A Covered Bridge Ride

A Bit of History

This Saturday morning, I set out about 40 miles to see a covered bridge that’s been standing for generations. It was engineered by Horace King—a man who was once enslaved but bought his freedom through his work in construction.

King earned what was called the “uncommon honor” of co-building alongside his former owner, John Godwin. Despite the times, King’s skill and reputation grew so highly respected that the Alabama senate passed a special law allowing him to remain in the state after gaining freedom. He later purchased land near his old master, and when he passed away, that same former owner built a monument at his grave.

It’s a story that feels complicated—acknowledged for his work while still living in a time when slavery even existed. Reading about King makes you wonder why such a cruel system ever existed, and leaves you curious if there are films or books that dive deeper into his life.

The inside of the Red Oak Covered Bridge

The Ride

Now, back to the ride itself. The OEM tires on my bike left me wanting more; they struggled on the fresh gravel, which has me seriously considering a switch to knobby tires for the next adventure. Even so, the roads out here were enjoyable, and thankfully the bridge wasn’t flooded.

The bridge does show its age, with a few rough patches and holes I was lucky to avoid, but it still stands strong. Rolling across it was a good reminder: rides aren’t only about the miles but also about slowing down, stopping, and appreciating places with history and character.

2024 CFMoto Ibex 800 T

If you’d like to see the roads, the bridge, and the full ride experience, check out the vlog HERE