Capt Ron's May 2010 Moto Trip by savannahcapt 2010-05-22 United States Georgia Midville 55 Views Like this Adventure Unlike this Adventure 0 Likes

Adventure Story
May 15.  Loaded the KLR and left the house at about 8:30.  Goal was to reach Bryson City, NC.  Fueled at Millen BP.  Road construction delays on 17 near Louisville.  Had a good lunch at the Sandwich Shop in Washington. Got some pictures at Tallulah Gorge at the overlook on OLD 441.  The place is a holdover from the pre Interstate Highway tourist attraction days.  It started raining shortly after I left the Gorge.  Pulled into a gas station just as it started to pour.  Several other motorcyclists arrived as well.  One guy said it was amazing how bikes always need gas when it starts raining.  Fueled up and dressed out.  Light rain to Franklin then began to clear for the ride into Bryson City.  Arrived about 4:30.

May 16.  The weather was looking good so I decided to do the "Tail of the Dragon" today.  I took 19 to 129 to Deals Gap and over into Tennessee to the Chilhowie Dam overlook.  Back to Deals Gap and return to Bryson City via the same route.  Lots of rain half way back.  The day was a blast.  I am so much more comfortable with the bike than the last time I rode it, and the weather was beautiful.

May 17.  Having trouble with pictures tonight, will try again later.  Left Bryson City on 19 to Cherokee, then through The Great Smokey Mountain National Park.  A great ride.  It started raining and getting foggy a few miles from New Found Gap and stopped at a similar elevation on the other side.  I had planned to stop in Gatlinburg for a taffey apple, But Gatlinburg has turned into Pigeon Forge without the parking.  Stopped at the Log Cabin Pancake House in PF, hadnt been there for over 20 years.  I think they have the same waitresses.
Wears valley was a nice ride.  Maryville to Lenoir City was windy.  Stopped at Fort Loudon Marina to wait out the rain.  On to Kingston via U.S. 70.  I'd forgotten what a neat road it is through there.  On to the Cumberland Plateau tomorrow.
I Didn't compensate for the Central Time Zone so the Middle Tn Pictures are out of place by an hour.  I'm not going to fix it at this time.
May 18.  Cold and wet.  Not too many pictures today.  Did over 200 miles from Kingston to Goodlettsville via 27north 52 west 31w south.  Some beautiful areas across the Cumberland Plateau and Highland Rim.  Dinner with Barbara and Steve.  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans.  Finally met Rick Ott, another KLR rider. 

May 19.  Easy day with beautiful weather.  The creek crossings from Dividing Ridge road to SW nashville were interesting.  The bridges on al of the creeks and small rivers were washed away from the recent flood.  There was road construction everywhere.  They had placed large culverts and covered them with gravel for temp fixes.  L;ots of houses with all the ruined stuff piled up at the road to be hauled off.  Arrived at Brandon's house in Brentwood at 3:00.  Brandon, Kyle, Anna and I had dinner at Longhorns and a great visit.
Brandon and I added an electrical outlet inside the Pelican case that I use as a tail bag.  Great fun. 

May 20.  Brentwood to Dahlonaga is a long ride.  Dayton courthouse, Sequatchie Valley, Ocoee River and great roads.  My first site of the Sequatchie Valley was a wow moment.  In fact, I literally heard a wow in my helmet.  No place to stop for a picture though.

May 21. Final Day.  No Pictures today.  Headed for the Barn.  It rained most of the day.  I kept raingear on all the way to Midway.  The long straight roads were somewhat welcome for a change, since I wanted to get home.  While the ride wasnt about distance, I logged 1334 miles.  I met some great folks, had good visits with family and friends, and was amazed again and again at the beauty of the world we live in.  I had no "'close calls."  I'm a better rider than when I left.  Several other motorcyclists, ("biker"  is something else I think) offered assistance like local information, good roads, one loaned me camera batteries when mine went dead just when I wanted of picture of myself in Fontana, and just good conversation.  Thank you to those who followed my Spot tracks. Thanks to you who were willing to be my "HELP" in case I needed you, glad I didn't .  I still am unable to get the pictures loaded the way I wanted.  Next time I may use a different venue.  The I did figure out  the map I think.  The correct route is in thisTrip Capt Ron's May 2010 Moto Trip May 22, 2010.   Try it in the Google Earth mode for kicks.