Hey guys, well I'm sick of the snow up here in the Northeast and it's time to throw the EGC on a trailer and head south for a few days. I've got a friend in Greensville SC and I'll be staying with him the weekend of the 15th and 16th and he has some good roads we'll eb riding for the weekend.

Then I guess I'm going to head over to Deals Gap and find some lodging over there for the rest of the week, 17th through 21st, and I'm looking for some possible suggestions for lodging. I've found a few places that look good on the net, but thought you guys might have some suggestions too?

Also, what am I likely to have for weather at this time of the year? I'll be bring my full heated gear with me, and plenty of warm clothing so I'm not worried about anything but snow and ice.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Also looking for any other suggestions for roads, places to eat, have some fun in the evening etc.

 

As for the weather, in the east TN Mt's...never know, may snow on one side and be sunny on the other....should be OK, rain for sure, always rains at least once.....
I always stay at exit 398 off I-75, lots of Hotels and restaurants, one exit away from hwy66 (entrance to Smokey Mt's) easy access to area and hwy 128 (Dragon) and Deals Gap.....
At the Gap, they have a MC only motel ( never stayed there)....enjoy the ride, be safe

 

From one old hippie to another,I was down there last sept. and stayed in a little town called robinsville right where hwy 129 and hwy. 143 meet.close to the dragon and real laid back.there a motorcycle shop in robinsville called Mountain Motors,the owner John will hook you up.His web site is www.mountainmotorsonline.com.I loved it beautiful riding.just a reminder N.C. is a helmet law state.be safe and have a great ride

 

you just never know i live there. bring all your gear as it get very cold at night and in the moutains... as for the 14 and 16th i'll be in bristol for the race

 

If you stay in Robbinsville, You must make a run along the Cherohala Skyway. 42 miles of pure bliss between Robbinsville and Telico Plains. A MUCH more Harley friendly road than the Dragon. Long sweepers, excellent, clean (usually) surface with some of the most fantastic scenery you will find anywhere.
The Gap is work even on a sport bike, but a must ride also.
If you want to venture further south, check out TwoWheelsOnly right at Hwy 60 and 180, (Suches, Ga.) and High Valley Resorts/Cabins about a mile East on 180 from 60. Great riding roads all around that whole area. Be safe and report back!!!

 

Thanks guys! I am sucking up the advice!!

 

Stayed at the Best Western in Maggie Valley last year. Should also check out the motels in Cherokee...........big casino there also.

 

Hey old hippie don't forget we need to go on a ride this spring. Hopefully the snow will be gone by the end of March. I stayed a few times at the Tapoco Lodge. You are five minutes from the gap and 15 mins from the Cherohala Skyway. Have fun it's motorcyle heaven down there.



http://www.tapocolodge.com/

 

Dont forget the wheels through time museum there as well. A Really Nice place. If you are taking the wife stay in Pigeon Forge LOADS OF SHOPPING FOR HER..

My favorite ride:
In Pigeon Forge I forget the main drag Name? Somone Help?
Take Wears Valley rd West. It is at a Big gas station I think light #6? It is on a map for sure. Ride that to the end Wow What a road . Then Hang a right at the end of the road. at the t. Get gas on right at the old time grocery store. Follow 4 lane till it turns into twisty 2 lane then back to 4. Make a left at the top of the nexthill on the Pkwy go slow here. Beutiful ride to the end of the road you are above knoxville. T's on 129 at the lake. Make a left and in about 10 minutes you will split off from the lake to the left begin a small up hill climb (the parking lot on the left is the official un-official end of the dragon) 11 miles later there is a store on the left. If you Have a map. Make your way to Cherokee NC from there You will pass the damn that they filmed mission impossible at. Then Take the Parkway from Cherokee to Gatlingurg tn you will pass clingmans dome (highest point in Tn), Ride through there until 321 splits off to the right. Or go straight and you will be in Pigeon Forge in 25 minutes. That is a great road too. Back to the long way Take that 321 road until it crosses I 40. get on I-40 head west until you are at your Pigeon forge Exit. That will exhaust 1 full riding day and What a Ride. I love that loop. I know back roads from 321 to Dandridge by the dam and that leads back to pigeon forge But i cant remember the names. I know you follow 25/70 from the end of 321 through newport and that runs near 1-40 through dandridge then Cut off is in town somewhere. Tiny Town 1 Main road. Any one there can tell you how to get

Wow I got carried away I miss riding

 

I don't think the motel/store at the Gap is open yet. I have stayed there but Robbinsville is a better choice.