I had not really stretched the legs of my new to me 2007 FLHTCU just yet so I decided a trip was necessary. So I kissed my wife good bye and I went.

I left Gallatin Tennessee at 7 am and headed east. I had a general plan of where I wanted to go but no Map or GPS to guide me. I headed out Hwy 109 to Hwy 70. Made a quick stop in Smithville to Fuel up me and the bike and back on the road we go. Hwy 70 is a beautiful stretch of rural country side. Once I reached Sparta I changed direction and took Hwy 111 South to Hwy 30. I had never heard of Hwy 30 before but it has twisties that would make you think there should be a photog siting in the bend like Killboy on the Dragon. I stayed on 30 until I reached I-75.

Just after I got on I-75 I met and was passed by The Widowmakers MC of McMinn Tn. Nice bike and extremely loud I just moved over and let em go on by.

I took I-75 to Hwy 68 east into Tellico Plains. At this point I knew it was going to be a long day. I was only a couple hundred miles into my trip and was ready for a Tylenol. I gassed up before going up the mountain and grabbed another water for me. If you have never road the Charohala Skyway you should add it to your list. It is a great road with a few pull offs for rest/pictures. there was several pull offs for hiking trails if you are into that.





I made my way up the Skyway which is a nice trek to Hwy 1127 that takes you to Hwy 129. The Dragon....... I am sure most reading this are veterans of many years riding Motorcycles of all sizes. That's not me. I wasn't allowed on them until I moved out of my Mom's house. When I went to Dad's to live he bought me a used 1974 Honda 350/4. he rode it home and tossed me the keys and said don't kill yourself or your mom will be pissed. I taught myself to ride and thought i was descent. I sold the bike, got married and well you get the picture. I am not a novice but I have issues getting the bike leaned over enough in the curves with any speed so The Dragon is a lot of Work for me.







The Troopers were out training as well.



So after a short break and the purchase of the mandatory sticker off I go!



The rest was very straight forward as if I hadn't bored you enough. I headed to Alcoa and hit I-140 to I-40. I fell in with a group of cars running at a good clip and off we went into the sunset. I pulled in the driveway about 8 pm and that was that.

Total time gone 13 hours. Total miles ridden 502.

Brandon

 

Rode the Dragon and the Skyway in July. Rained on the Dragon. Good thing about the rain was there wasn't many bikes. Took if slow and had a good time. Stayed at the Two Wheel Inn. Great place.

 

My favorite is the Blue Ridge Parkway but it is not a one day trip from the house. My wife and I adore Maggie Valley and try to go every year for a long weekend. I hope with the purchase of my new used bike I can get her comfortable enough to go on it next year.

 

I live in Panama City, but I'm from that little town of Sparta! I get up that way 3-4 times a year. There are some great roads, you mentioned 30. It's a great place to day ride!

 

Thanks Brandon,enjoyed the story and pics.

 

Nice report Brandon. Looks like a nice way to get away for the day.

 

It's always good to see a picture of someone having a great time. 129 is a "once and done" for me but I really enjoy the Cherohala ...

 

Nice ride! I'll make it out there one day...

 

Thanks fellas! I am not a fan of 129 but I run every motorcycle I purchase through it so I can say I Survived! There are many roads more scenic and beautiful to ride.