This is not for the faint of heart.
I watched the weather forecast for days poring over radar and wind currents.
https://radar.weather.gov/Conus/full_loop.phphttps://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/surface/level/orthographic=-74.67,34.13,3000/loc=-72.399,33.794I knew I wasn't going to cancel no matter the weather. But I did have a choice about mode of transport.
Friday morning it was raining in Clayton and looking at radar showed scattered rain / thuner storms all the way from home to Marion. Added to the mix the forecast showed rain from Marion VA to my destination in Maggie Valley, NC on Monday and again on the way home on Tuesday.
My final decision was to DRIVE. The horror going to a Valkyrie meet up in my Mazda 3.
I've ridden enough in the rain that to choose to open my garage door and immediately ride in the rain gives me no pleasure.
I did want to hang out with the people going. Some who I get to meet only 2 or 3 times a year.
The Mazda does have a manual / automatic gear box and driving on country / mountain roads is nearly as much fun as being on 2 wheels.
I got rained on leaving home. Crossing into NC. North of Asheville and as I crossed into VA.
I waited at the Shady Valley store for a while but the group from Clinton, TN didn't show and I found out later they had to divert to a Honda store for a Wing rear tire replacement.
Friday evening was a bit of a disappointment to find about 3/4 of the people who signed up for the ride didn't show. I am still trying to wrap my head around not going. I know the riding is a big part but isn't the meeting of others an integral part of going to these meet ups???
Saturday morning was damp and I headed off to Burke's Garden
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burke%27s_Garden,_VirginiaDriving through the gap into the garden I had a Disney moment. The bowl was in bright sunshine and the cloud that had been hanging low was held back by the rim of the garden.
Route starts headed north on hwy 16 from Marion VA.
https://www.relive.cc/view/v4OGmWPr9mqhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b280sJUJhx0This was growing in abundance in the verges
https://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/an-herb-to-know-dames-rocketSaturday night fun although tempered slightly following the crash of one of the attendees.
Up earlyish and off to Maggie Valley using part of the BRP.
The Mt Mitchell summit was as busy as a Wal Mart on black Friday. An approaching thunder cloud sounded like a drum line.
https://www.relive.cc/view/v36ArWwVWGqhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_MitchellThere was talk of a different location for next years ride. My suggestion is Lenoir, NC. Easy access to I40 to the south and the BRP and associated roads to the north.
I used the Days Inn when I used to organize a Memorial Day ride quite a few years ago. Food/gas/and an ABC store are close by.
