Tennessee State Ride-In

Well I have been officially indoctrinated now that Smokinjoe, Lucky 13, JimL, Crazyhorse, Roadwarrior and QC-tecky introduced me to "The Dragons Tail". I had a great time this weekend in Tennessee meeting all of you that were there. Those of you that weren't missed some great riding and beautiful weather. Originally I was going to the Blue/Grey ride, but as chance sometimes has it, Crazyhorse came up with an alternative for me with the Tennessee ride. I have never taken my Black Stallion (my valk) any farther than 2-3 hrs before, so this was a good road test for her. I must say that I was very pleased with how she handled on the interstate and in the mountains. We met at the Fall Creek Falls Inn for greets and eats around 12:00 noon. After we were through, it was time for some riding through the State Park and surrounding areas. After several hours of riding we stopped for a break and chit-chat and at that time I mentioned that I was going to go check out this ride that I had heard about called the Dragons tail. Well that is all they needed to hear, a fellow rider wanted an experience and that is exactly what they intended on giving me. These great guys had no intention on going there, but decided they would take the time to make sure I had a good time while I was down there, and boy did they ever. That ride is unbelievable. When we got to Deals Gap they introduced me to some of the guys they new and by the pictures I saw posted on Smokinjoe's post you saw the (6) wheeled valkryie from Hell. Crazyhorse, I can't thank you enough for putting together this weekend that still has a smile plastered on my face. Joe, I made it to Hellbenders for the "faster than a speeding ticket" t-shirt and couldn't help myself when I headed back to Deals Gap and rode her back up the mountain, turned around at the dam and rode her back down again. I didn't know when I would be back around this way again, so I had to ride her (3) times, except the last time down it was getting dark and I didn't care for navigating the Dragon with only my head lights. I know he will deny it, but many thanks to Lucky 13 for leading me through the dragon the first time instead of going balls to the walls like I know he wanted too. All in all it was more than I had expected, so much more that I crossed over into Ashville N.C. and rode until around midnight. Got up on Sunday and rode through the smokies..up..down and all around all day long. Rode more on monday and got home monday night still wishing there was more riding to go, but alas, heading back to work so that I can plan another experience just like this one or better if that is possible .Joe and all the rest of you, thank you very much for a great time.........Mark.