Quick Trip To Gatlinburg

[zoom45]

We got up early Saturday morning and decided to do a quick weekend ride to Gatlinburg from Terry, MS. Just got back home this afternoon. We did about 1500 miles total. I saw a lot of Nomads in the mountains. I made a wrong turn and went through a small town near Chatanooga. When I came to a stop sign there were two other guys on Nomads just sitting there. That was weird, 3 Nomads at an intersection in a little town (my 1500 and their 1600's). I saw some more at Deals Gap store and a few in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Got in bad traffic at Pigeon Forge because they had some kind of classic car show that covered the entire strip on both sides of the road. They say there is another one (bigger) next weekend. There were more classic cars in one place than I have ever scene. We almost got squeezed off the road by a big truck on the highway. Then, a girl on the cell phone just about ran over us but other than those it was a great trip. If you like classic cars, next weekend would be a great time for you to make a trip up there.

Zoom45

[Blue Rebel]

Hey zoom,

Been to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Beautiful areas, especially on a bike.

[formikec]

Ooooohhhhhh, Noooooooooo, stay away from Pigeon Forge last weekend and this weekend. lol

Last weekend was the Shades of the Past Rod Run, this weekend will be the Grand Rod Run. Probably two of the busiest weekends of the year for the mountains.

Used to love to go to them when I lived in E.TN. They just kept getting bigger and bigger...to the point that you just can't get around at all. Used to, you could sit in a lawn chair on the strip and it was like your own private show as they all cruised by all night. Now, most of them stay parked because it is just too much trouble to try to get them on the strip. Lots of walking!

My wife and I almost took off to E.TN on Saturday. Instead, we took the Nad on a shorter 200 mile round trip to Mousetail State Park and on the Natchez Trace.

[oldbikers]

Zoom45 I had reservations in Pigeon Forage for this coming weekend Bea and I were going up in my 65 Olds but after the operation the doc said I couldn't go any where :-[ :(" title="" border="0"/>

[zoom45]

I was supposed to go there all last week but Hurricane Gustov stopped it. Now with a break in hurricanes, this was the only time I could go. My wife went with me this time. It was her first time on the Dragon. She has the t-shirt for it now. LOL. The weather was great but I'm ready for some more open roads. I might go back to the smokies one more time when the leaves change color. I would like to go to the Bike Blues & BBQ but I can't get off work for it. Most of my trips are last minute plans.

Zoom

[VulcanE]

I love riding in that area, but I try to avoid it on weekends. Sunday, the wife wanted to go riding, and we headed out to Birmingham AL. to visit the "Barber Vintage Motor sports Museum". That place is awesome. they have bikes form the beginning of motorcycles up to today. Well worth the $15 to get in. If your ever in that neighborhood, check it out.

[rksaw]

Man, I'm jealous. I love classic cars, the 30's and 40's are the best! Maybe someday I'll make the trip across the country to ride out there, until then, I'll just enjoy Hwy 101!
Rich

[unwind2]

Originally Posted by zoom45

Most of my trips are last minute plans.

Zoom

Us too!

[unwind2]

Originally Posted by zoom45

That was weird, 3 Nomads at an intersection in a little town (my 1500 and their 1600's).

Zoom45

Now that had to be a COOL sight!

[oldbikers]

rksaw go to this site and look at the 39 Chevy I sold to build my 65 Olds
http://s295.photobucket.com/albums/m...rs/our%20cars/

[formikec]

Originally Posted by zoom45

I was supposed to go there all last week but Hurricane Gustov stopped it. Now with a break in hurricanes, this was the only time I could go. My wife went with me this time. It was her first time on the Dragon. She has the t-shirt for it now. LOL. The weather was great but I'm ready for some more open roads. I might go back to the smokies one more time when the leaves change color. I would like to go to the Bike Blues & BBQ but I can't get off work for it. Most of my trips are last minute plans.

Zoom

After living just outside the park in Maryville for about 20 years, I have one suggestion for you on the "colors" trip.

Go to NC. Go up the dragon, on into NC and make sure you drive through "The Highlands". Do some quick research on waterfalls in that county and enjoy the trip. It is much better than the TN side of the Mountains, imo. You could also make a loop of it and come back in at the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway (stopping for lunch, dinner, and a room) at the start of it, then back through Cherokee, NC, Gatlinburg, etc.

Just don't miss the waterfalls in "The Highlands". ;)

[formikec]

Here you go, look at this map and click on the waterfall links:
http://highlandsinfo.com/activities.htm

You'll drive right beside these and the gorge:
Cullasaja Falls: http://highlandsinfo.com/hiking/fallscull.htm
Bridal Veil (drive under them): http://highlandsinfo.com/hiking/fallsbidal.htm

Only thing we regretted about that side of the Smokies after we made the trip was the fact that we lived on the TN side for over 20 years and never went before.

Here is the Pisgah Inn at the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you go into NC from the Dragon, across to Highlands, then you can come back out to the Blue Ridge and stop at this inn. The view is awesome:
http://www.pisgahinn.com/

From there, the choice is yours, continue on the Blue Ridge or head back to Cherokee, NC then Gatlinburg, TN.

[scion0]

Originally Posted by rksaw

Man, I'm jealous. I love classic cars, the 30's and 40's are the best! Maybe someday I'll make the trip across the country to ride out there, until then, I'll just enjoy Hwy 101!
Rich

You said it!

[rksaw]

Originally Posted by oldbikers

rksaw go to this site and look at the 39 Chevy I sold to build my 65 Olds
http://s295.photobucket.com/albums/m...rs/our%20cars/

Beautiful chop job! Looks like you were able to keep quite a bit of the original engine, and I love the dash and steering wheel. You have definitely done some nice work.
Rich

Dude, next time let somebody no!!!! I'm here in Kosciusko!!