Stormrider65
Member
Posts: 541
Just Riding The Many Storms Of Life
Ft.Worth, Texas
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« on: January 28, 2012, 08:02:56 PM » |
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As some you already know, I am planning a trip to South Carolina to visit my sister. I will finally have my chance to ride the Dragon. Thanks to Disco here in Texas, I also learned of the Cherohala Skyway right next door. For those who almost live on the Dragon there, what month would be good for me to head that way? I can't decide on April, May, or June. I have to leave July open for Inzane in Arkansas. I can imagine the best day would be during the early part of the week. I want to ride both roads, take some pics, maybe get to meet and ride with some fellow Valk riders. Also, do I have to contact Killboy to set up times for pics on the Dragon? I may spend the night there, but, not too sure yet. I also plan on going to the Smokies and maybe even the Snake, then head down to Greer, SC to my sister's place. I only have a few days to do this. I'm not in a hurry but I want to take my time on roads I'm not familiar with. Just want to enjoy my ride. It took me 7 years and a lot of sacrifice to get my Valkyrie I/S(Wall-E) so I'm not wanting to set any speed records right away.   Any suggestions would be welcomed. Walt |
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In this wild and wolly world, there are only 3 things you can depend on, your brains, your bros, and your bike. Ride free!!!
A good friend will bail you out of jail. A true friend will be sitting next to saying "Damn, That Was Fun"
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lacon
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« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2012, 01:29:54 AM » |
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I think if I had to pick a week from your time frame, I would go with the last half of May.
Reasons: April usually has more rain, & rain is not fun in the mountains. Fog can get thick also with rain.
School is out in June & tourist count is higher. If you are flexible, plan around the weather though. I prefer tourists over rain & fog.
There are several photographers, including Killboy, that set up at pull-offs long 129. They take pictures of everybody going by. A week or so after your trip, check their websites & look at their posted pictures made on the day you rode through & order anything you want.
If you spend some time searching the internet for maps of good motorcycle riding roads in this area, you really can't go wrong. If you plan to ride through the Smoky Mt. National Park, try to do so real early on a week day. Avoid the temptation to ride through the Cades Cove Loop. Pretty, but a tourist magnet. I predict that you will like the Cherohala better than the "Dragon", & there are some nice roads in the Tellico Plains / north Georgia area too. The Foothills Parkway is a nice addition to a trip to the "Dragon".
If you want some company, post your plans. Probably some around here would like to ride a bit with you.
Lynn
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2012, 06:59:39 AM » |
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Walt
Why not go on the Britman Memorial Day run with me? My trip out includes the Skyway and the Dragon. Leaving early May 25th. Look on the Texas board for this topic and a ride map. My second trip to the beautiful state of Tennessee after going thru on the way to Inzane last year.
From Lenoir, head down to your sister's house on Memorial Day.
Contact me by PM for details if you want.
RainMaker
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 2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2012, 08:16:35 AM » |
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Throw in the southern section of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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Disco
Member
Posts: 4918
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2012, 09:14:33 AM » |
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Throw in the southern section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. +2! |
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2000 Bumblebee Tourer, 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K, 07 Helix 71 MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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SANDMAN5
Member
Posts: 2176
Mileage 65875
East TN
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« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2012, 09:54:55 AM » |
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Not sure if killboy is there all week, but always there on weekends and
holidays. Try to remember what time you roll through...it helps when
you're looking for your pics on his website.
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"Evolution" is a dying religion being kept alive with tax dollars.  |
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #6 on: January 29, 2012, 11:15:09 AM » |
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Don't let Lisa watch the Discovery Channel "Hell Roads" program or you won't be going.  |
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2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16824
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2012, 12:38:38 PM » |
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I don't frequent the Dragon, I've been there enough to know I wouldn't much like it when it is packed. Killboy is there even on rainy days... and a fair amount of other bikes, too...  Joe sez he owns it when it is cold. Stanley Steamer goes at night  ... I've never been to the Cherohala when it wasn't awesome... it gets busy, but not packed... -Mike |
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2012, 02:13:14 PM » |
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" ![](http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetempbig/language/www/US/GA/Athens.gif" alt="Click for Athens, Georgia Forecast" border="0" height="40" width="467") |
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thumper
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« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2012, 03:55:02 PM » |
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I don't frequent the Dragon, I've been there enough to know I wouldn't much like it when it is packed. Killboy is there even on rainy days... and a fair amount of other bikes, too... Joe sez he owns it when it is cold. Stanley Steamer goes at night ... I've never been to the Cherohala when it wasn't awesome... it gets busy, but not packed... -Mike Who's the other nut in the picture? ??? |
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An oak tree is nothing but an acorn that stood it's ground!
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T-Bird
Member
Posts: 2487
A friend is one who takes me for what I am.
Cleveland, Tennessee
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« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2012, 08:20:24 PM » |
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For those who almost live on the Dragon there, what month would be good for me to head that way? Walt
Deals gap can be ridden just about anytime. This time of the year you just have to be careful and take it slow...sand & gravel in the road, ice and water in the shady spots. Cherohala is a different ride, it elavates to 5600ft on the mountain and is always 20 degrees colder at the top than deals gap. This could mean deep snow,ice, gravel, and sand on the road Late spring thru early fall and you can catch all the good roads around here rain or shine. ( I may be riding it on Tuesday-temps in the mid 60's) |
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