Ride Report - Fall Colors Trip 2014 - Pic Heavy

[Ed Hobgood]

We rode the Blue Ridge a couple of years ago and got the fog also. The fog was so bad we decided to pull off the first chance we got. After pulling off we started hearing people talking and come to find out we were on the parking lot of the visitor center. We couldn't tell where we were because the fog was so bad. The Blue Ridge is one of my favorite rides to take and I'm sure we will be back.

[DK Custom Products]

We rode the Blue Ridge a couple of years ago and got the fog also. The fog was so bad we decided to pull off the first chance we got. After pulling off we started hearing people talking and come to find out we were on the parking lot of the visitor center. We couldn't tell where we were because the fog was so bad. The Blue Ridge is one of my favorite rides to take and I'm sure we will be back.

That's some heavy fog!!! Not sure it was the bad when we were there.

What we saw was great, and we may have another opportunity in the future to see even more of it!

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

We planned to stay in Hillsville, VA just one night, and then hopefully hit the BRP again.

It was not to be. There was a line of storms coming east and literally no where for us to ride except directly into/through a strong line of lightning storms that were also generating high winds with chance of tornado's.

We don't mind riding in the rain, we don't mind riding in cold, but neither of us likes to ride in lightning. So we stayed in Hillsville an extra day.

From Hillsville we were only 35 miles from Fox Creek Leather. Mary wears a FCL jacket, really likes it, we thought about going over there...but just stayed in all day.

Today is the second morning in Hillsville, VA, getting ready to head out...




...you may have noticed that we have a sheepskin on our seat, keeps us cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. We cover it with a plastic trash bag each night to keep it dry from the rain. Works out pretty well for us.


We really wanted to get back on the BRP, but the weather showed it was going to be socked in, just like the last 30 miles we rode on it. So we decided to make time on the interstate to NC and ride the Dragon this afternoon.

Even the interstate was in and out of the fog for awhile





It wasn't long before we hit the NC State line.





I discovered another feature of the GPS...Trip Summary. I checked and the gallons used, miles traveled and MPG all seem accurate, however the average speed is not. When I first saw it, it was displaying an average speed of 70 MPH, which seemed about right. I then held the speed at between 75 and 80 for the next 30 miles, but it never displayed an average speed over 70 mph.

Pretty nice feature though. Also, I'm pleased with the MPG I'm getting at 70-80, it is 3-4 mpg better that I was getting with the 2011.






It was a nice ride from Hillsville to Waynesville. About 220 miles, mostly interstate....





...a bit before we stopped in Waynesville, NC we got on the Great Smoky Mtn. Expressway. Really nice road.





We are now back in familiar territory. We've been out this way many times, both on 2 wheels and 3.

We stopped at the Super 8 in Waynesville, checked in, and then headed out for the Tail of the Dragon. Since we did not get to ride the BRP, I thought it would be nice to run over to the Dragon and ride it both ways this afternoon....




...almost as soon as we left it started raining pretty steady. I almost turned around, but right when I was about to do that, the rain let up to a light drizzle...





It's aboutt 100 miles from Waynesville to the Dragon, then another it would be another 100 miles back at near dusk....





...but as we got closer to the Dragon it stopped raining and the roads were dry.





I really wanted to make a fast run on the TOD and video it for all those that say a Tri-Glide cannot go fast in the twistys.


More in next post!

[DK Custom Products]

We were almost to Deals Gap and the river had washed out the last little bit of road earlier in the day....









But I saw a few cars on it, even though it was blocked off, so I went around the road closed signs. River was up high, but they had fixed the road!




Finally we are on the Dragon....









...11 miles of nicely cambered road, with 318 curves...









...I have no idea how Mary took pics and held on at the same time. She's a champ, not a single complaint during or since this run...









...the speed limit is 30 mph with quite a few 20 mph curves and a few 15 mph curves. I video'd the entire run (Mary should have an edited video ready for youtube in the next week). I have never timed myself before...







...this time I did, I ran the 11 miles in a bit under 14 minutes, and that includes almost 2 minutes while I was stuck behind a couple of trucks moving at 30 mph and slower...









...that's an average of 47 mph. In the 318 curves in 11 miles I did not lift a rear tire one time, nor was I running anywhere near what I could have. The Tri-Glide handled it beautifully.




When we hit the end of the Dragon, we met up with a bunch of other riders. These 3 were riding together and one of them recognized us from our Alaska Ride Report. We talked bikes for awhile, then turned around a rode the TOD again, headed back to the motel.











When we got back to Deals Gap, we took a picture at the "Tree of Shame". Looked at some of the new parts hanging since the last time we were there.









Within 15 minutes of leaving the Dragon it started a light rain again....









...but it was a great ride back to Waynesville.









What a great day of riding. About 460 miles, with the last half in the Smokys and a lot of fun!

Kevin

[Papa Zook]

Good stuff Kevin!

[Lucky]

Great trip! Thanks for the pics. RIDE SAFE

[DK Custom Products]

Good stuff Kevin!

Great trip! Thanks for the pics. RIDE SAFE

Thanks guys!


Today we are headed to Gatlinberg/Pigeon Forge. But before we get there, we have a nice route planned out-







Leaving out of Waynesville, the roads are good, scenery is good, and we have a great day planned...









...then a hard plastic cover to a cooler comes flying out of the bed of a pick-up truck. I was a good 100 yards behind him, so had plenty of time to see it.


I could not changes lanes (vehicle in other lane right behind me), I could not slow down dramatically, vehicle behind me. Besides it was flying, bouncing, changing directions...so I attempted to steer directly into it so it would not hit our legs...





....It made a pretty loud thump when it hit, and then this is at about 50 mph, you can see the passing lamp hanging down, with the chrome retaining ring still on there....







...as we came to a stop the ring fell off. Fortunately it had not fallen off prior and got run over, otherwise it would have been duct tape time.




Broke out the tool bag, put it back together. Light still works fine, and I could not find any dents or scratches anywhere. Time will tell when I get all the road grime and bugs washed off.







Back on the road toward Cherohala Skyway, we're getting close to one of our favorite roads.







On the Skyway...we've never been here this time of year and it's very nice...





...colors are just starting to change and not much traffic at all!





We hit a bit of fog here and there....







...but it was not bad at all. Here is a pic of the river at 45 mph thru some trees.





Lot's more to the day in the next post.

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

After leaving Cherohala Skyway we head toward the Dragon.


Instead of taking the 411 we took the 360 instead, it is a very nice ride thru some beautiful countryside.


As we were riding beside the lake toward the northwest end of the Dragon, I see some lights in the rear view. We have traveled this road before and the speed limit was 50 mph. I thought I was only a bit over, but, over is over.


Got stopped and found out I was going 63 mph, and they had changed the speed limit to 40 mph. He took my license, registration and insurance and proceeded to write up what I thought was a ticket.


This would have been my first ticket on a bike since I was 17...I figured it was going to break my 39 year streak of riding fast & various other shenanigans with no tickets.





Most fortunately for me he just wrote up a warning. I thanked him profusely, and then he asked me how I liked the wethead Twin Cam. We talked bikes for about 10 minutes and then we were on our way again.


Oh, he did warn me to watch my speed on the Dragon, that there was a heavy LE presence there today.




I had planned on riding the Dragon very fast...faster than I did yesterday when I averaged 47 mph...





...but after being stopped at 23 mph over the speed limit, and not getting a ticket...





...I decided on a new personal challenge. See if I could maintian 30-35 mph through-out the entire 11 miles, including all the 318 curves and twistys...





...I came close, but there were just some tight turns that I did end up slowing down to about 25 mph...




...still had a great ride through it, Mary was able to take more pics, and I pulled over several times to let bikes I had caught up with get ahead of me some more before continuing on.





While there are MANY great twisty roads around the country, the Dragon is probably so popular because there are no side streets, beautiful scenery, good surface, and great cambers in most of the turns. It's just a lot of fun to ride!





The road was wet today, and I did get some nice, completely controlled & predictable drifting through some of the turns. No lifting of either rear wheel, I am more impressed than ever with how well the 14 TG's handle.


Leaving the Dragon we headed over to Cherokee to pick up the 441 to cut thru the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that dumps into Gatlinburg.


There's a stream that runs thru Cherokee, and since we've only been there when it was warm, we are used to seeing a lot of people down by, or in, the stream.


Today, being in the low 50's there was no one there. We parked on the side of the road....





....and walked down to it. Looked around, took some pics, then I sat down and took care of a little bit of business on the phone.







Leaving out of Cherokee I had it timed that we would be in Pigeon Forge right before dark. But almost as soon as we got into National Park, there were quite a few Elk near the road, and some of them were butting antlers.


It was quite a sight to watch And hear, and we ended up sitting there for a good 45 minutes...





....as had many other folks. The traffic was heavy and it was getting dark, AND foggy in spots....





By the time we got to Gatlinburg it was completely dark, so we took the bypass and went straight to Pigeon Forge.


Tomorrow is some sight seeing, and then the next day is a straight shot home.


More to come!

Kevin

[Brentwood Bob]

The Dragon looks great. It's been fun as usual to kept up with your trip. Just as good as your Alaskan adventure. Keep them coming and ride safe.

[kodiak]

Kevin

Your trip reports are always a highlight; Looking forward to any video that you might put together of this one.

[DK Custom Products]

The Dragon looks great. It's been fun as usual to kept up with your trip. Just as good as your Alaskan adventure. Keep them coming and ride safe.

Thank you, glad you're enjoying...almost done with this trip.

Kevin

Your trip reports are always a highlight; Looking forward to any video that you might put together of this one.

Thank you!

Below is a video of the Dragon. We'll probably put together one other video compilation of a lot of the colors we saw.



Kevin

[Lucky]

Thanks for the video it is great. Wish I was there. RIDE SAFE

[DK Custom Products]

Mary really enjoys Gatlinburg.

It is a short ride from Pigeon Forge into Gatlinburg...




...and a scenic one too.


I guess they sell clothes and such in there.




A stream runs right thru town...this was a pic we took right near the Aquarium, where we spent several hours. Amazing place!




Some of you may have read our Alaska Ride Report from last summer. That trip started in Pigeon Forge...



...some friends of ours got married that weekend in Pigeon Forge, after the wedding, it was some sightseeing in downtown Gatlinburg.



Ended up at The Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler....



...sampling all 12 flavors.



Well we ended up there again today...but at the end of the trip instead of the beginning.




After a full day in Gatlinburg, and a nice dinner in Pigeon Forge at J. T. Hannah's, the next morning it was time to head out for home!



Loading up for the last time on this trip.

More in next post.

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

Today we will be back home in Mississippi, about 40 miles outside of Memphis, TN.


It's been a great trip seeing parts of this great Country that we had never seen before.




Before even getting out of town, we spent about 40 minutes traveling 8 miles in traffic due to construction. I turned on the stereo for the first time in over 2 weeks!


Another couple on a TG stuck in the same traffic.







Once we were on I-40 we were in some fast moving traffic...





...I found that if I stayed at 90 mph, I wasn't constantly getting passed and tail-gated, and I was able to keep a good distance between myself and the traffic bunched up ahead of me.




Spotted a Trike headed the opposite direction.







There are some nice sections of I-40 in TN....







...including some long curves and some hills...







...and some lakes.







...but for the most part, interstate travel cannot keep the interest like the thousands of miles of country roads we've covered this trip.


But cruise control, a flat smooth road, and the TG can travel for a bit with no steering input...







...every now and then there is something interesting traveling down the road. This guy was traveling 85 mph down the hills and only slowing to 75 mph up the hills.







Shadow pic-







It's been a fantastic trip...we're only 160 miles or so from home!







We got stuck in another traffic jam due to construction on I-40 right outside of Memphis...ate up about an hour.


So the sun is setting while we still have about an hour to ride...





...a pretty spectacular view we had.









We traveled about 450 miles today, about 4800 miles on the entire trip.


Thanks for riding with us!


We'll be posting one more video compilation in this thread in the next week or so.

RIDE FREE!

Kevin

[riden2low]

very cool

[Brentwood Bob]

Another great trip guys, Thank You for sharing

[Lucky]

Looking forward to the next trip ya'll do great reports. RIDE SAFE

[DK Custom Products]

very cool

Another great trip guys, Thank You for sharing

Looking forward to the next trip ya'll do great reports. RIDE SAFE

Awesome trip Kevin & Mary. Pictures were incredible and beautiful. What a trip. I can only hope that one day I can make such a trip. There is sooo much to see in these Grand United States.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks guys, glad you've enjoyed it.



Here's a video of our Trip...one more video coming, then that's it on this trip.


I think Mary did a great job on this video, capturing a small part of what we experienced.

I've seen the rough of the next one and it is just as amazing.




Kevin

[kybigmac]

really enjoyed the write up ,almost like being there!

[DK Custom Products]

Here's Part II.

We had a great trip, the riding and colors were amazing.

Thanks for following along.



Kevin