dbarkdoll_imp
Been There
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Joined: Jun 2017
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RE: Appalachia
(07-01-2019, 11:59 AM)Blockhead_imp Wrote: Superbly done Daniel...I really enjoyed your report. 
Thank you so much, I’m glad to hear it
(07-01-2019, 10:43 AM)SportsterDoc_imp Wrote: Enjoyed ride report and pics.
For your forthcoming ride west, you should be OK without extra fuel.
The only place I ever needed it was the Extraterrestrial Highway
I’m sure I’d be okay, a friend of mine just did a similar trip on his 2014 CB1100 and never ran out, I’m just the worrying type. I’d rather do all my worrying and preventative planning at home though instead of out on the road.
(07-01-2019, 10:34 AM)Vic_imp Wrote: (07-01-2019, 09:17 AM)dbarkdoll_imp Wrote: Day 3
Woke up early, had my tea, and set off for The Dragon. The Canadians had filled my ear with all sorts of tales and legends of the road the whole night before, so it was with nervous excitement that I zipped along towards it. The air was crisp and clean, the foliage all along the road was bursting with vibrant color, the mountain streams were rushing along beside me, I was in a very, very good place this morning.
US 129 to Deals Gap is quite curvy with plenty of elevation change so I felt good and loosened up by time I got there. Went in to check out the store for a minute and use the restroom, and then back out to the bike to suit up. The lot was already pretty full of all sorts of bikes, mostly cruisers who appeared to have stayed at the inn overnight. As I was gearing up a swarm of high end sports cars came up highway 28 from Fontana Lake and turned north to head up the Dragon. One by one they screamed up the hill, Corvettes, Shelby Mustangs, imports, Porsches, you name it. The sound and imagery of that is burned in my memory forever.
Well, I suppose it’s my turn now. Making sure there wasn’t a squad of cars or bikes coming my way I pulled out of the lot and up the hill. The next 11 miles were honestly a blur, and I was so focused on just getting through it that I’m not even sure I enjoyed my first pass. I was told this might happen, and that every time you ride it it gets better. I do recall having a group of three cars come up behind me about halfway through, I pulled over to let them by, and they were gone instantly. The caliber of drivers and riders on that road is incredible. I also remember passing several photographers, which I was instructed not to look at no matter what, lest I want to end up running into them.
Finally made it down to the lake after what seemed like forever, took a quick breather, and turned around to do it again. This pass was much more fun, so my buddies were right so far. I remember dragging peg on a right hander harder than I ever have before, after that I took it a bit easier the rest of the way down. Made it back down the store for my obligatory t-shirt and photo with the Dragon, and headed out for some more incredible riding.
![[Image: 52c433832a3d7b0944f2d5da87ab1dfc.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/52c433832a3d7b0944f2d5da87ab1dfc.jpg)
![[Image: 3ccf2e0f504c3411abd0d6edb0d7e410.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/3ccf2e0f504c3411abd0d6edb0d7e410.jpg)
![[Image: d6c01c62a7eacb18b5e164dffe82a74b.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/d6c01c62a7eacb18b5e164dffe82a74b.jpg)
I took Highway 28 towards Fontana Dam/Lake which was stunning. And after the relentless hairpins on the Dragon, the perfectly sculpted sweepers and rhythmic flow of 28 was just what I needed. The air was still cool and crisp, the sun was out, the scenery was breathtaking, i was having the ride of my life. Took 28 all the way down to Franklin where it was about time for some lunch. Franklin is a super charming little town nestled in the hills, smiling faces everywhere you look and lots of cool little shops and restaurants. Grabbed a great burger and fries on the main strip, poked around a real nice outdoor store for a minute, and then headed for Highlands via Highway 64.
64 follows the Cullasaja River Gorge to Highlands. All of the riding I had done on day 3 had been the best I’d ever done, but this portion had to take the cake. The road snakes it’s way up the gorge with sheer rock walls to one side and the river valley wayyyy down below on the other side at times. Then the road will meet back up with the river for an up close and personal look at a 40–50 foot waterfall, a roaring white water section of the river, or just a nice scenic overlook. Lots of places to pull over and admire/dunk you head in the freezing crystal clear water. I got very few pictures of the gorge itself, it would have been far too risky to stop in the road for a picture as the twists and turns were tight and frequent.
![[Image: c04aae51ecb1e9c14736368688a01678.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/c04aae51ecb1e9c14736368688a01678.jpg)
![[Image: e6b3b8a57b6c8efdd8277d32392d87f2.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/e6b3b8a57b6c8efdd8277d32392d87f2.jpg)
Like most everywhere I went on this trip, the pictures don’t come close to doing any justice. Just gotta be there and feel it. Speaking of, I spent a good while standing behind that waterfall letting the mist spray all over me (you can see the tiny little people behind it for scale.) On a hot day like that it was incredibly invigorating.
Retraced my steps back up 64 to Franklin and started heading back west to my campground. More beautiful, flowing landscapes as far as the eye could see. It looked like it wanted to rain over Lake Santeelah where I was camped as I neared it so I stopped for some ice cream and waited to see what it would do. Turned out to be nothing so I made it back to camp nice and dry, ready for a nice meal and eager to regale my journey and slaying of the dragon over a few beers with my new buddies.
![[Image: 4dc2fb01659f7f50057c82964d8216ef.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/4dc2fb01659f7f50057c82964d8216ef.jpg)
I hate to rank things such as that days ride, but if I had to it would be at the top of my all time list for sure.
Day 4
It was with much disappointment and reluctance that I had to pack up and start making my way back towards home in the morning. I would have loved nothing more than to spend a few more days, if not weeks, exploring that wonderful area and everything it has to offer. But I had work to get back to Monday morning (not for long hehehe   and a whole lotta miles in between so off I went.
I knew I wanted to take another stab at Cherohala as my first pass on it was a bit of a let down and boy was I rewarded for it. The weather was absolutely perfect this morning, the traffic was nowhere to be seen, and I felt as if i had the road all to my self. I rode through more scenic areas on the trip, honestly most of the overlooks on Cherohala are not all that great IMO, especially compared to the BRP, but man was the riding good. I may have exceeded the posted speed limit a few times (alright more like the entire time) but I knew this was to be the last great road of the trip and I was not going to squander it. I was in the zone and vibing in a big way. Lots of hootin’ and hollerin’, yippin’ and yappin’ in my helmet, I was having a lot of fun. And on a fully loaded naked air cooled retro wonder machine to boot. Life was good.
![[Image: b921f9256158f2f6ecce76324d53d1df.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/b921f9256158f2f6ecce76324d53d1df.jpg)
The further from Tellico Plains I got, the more muted and bland the landscape became. I settled in and prepared for the long ride home. My tank was full of good vibes and awesome memories to last though so my spirits were high. I wanted to lay down some serious miles today so that I could have a nice easy last day getting home tomorrow. I was on a mission to reach the state park on Pickwick lake in southern Tennessee, which was only about 5 hours from home. I laid the hammer down and sped through the soft rolling farmland and heat. By time I reached the park it was nearing 5:00, my body was aching, my mind was shot, but I reached my goal and put 420 miles between point A and B that day. I was greeted by a “CAMP FULL” sign upon arrival. 
The park staff was super friendly and kind, and luckily found a spot for me across the lake at a separate primitive campground which was more my speed anyway. My campsite for the night did not suck.
![[Image: d4d3f97203e9cb3964e904bb7b4ebc6b.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/d4d3f97203e9cb3964e904bb7b4ebc6b.jpg)
Hopping in the lake after that long hot ride made it all worth while. And knowing that I’d have an easy short ride tomorrow meant I could slow down for the first time the whole trip and relax a bit. Good beers were drank, a lovely lakeside fire was stared at, and a good nights sleep was had.
Really nice ride story and beautiful pictures! Nice! 
 Really nice ride story and beautiful pictures! Nice!
Thanks so much. Glad you like the pics, I’m considering bringing along an actual camera, the phone is so convenient and already there tho. But I know a dedicated camera would take much better photos and maybe bring a bit more justice to the scenery.
(07-01-2019, 10:34 AM)Vic_imp Wrote: (07-01-2019, 09:17 AM)dbarkdoll_imp Wrote: Day 3
Woke up early, had my tea, and set off for The Dragon. The Canadians had filled my ear with all sorts of tales and legends of the road the whole night before, so it was with nervous excitement that I zipped along towards it. The air was crisp and clean, the foliage all along the road was bursting with vibrant color, the mountain streams were rushing along beside me, I was in a very, very good place this morning.
US 129 to Deals Gap is quite curvy with plenty of elevation change so I felt good and loosened up by time I got there. Went in to check out the store for a minute and use the restroom, and then back out to the bike to suit up. The lot was already pretty full of all sorts of bikes, mostly cruisers who appeared to have stayed at the inn overnight. As I was gearing up a swarm of high end sports cars came up highway 28 from Fontana Lake and turned north to head up the Dragon. One by one they screamed up the hill, Corvettes, Shelby Mustangs, imports, Porsches, you name it. The sound and imagery of that is burned in my memory forever.
Well, I suppose it’s my turn now. Making sure there wasn’t a squad of cars or bikes coming my way I pulled out of the lot and up the hill. The next 11 miles were honestly a blur, and I was so focused on just getting through it that I’m not even sure I enjoyed my first pass. I was told this might happen, and that every time you ride it it gets better. I do recall having a group of three cars come up behind me about halfway through, I pulled over to let them by, and they were gone instantly. The caliber of drivers and riders on that road is incredible. I also remember passing several photographers, which I was instructed not to look at no matter what, lest I want to end up running into them.
Finally made it down to the lake after what seemed like forever, took a quick breather, and turned around to do it again. This pass was much more fun, so my buddies were right so far. I remember dragging peg on a right hander harder than I ever have before, after that I took it a bit easier the rest of the way down. Made it back down the store for my obligatory t-shirt and photo with the Dragon, and headed out for some more incredible riding.
![[Image: 52c433832a3d7b0944f2d5da87ab1dfc.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/52c433832a3d7b0944f2d5da87ab1dfc.jpg)
![[Image: 3ccf2e0f504c3411abd0d6edb0d7e410.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/3ccf2e0f504c3411abd0d6edb0d7e410.jpg)
![[Image: d6c01c62a7eacb18b5e164dffe82a74b.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/d6c01c62a7eacb18b5e164dffe82a74b.jpg)
I took Highway 28 towards Fontana Dam/Lake which was stunning. And after the relentless hairpins on the Dragon, the perfectly sculpted sweepers and rhythmic flow of 28 was just what I needed. The air was still cool and crisp, the sun was out, the scenery was breathtaking, i was having the ride of my life. Took 28 all the way down to Franklin where it was about time for some lunch. Franklin is a super charming little town nestled in the hills, smiling faces everywhere you look and lots of cool little shops and restaurants. Grabbed a great burger and fries on the main strip, poked around a real nice outdoor store for a minute, and then headed for Highlands via Highway 64.
64 follows the Cullasaja River Gorge to Highlands. All of the riding I had done on day 3 had been the best I’d ever done, but this portion had to take the cake. The road snakes it’s way up the gorge with sheer rock walls to one side and the river valley wayyyy down below on the other side at times. Then the road will meet back up with the river for an up close and personal look at a 40–50 foot waterfall, a roaring white water section of the river, or just a nice scenic overlook. Lots of places to pull over and admire/dunk you head in the freezing crystal clear water. I got very few pictures of the gorge itself, it would have been far too risky to stop in the road for a picture as the twists and turns were tight and frequent.
![[Image: c04aae51ecb1e9c14736368688a01678.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/c04aae51ecb1e9c14736368688a01678.jpg)
![[Image: e6b3b8a57b6c8efdd8277d32392d87f2.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/e6b3b8a57b6c8efdd8277d32392d87f2.jpg)
Like most everywhere I went on this trip, the pictures don’t come close to doing any justice. Just gotta be there and feel it. Speaking of, I spent a good while standing behind that waterfall letting the mist spray all over me (you can see the tiny little people behind it for scale.) On a hot day like that it was incredibly invigorating.
Retraced my steps back up 64 to Franklin and started heading back west to my campground. More beautiful, flowing landscapes as far as the eye could see. It looked like it wanted to rain over Lake Santeelah where I was camped as I neared it so I stopped for some ice cream and waited to see what it would do. Turned out to be nothing so I made it back to camp nice and dry, ready for a nice meal and eager to regale my journey and slaying of the dragon over a few beers with my new buddies.
![[Image: 4dc2fb01659f7f50057c82964d8216ef.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/4dc2fb01659f7f50057c82964d8216ef.jpg)
I hate to rank things such as that days ride, but if I had to it would be at the top of my all time list for sure.
Day 4
It was with much disappointment and reluctance that I had to pack up and start making my way back towards home in the morning. I would have loved nothing more than to spend a few more days, if not weeks, exploring that wonderful area and everything it has to offer. But I had work to get back to Monday morning (not for long hehehe   and a whole lotta miles in between so off I went.
I knew I wanted to take another stab at Cherohala as my first pass on it was a bit of a let down and boy was I rewarded for it. The weather was absolutely perfect this morning, the traffic was nowhere to be seen, and I felt as if i had the road all to my self. I rode through more scenic areas on the trip, honestly most of the overlooks on Cherohala are not all that great IMO, especially compared to the BRP, but man was the riding good. I may have exceeded the posted speed limit a few times (alright more like the entire time) but I knew this was to be the last great road of the trip and I was not going to squander it. I was in the zone and vibing in a big way. Lots of hootin’ and hollerin’, yippin’ and yappin’ in my helmet, I was having a lot of fun. And on a fully loaded naked air cooled retro wonder machine to boot. Life was good.
![[Image: b921f9256158f2f6ecce76324d53d1df.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/b921f9256158f2f6ecce76324d53d1df.jpg)
The further from Tellico Plains I got, the more muted and bland the landscape became. I settled in and prepared for the long ride home. My tank was full of good vibes and awesome memories to last though so my spirits were high. I wanted to lay down some serious miles today so that I could have a nice easy last day getting home tomorrow. I was on a mission to reach the state park on Pickwick lake in southern Tennessee, which was only about 5 hours from home. I laid the hammer down and sped through the soft rolling farmland and heat. By time I reached the park it was nearing 5:00, my body was aching, my mind was shot, but I reached my goal and put 420 miles between point A and B that day. I was greeted by a “CAMP FULL” sign upon arrival. 
The park staff was super friendly and kind, and luckily found a spot for me across the lake at a separate primitive campground which was more my speed anyway. My campsite for the night did not suck.
![[Image: d4d3f97203e9cb3964e904bb7b4ebc6b.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/d4d3f97203e9cb3964e904bb7b4ebc6b.jpg)
Hopping in the lake after that long hot ride made it all worth while. And knowing that I’d have an easy short ride tomorrow meant I could slow down for the first time the whole trip and relax a bit. Good beers were drank, a lovely lakeside fire was stared at, and a good nights sleep was had.
Really nice ride story and beautiful pictures! Nice! 
 Really nice ride story and beautiful pictures! Nice!
Thanks so much. Glad you like the pics, I’m considering bringing along an actual camera, the phone is so convenient and already there tho. But I know a dedicated camera would take much better photos and maybe bring a bit more justice to the scenery.
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