We left with Georgia on our mind....Did'nt make it...

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

We had planned on ridin' down to Brasstown Bald the highest point in Georgia. We took all backroads getting into Tellico Plains , Tennessee while there Paul ( Britman ) called and claimed he would'nt wait on us as we was going to hook up with him for lunch somewhere in North Georgia.That's when the plans changed we hit several rural roads off Hwy.68 checking out Towee Waterfall and just enjoying the beautiful cold day. I'm pretty sure the temps was still in the lower 30's when we changed plans all I can say is Gerbing Heated Gear is a wonderful thing   We had ( 5 ) Valkyrie's ride today.
Big Al
Lucky 13 ( Gordon )
Dubsvalk ( Bernie )
Smooth Rider ( Greg )
Smokinjoe

These first picture's taken along the Hiwassee River close to the North Carolina stateline.








We rode up Hwy.74 through Andrews, North Carolina and stopped for lunch at Elsie's we even met Miss Elsie who is 85 years old and still cookin'    I ask her if she knew Miss Reba the owner of The Phillips Motel in Robbinsville, North Carolina and she did ( I'm pretty sure Miss Reba told us on The Fall Color Ride this year that she was 85 years old as well ) .Good home-cooked food at a very reasonable price.







After lunch we headed for US 129 " The Dragon "  it was great today with no traffic and more important NO COPS....Now is the time to come ride The Dragon you can now appreicate this road for what it is...One of the top motorcycling roads in the nation.The mandatory photo from the over-look on the Tennesse side of US 129 The Dragon.



I thought I got a great " Money Shot " of my bike at the over-look however when I downloaded them some dude that was riding a bicycle and wearing those queer lookin' spandex had his boney ass in my picture  


Plan B ...." The Money Shot " taken near Hiwassee River .

[eric in md]

sounds like you have another great ride ..

[big turkey]

Was a good sprited ride and I believe Dubsvalk is gonna be regular at these rides.

He is a ride instructor and a heck of a nice guy.

Rides the hound out of that Fast Black Tourer.

Has a Great Running Valk and already is enjoying the joy of Gerbings heated Apparel.

These guys are always a hoot to ride with.

As a lot of you already know.

The roads around here help a lot too.

AL

[FLAVALK]

I think those bicycle riders will eventually take over the dragon. I see more of them each time I go there

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I think those bicycle riders will eventually take over the dragon. I see more of them each time I go there

I'm amazed through the summer more of them ain't killed...It's almost as if they dare you to hit'em....I have no doubt you MUST have nads the size of peanut's in order to wear those outfits.

[Garfield]

I love that paint job Joe 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I love that paint job Joe  

Thank You    See Robin's thread " Black / Orange  "

[Spirited-6]

 have no doubt you MUST have nads the size of peanut's in order to wear those outfits.

   

Great pictures Joe. Thanks.
Don

[bogator]

 JOE, word your post a little different please ! when I saw that you said we did'nt make it! I got a funny feeling in my stomach. glad it was not what I thought at first, also--good pic's---GOD BLESS--

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

JOE, word your post a little different please ! when I saw that you said we did'nt make it! I got a funny feeling in my stomach. glad it was not what I thought at first, also--good pic's---GOD BLESS--

Understand    Did'nt cross my mind when I started this thread 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I got the picture below this morning in a e-mail from my ridin' bud Greg ( Smooth Rider ) he took this panoramic shot yesterday from the over-look on The Dragon. His camera is much nicer than mine " You Can't Hide Money "     Powerlines is what I do for a living and they have fed my family for close to 24 years now the powerlines in the picture are owned by my employer....They sure do mess up  the view here 

[Dubsvalk]

I had the pleasure of another ride with "The Wild Bunch"!  Being the elder of this elite group, I was very tired when we stopped for lunch at Elsie's!  What an endearing woman and great cook!  After steak, green beans and fried okra, I was ready for a nap but my friends had other plans.  They ride hard and I managed to hang with them until we reached The Dragon.  I started riding "my ride" and fell behing as Joe, Gordon and Greg attacked The Dragon.  Al, sensing I was tired; stayed back with me and sheparded me to the top where the rest of the gang were waiting; talking with tourists in their car.  I pulled out first to head down the other side and was quickly passed by Greg, then Joe and on the next straight stretch by Gordon.  Gordon had to downshift and brake hard for an extreme left turn and he started slinging sparks from under his Valk and the rear tire broke loose.  Fortunately, because of his great riding skill and the sport-like handling of these wonderful Valks, he was able to regain control and make the turn.  We stopped at the overlook where I immediately dropped my bike because the side stand was on the uphill side and it fell to the right as soon as I stood up.  Luckiy Gordon and I caught it and it came to rest gently on the guards without damage; except to my ego.  I had a wonderful time riding with a great bunch of guys.  And was totally worn out when I got home. 
Thanks for making an old man feel young again; at least for a few hours on a beautiful fall day!
Bernie

[Dubsvalk]

I drove over to Joe's this morning and swapped some parts.  This is one beautiful Sunday and I have to gas up the Valk.  Should have done it after the ride yesterday but was too pooped.  Also need to get the Vulcan out and stretch its legs a little!  Too many roads and too little time!
Bernie

[RoadKill]

A VERY WISE man once said "It's not the destination,it's the journey" ! 

[Dubsvalk]

Amen RoadKill!
Bernie

[Spirited-6]

They ride hard and I managed to hang with them until we reached The Dragon.  I started riding "my ride" and fell behing as Joe, Gordon and Greg attacked The Dragon !!!!
Bernie, you were smart to hang back.  TOO MANY times a rider will try to keep up with faster riders and wind up in a ditch. Been there, done that. Only it was a guard rail I made "love to" while trying to match skills with my son and friends.  Ride on.
Don.

[hubcapsc]

A VERY WISE man once said "It's not the destination,it's the journey" ! 

Some people agree, and some people split off and take the Interstate the rest of the way... 



-Mike "but it would be dangerous to stop for muscadines on the Interstate"

[Valkahuna]

You guys seem to consistantly have not only the nicest rides, but with the best photos, narrative, and stories of comaraderie. 

(Sorry if that makes others feel slighted, I don't mean it like that, just sayin')

Thanks for letting all of the rest of us "ride along"! And Dubsvalk, I agree that it is all about the journey. Stop and smell the roses, and NEVER ride faster than you are comfortable doing. 

[Dubsvalk]

Valkahuna,  I was really getting tired and knew it would be dangerous for me to try to keep pace!  These have become good friends and riding with them is a joy.  And they do wait for me when needed!  Joe does a great job posting pics and narrating so I don't post mine.  All the guys have made me feel welcome to thier group.  I call them "The Wild Bunch" and they really are not; just great to ride with!  They even let women ride with them!
Bernie