Well, We're back

[gshep]

Just got back from our 4 day trip to the Smoky Mountains.
We hit all the major bike roads and found a couple ones not usually mentioned.
The Dragons tail was interesting as it rained during our passage.
I can't say I tamed the dragon, more like I kept a low profile and he let me pass http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
Of more interest to me was highway 276 from Waynesville to Brevard. It goes up to 5000 feet elevation and is nearly 40 miles of twisties.
The Cherolaha Skyway drive was also interesting as we rode it this morning in total fog and rain. 4o miles of fog with maybe 50 ft visibility.
All total 1000 miles in 3 and 1/2 days , maybe 250-300 Interstate miles. The remaining 700-750 miles was some of the most beautiful country you can imagine. I don't have many photos as it rained nearly the whole trip, Thursday morning was cloudy but no rain, it waited until noon to start,
More to follow when I get the photos up

Shep

[audiogooroo]

Cool! Can't wait to see the pictures.

[beezer]

sounds like a great ride despite the weather Shep

[jrd]

Welcome back Shep,

Sounds like you had a great time!

John

[blowndodge]

Glad you had a safe trip...

[Yellow Jacket]

I'm glad you had a great and safe trip. Too bad about the fog and rain on the Cherohala. There are some really great views and scenery there when you can see it.

[gshep]

OK, a little more information on our trip.

The purpose of going was to visit a big Model Airplane gathering in south carolinia. As you may guess, we stayed there about a half day, the rest of the time we were riding and having a great time.
This photo of one of the many viewing areas of the smokies. I believe this one was made on the Tail of the Dragon

http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh296/veriva/th_DSCN0362.jpg
Next stop was Deals Gap Motorcycle resort. Extremely nice people and very biker friendly. Met several folks from Europe that came expressly to ride these roads. Thats me mugging for the camera
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh296/veriva/DSCN0370.jpg
This Photo is of the Model Airplane gathering
http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh296/veriva/th_DSCN0376.jpg
This one shows why I didn't take many photos. Shot on the Cherohala Skyway. Elevation noted on sign, and we went about 2000 feet higher in to more dense fog. This is my riding buddy Wayne. I call him my "Donk" You don't need a gun if you have a donk.
http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh296/veriva/th_DSCN0388.jpg
Last photo is not really mine. I found this on another site, but this is exactly what we met after a blind curve on one of the twisties on Highway 276. We had about 4 feet of clearance at the front bumper of the truck, They tell you to hug the white line on blind curves. I think this is why.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh296/veriva/dragontruck.jpg

We had a great trip just wish it hadn't rained so much.

Now we're planning a longer trip to Yellowstone for the end of July.

Shep

[kawgirl]

Highway 276 to me seems more challenging than Tail of the Dragon. I have been on it many times in a car and part of it on a bike. I thought the Dragon was less challenging.

Glad you had a good trip.

[misunderstood]

Glad you had an enjoyable trip Shep. Wish you had better weather for the spectacular views. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[justbrian]

Looks like a good time. Love those Smokie mountains.

[dogdoc]

what brand of rain suit kept you dry Shep?

[gshep]

Doc,
Tourmaster Transition Jacket, 3/4 length worked great. Rain pants from J&P, not sure of the brand. They have an elastic piece that goes under your boot that keeps them from riding up, but does not prevent rain from blowing up to your knees. Their waterproof insulated gloves also worked great.
Shep