This past weekend we traveled to the mountains for some well deserved R&R.. You might have clicked here because of the title of the thread...Here's our story...
First, we asked around on this bbs for some overnighter tips... great info received and used. Thanks to all.
Made a date with
Cherohala Motorcycle Resort in Tellico Plains, TN... Lemme tell ya.. this place is GREAT !
The price was right, the facilities are spotless (a bonus for traveling with the wife), the food is homemade and cooked to order, the other guests are terrific.. Staying there for the weekend and the only bit of complaint is that the pillows have much to be desired, but then again I'm a granny-feather pillow kind of guy so it's not unusual for me to find fault in this department, no matter where I stay.
If you are looking for a wild night filled with loud bikes, loud music, tons of beer, crazy women(or men), and wild times... This AIN'T the place for you... If you're looking for a nice fire, good tales from the day's ride, and a cold brew (BYOB..and be moderate)
and a quiet place to rest up for tomorrow's travels...your here...quit looking...
We stayed away from the Dragon on purpose during our trip. Too much bad press is pretty much the reason why. Too many crotch rocket idiots, too many cops, too many bad stories about idiot truck drivers, and all the rest. Experienced veterans of the Dragon told us.."Unless you want to get rushed, ticketed, hit, hurt, or killed... stay the hell off the Dragon... "
Even the Dragon's own website chronicles the BS that is going on and how bikers are getting the shaft over there.... I think the Dragon website might be their own worst enemy to a degree...but that's another topic..
Well, ok... I'm slow, but not stupid..so we stayed away.. I know many will call me a wuss, tell me it's not that bad, and all manner of other things, but you know what? I found some really great roads instead and had a blast anyway...
None of these are new to area veterans, but they are new to us and some other touring newbie might thank me later..
PS..Given the lack of traffic, lower speeds (mostly) and quality of these roads, none of these should present any issues with newer or less experienced riders....
Skilled riders will appreciate the ability to ride well into their experience and ability zones, and in some cases have the opportunity to exceed them
Just sayin'...
Ok... here goes
From Cherohala Resort in Tellico Plains:
Sunday to the house ride--
Turn right out of the driveway and go south on Hwy 315. Turn Left when you get to the "T" intersection at Hwy 30 (town of Reliance) and follow to Hwys 40/64/74 at Ocoee Lake. We turned East and followed the lake/river from there.
Chock full of twisties...many of them quite tight and challenging... on a low speed country farm road for most of the way. Almost ZERO traffic on the whole route, except for a couple of sport bikes we saw coming north. Lower speed most of the way, but on a Sunday morning with the sun in the trees it is just IMPRESSIVE !!
Do keep an eye for gravel on some of the turns, but if you are riding within your limits, you'll do just great.
Following the 40/64/74 towards home, we stayed on until Hayesville NC and turned south on hwy 69. the 40/64/74 ride was very nice, but mostly highway style riding. Good touring, very scenic, but not exiting.
Followed hwy 69 south into Georgia and on to hwy 76 East to get to Hwy 197 at Lake Burton. We've done this road before and it did not disappoint this time either. A great country road with good scenery, good twists, and low traffic.
Past that it was simply 441 south on cruise control to home and some well deserved rest.
Again from Tellico:
Saturday acting like tourists ride--
The Cherohala Skyway.
Can't say enough good about it.. Rode it twice just for good measure, but need to do it again because twice just ain't enough...Super fun ride, plenty fast if you want, plenty slow if you want. Minimal traffic, no cops (that we saw anyway) Scenery is just beautiful, especially now with the leaves turning..
sport bikers that passed us were polite and courteous and passed in safe spots. Noted a distinct lack of restrooms and trashcans at stopping points along the route.
Followed the Skyway across to Robbinsville.-- But stopped at the front end of the Skyway (western end) to see the Waterfalls...
Turn off the Skyway onto hwy 200 (might also be called bald river road, or river road..not too sure, but you'll see a sign for the falls) and follow to Bald River Falls.. A great 6 mile trip into the forest along an exceptionally fine trout stream. Shady, serene, sweeping turns, almost zero traffic.
Back onto the Skyway at the end, we stayed on 143 East to Hwy 28 South, crossed the bridge at Almond and followed 28/74 to hwy 19 going towards Bryson City. Went to Cherokee and piddled around until time to head back across to Tellico.
This is a good ride, with all the great things about the Skyway, hwy 143 out of Robbinsville is scenic and twisty, (more twisty at the end) and has plenty of new asphalt for a smooth ride.. use caution on the new stuff tho..
Next time out we'll do the 129/28 hellbender loop. Coming off the Skyway and following 129 up to 28 and back down the edge of the lake. Folks say that this is a great trip, so we'll add it to the list of things we just gotta do.
Here's a
link in GoogleMaps for those who are not familair with the area...
Thanks all !! ride safe and enjoy the view !!
Dragon
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