The Great Smoky Mountain / Dragon Ride

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Only two of us showed up for the ride Gordon ( Lucky 13 ) called in sick and Greg ( Smooth Rider ) was a no-show.The temp's was in the mid 20's when we rolled in to the local Honda dealer and hooked up for the ride.



Paul ( Wimp ) and I was talking before we rolled out and he wanted to go check out a motorcycle salvage yard I told him about. We got there alittle after 11:00 and it did'nt open till 12:00 so all the pictures are from the gate. I've been here several times and the place is huge most of the better stuff is in buildings and sheds with several old school buses and van trailers in the back that's packed nose to tail with old vintage motorcycle parts and pieces. We had hoped on doing some pickin' as I need a new wheel for my 450 Foreman that took a nice lick in a river bottom last time I rode down to Coal Creek.I have never seen any Valkyrie parts here but a dude told me they had a couple wreaked Standard's when he was there this summer.








After leaving the salvage yard we took some really cool backroads and made our way to the small community of Top Of The World.My friend Paul with picture taken at Top Of The World near Happy Valley. Paul and I are planning on rolling out next friday for a few days on the road no plans to where we are riding we just know we are going southbound( Maybe south Georgia or Florida ).Anyone wanting to hook-up and take a road trip next weekend let me know and we can plan on meeting somewhere.

The Dragon was ours with no traffic whatsoever only bad thing was it was wet in spots from all the rain this week and you really had to watch the tight turns in the shaded areas.Picture below is Deal's Gap we only saw a couple bikes all day long ( I love this time of year for riding the mountains no sport bikes tryin' to run you over and no slow ass Harley's in the way ) .






" The Money Shot " taken on a backroad somewhere near Top Of The World.

[Gary]

Very nice!

I sure miss rummaging through salvage yards, haven't done so in years. I've yet to hit a motorcycle yard yet.

Thanks for sharing, nice pic's. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Very nice!

I sure miss rummaging through salvage yards, haven't done so in years. I've yet to hit a motorcycle yard yet.

Thanks for sharing, nice pic's.  

Thanks for the comment    We've got a few motorcycle bone yards around here it might be cause we have roads like The Dragon, Cherohala and The Moonshine 28 it makes for a never-ending suppy of trashed out motorcycles plus in the summer we have folks from all over the world come to this area to ride.

[f-Stop]

Thanks for sharing Joe.  Your "Money Shots" are always the best!

There should a "Smokin' Joe's Money Shot Calendar"...I'm serious!

[fon1961]

nice pics joe, thanks for posting 

[robin]

Hey Joe Since you are riding in the cold why don't ya take a shot NORTH we don't have any snow here and a tad warmer

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Hey Joe Since you are riding in the cold why don't ya take a shot NORTH we don't have any snow here and a tad warmer

We'll be rollin' out friday 12-16 no telling what the weather will be like in your world by then. If its a nasty wet weekend here in God's Country we'll wait it out and not leave next friday. My friend that was in from Florida over Thanksgiving gave a invite to come stay at his place just south of Daytona Beach. He owns a couple small shrimp boats and offered to take us out he works at night in the canal's when the tide goes out. Still no real plan as to where we'll ride we just want a few good days on the road.

[gwise]

Hey Joe,
 If you come to Fl. let me know, maybe we can meet somewhere for lunch. I live 2 hours from Daytona. I just need a little notice.(not much).
   Gregg (chip guy)

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Hey Joe,
 If you come to Fl. let me know, maybe we can meet somewhere for lunch. I live 2 hours from Daytona. I just need a little notice.(not much).
   Gregg (chip guy)

Will do as stated above we really don't know where we are going we just know we are going and looking for a few days on the road before Christmas.Its about 700 miles from here to my friends house .If we do come that way I'll give you a shout....PM me a cell # ....I just sent you mine 

[donaldcc]

  Wow  i hate cold weather and my hat is off to you.  just seeing those pics with the snow makes me go put on a sweater.  glad to see you are out riding as much as possible.  good for you! 

  florida sounds like a good destination this time of year.  post some pics and keep us updated on your travels.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

  Wow  i hate cold weather and my hat is off to you.  just seeing those pics with the snow makes me go put on a sweater.  glad to see you are out riding as much as possible.  good for you! 

  florida sounds like a good destination this time of year.  post some pics and keep us updated on your travels.

Gerbing heated gear is worth its weight in gold and the best money my wife ever spent ( Christmas gift years ago ) .

[dragon_slayer_129]

Looks like they took down the deal's gap sign at the resort/gas station.  Repaint maybe??



Still a great ride no matter what time of the year you go.  Been there in january on vacation (in the cage) and had the road to ourselves.  Yes it was great not to have traffic either holding you up or shoving it up your tailpipe.

[fon1961]

joe, i'm going to have to invest in some of that gear, 421 to shady was a little nippy 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

joe, i'm going to have to invest in some of that gear, 421 to shady was a little nippy 

When you are standing there ready to buy you are saying DAMN thats alot of money...Trust me its worth every penny start out with jacket liner , gloves and controller...I've had mine for years now and in fact just bought another jacket liner and gloves of the new generation they are still hanging in the garage only time I've had them on was in the store the day I bought them...If you are in the need for a day road trip come to Clinton, TN ( my hometown ) and vist Dixie Cycle on Hwy.25W they are a Gerbing dealer and you can try on whatever you want to check out. They also offer a lay-a -way if needed.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Great pics Joe, as always, thanks for sharing em.

I agree about needing a "Smokin' Joe money shot calendar".

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Looks like they took down the deal's gap sign at the resort/gas station.  Repaint maybe??



Still a great ride no matter what time of the year you go.  Been there in january on vacation (in the cage) and had the road to ourselves.  Yes it was great not to have traffic either holding you up or shoving it up your tailpipe.

The sign post's was cut with a chainsaw I'd say some redneck now has that in his garage    The US 129 highway markers are a target of thieves as well and they steal them all along 129 as far north as I-40 where it crosses 129.

[Gerard irl]

  Great pic and story as per normal Joe I look foward to reading  your days out
With friends  Because of the time dif Ican relax and read them I have bein near your
Neck of the woods only once Nashvile in 2005 on A us tour  Me and 7 of my friends
Boston  To LA  we did just 4500 miles in 22 days  took in meny small towns and citys
Old roads most of the time we met some great people  Most of the good Folk we met
Though we were mad  spending 3 weeks Driving around you fair Country but I have to say
It was one of my best Forighn trips  I have bein to the us 5 times and look Foward to the
Next one  I hope if God is good I might Make  it to Clinton TN Gods Country as you call it
You all ride safe until the next time Gerard in Ireland PS some of my spelling mighs be crap
But who cares

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Great pic and story as per normal Joe I look foward to reading  your days out
With friends  Because of the time dif Ican relax and read them I have bein near your
Neck of the woods only once Nashvile in 2005 on A us tour  Me and 7 of my friends
Boston  To LA  we did just 4500 miles in 22 days  took in meny small towns and citys
Old roads most of the time we met some great people  Most of the good Folk we met
Though we were mad  spending 3 weeks Driving around you fair Country but I have to say
It was one of my best Forighn trips  I have bein to the us 5 times and look Foward to the
Next one  I hope if God is good I might Make  it to Clinton TN Gods Country as you call it
You all ride safe until the next time Gerard in Ireland PS some of my spelling mighs be crap
But who cares

Nashville, Tennessee is what we call middle Tennessee its pretty flat compared to east Tennessee where The Great Smoky Mountains are. If you ever make it back to The Great State Of Tennessee let me know and I'll give you a tour of some of my favorite roads     

[..]

Some of us N GA riders stayed here for a few years.

Makes for a nice ride into Applachicola for a Saturday oyster lunch on the river.

There's a cConfederate fort in St. Marks as well.

http://civilwarflorida.blogspot.com/2010/03/fort-ward-confederate-bastion-at-st.html

And then there's http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/

With a lighthouse http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=594

There's a couple of bar / restaurnats in "downtown" St. marks.

This is a part of Florida I really like. Old Florida. No swathes of tourists.

[Gerard irl]

  Might take you up on that offer Joe  Thanks 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Some of us N GA riders stayed here for a few years.

Makes for a nice ride into Applachicola for a Saturday oyster lunch on the river.

There's a cConfederate fort in St. Marks as well.

http://civilwarflorida.blogspot.com/2010/03/fort-ward-confederate-bastion-at-st.html

And then there's http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/

With a lighthouse http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=594

There's a couple of bar / restaurnats in "downtown" St. marks.

This is a part of Florida I really like. Old Florida. No swathes of tourists.

Thanks for the information Paul I'll share it with Wimp 

[BF]

Some of us N GA riders stayed here for a few years.

Makes for a nice ride into Applachicola for a Saturday oyster lunch on the river.

There's a cConfederate fort in St. Marks as well.

http://civilwarflorida.blogspot.com/2010/03/fort-ward-confederate-bastion-at-st.html

And then there's http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/

With a lighthouse http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=594

There's a couple of bar / restaurnats in "downtown" St. marks.

This is a part of Florida I really like. Old Florida. No swathes of tourists.

The Indian Pass Raw Bar was recently featured on the show Hairy Bikers.  It's just up the road from Applachicola (about half way between Applach and Port St Joe.  

http://www.indianpassrawbar.com/

And for a place to stay and just up the road from Port St Joe to the west is Mexico Beach which has the El Governor motel.  

http://www.elgovernormotel.net/

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=0&oq=el+governor&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLF_enUS297US297&q=el+governor+mexico+beach&gs_upl=0l0l1l188179lllllllllll0&aqi=g5

Britman is right.....it's the best Florida....the old Florida.  I'm kinda partial.  

[hal47]

Great pictures as allways,you and Paul keep a sharp eye out for black ice,really injoy your articles.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Some of us N GA riders stayed here for a few years.

Makes for a nice ride into Applachicola for a Saturday oyster lunch on the river.

There's a cConfederate fort in St. Marks as well.

http://civilwarflorida.blogspot.com/2010/03/fort-ward-confederate-bastion-at-st.html

And then there's http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/

With a lighthouse http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=594

There's a couple of bar / restaurnats in "downtown" St. marks.

This is a part of Florida I really like. Old Florida. No swathes of tourists.

The Indian Pass Raw Bar was recently featured on the show Hairy Bikers.  It's just up the road from Applachicola (about half way between Applach and Port St Joe.  

http://www.indianpassrawbar.com/

And for a place to stay and just up the road from Port St Joe to the west is Mexico Beach which has the El Governor motel.  

http://www.elgovernormotel.net/

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=0&oq=el+governor&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLF_enUS297US297&q=el+governor+mexico+beach&gs_upl=0l0l1l188179lllllllllll0&aqi=g5

Britman is right.....it's the best Florida....the old Florida.  I'm kinda partial.  

The forecast right now for next weekend is'nt looking that good for a GO on this ride    As of now the forecast is rain with temp's in the high 40's for the high's....I care absolutely nothing about taking a 1,500 mile road trip with highs in the 40's and rain.

[eric in md]

Some of us N GA riders stayed here for a few years.

Makes for a nice ride into Applachicola for a Saturday oyster lunch on the river.

There's a cConfederate fort in St. Marks as well.

http://civilwarflorida.blogspot.com/2010/03/fort-ward-confederate-bastion-at-st.html

And then there's http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/

With a lighthouse http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=594

There's a couple of bar / restaurnats in "downtown" St. marks.

This is a part of Florida I really like. Old Florida. No swathes of tourists.

The Indian Pass Raw Bar was recently featured on the show Hairy Bikers.  It's just up the road from Applachicola (about half way between Applach and Port St Joe.  

http://www.indianpassrawbar.com/

And for a place to stay and just up the road from Port St Joe to the west is Mexico Beach which has the El Governor motel.  

http://www.elgovernormotel.net/

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=0&oq=el+governor&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLF_enUS297US297&q=el+governor+mexico+beach&gs_upl=0l0l1l188179lllllllllll0&aqi=g5

Britman is right.....it's the best Florida....the old Florida.  I'm kinda partial.  

The forecast right now for next weekend is'nt looking that good for a GO on this ride    As of now the forecast is rain with temp's in the high 40's for the high's....I care absolutely nothing about taking a 1,500 mile road trip with highs in the 40's and rain.

  dont be scared buddy.. lets see 1500 miles does that equal 3 days each way? thats 6 days buddy ..     

[..]

The route we took from St. Marks to Appalachicola has one of the better FL roads I've ridden.

St Marks north on Hwy 363
TL Hwy 267
TL Hwy 376
TR Hwy 20
TL Hwy 65

TL Co Rd 67 and heres where the fun begins. The road becoems a 2 lane thru a pine forest. 100mph + straights and 40 mph + bends linking them together. May be sand in the bends !!!
Take a look on Google Earth. Look for Hosford FL and you'll find Hwy 60

[Mr Whiskey]

Had to help with Grandmother's Christmas decorating Sat. so I couldn't get with ya Brother. Looks like ya had a good ride! Thanks for the pic's.
I got a wild hair and went over Fri. Rolled out 'bout 3pm. One slow pass over to check the mountain then one good "jousting run" straight back. Home 'bout 6pm. Sure is nice to have The Mountain all to yourself once in a while aint it?
Dixie Cycle hooked me up with some jacket liners and gloves. Thanks for the tip! You're right, it's a lot of $ to throw down...........& worth every penny! Gonna need them boot inserts next. (Caught your tip on the socks, who wants to ride around feelin' like ya got a boot full of pencils.)
Thanks again Brother. Happy holidays & keep them wheels rollin' safe man.
'Till next time, Peace Whiskey.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

The route we took from St. Marks to Appalachicola has one of the better FL roads I've ridden.

St Marks north on Hwy 363
TL Hwy 267
TL Hwy 376
TR Hwy 20
TL Hwy 65

TL Co Rd 67 and heres where the fun begins. The road becoems a 2 lane thru a pine forest. 100mph + straights and 40 mph + bends linking them together. May be sand in the bends !!!
Take a look on Google Earth. Look for Hosford FL and you'll find Hwy 60

I wrote this down and throwed it in my trunk....This just might be the way we head .

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Had to help with Grandmother's Christmas decorating Sat. so I couldn't get with ya Brother. Looks like ya had a good ride! Thanks for the pic's.
I got a wild hair and went over Fri. Rolled out 'bout 3pm. One slow pass over to check the mountain then one good "jousting run" straight back. Home 'bout 6pm. Sure is nice to have The Mountain all to yourself once in a while aint it?
Dixie Cycle hooked me up with some jacket liners and gloves. Thanks for the tip! You're right, it's a lot of $ to throw down...........& worth every penny! Gonna need them boot inserts next. (Caught your tip on the socks, who wants to ride around feelin' like ya got a boot full of pencils.)
Thanks again Brother. Happy holidays & keep them wheels rollin' safe man.
'Till next time, Peace Whiskey.

You know you are always welcome to ride with us D.G . Stay in touch....Those Gerbing's are SWEET    Could'nt and would'nt do without them now 

[ChromeDome]

Great ride report Joe. Thank you. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Rain is in the forecast for friday 12-16....Looks like we'll be rollin' out " Southbound " on saturday morning and as of now it's St. Marks, Florida or cutting through the mountains of Tennessee , North Carolina and into South Carloina and making our way to the Atlantic Ocean . No plans we just want a nice road trip that will take us to The Gulf Of Mexico or The Atlantic Ocean 


Thanks for the comments everyone its appreciated

[..]

Rain is in the forecast for friday 12-16....Looks like we'll be rollin' out " Southbound " on saturday morning and as of now it's St. Marks, Florida or cutting through the mountains of Tennessee , North Carolina and into South Carloina and making our way to the Atlantic Ocean . No plans we just want a nice road trip that will take us to The Gulf Of Mexico or The Atlantic Ocean 


Thanks for the comments everyone its appreciated

Turn right out of the road to the fish camp. Follow to the stop sign and there's a couple of bars. The one straight ahead is on  water. Usually has a few shrimp boats tied up.

On the way on the left there should be a breakfast place.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Rain is in the forecast for friday 12-16....Looks like we'll be rollin' out " Southbound " on saturday morning and as of now it's St. Marks, Florida or cutting through the mountains of Tennessee , North Carolina and into South Carloina and making our way to the Atlantic Ocean . No plans we just want a nice road trip that will take us to The Gulf Of Mexico or The Atlantic Ocean  


Thanks for the comments everyone its appreciated

Turn right out of the road to the fish camp. Follow to the stop sign and there's a couple of bars. The one straight ahead is on  water. Usually has a few shrimp boats tied up.

On the way on the left there should be a breakfast place.

Paul is this where y'all stayed ?
Shell Island Fish Camp
440 Shell Island Rd, St Marks, FL 32327

[..]

Rain is in the forecast for friday 12-16....Looks like we'll be rollin' out " Southbound " on saturday morning and as of now it's St. Marks, Florida or cutting through the mountains of Tennessee , North Carolina and into South Carloina and making our way to the Atlantic Ocean . No plans we just want a nice road trip that will take us to The Gulf Of Mexico or The Atlantic Ocean  


Thanks for the comments everyone its appreciated

Turn right out of the road to the fish camp. Follow to the stop sign and there's a couple of bars. The one straight ahead is on  water. Usually has a few shrimp boats tied up.

On the way on the left there should be a breakfast place.

Paul is this where y'all stayed ?
Shell Island Fish Camp
440 Shell Island Rd, St Marks, FL 32327

Yep . My PC will not let me cust and paste AGAIN. (850) 925-6226

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Rain is in the forecast for friday 12-16....Looks like we'll be rollin' out " Southbound " on saturday morning and as of now it's St. Marks, Florida or cutting through the mountains of Tennessee , North Carolina and into South Carloina and making our way to the Atlantic Ocean . No plans we just want a nice road trip that will take us to The Gulf Of Mexico or The Atlantic Ocean  


Thanks for the comments everyone its appreciated

Turn right out of the road to the fish camp. Follow to the stop sign and there's a couple of bars. The one straight ahead is on  water. Usually has a few shrimp boats tied up.

On the way on the left there should be a breakfast place.

Paul is this where y'all stayed ?
Shell Island Fish Camp
440 Shell Island Rd, St Marks, FL 32327

Yep . My PC will not let me cust and paste AGAIN. (850) 925-6226

Just got off the phone with them ....Thanks for the information Paul ....Give Coot a yell and go with us 

[..]

Not enough rubber on the ST rear tire 

Are you stopping at Andersonville on the way?

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Not enough rubber on the ST rear tire 

Are you stopping at Andersonville on the way?

Not this trip I talked with Paul ( Thumper ) day before yesterday he's out doing somethings he has on his bucket-list up in DC....Wimp wants to ride down to his place in the near future and ride to Andersonville with him.

[..]

http://www.shellislandfishcamp.com/

[alph]

i really enjoyed riding those roads!  as for cycle salvage yards, we use to have a couple around here, then the DNR closed them up!