Leaving in a couple weeks to go ride the roads 'round Gatlinburg and the Dragon. Plan on pulling out Friday mid day to get to the other side of Chicago. Does anyone have a suggested route? I am leaning toward freeway till Indianapolis then try and get some two lane roads. I have until Sunday afternoon to get there so I am not in an extreme rush. Also does anyone know of major construction along the route.

 

Assuming you are taking I75 exit onto 25E aT Corbin Ky. Take 25E to Tazewell Tn go across Clinch Mountain to Bean Station and Morristown Tn. Hit I81 to I40. Once you get on I81 you are about 30 minutes from Pigeon Forge. I prefer this route as opposed to taking I75 to Knoxville. Much more scenic and relaxing. One more thing, don't visit Cade Cove on the bike. See my previous post for why.

 

I've been thru Chicago (from Wisco) to Michigan 4 or 5 times in the last 3 months, and never even had to slow down on 94/294/80.

 

Ditto on the 25E route. You will enjoy it. If you take I75 all the way to Know ville. WATCH for BIG potholes once you get into Tennessee. Especially from hwy mile markers 121 to 140.

 

Out of Indy: 37 South to 252 to 135 takes you to Nashville IN.. About the best road in Indiana IMHO.. 46E back to 65 from there..

Two Wheel Inn (Robinsville) has bike garage for each room, owner is pretty cool..

While the "Dragon" is ok, I like US28 (Hellbender) and the Cherohala better.. Dragon is just a tad tight for bigger bikes. We ride there two or three times a year..

Don't forget to collect your photos the following week

 

I actually intend to bite the bullet and go right through on 94 and then the skyway to Indiana. Drove truck for years through Chicago. That toll road (294) seemed worse then going through most times. It definitely is longer.
By the way, Nice looking Bike. Mine is same 'cept Cobra slip-ons.

 

Longer, for sure, but holy cow do people haul butt on 294! I was keeping up with traffic doing 78-82 (in a 55, mind you) and got passed by a Cook County sheriff!

 

Thanks for the tips. I can't imagine how defenseless you must have felt. As someone said in your post, why didn't a cage offer you refuge! I sure would if it was reversed.

 

If you cut thru at Corbin , ky. When you cross into Tenn, go thru the tunnel Little Resturant on top, pretty view and they Famous for Vinagar Pie ( civil war recipe)
Good riding

 

Had an awesome time. We took the advice you guys posted here and it worked well in the end. Gotta say I thought someone was having a sick laugh at my expense when we started the route south of the circle city. We got late and hit it at rush hour. First couple miles was just hell in the heat and traffic with all the stop lights. The Tunnel was great. I did manage to scare the crap out of my wife while on the Devils Triangle. However, she did say the Dragon was a piece of cake compared to the Triangle. So here is a photo of us on the Dragon.