We returned from our Blue Ridge Parkway and Smokies run last weekend, and I'm finally getting around to posting the story with lots of pics. THIS IS WAY LONG, even by my standards, so if you get bored skip the words and look at the pics (after this first post) and they'll PRETTY much tell the story.



Well with Jenn's boards finally behind her and her only vacation for the foreseeable future in front of us we packed up the bikes and headed out a week ago this past Sunday. The weather was downright cool (which is fine with me cause it makes wearing all our gear not only comfortable but necessary).

Partially cloudy skies kept threatening us with a summer shower and an occasional raindrop would remind us that the possibility remained we'd get wet. Since I'd actually washed and waxed the bikes the day before (first time ever for the Harley) I figured it was a given that we would see rain.

We headed west on some semi-local roads, to Gettysburg, then finally turned south toward our destination. The goal was to avoid highways and to avoid Skyline Drive (which I've ridden before and remembered as boring, straight, slow, filled with park rangers toting radar guns and views that really weren't any better than the BRPkwy). By evening we realized that our original goal was no problem and we decided to continue past Elkton to Waynesboro, only to realize that both were so tiny we probably wanted to seek a decent hotel and restaurant further on (remember our moto is “Eat to Ride, Ride to Eat”).

So though we'd taken a local road just to the west of Skyline Drive, we decided to cross over the mountain range and check out Charlotesville, VA. Boy that paid off when it started to rain finally and we shortly thereafter discovered a neat little town surrounding UVA. We checked into a Budget Inn and found a great little restaurant for food and beers! We'd ridden a leisurely 300 miles and were only a few miles from the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway for the next morning.

Come Monday (as everyone else went to work :) ) we road back up the mountain and started our adventure on one of the nicest motorcycle roads in the country.

The BRP – is simply a wonderful road to ride. The speed limits are low, 45 mph (and they go down to 35 immediately around most exits, which are few and far between anyway). I'd say we tended to ride about 55 mph, sometimes a little slower, sometimes a little faster but never faster for long (I recall being in 3rd or 4th gear most of the time on the Guzzi because of the higher gearing, but I think Jenn was generally in 4th or 5th on the Sporty).

This pace is perfect, as there isn't really a straight section of the parkway for more than a 1/4 mile. Generally the parkway is a series of curves, right, left, right, left, looooong right, loooong left etc. And there are enough blind curves, shear drop-offs with tiny wooden guardrails that are just going to keep your bike on the side of the ride and launch you and lots of rangers mowing the grass just off the side of the road, so you don't want to rip it up too much. On top of that there is PLENTY of wildlife (squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, groundhogs, wild turkeys and most importantly the deadly American deer! And we saw more than a couple in the daytime, though they usually responded well to the sound of the Guzzi and turned to run).

When we stopped at our first overlook for a break two bikes passed us traveling together, they were the first bikes we'd seen (first anything we'd seen) on the BRP and it was quite a surprise to note it was a Harley traveling with a Guzzi (betcha they were just as surprised).

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We spent the day just loving the road, the curves, taking our time (oh, and thanks to a friend's suggestion, we took an detour to “Natural Bridge” Va for a couple of hours, that was kinda neat). By evening we were ready to find a place to stay and we found ourselves a mile marker 200, Fancy Gap VA, where we found a cheap motel in sight of the BRP for the night and an even cheaper meal at the family restaurant across the street. Now keep in mind the BRP is so scenic and twisty that I think a 200 mile day on the BRP is equal to say a 400 mile day on the highway, you feel tired (happy, thrilled, enthused, but tired) after the whole day on the highway, so we were ready to stop.

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WARNING – lots of little towns like this in VA are in DRY COUNTIES. Luckily we found a gas station a mile or so away to pick up some beers and chick drinks for Jenn, but if I had to do it over, I'd definitely carry a flask of something. Besides, we asked forgiveness and not permission at the restaurant (which was wise, because they poured our stuff in a glass for us and warned us they could “get in trouble”, we apologized and tipped big).

Unfortunately our restful slumber was broken by noisy guests banging around while they moved into their room a little before midnight. And when it woke me up the third time my evil twin skippy came out. I pulled on some jeans, burst out the door and asked the “what the F@%@# was with all the banging” to which I was answered “we're not banging sir” to which said “so it's F@#$@#$%ng gonna stop right” and went back to bed. The next morning I ran into them again and they admitted to causing the noise and apologized, and I apologized to them for being so grumpy. But alas the damage had already been done to our karma.

We set out on another cool but beautiful morning without really a cloud a sight, and about 10 miles into the BRP the Jackal stumbled once, violently, and scared the crap outta me. It was like the motor just cut for a split second and came back. So it was on my mind the next 12 miles (I know it was just more than that exactly) until BRRRRRrrrrrrrrrr..... she just died. I mean, tach went to zero, lights shut off, motor dead! Jenn rode up next to me thinking I was slowing to say something and I just shrugged, looked over and said in my best Captain Kirk, “It's dead Jenn”). She hit her 4-ways and we pulled onto the grassy shoulder, where I would spend the next 5 hours!


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I pulled off the sidecovers, seat and one of the bags to get access to my tools. We spread out my jacket to hold parts and tools (and right away we could feel the temperature rising). I immediately felt stupid knowing that I'd left my pocket DVOM at home and I realized since I don't have an owners manual (at least a paper one) that I also was without a wiring diagram.

I started by checking the basics. Battery cables looked clean and tight. I checked all of the fuses one-by-one. I pulled out the main relays (ECM, Fuel Pump etc) one-by-one and substituted the spare that I carry. No joy. I futzed with the ignition switch to check if absolutely EVERYTHING was dead and noted that it was – no lights, no fuel pump running, no horn. So I started making phone calls (cause I'd asked people for numbers). I started with someone (Tony Screamday Mil) from the Guzzi BB (www.wildguzzi.com) and he started by saying that though he was 3 1/2 hours away, don't worry if we can't get it going and can't get someone closer to come get us he'd come.

NOW keep in mind, we're between MM 222 and 223, about at the VA/NC border and this guy was in Columbia SC! So I asked him to post a thread and see if anyone closer could help, and to look up some local dealer numbers. But when you ride a Moto Guzzi, there aren't a lot of “local” dealers. The closest was probably Charolotte, NC at about 150 miles. Asheville NC had a former dealer who was willing to look at it and still had some parts, but they were 160 miles of the BRP away. And lastly there was one over 200 miles away in Raleigh. All were willing to look at it, NONE were willing to come and get it (and you can't really blame them, but I was willing to pay for their time/fuel). Two were kind enough to discuss it with me, one at length.

Meanwhile I made another call to a buddy (Art) at Gigabikes (www.gigabikes.com) and asked him to start a thread too, in case there was someone local who could help. And, as bikes ride by just about ALL of them (all brands, Harley, BMW, Yamaha, Suzuki) are slowing and stopping (unless we wave em off) to see if they can help. Funny, none of them have a DVOM or test light either, even the Sportster riding electrician from LA (who stuck around to see if he could lend a hand).

Now during this time, and I forget exactly when, I'm futzing with the ignition switch and the tach needle jumps (which just takes a small milli-voltage, and happens whenever I turn on the ignition). Well a light comes on and boom, like that the bike starts, it runs for a couple of seconds and then dies. BAMN, she's dead again, absolutely nothing, but I'm starting to get suspicious about the ignition switch.

Two of the dealers put me through to their service departments to discuss what I should do.

One was a little too unfamiliar with Guzzis. He suggested I take a bunch of wires and crimp connectors (from a local store) and apply power to all the fuses directly from the battery (basically he suggested that would power the fuse panel and keep the fuses basically inline). I suggested that I though the fuses were normally hot and the issue is really the switched circuits for the relays that needed to be turned on.

The second dealer was MUCH more helpful, as he looked at the wiring diagram and agreed with me that the first dealer was a little hooey. He told me that the 4 wire ignition switch closed two circuits, connecting two wires with hot leads internally. Unfortunately in true Guzzi fashion the wire colors in the harness do not match the colors in the switch. And dumbass Kev made move number two. I HAD NO PEN. So he's trying to tell me what colors connect to what and I've got no where to write it. Meanwhile people are stopping, the phone is ringing through etc etc etc.

So I decide to disassemble the ignition switch. I take out the headlight for access and it's an easy 2-screw removal. With the sporty-riding electrician looking over my shoulder I disassemble the thing looking for bad solders, broken wires, burned contacts SOMETHING. We both agree that it “looks” fine. I tell him thanks, but since there is nothing more he can do to help, don't worry about hanging around.

I decide it's time to punt and I send Jenn for supplies. I tell her buy some tie-down straps and a test light AND find where the closest U-haul place is, we can get it off the side of the road. While Jenn is gone some Guzzi riders call me with contact numbers (I'm now scratching them into the front of my Harley Tour Map book with the blade of a Leatherman tool like hieroglyphics) when a van pulls up and a guy tosses a pen on the ground next to me (thanks man, yeah, I'm cool, thanks again) and a couple riding (she a Yamaha, he a Harley) pull over (at least I'm not lonely).

Well it turns out via the contact number I learn of a longtime (30 year plus) Guzzi rider who is about 50 miles back up the parkway (she literally has a house one turn off the parkway, it would be within sight if not for the trees) with a Ford truck and a ramp who is willing to come get me. And her boyfriend is a longtime vintage BMW guy and her neighbor is a longtime Guzzi guy and she figures between us we can get it all fixed. Unfortunately she's got a cap on the truck so I gotta take off the windshield, mirrors and topcase (no worries it's well worth it).

I call Jenn to abandon the search, she turns around (she's 50 miles away) and comes back.

While I'm waiting for the ladies to arrive I chat with the many bikes who stop (a particular 63 y/o on a BMW R1200CL was a delight, we talked for about a half hour as he just sat on his bike in the middle of the BRP).

Well, when no-one is around I futz some more. I put the ignition switch back together and as I futz with the key, I hear the fuel pump come on. I start the bike and it runs and it doesn't die. But I've put the switch back together wrong (the contacts aren't in proper alignment for attachment to the lock cylinder).

Jenn shows up and pulls out a big bag from the saddlebags (yeah, holly crap it's almost 2:30 and I haven't eaten today, and what does my love bring me... TACO BELL!!!!! ROCK!). So when Pat (my new bestest Guzzi buddy shows up with her truck I'm stuffing the last Spicy Chicken Burrito in my face).

Ya still with me???

We haul it back to Pats and I gotta say, I'm forlorn. I'm done, mentally I've given up. But her and her neighbor Greg pep talk me into “we can fix it”. I show Greg the ignition switch and he says, hey “hit the switch while it's turned on, if it cuts out, we know it's bad” I look at him and say, “yeah, but the electrician didn't think it looked bad and I might have just messed it up when I put it back together wrong” Greg is like “what do you have to loose” We talk about the circuit some more and agree the switch REALLY is the most likely culprit at this point.

So we try it... switch on, lights and everything come on, I tap the switch, bang it cuts out. He's convinced, I'm still skeptical that maybe it's something else and I caused the problem on the switch, but bottom line the switch is now toast so we might as well try to work around it. He pulls out the wiring diagram for his bike, colors are the same for the switch circuit. I grab a pair of dykes and cut out the old switch leaving it's old connector and a length of wire in place. Jenn and Pat run to town for 2 toggles switches and some crimp connectors. They get back I wire em in and test, she fires right up.

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It's now nearly 7:00 pm. I'm nervous, cause if it's an intermittent somewhere else (I still hadn't traced all the circuits from the ignition and wasn't sure whether the ECM or something else couldn't have caused those symptoms, but I figure probably not, the switch was probably watch triggers all those relays, ECM, fuel pump, lights and horn), so we head out.

By the time we hit the 200 MM again I'm feeling good, we must have got it right.

By the time we pass MM 222 and 223 it's almost 8:00 and the sun is going down, but at least we're making progress again.

By the time we get to MM 260 it's pitch black, bugs are just swarming into the windshields, we're running with a slight stagger but both brights on, and we've slowed so I could scare away deer about 3-4 times. I'm thinking, cool, we're behind, but we're good to go, let's find a place for the night.

We wake up Wed to yet another gorgeous morning and head back out the BRP for another awesome day on the parkway.

The beginning of the parkway has some nice vistas, the middle (around the VA/NC border) gets a little flat and woody and more boring, but once you start to approach Asheville, from even 100 miles away, the views come back. You climb and climb. There are some outcropping bridges holding the curves of the roadway suspended up in the air above the trees and mountainside. It was awesome.

We came upon a painfully slow riding couple. Jenn pulled up next to me after a couple of miles of following them and said “it's like riding with Jess” (Her sporty riding sister who has, even 2 years later, still not graduated from the newbie stage, she goes painfully, almost dangerously slow, traffic building behind her, scared of turns etc). I explain to Jenn that I can tell from the chick's leather jacket (it was like a pale orange) that I recognized them as one of the many couples who'd stopped to help yesterday and the least we can do is follow for a while, hang back and keep traffic off them, and then thank them if they pull over. Which we did, then it was back onto the road for some better, faster riding.

We shortly came across a couple of guys on BMWs (with a license plate frame from a local PA dealer we've frequented). Seems they too were stuck behind some PAINFULLY slow cruiser riders. What is it with riders who are so afraid of curves and ride in packs that they can't at least pull over and let others by??? Just sounds like courtesy to us. After following them for about 20-30 miles both the BMW riders and us pulled over to take a break and hopefully let them get FAR ahead. We chatted for a while, then Jenn and I took off (half expecting the BMW guys to catch us in a mile or so, but they never did, though we DID pass them days later on the Cherohalla Parkyway/Skyway (I still can't figure out what it's really called or how to spell it).

About 10 miles down the road we saw the signs for Mt. Mitchel and took a side-trip. Awesome view.


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Then we began our decent into Asheville and, because we'd lost a day and were supposed to meet with some CWBB buds at the Dragon by 3:00-4:00 we decided to leave the BRP behind and hit some local freeways. Still took us WAY more time than we'd expected and didn't get to the Crossroads until 5:00 ish (but luckily they were still there).

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Road the Dragon that afternoon on the way to Alcoa, TN. Had dinner with a bunch of great guys. Somehow ran into a great Guzzi rider who must have figured out where we were going from the various BB posts and who met us at the restaurant partially to say hi and partially to offer some contact numbers in case we ran into more problems!!! (Gracia mi amigo). Unfortunately we were on a tight schedule and I never did get a chance to hook up with him again (and a bunch of other Guzzi guys) down in the Smokies but, next time!

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Thursday was spent riding with the CW guys and we had an absolute blast.

We ran up the Cherohala (a few of us at a BRISK pace, 65-70 in the curves, occasionally topping a ton on the straightaways. I was chasing an older gentleman (DJ) on a Dyna who, well frankly, just KNEW how to ride it! But it wasn't long before my buddy who HAD been at the tail (behind Jenn on the Sporty, Zon on another Dyna and Rick on an RK) had passed them all on his GORGEOUS TBS SPORT and was riding a couple of lengths behind me (making it look effortless).

At the next stop, my but Stunta (on the TBS) offered to swap bikes, how could I say no to a ride on such an awesome bike!!! I promised to ride it like a Grandma (of course it turned out to be a hot-rod grandma, cause we quickly lost everyone else in the pack again).

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At the summit we traded back, and he had kind words for the Guzzi. I must admit, this guy was leisurely running away from me on MY OWN BIKE! He did note how the Guzzi just kinda sings at 6k!

From the summit we ran back down to the Gap for lunch at the Crossroads! We watched the bikes come and go, checked out the “Tree of Shame” and basically had a good time before a late afternoon run back down the Dragon again!

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A quick stop at Smokey Mountain Harley to visit a friend (how a CBR 929 riding, former BMW parts girl winds up as a “Chrome Consultant” I just have NOOOOOOO CLUE!). Interesting side-note, the HD dealer had quite a number of used bikes, including a pretty nice 2002 Anniversary Edition California EV (Black and Gold). Only $5k and change, with 30k miles!!!! (commercial!).


After copious amounts of food and drink we turned in, realizing that dawn would bring a long highway run trying to get home.

It was out to highway 40 East, to the start of I-81 just east of Knoxville Friday morning, where we ran about 450 miles up to Wincheste VA, where Jenn finally gave me the “I'm frickin tired and hungry, and if you don't pull over soon I'm gonna kick your butt” look. So we found a nice off the road little hotel, next to a kick-ass Italian restaurant and settled into dinner with a bottle of wine and some beers!!!

Saturday morning brought an easy 175 mile or so ride home and an end to this trips adventures!!!

I have to say that there is no doubt in my mind that the BRP and the Smokies are some of the BEST motorcycle roads on the East Coast! If you haven't made the trip yet, put it on your calendar. And if you have made the trip, when ya going back?

Ride safe all!!!

Oh, for the record. Jenn's Sporty was FLAWLESS again and she loved the ride.

I think the BRP helped make her a better rider.

Interestingly the camber of the road and the lighter load meant that the PEGS touched down first for her on the Dragon and she ground a nice little bevel onto each side the first day.

On the second she learned to lean herself a little more and take a better line and avoided touching down, but still got through quicker!!!

1600 miles or so on that little 883L last week, now brings her to about 9k miles and she still loves the bike (no real surprise there).

A buddy of ours on a RK took some photos with his phone and sent them back to an 883 riding buddy in NJ who refused to come with him "because it was too far for a sporty" I think his buddy is more than a bit embarrassed ;)

I think though that it is gonna be time soon to talk about upgrading the brakes and the suspension on that Sporty. We'll probably start with shocks, then go for fork springs and eventually, PROBABLY the HD dual disc set-up for the front, though we MIGHT go with a brembo and see how that feels. Time will tell!

If anyone wants any info on the BRP and Deal's Gap, get it while it's fresh in my mind ;) :laugh

Excellent report Kev-I can't wait to go! Leaving in 9 days!!

Yep, :clap Thats the same famous corner i've got pics from Killboy (http://www.killboy.com/), i was headed the other way back towards the Resort area. Didn't see any Lobo's or Semi trucks cruising the Dragon did you? LOL

Great pics BTW, looks like you had alot of fun.
Killboy does a great job of getting pics of the Dragon Slayers.:tour



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Excellent report Kev! I thoroughly enjoyed your story. Not a dull word
on the whole page!

Looks and sounds like great trip.

Bikrchk, hope you guys have a fun and safe trip!!!

Xllnt, yup, no Lobos or Semis - thank God for both. We actually had pretty clear roads, I only had to pass twice on the first day and the second we took our time, I pulled over to take pics.

I got that shot of Jenn above and then took a couple of a budy of mine on his Black RK, and that's when I realized it was the same curve with the famous pics of the dude dumping his black RK. It's funny, but my buddy could almost be him in the shot I took.

Killboy does a great job, I'm gonna order some high-res pics from then when Jenn decides which ones she wants.

Kev

thanks Maddog, you're took kind.

Glad you liked Pops!!!

Ohh, thanks all!

I should mention in this thread too that gas mileage was AWESOME for the trip.

Slower speeds and altitude and maybe better gas probably all contributed.

But Jenn's sporty usually gets about 50 mpg with her on it, and she regularly saw 55+ with a high of 60 mpg!!!!

I usually get about 40 mpg and even riding with her it doesn't go up too much, but I regularly saw 46+ and a high of 50 mpg!!!


Kev

Thanks for posting your trip account. One of the best things I've ever read on this, or any other m/c forum. It sounds like it was a great adventure (despite the hiccup with the Guzzi). You met some great folks, made new friends, and traveled dazzling roads. On top of that, Lady Jenn proved again that you can, indeed, go anywhere on a Sporty. Much gratitude for taking the time to share this.

What an awesome adventure you guys had. Great pictures. All that networking....that was pretty cool too.

Great story to share thanks Kev and the pics are great, can't wait to ride the dragon myself

thanks John! I guess as Jimmy Buffett says "we do it for the stories we can tell"

Sportyblue,

This whole internet thing is kinda cool, and it allows us to network, much like the Guzzi and BMW owners have been doing for years (with annual print lists of people and phone numbers) to get help in remote areas!

ANYONE on this board traveling near Philly/DE/South Jersey, can feel free to email me for contact info in case they ever need local help. Truck, Trailer, Tools, Bed, Food, whatever, it's all good!

Great story to share thanks Kev and the pics are great, can't wait to ride the dragon myself


Have fun man and stay safe!!!!

Betcha it will be a BLAST to ride on that "R"!!!

Awesome story and pictorial Kev! Glad you had a good time down in my neck of the woods. Wished I would have seen your prior post about leaving, I would have met you guys for some dinner and beers (not the dry counties, too many of them and they do suck).

Awesome story and pictorial Kev! Glad you had a good time down in my neck of the woods. Wished I would have seen your prior post about leaving, I would have met you guys for some dinner and beers (not the dry counties, too many of them and they do suck).


Well you can meet up with us and redeem yourself! Kev, we promise to have one for you and Jen if we do meet up!

Next time Smoke, guess you can buy Bikerchk and her man a beer this time eh?

RIDE SAFE ALL!!!

Kev

Thanks for the write-up Kev!

Great story! A lot more detailed than mine, but then again I didn't ride 1300 miles. The dragon is awsome. I think ZeeFoto got pics of us on the same turn... When we rode the dragon, Killboy was not out there. He may have come out later though. We only when once from the lodge. Next time I want to spend more time there. We also rode the BRP from Balsm, NC to Asheville, both ways, one word - AWSOME!!!!!!!!!

I wish i could interest my wife into riding. We can't afford another bike now, and we have 2 little ones (5 & 19mos.) So I understand why she won't get into it now. Who knows what the future holds for anyone!

I love my sporty, witch is slowly being transformed into sport bagger, I just want to get a more comfy seat. After 100+ miles the but starts to feel it. I think I want either the H-D pillow look seat or the Sundowner, but both take lots of money I don't have.

Now I have rattled on to much on your thread...

Great story! A lot more detailed than mine, but then again I didn't ride 1300 miles. The dragon is awsome. I think ZeeFoto got pics of us on the same turn... When we rode the dragon, Killboy was not out there. He may have come out later though. We only when once from the lodge. Next time I want to spend more time there. We also rode the BRP from Balsm, NC to Asheville, both ways, one word - AWSOME!!!!!!!!!

I wish i could interest my wife into riding. We can't afford another bike now, and we have 2 little ones (5 & 19mos.) So I understand why she won't get into it now. Who knows what the future holds for anyone!

I love my sporty, witch is slowly being transformed into sport bagger, I just want to get a more comfy seat. After 100+ miles the but starts to feel it. I think I want either the H-D pillow look seat or the Sundowner, but both take lots of money I don't have.

Now I have rattled on to much on your thread...

Nah, you've not rattled on too much, good stuff.

Zeephoto was not there Wed/Thurs of last week, though I believe he was there on Tuesday (cause someone else from our group was there and had some shots). I just realized that this was my second trip to the Dragon and I've NEVER ridden it UPHILL :doh Somehow we always wind up doing loops on other highways and coming at it from the South, heading North on 129! Next time I gotta just get to the bottom and turn around :o

Wife and riding, that could be a whole other thread. My daughter (Kelli, 7) just started riding with us, but I know when we have more we'll have to be creative for a number of years. No biggie. Life is good.

Baby tourer - well, that's how Jenn's set her's up that's for darn sure. But she actually likes the stock seat. It does start to give her Monkey butt after 100 miles or so, but ya know we stop, walk around, get some gas, eat something, take a pic whatever, and it's all good!

:banana :tour :banana

I think the BRP helped make her a better rider.


BIG TIME!!!

I remember being a newbie on the bike the first season I had it. Me and a veteran buddy (who just bought a new Buell XB) went for a ride - we did the figure 8 around the Great Sacandaga Lake. Good 8-hour day and not a straight section of road except for the bridge that goes across the center of the lake (yeah, it's a pretty big lake). That was the day I decided to go Cafe with my bike, and being forced to take those turns really boosted my confidence and gave me a whole new perpective of what the bike (and I) was capable of.

Kev, awsome pictures. I plan on getting down there someday...maybe next summer.

BIG TIME!!!

I remember being a newbie on the bike the first season I had it. Me and a veteran buddy (who just bought a new Buell XB) went for a ride - we did the figure 8 around the Great Sacandaga Lake. Good 8-hour day and not a straight section of road except for the bridge that goes across the center of the lake (yeah, it's a pretty big lake). That was the day I decided to go Cafe with my bike, and being forced to take those turns really boosted my confidence and gave me a whole new perpective of what the bike (and I) was capable of.

Kev, awsome pictures. I plan on getting down there someday...maybe next summer.

Well, let's see, Jenn's been riding for a little more than 2 years now, so this is sorta her third "season" if you will. Between both bikes she's owned, let's see, I'd guess that puts her at about 12-13k so far. And she's a pretty decent rider.

However, like all of us, there's always something you can improve.

and the BRP, well it's just hundreds and hundreds of miles of curves. There is NO WAY anyone who is paying attention isn't going to learn something on that road!

I remember back in 94 or so when I rode it the first time. I'd only been riding a few years, even though I already had something like 50k miles under my belt.

But I was traveling with a small bunch, some of whom were more experienced and on much more capable bikes than me. I remember feeling intimidated by some of the speeds, ESPECIALLY on downhill curves.

This time I remembered having felt that way, but didn't feel it for myself. Though in the back of my mind I was figuring that Jenn must be, so I kept the speeds down a lot when we were together.

When we hit Deal's Gap, I TRIED (emphasize TRIED) to chase my buddy down the Dragon and I just couldn't take his lines, lean over that much or in anyway match his speed. I think he was even taking it easy, cause I did manage to at least keep him in sight (within a couple of curves). And luckily he twice came upon slower traffic and had to wait a second to get around which allowed me to catch up.

Anyway, I'm rambling.

I definitely learned this trip too. I'm gonna start working on deeper cornering and later apexing, especially to see further around blind corners!!!

Kev

Great write up, and awesome pics Kev!!:clap :clap

Nice Jackal by the way!

I definitely learned this trip too. I'm gonna start working on deeper cornering and later apexing, especially to see further around blind corners!!!

Kev
That is a pretty big hint for me to think about before going Kev- thanks for mentioning it- I have relatively NO experience on blind curves. I get nervous when I think about riding the Dragon, but not scared.

Great write up, and awesome pics Kev!!:clap :clap

Nice Jackal by the way!


GRACIAS! :banana

That is a pretty big hint for me to think about before going Kev- thanks for mentioning it- I have relatively NO experience on blind curves. I get nervous when I think about riding the Dragon, but not scared.


You'll be FINE!

Always just remember to ride within (or as near as you can) to your comfort/skill levels.

Remember, I was chasing a serious sport rider through the Dragon on his HEAVILY modified TBS sport. The guy lives down near Atlanta and makes it up to the Dragon on a semi-regular basis.

The thing to remember on the Dragon is simply to take your time and take YOUR line!

Stay in your lane on the blinds and slow down before hand if you need too.

You can ALWAYS wave people around you if they want to go faster!

And like I've said, riding the BRP is a GREAT tune-up for such a thing!!!

Jenn did great on the Dragon, better the second time through than the first!

Kev

Excellent travelog, Kev. Thanks for taking the time to post.

Thanks for the great travel narrative and awsome pictures Kevin. It is one of the best travel chronologys I have seen.

Rico

Kev, thanks, great story and pics. I feel like I was there, without leaving my seat! Sounds like a lot of fun.

I really didn't have a problem riding the dragon. There are a lot of blind curves on that road so as long as you keep saftey in mind you will do just fine. The wear marks on my front tire went all the way to the sidewall when I rode the dragon. They have some seriuosly fun turns. Awsome story Kevin.

Bravo. Nicely done. Im heading there at the end of this month. Im chomping at the bit.

Just finished the Dragon this past weekend and it's everything everyone is saying it is. Nieghbor and I ran it last Friday and there were two rallies being run by some local clubs (suzuki / yamaha). We ran it a few times and it does get better as you go....:banana:banana

Problems we saw was one racer dumped, went across the yellow and took out two others....:eek::eek::eek:

One new HD rider just flat-out mis-judged the turn and dumped into the woods too:frownthre:frownthre:frownthre

I did manage to mount my digital DVD recorder to the "Sportbagger" and record the ride at a modest pace and will be shipping it out to Bert tomorrow to load onto the server. That way, those who are going for the first time can "practice" first!!!!:roflblack:roflblack:roflblack

hey kev, just read up to the point where you sayed "dry town" and lost me there...j/k.
great reading,great pictures. looks like you and jenn had a good time.

Just finished the Dragon this past weekend and it's everything everyone is saying it is. Nieghbor and I ran it last Friday and there were two rallies being run by some local clubs (suzuki / yamaha). We ran it a few times and it does get better as you go....:banana:banana

Problems we saw was one racer dumped, went across the yellow and took out two others....:eek::eek::eek:

One new HD rider just flat-out mis-judged the turn and dumped into the woods too:frownthre:frownthre:frownthre

I did manage to mount my digital DVD recorder to the "Sportbagger" and record the ride at a modest pace and will be shipping it out to Bert tomorrow to load onto the server. That way, those who are going for the first time can "practice" first!!!!:roflblack:roflblack:roflblack


OUCH!

My girlfriend and I are planning a little southern tour in August. I was thinking of possibly doing the Dragon, but now I'm sure there is NO WAY I'll take her there. She rides SLOW in curves. I'm sure she would not like faster riders passing here, and I hate sharing my lane with some racing wanna be that I don't know either. The worst part would be holding up the fast riders, and having to pull over so much.

Oh well.......another time maybe. I'm thinking that my girlfriends safety and sanity is a little more important than a few curves. More importantly, she would probably make my life miserable if I took here there! :roflblack

Great story Kev. Makes me want to head that way soon. Glad ya'll were able to hook up the resources to get your bike fixed up and on your way. Even thought about the Black & Gold Guzzi at SD-HD when I starting reading your thread. Guess you found it on your own. I sure like the folks at that dealership. Enough to buy a bike from 'em. Thanks again for the story and pics.

Wow...a good write up....thanks Kev! I enjoyed the photos too...by the way, what cell phone provider do you use,it seems like you broke down in the middle nowhere and still had good cell phone service.
Note to self...pack DVOM and pen.....:smoke

Nice read Kev. Enjoyed the entire story. BTW, Cherohala Skyway is so named because, It goes from the Cherokee National Forest in Tenn into the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. One of my favorite rides, as is the BRP. Thanks for the Story. :tour

OUCH!

My girlfriend and I are planning a little southern tour in August. I was thinking of possibly doing the Dragon, but now I'm sure there is NO WAY I'll take her there. She rides SLOW in curves. I'm sure she would not like faster riders passing here, and I hate sharing my lane with some racing wanna be that I don't know either. The worst part would be holding up the fast riders, and having to pull over so much.

Oh well.......another time maybe. I'm thinking that my girlfriends safety and sanity is a little more important than a few curves. More importantly, she would probably make my life miserable if I took here there! :roflblack


Actually, MOST of the sportbikers we encountered were quite respectful. When I took my time through the Dragon on one run (following Jenn), if we saw someone coming up on us (and you have some warning cause you get glimpses on what's behind you a couple of turns back) then you just put a turn signal on and hug the shoulder on a straight away or a left turn and there is PLENTY of road for them to go around you.

Not that they had the need too much ;)

Seriously, it's no problem riding it at your own pace.

Wow...a good write up....thanks Kev! I enjoyed the photos too...by the way, what cell phone provider do you use,it seems like you broke down in the middle nowhere and still had good cell phone service.
Note to self...pack DVOM and pen.....:smoke


VERIZON!

Been with them for 6-7 years now. Switched from Cingular years back when I started traveling a lot for Chilton cause the signal would drop so much from Cingular. But we've rarely not had a signal with Verizon.

As a matter of fact, most of the riders who stopped to help us were with other companies and didn't have a signal!!!

Nice read Kev. Enjoyed the entire story. BTW, Cherohala Skyway is so named because, It goes from the Cherokee National Forest in Tenn into the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. One of my favorite rides, as is the BRP. Thanks for the Story. :tour


Ahh Gracias, that makes sense.

Cherokee was kinda cool to pass through. I don't know how I felt about "Harrahs" :frownthre I wonder if it's like you always hear about, just a couple of people getting the money.

"Ask a Tribal Elder about Diabettes" (public service billboard)...

Great story Kev. Makes me want to head that way soon. Glad ya'll were able to hook up the resources to get your bike fixed up and on your way. Even thought about the Black & Gold Guzzi at SD-HD when I starting reading your thread. Guess you found it on your own. I sure like the folks at that dealership. Enough to buy a bike from 'em. Thanks again for the story and pics.


Next time you stop in, ask to see "Meagan, the CBR riding Chrome Consultant" tell em I sent ya ;)

BTW, they have this Yellow XB9R Firebolt that was VERY tempting!!!!

Ohh, and Jenn realy liked this Black, White and pinstriped 1200L :tour

Great trip report Kev ! I'd like to make this ride myself this summer. I'm a photographer and would love to take some pics from the higher views. Does the view get foggier early ? Or later ? We don't get much mountain view here in Fla.

Well you can meet up with us and redeem yourself! Kev, we promise to have one for you and Jen if we do meet up!

Tell me when and we'll figure out where.

Great trip report Kev ! I'd like to make this ride myself this summer. I'm a photographer and would love to take some pics from the higher views. Does the view get foggier early ? Or later ? We don't get much mountain view here in Fla.


Can't say for sure, as we were never actually UP much earlier than 9:00 or so.

But there is a constant atmospheric (pollution caused) "haze" which obscures the long distance view from most overlooks.

Glad you and Miss Kev M had a great time! So Ive learned from this that Ive definitly gotta do deals gap, Bring a tester, and Miss Kev M !LOL!:wonderlan
Speaking of whom is she a member here? I think we'd all enjoy her side of the story and thoughts about your 'als adventure Since she is the one that did it on a sporty!
Oh thanks so much for the renactment pix!:roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack WTF!Did your buddy figure out how in the world that bagger guy coulda "lost"it?
Glad your back here posting again:cheers

Dang I'm on the other side of the world and my wife is asking wtf am I looking up the Smokie mountains for....:) Well maybe next year. Great report and photos. Man does that look like fun!!!:tour

:doh :roflblack Uhhh goooooood morning

Glad you and Miss Kev M had a great time! So Ive learned from this that Ive definitly gotta do deals gap, Bring a tester, and Miss Kev M !LOL!:wonderlan
Speaking of whom is she a member here? I think we'd all enjoy her side of the story and thoughts about your 'als adventure Since she is the one that did it on a sporty!
Oh thanks so much for the renactment pix!:roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack WTF!Did your buddy figure out how in the world that bagger guy coulda "lost"it?
Glad your back here posting again:cheers

Miss Jenn is a member here, but she doesn't post much (never really has, she just joined to check it out and to make so she can see a link when I send it to her, but she more often just checks it out over my shoulder when she gets home from school or now the hospital).

She's not much of a "writer" but if you've got any questions for her about the sporty I'll try and get her to sit down and write (or more likely she'll just tell me and ask me to post it).

I don't think my buddy even realized he was on the "infamous" curve until I showed him the pic later, but I think it's real obvious how he "lost it", he spent so much time looking at the camera trying to be cool that he just totally lost his line and panic'd. Whether it was too much brake, running out of lean or just plain giving up I dunno, but I think it comes down to loosing the "ball"

K

Dang I'm on the other side of the world and my wife is asking wtf am I looking up the Smokie mountains for....:) Well maybe next year. Great report and photos. Man does that look like fun!!!:tour


Lots of bike rentals in the area of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Smokies!!!! :shhhh

But there is a constant atmospheric (pollution caused) "haze" which obscures the long distance view from most overlooks.
I read that the haze you refer to is also caused by the release of O2 from all the trees- hence the name Smokey Mountains...that's from one of the millions of articles I have read about the BRP

I was reading some signs posted at the observatory at Mt. Mitchell that claimed the haze has changed over the centuries, getting thicker, due to industrial pollutants. :dunno

But I haven't googled it or searched for articles...

(ohh, my pics with a view are all from the BRP, not the Smokies, don't know if that makes any difference).

K

Kev, great write up and pics too, glad you two had a good time. Thanks.

Snowman, i can hardly wait to see that video.

Harley

Sweet trip Kev. Sorry for your MG troubles. Glad ya got it repaired to get ya home. Sounds like ya met some pretty cool people. I liked the pics and showed them to the OL. Guess where I'm headin Sat? Nice little ride on the Blue Ridge! It's about 95 miles from home. Wife even charged the batteries in the camera (something we usually forget to do). Should be a few of us ridin. Figured to go to Waynesboro and then spend the day at Crabtree Falls then take the backs road out of the hills toward home. We usually stop at the Applebee's in Charlottesville on the way back for vittles. Wish I could get a week or two to ride up there (trout fishin is pretty good at times). It's hard enough gettin the OL out for a day in the sun though! Natural Bridge is a cool place and they also have a dragstrip. The picture you took up there is as good, actually better than most I've seen. Looked better than the ones in the gift shop. Your camera must be the sh^t. If ya had the time Cripple Creek would have been a pretty romantic spot but it's a few miles away and ya probably need to like the stream in the woods thing. They have lots of shelters along the creek and it's real private. Big spot for trout fishing when they stock it though. Really glad ya'll had a blast. Those roads on the Blue Ridge sure are sweet! Can't wait. Gonna change the plugs and primary oil after work! My OL even buys the gas when she rides! Your trip reminds me of a time I was drivin along the Parkway with a lady and I see a sign the says Appalachian Trail 5 miles. I'm ridin along and the lady says, "If you don't take me up on that trail and make love to me, you're a chicken sh^t MF". I'm a little shocked because I thought she was a little prim and proper. Anyway we get to the trail, park, and go for a little stroll. Low and behold out in the middle of bum !!!!! along comes this family hikin while I'm in the middle of a little pleasure seeking. The poor mom and dad got these three kids with em and are walkin by within 50 ft covering the kids eyes and are saying things like don't look kids, and hurry along. Occasionally I run into her also and when I do, I say, "if you don't take me up on that wooded trail and make love to me you're a chicken sh^t MF". We always get a laugh out of it! Myrtle Beach and that Parkway sure give pleasant memories.
Dave
Live to Ride!

LOL, I'm going to have to use that line next week!! Don't expect pics though

Great pics and story Kev. Is that the stock
seat on Jenn's bike? If so, man she deserves
an award for being able to hack that trip on it!

:laugh Hey Lucifer, good stuff man...

as for



We usually stop at the Applebee's in Charlottesville on the way back for vittles.

<and>

The picture you took up there is as good, actually better than most I've seen. Looked better than the ones in the gift shop. Your camera must be the sh^t.




We ate at The Virginian, on main street in Charlottesville, across from UVA and down the street from the Budget Inn (where we stayed) and a seemingly fancier hotel. They had a decent Jambalaya (and lots of good beers).

As for the Camera, thanks man, it's nothing fancy.

I used a Canon G2 for work (which is still nothing all that special, but it's decent). This shot was taken with our little bang-around Canon S200 Elph, the one we use for Scuba too (with a Canon dive case).

Kev

LOL, I'm going to have to use that line next week!! Don't expect pics though


Bummer :( on the second part ;)

Great pics and story Kev. Is that the stock
seat on Jenn's bike? If so, man she deserves
an award for being able to hack that trip on it!

:laugh Glad you liked.

As for the seat, YUP. We've got a stock take-off from a base 883 that I usually put on it when I'm riding (cause it's got a tad more cushion, is a tad wider, and most importantly, sits me back an inch further or so), but that seat is the stock for the Low and she prefers it because of where it positions her relative to the bars, foot controls and ground.

I've offered to look into a Corbin or something, but she's pretty content.

I mean, she gets monkey butt by about 100 miles or so, but she's usually starting to think about stopping for a break (and gas) by that point anyway, so it doesn't seem to bother her.

Kev