The Screw It Tour

Some motorcycle rides are all about the destination. Others are about the roads, the scenery, the people you meet along the way, and maybe a few laughs at the names on the road signs. Then there are rides like this one, where the destinations practically name the ride for you.

Welcome to the Screw It Tour!

This motorcycle adventure took me through three of North Carolina's most entertainingly named communities: Horneytown, Climax, and Erect. You really can't make this stuff up! When you put those three destinations together, there's only one name that seemed appropriate for the ride.

First Stop: Horneytown, North Carolina

The first stop on the tour was Horneytown, North Carolina. With a name like that, how could you not stop and take a look?

It's one of those little North Carolina places that makes you wonder how the name came about (it was named after the Horney family - the original settlers and land owners - I know - boring). It's a small community, but it certainly has a name that gets people's attention. And, of course, it makes for a pretty entertaining stop on a motorcycle ride.

After spending a little time checking out Horneytown, it was time to get back on the bike and find somewhere to grab a drink.

A Stop at Tipsy'z Tavern & Grill

After Horneytown, I made a stop at Tipsy'z Tavern & Grill, and this turned out to be a great little find.

If you like a good local watering hole, this place checks the boxes. Cheap drinks, a laid-back crowd, and that good old-fashioned dive bar atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

No fancy cocktails, no overpriced drinks, and no need for anything pretentious. Just a local spot where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy yourself for a while.

These are the kinds of places I enjoy finding when I'm out riding. Sometimes the best part of a motorcycle trip isn't the destination but the unexpected places you discover along the way.

Tipsy'z was definitely a worthwhile stop on the Screw It Tour!

Next Up: Climax, North Carolina

With a name like Climax coming up next, the jokes pretty much write themselves.

Back on the motorcycle and heading toward the next destination, Climax, North Carolina.

It's another one of those little communities with a name that makes you do a double take. Between Horneytown and Climax, this ride was already living up to its name.

North Carolina certainly has some interesting place names, and I'm beginning to think somebody had a sense of humor when they were naming these towns.

Riding Through Seagrove: The Pottery Capital

Along the way, I also passed through Seagrove, North Carolina, known as the Pottery Capital of the United States.

If you've never been through Seagrove, you might be surprised by just how many pottery shops are scattered throughout the area. Everywhere you look, there seems to be another pottery studio, gallery, or shop displaying handmade pieces.

It's a completely different kind of attraction than the usual motorcycle destinations, but that's part of what makes exploring North Carolina's back roads so much fun.

Seagrove has a lot of character, and it's definitely worth slowing down and checking out if you're passing through. I did not stop but was shocked at how many pottery places in one location.

The Final Destination: Erect, North Carolina

And now, for the grand finale!

The final destination on the Screw It Tour was Erect, North Carolina.

By this point, the ride had delivered everything promised. We started in Horneytown, made a stop at Tipsy'z Tavern & Grill, passed through Climax, enjoyed the pottery shops around Seagrove, and finished up in Erect.

Seriously, who comes up with these town names?

Of course, getting a picture with the Erect sign was practically mandatory. After all, you can't complete the Screw It Tour without documenting the final destination!

The Screw It Tour: One for the Books

All kidding aside, this was exactly the kind of motorcycle ride I enjoy. Getting out on the back roads, discovering little communities, finding a good local bar, and seeing parts of North Carolina that you might otherwise drive right past.

The Screw It Tour might not be the most sophisticated motorcycle adventure I've ever taken, but it certainly had some memorable destinations.

And let's be honest, how many people can say they rode from Horneytown through Climax and finished up in Erect? Too bad daylight was dwindling or I would have made it to Cum Park Plaza in Burlington. Maybe next time!

Mission accomplished!

Sometimes you just have to say Screw It, fire up the motorcycle, and go for a ride!