Warm attire in Dragon Area
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,576
Likes: 7,953
From: Long Island, New York
I'm starting into my 50th year of riding and I'll share one (actually two) pieces of some of the most valuable info that you may ever receive. 
Never, ever, leave on a trip without your leather (removable lining if possible) jacket and a rain suit.
If you're "tight" for space, throw the leather jacket over your luggage, cover it with your rain suit and bungee cord it in place.
Extended ride times, even in 60 degree weather can be very uncomfortable and if you add in some moisture it can lead to a miserable trip.
I carry an extra jacket (light or heavy) depending on the time of year and THREE pairs of gloves (heated in cooler climate and vented for hot).
Proper gear can make or break a trip.
Never, ever, leave on a trip without your leather (removable lining if possible) jacket and a rain suit.
If you're "tight" for space, throw the leather jacket over your luggage, cover it with your rain suit and bungee cord it in place.
Extended ride times, even in 60 degree weather can be very uncomfortable and if you add in some moisture it can lead to a miserable trip.
I carry an extra jacket (light or heavy) depending on the time of year and THREE pairs of gloves (heated in cooler climate and vented for hot).
Proper gear can make or break a trip.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,733
Likes: 9,242
From: Snow Hill, NC
Me I just take a long sleeve and put my rain coat on when its cold... it warms up pretty quick in the sun if you have sun...If no sun then it can stay cool... 3 layer jackets work great as well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,984
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
Yep! Fact is I rarely ride at night, but I've had some "close encounters" with wildlife during daylight hours also.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 443
From: West Tennessee
It's going to be near 90 high and 70 lows while your there. Even at elevation it won't be very cool. Leather will easily take care of you but you're going to want a mesh jacket or a short sleeve shirt most of the time instead. Rain gear is a must unless you get lucky like I do when I'm over there.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 816
Likes: 172
From: ALABAMA
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Joe Kucinski
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 48
Likes: 46
From: NC
Chaps
Maybe I'm cold natured, but I always carry chaps when I ride the parkway. I have ridden it many many times since the early 80s. I agree with previous mentioned rain gear. The turkeys and deer are thick near sunset. Stop at mm248 and have a beer with Jenny or T at Freeborns. It is a great place. Have fun!
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 973
Likes: 519
From: Upper East Tennessee
In Franklin early last September it ran from low 60's and foggy in the morning to high 80's and sunny in the afternoon. Humidity is always high in this part of the country. I left Franklin at daylight wearing my leather jacket and chaps, 15 minutes out was wishing I had the liner in the jacket. With the humidity the heat will feel hotter and the chill will be colder. The riding is fantastic.