May 15, 2011 11:30 PM PDT
Okay, I'm starting to get a complex here people! No one wants to ride along for a ways or even make suggestions? Can't believe that no one from TN or even Western NC has posted anything..... Maybe y'all don't want to talk to me, but hey I shower everyday and I promise not to .... well forget I started that one... anyways, I'm a nice person... Mike can attest to that..... Right, Mike??? Mike? Hey where are you ???
May 16, 2011 12:00 AM PDT
Yes Carrie is a sweet biker chick. I will attest!
Carrie, We will be on the road Wed AM unless something drastic happens. Heading west with a few stops in Ohio and Iowa so far. Then to the Redwood Run. YEAH!
Sad to see so few hits for this forum, I would love to go if not otherwise committed. (everyone has told me I should be committed)
May 16, 2011 12:24 AM PDT
Thank you, Mike! Glad you're almost underway.... Enjoy the ride ! I wish you were able to ride along with me also; I understand though. No you should not be committed... in that way !! LOL...
Before being exiled to Jackson, MS, I lived in Townsend, TN.
My favorite ride is to "loop" the National Park. From Gatlinburg, take 321 up through Wears Valley, back through Townsend and over to Walland and catch the Foothills Parkway south to 129, cut across the Dragon through Deals Gap and back over to Bryson City. Catch 441 back up through New Found Gap and across to Gatlinburg.
You can grab lunch at Deat Beat Pete's in Townsend, at Deals Gap, or in Bryson City. Have fun.
Thanks, James! Don't know how much riding I'll get in while here.... Bad storms... yesterday we had hail and strong winds, and serious downpours..
Hope you are having a good time anyway Carrie.
It may be silly, but I'm really proud that I did this. One thing on my "bucket list" was a long distance bike trip. I didn't necessarily want to do it alone, but that's just the way it worked out. Eighteen months ago I didn't even own a bike and I think I've come a long way. I got some awesome pictures during my trip and can't wait to share them. Last Friday afternoon I left home about 6pm and spent the night in Stuart, VA. Yes, I know that's not very far; but remember my day started at 3 am, then I worked 9 hours, came home, packed, and then stopped to see a friend. Sat morning I started out at 830 and after a wonderful day of driving thru some gorgeous country I arrived in Pigeon Forge at 530pm. I used the local trolley system and toured Gatlinburg on Sunday. Ripley's Aquarium is the best aquarium that I have ever visited. After visiting the Moonshine Distillery, I didn't know Apple Pie Moonshine existed, but I now know that I like it!! When I return (and I will), it will not be in the spring - my allergies were on overdrive! Monday I visited Titanic. Wow!! Absolutely amazing..... On Tuesday, I rode about 1.5 hours to THE DRAGON!!!!! Yes, I rode the infamous Dragon --- 318 curves in 11 miles. No stops, no stalls, no falls, no drops!!!! I am proud!! Then ate lunch at the cafe and rode back up the Dragon and headed back to the hotel. Soon as Killboy gets the photos posted, I will share. The views are spectacular!!! I left Pigeon Forge, TN at 1030 Wednesday morning and after gas stops, more than a few photo ops, and stopping to see my Mom (having dinner with her), I got home about 830 Wed night. 379 miles and about 6.5 hours actual driving time.
Now, my "payback" for this wonderful trip - I have to work all weekend, including the holiday on Monday.
But, that's ok.....
Thanks for letting me share this............... afterall, I had to tell my CF family!!!
I am now a Lady Dragon Slayer!!!!!!
May 26, 2011 11:50 PM PDT
Thanks, Mike! You helped encourage me along the way......
May 31, 2011 12:16 PM PDT
Congrats. I am glad you had a good time.