I'd most likely be coming down through Knoxville to Franklin, NC prior to the rally, visiting some friends going back many years. If it works out, I'd like to hit the Dragon(129) on the way down so wondering where's a good spot to pick it up SE of Knoxville? On the map it doesn't look like it gets interesting until past Chilhowee. I have an old LEO buddy that's retired outside of Robbinsville I could stop to see, then take 143 NE since nothing goes straight through to Franklin. Another possibility is pick up 28 going SE to Franklin, that would bypass my old buddy though. After Franklin I'd head over to Asheville, calling ahead so the marching band and dancing girls will be on site when I arrive.
Now if only I can do all that without getting lost(memories of a couple times following Michael K and his GPS)! Which brings up another thought....I haven't heard from him or about him in quite some time. Does anyone have any info, I know he was battling pancreatic cancer but never heard how it turned out. Hope it's not bad news about my old friend from "Feenix" via Florida for a few years.
