Hey folks! Got back last night from a short road trip and thought I'd share my adventure with you. Sorry, but pictures are few due to equipment malfunction. Not a fast typist so I'll post it as I get it written up and include the few photos I have. Here we go!

Day 1.

I awake Sunday morning 5/4/14 at my normal time, about 5am. I'm pretty excited about the day to come. The first decent, although short, run of the year lies ahead and I've been packed for 2 days. With no side stops except for gas and water in/out I can be in Maggie Valley in about 5 1/2 hours. Over the past few days the guys I thought were going with me have backed out for one reason or another. Oh well, its their loss as far as I'm concerned. I'm used to it. You know what I mean. You're sitting around drinking a coffee or something and somebody says...

"Hey man let's head out for a little run next weekend!"
"Hell yeah! Where we gonna go?"
"How about we head down to the Smokies for a couple days?"
"Let's do it!"

The Smokies are pretty familiar territory to us and so the bullshit flows freely as plans are made about routes we will take and what we will do when we get there, possible side trips etc. Long story short, it's really no surprise that here I stand on my own again for what promises to be a very nice ride. It's OK, the older I get the more I value my own company sometimes.

After taking care of a few last minute chores I check the oil and shock and tire pressures one more time (did this last night too) and mount up. After the short ride down the back roads from home I stop in Berea Ky and top off the tank and set the trip odometer. Two reason for this: First I want to know how far I ride and secondly I don't trust the gas gauge. So, I watch the odometer and stop about every 150 miles for gas. Next fill up will be in TN. I debate with myself a bit on taking 25 down but since I was heading back on the 6th and would only have one full day to ride once I actually get there, I decide to take 75 down and 40 over to my destination as it is the fastest route. Back in the saddle and away we go!

It's about 11:30am and traffic on 75 south is not too bad at this time. I merge into a pack of cars and trucks as I enter the highway, but soon work my way up front out of the crush. With fairly open road in front of me I set the cruise control on 80, settle my 240 pounds into the Mustang Regal seat, put my feet up, grab my coffee out of the beverage holder, and let the Ultra do what she does so well; eat up the miles. The sun is warm, the music is good, and I am a happy camper. I see quite a few bikes and several members of the Ohio Navy making their way back north from Lake Cumberland and points unknown with boats in tow as I gratefully head the other direction.

The trip down 75 is pretty uneventful. I stop at the rest area at the TN line for a quick break and to put on a helmet (no helmet law in KY) for the first time in months. It's hot and itchy but you gotta have it where I'm headed.
Not far North of Knoxville on N75 they are doing some road work and have it restricted to one lane. Traffic is backed up for well over a mile. I do not want to be in that crap on a bike during the return trip! But since I now know where it is, I also know an easy way around it. No worries.

I stop for gas outside Knoxville on 40. It's 30 cents a gallon cheaper here than in KY thanks to there being less taxes. A quick wipe of the windshield to get rid of a few bugs, check the bike to make sure everything is in it's place and go. About 35 miles from the exit to Maggie Valley, my cell phone decides to take a dump. There go my favorite riding tunes. I pull the ear buds and turn up the Hog Tunes. I think rock and roll must be against the law down there or something. All I could get on the radio was top 40 country and NPR. After a short dose of that I just turned it off and let the Vance and Hines sing me the rest of the way in.

Off 40 and onto 276 for the short trip to 19 and through Wayneville and south into Maggie Valley. A lot of stuff is still not open for the summer and there's hardly anyone in town. There was a rally over the weekend but by Sunday afternoon everbody is pretty much gone. I love it because I know the traffic will be very light on the roads.

I make my way to where I will spend the next couple of nights. I pull into the near empty Castlewood Inn and check in. An older gentleman is manning the desk and we exchange a few pleasantries as I get paid up and head to see what the room looks like. At $40 a night I'm not expecting a whole lot but am pleasantly surprised to find , although showing a little age, a nice clean room with a small refrigerator and microwave, both of which actually work. I am able to park right in front of the room. I grab the bag out of the tour pack, crank on the AC, and lie back on the bed for a short rest.

Later I take the short walk down the street for a cold beer at the Salty Dog's, some great pot roast at Country Vittles (also just down the street), and then back to the room to plan tomorrows route. My cell phone is still showing no signs of life, but I leave it hooked up to the charger and hope for the best. Having made my plans for the following day and watched a little TV, I grab a quick shower, turn the light off, and fall asleep thinking of mountain roads.

Day 2 coming up.

LiiT

 

Day 2.
I guess I was more tired than I thought because I didn't crack an eyeball until nearly 6am the next morning and that's dang near sleeping in for me. I get up and use the little coffee pot in the room for some morning brew while I wait for the resturant to open at 7am. Not bad.

I walked back down to the Country Vittles as it was close and I had enjoyed supper there the night before. I was not disappointed in their breakfast. The cook had ridden his 07 Ultra in to work and we talked a bit about riding before I headed back to the room to get going. As I walked back into the lot I looked at my bike and she's sitting a a rear flat. Are you freaking kidding me?!! I am a bit.....disappointed shall we say, at this turn of events. But following my philosophy of "Don't let it get to you. **** happens" I get out the plug kit and the compressor. These E3's have less than 2k on them and I am not looking forward to putting a plug in it. I shouldn't have worried about that. I get the metal valve stem cover off and hook up the compressor but can't build up more than about 20 psi in the tire. WTF? I just rode this SOB in last night with no problems! I lie down on my side in the parking lot so my near-sighted self can see and notice the valve stem is coming apart. I don't mean the valve core, the rubber valve itself, put on new with the tires, it coming apart. OK this is a new one on me. I sit up on my butt in the parking lot next to my bike and light up a cig to quell my growing aggravation and think things over. It could have been a lot worse had it totally failed on the highway. I am grateful that didn't happen and take stock of the situation.

This is not a quick fix. I don't have a jack, so I gotta get some help. I find a phone book and manage to get hold of Steel Horses (formerly Ghost Town Harley and soon to be an Indian dealer) just up the road in Waynesville. The service dept. doesn't come in until 9am but I am able to leave a message with them about what's happening and where I am. Before too long the owner pulls up and we trailer the bike back to the shop. I am no longer a happy camper.

Kudos to the guys from Steel Horses. Even with only one mechanic working they managed to find time to get my bike in and fix my issue. A few hours later I am finally on my way.

OK it's still early afternoon and the day is not a total loss. I stop by the room long enough to pick up a couple bottles of water for the road and get ready to head out down 19 toward Cherokee. I check my cell phone and it turns on. Sweet! Things are looking better and I call the wife back at home for a quick check in, give her a brief update and I'm out of here. Finally on my way I head down 19 and hook into 28 for the trip to Fonatana Dam.

To be continued....

 

Nice report. Sucks about the valve stem but at least you don't have a plug in a brand new tire. Looking forward to the rest.

 

I'm going to be down in that area for a few days in early June and looking forward to hearing about your ride and maybe getting some hints for new roads to try.

 

Thanks guys.

Trial Dog, drop me a PM before you head out and I can tell you a lot more than you will read here.

On to the rest of day 2.


While at the dam I check my cell phone and manage to get a couple pics before it decides not to cooperate again.




I love the Smokies. It's a lot like home here in Eastern KY the hills are just a little bigger.



I spend about 15 minutes at the dam and hit the road again. I had originally planned to head down to Robbinsville and come in to the lower end of 129 (The Dragon) and head back North but I was not going to have near the time I needed for that so I had to be content to go through Fontana Village and join it at Deals Gap after I took the short side trip to the dam.

After getting to Deals Gap, I decide to grab a sandwich and beer at the pub before I continue. First time I have been asked for an ID in many years but in NC it's the law that you have to have a valid ID to get a beer no matter how old you are. There were several bikes coming and going, but not nearly as much traffic as there would have been a day or two earlier. I watch several guys on vintage Hondas and Suzukis come and go and I find myself reminiscing about the '77 KZ650 Kawasaki I bought new when I got out of the service. She was a sweet little bike and I often wish I could have kept it way back when. Oh well, such is life.

After finishing off the 16oz Bud and the grilled chicken I was ready to head out knowing I had miles to go before the day was through. I took a quick obligatory pic of the Tree of Shame.

Photobucket won't let me edit the pic so kinda turn your head to the left.



Then back into the saddle and away we go. Traffic was light and I only had one crotch rocket come up on me as I was cruising, I stayed to the right and he was around and gone. Some of these guys will ride this road over and over again the same day and they get damn good at negotiating the turns as they become familiar with the road. I'd rather cover some country and set about doing so. I cut across the Foothills Parkway toward Townsend and use 321 to get over to 441 at Pigeon Forge. I continue on 441 into Gatlinburg where I stop for gas. It's about 7:30pm by the time I head out for Cherokee on the other side of the mountain. As I near the top of the mountain I could tell the sunset was beautiful, but couldn't take my eyes off the road long enough to enjoy it until finally I reach a pull off and am able to take this pic.



This is kind of the point where it started being not quite so fun. The temps dropped quick on the mountain after the sun went down and I got my leather jacket out of the pack and put it on. By the time I started down the other side it was getting hard to see and the temperature had dropped to the low 50's. I was glad I had put the lowers back on before I left home!

These roads are great to ride in the daytime, not so much after dark, especially when you don't see as well as you used to. There are no guard rails going up the mountain, just these little rock walls about 2 feet tall that might stop your bike, but your *** is probably going sailing over the edge and out into free fall. They don't seem to believe in road signs or highway paint in NC and there is little warning when coming in on some of the curves. I went in a little hot on a couple before I decided I'd just take my time and be watchful for deer and bears. I added Dodge pick ups to the list after one about ran me over coming around blind curve with his tires squealing.

I got into Cherokee at a little after 9pm and I stopped at the Shell mart across from Harrah's Casino for a bottle of diet tea and a pack of smokes. Now back on 19 and headed north I arrive back at my room a little after 10pm, tired and a bit dehydrated I soak a bottle of water, take a quick shower, and man does that bed feel good! I was running back over the day in my mind and it wasn't long before I drifted off to sleep.

Day 3 and the trip back home tomorrow!

LiiT

 

Thanks for sharing. Been down there many times myself. Love that whole area. However, we're changing direction this year - we're heading for N.W. Arkansas to ride in the Ozarks. Really looking forward to that.

 

You're welcome. The Appalachians hold some of the greatest riding in the world, and I do love the hills and mountains. Like I said, it's a lot like home to me. If you like riding the Dragon, give me a shout if you decide to head toward our neck of the woods.

The Ozarks is definitely on my to do list. Been through some of the area in a car, but haven't ridden it. Just not the same at all.

LiiT

 

Day 3 and the trip home.

My eyes fly open and I don't have to look at the clock to know it's about 5am, my usual wake up time. Still dark outside and I'm awake. I look anyway. Yep, 5:07. I roll out of bed and take care of morning business, then fire up the little coffee pot in the room with the last freebie pack of grounds. I reflect on the events of the last 2 days as I get dressed and wait for the brew reach the level where I can get a cup full to take the morning meds.

Total pisser about the valve stem, but that's part of it I guess. Not sure how to prepare for something like that happening on the road. Hard to carry a jack and I don't think even Fix-a-Flat would have helped this. I don't like to use the stuff anyway. I guess that's just one of those times when a cell phone and credit card are the best fix. LOL

If you guys from Steel Horses are reading this, again, thanks a bunch for the help in getting me back on the road!

Man that ride off the mountain on 441 after dark was bit hairy at times. I don't think I mentioned that there is large part of the way through the park where there is no cellular service. If you are by yourself and get off the road, it might be a while (days?) before anybody finds you. That is, if the bears don't find you first. You may want to "bear" that in mind if you are riding solo in the area. Sorry, I couldn't resist. A little extra adrenaline for the ride

The sky is beginning to lighten up a little and I take my coffee outside into a clear, cool morning. Not much of a view here, just the Subway sandwich joint and the church across the street with the sign out front that reads, "iPad? iPod? Try I pray! God is listening!" I get a little chuckle out of that one. Clever.

A quick walk-around of the bike shows everything to be where it should be and the tire appears to be holding well. I will put the gauge on it before I head out on the highway.

I didn't really have supper last night, just snacks on the road and I am hungry! After a little while I head down the street to have breakfast again at Country Vittles. Man I have got my mouth all set for those biscuits and gravy, eggs and sausage! I can taste it already!

Closed.

Of course had I bothered to read the sign on the door the last TWO times I was there I would have known this. Nevertheless I grumble and grouch my way back up the street to my bike. I guess that's par for the course this round. Who closes on a Tuesday? They do, I guess. Oh well, I forgive them. The food was too good and the people too nice not to go back on a return trip!

A quick run down the road brought me to Joey's Pancakes. I don't eat pancakes, but I'm sure they'll have something that will pass muster. I opt for the special which is a bacon, mushroom, and cheddar omelet with some wheat toast. Pretty darn tasty, if a little expensive at near $14 with a 1/2 pint of milk, coffee and tip.

I head back out to the parking lot to find a couple fellows about my age (mid 50's) admiring my at this point in the ride, dirty bike. We talk for a few minutes and laugh about all the bugs that have ended their existence on the fairing and windshield since yesterday.

I head back to the room and pack the bike for the return trip. I check the tire pressures and the oil, no problems. After returning the key card and making sure there were no surprises on my bill (there weren't), I hit the road and stopped at a car wash up the street. Yeah, I went through some bugs yesterday and last night.



As the phone has decided to work again, I call the wife and tell her I'm heading that way and give her an approximate time of arrival. I am informed of the chores which await my return. Great. Back to the real world. Thanks baby girl.

With a half tank of fuel on board I elect to fill up when I get back on 40 west and do so pretty soon after getting on it. Finally, I am able to settle in for the long haul. It is a beautiful day. The wind is in my face, the sun is warm on my back, traffic is light, the music sounds good, and I am again a happy camper. I put my feet up and try not to be seen grinning like an idiot because it just feels so right.

Trucks have to stay in the right lane on that part of 40 and it made it a bit easier to cruise. The worst thing about 40 is that there is no median. You got 2 lanes, a concrete barrier, and 2 more lanes. It can feel a little tight passing some of the big trucks in the curves.

A few miles outside Knoxville a little old lady with a beehive hairdo that I swear was a good foot tall, and 3" diameter lens glasses decided she wished to occupy the space where I was. I saw her coming and was able to avoid her with no problems. I don't think she ever knew I was on the road. Bless her heart......

Anyway, back on 75N and traffic is light. I love traveling on weekdays! I roll on the miles without notable incident. I decide to take a little side trip at Jellico TN and top off the tank before getting back into KY. I had always kinda wondered what Indian Mountain Park had to offer so I checked it out.

The answer was, not much. Oh it was neat little community park and a great place to take the kids as was evidenced by the several school buses full of young'uns on field trips, but I saw nothing "Indian" or "Mountain" about it. I park the bike under some shade trees and walk around the small lake there a little to stretch my legs. From here I wont be off the bike again until I get home.

I took pleasure in the nice breeze and the sound of children playing for a bit and watched what must have been close to a 3 pound bass work the banks for a few minutes and then off I go again.

Tank full, back on 75N, and soon in KY. I pull off into the welcome center and gratefully remove the hot, sweaty, and itchy helmet from my head. Back on with the old beat up faded out Harley cap. Ahhhh now that's better.

Yeah, yeah, I know. Wearing a helmet is like wearing a condom. You know you ought to do it, but it just feels so damn good when you don't!

A couple hours later and I am in Madison Co. near Richmond KY. I take the turn that will bring me home in a few more miles. Finally, I pull up the road to my house and out to the building where I store the bike. It's been fun, but I have missed my family too and it's good to be back. And of course there are the chores, oh boy.

I look down at the trip odometer before I shut the bike off and see that from Sunday morning to Tuesday afternoon I have put 827 miles on her. It's no record, but it's a pretty good average for an old Hillbilly boy.

Except for the valve issue the Ultra has performed flawlessly, as usual. As I pull the bag from the tour pack, I'm tired but already thinking about the next trip.

Hope you enjoyed my little tale of travels. Riding solo on these kinds of trips is not for everyone, but it can be very rewarding.

LiiT

 

Thanks man, I live in Knoxville and enjoyed the read. Ride on.

 

Thanks for taking the time to write the report! I really enjoyed it as this is my type of trip. I always ride solo and tend to do 2 or 3 day quick trips since money and vacation time is tight. Your right about being solo on mountain roads. Definitely gets you thinking about how easily you can end up off the road and not found especially since most good roads I ride are no where near civilization and cell phone towers. I plan on getting a spot satellite transponder when I get the funds. Might be something you should consider. Anyway thanks again for the report. Maybe now I'll get off my a$$ and write one for my last couple weekend rides.