After two weeks of vacationing with Stephennie it was back on two wheels and to start riding. I went down to Georgia and participated in a children's charity event called the Blue Ridge 250 held at the Two Wheels of Suches Motorcycle Resort, this is resort run by riders for riders. The area has a lot of adventure trails as well as some of the best paved riding Georgia has to offer. Short into the ride it was oblivious I still needed more practice on the curves as the local riders were schooling me on how to ride. The great part is that I got to see roads that I might not otherwise would of rode. By the end of the day, I got the compliment" You're getting it Canada". Two wheels is not a biker resort more adventure and sport touring riders not fancy but comfortable and welcoming the owners are full of knowledge on the roads and the area.
After Georgia it was back to Tennessee my first order of business was to ride the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. After my schooling in Georgia, I was not race ready, but it made running the 318curve eleven-mile road more fun. I rode it on a Monday afternoon as I was warned it can be dangerous on weekends. The design of the curves all well banked and the limited access of vehicles to the road do give the opportunity to have some fun, it's the other riders and vehicles, as well as pushing your skill level that can get you in trouble. I combined this with the Cherohala Skyway a great road with lots of overlooks, all tolled it made for a great day of riding.
I spent the next couple of days riding in Kentucky and Virginia. Riding through the Cumberland Gap Historical Park area. I searched out the Dragon Slayer Hwy 160 you're getting back up in the hills in coal country great riding but don't be look-in for a lot of amenities and would suggest sticking to main roads. The roads are not in good of shape as Tennessee with secondary's even more narrow and can deteriorate as you go, was left on gravel on one secondary Hwy in an area where I would not be wandering too far from the road.
Next explored the south end of the Cumberland Gap area back into Tennessee finding the Devils Triangle Hwy 116 which i can say was one of my favorite roads it had great curves, scenery and rideability. Throw in a Historical Penitentiary with a restaurant and moonshine distillery makes for a great day.
Word of caution all the roads except for more major routes are narrow and unforgiving which adds to the alure but can be overwhelming for unexperienced riders.
Word of caution all the roads except for more major routes are narrow and unforgiving which adds to the alure but can be overwhelming for unexperienced riders.
Next was over to North Carolina where I was taking in a NASCAR race. On the way I rode the Foothills Parkway and the Newfound Gap both part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park along with some other great roads. Fall is biking and leaf peeper season in the Smokies lots of riders and tourists. Best to get the popular roads done during the week finding those hidden curves on weekends.
On my way back from North Carolina passed around the East side of the Great Smokey Mountains back down the Dragon Tail back to my home base in Knoxsville taking in some more of Tennessee great motorcycle roads like Hwy 28 an extension of the Dragon. Also the southern part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tennesse does a good job of motorcycle tourism good roads, amenities and information.
Just one word of warning the Interstates is something to behold as all the industry and access to the ports run through the valley. I have driven in Houston, Los Angeles and on other major Interstates and never seen traffic like this. Your talking hundreds of trucks and high-speed limits better be prepared when you have to venture out on one. The good part you can drive less than an hour and be in pristine riding country.
Just one word of warning the Interstates is something to behold as all the industry and access to the ports run through the valley. I have driven in Houston, Los Angeles and on other major Interstates and never seen traffic like this. Your talking hundreds of trucks and high-speed limits better be prepared when you have to venture out on one. The good part you can drive less than an hour and be in pristine riding country.
Time to head home spent the next three days riding the entire Blue Ridge Parkway and beyond through Shenandoah National Park. The South end is the most scenic and challenging but what a ride. Scenery was breathtaking this goes on the must ride list not too many places you can ride 469 miles of road designed for showcasing the beautiful mountains and countryside. Some parts were closed for repairs and weather can be a factor as sometimes large sections can be shrouded in clouds and fog it still should be on every motorcyclists list.
Time to go West passed over the Appalachians into West Virginia and Kentucky before doing the Interstates home. Beautiful riding through small quaint towns and gorgeous countryside. Even the main highways provided great views and were not as busy as those in Tennessee.
Twenty States, Nine thousand seven hundred miles (15600K), thirty riding days.