athens and on to Tyler.

All larger towns

on December 15, 2008, 4:53 am