Anyone interested in getting a ride together in the southeast...N GA, TN or NC mountains?

Count me in if we're home, gone quite a bit.

I live in Maryville, Tn and would like to hook up for a group ride.

Dan

Count me in. I know, I know but do to a coworker being out for an undetermined amount of time the best day for me is either wed. or Sun. or with enough notice I can probably go any day. It sucks having to work for a living. Sweetwater, TN.

Sunday works for me. Just takes me a little while to get up there. I need to go to Greenville, SC so I might be able to work it into that.

I'm game.

I'd definitely be interested...will check the thread to see if things firm up. If not this one, can we put something out into the future so we can get together? I've been thirsting for an All-Versys ride...Thanks! :D

Count me in if we're home, gone quite a bit.

I live in Maryville, Tn and would like to hook up for a group ride.

Dan

Hey, I'm over there quite a bit - got some hiking/backpacking friends that live near the college. It would be great to put together a good Vee
weekend over near Tellico/Cherohala. I'm gone quite a bit too, but I'd be interested if I'm not working.

Would it be paved, dirt, or mixed?

I think this one will be all pavement unless a lot of people would like to do both. However we will need a ride leader that knows the area.

:goodidea:I am interested, count me in

Since there is some interest we should start working on a time and place to meet. I know that there are several of us in Atlanta and looks like some in eastern TN.

Any suggestions on a place to meet?

Right now the only weekend that doesn't work for me is 6/20-21. I can do Saturday or Sunday.

Ok looks like we should be able to get a good group together. Either 6/6-6/7, or6/13-6/14 are good leaning more towards the 6/13-6/14 gives a litlle time to get things together for everyone. same as for sharrison 56 the 20-21, or 27-28 not good for me. As for rides off road and on that is up to all who want to go. And what area you want to travel. I am familiar with most of the east TN. area. There are some forest service roads that are not to bad worst would be loose gravel and pot holes no water crossings or anything like that. They will end up comeing out onto the cherahola skyway. Or one will go by bald river falls. And then on up to a trout hatchery but don't know if its open on Sundays. From there you get onto North River Road the forest service road and go about ten miles following streams and gos by camp sites all in the national forest. This road will come out on the top of the Cherahola Skyway at the top on the North Carolina side. Called Stratton meadows. From there you can go on down the North Carolina side and through the Joyce Kilmer national forest road and on to Deals Gap and on over the dragon. From there go on into Vonore hit 360 back into back Tellico Plains. Or Start in Tellico Plains go to Indian Boundary Camp area and go down from there onto Citico Creek road witch is a 27 mile forest service road that is a mix of different road surfaces. Dirt, dirt gravel, some paved althoug very little and the good old pot wholes for the first ten miles then turns into nice smooth pavement. This will take you into Vonore fort loudon area. From there you can pretty much reverse the previous suggestion and go to 129 go over the dragon into deals gap through Joyce Kilmer forest road and over the cherahola into Tellico Plains. Now as a place to meet I suggest in the Tellico Plains area but that is up to the people coming from out of state. For me it is about an hour to Tellico Plains no Problem same or a little longer from Maryville. There are camp grounds and biker resorts there if anyone wants to camp out. There is lots to eat as well. These are just a couple suggestions and I am sure VeeWNC could have some suggestions as he seems to be fimilar with the area as well. I am game for the weekend thing to or some come on Saturday and others come on Sunday or when they can on the weekend.:thumb:

I will try to make it over on Sunday and ride for the day:thumb:

I might try to make this.

I might try to make this.

It won't be quite so cold this time!

So what is everyone thinking as far as a date. Is 6/13 and 6/14 ok? Or does someone have any more ideals on dates or a day?

6/13 and 6/14 would be good for me too. As soon as we nail it down, I may make arrangements for a 3 day weekend - that would let me get in a good ride to Tellico Plains on Friday 12th so that I could get a campsite. Have we decided to base the rides out of Tellico Plains? I'm up for just about anything. I do know that they have a good campground for bikes there, but there are also some good campgrounds over on the NC side of the mountains too. Hey, I'd ride all the way to Tellico Plains just to have lunch at the diner...
Let's hope that the monsoon dies down by then. We are under a flash flood watch here in western NC.

I'll be on a dual-sport ride with some KLR friends in Virginia the week-end of the 13th & 14th.

It's gonna be hard to get everyone's schedule together. I hate I'll miss it but maybe next time.

Enjoy yourselve's and ride safe,
Dan

6/13 and 14 work for me. I've yet to get over to Tellico area and don't need much of a stinkin excuse. Dave, I'll be you wingman.

6/13 and 14 work for me. I've yet to get over to Tellico area and don't need much of a stinkin excuse. Dave, I'll be you wingman.

Hey Neil, I got the Distanzia today for the rear. I dropped off the rear wheel this morning and should have the tire on and waiting when I stop by tomorrow. I had a nice fuzzy white strip all the way around the Conti Attack when I pulled the wheel off - I guess that the last trip across 'my' mountain pretty well nuked it. Can't wait to see how the Distanzia handles my favorite hooligan road... you've got to do that one with me sometime. Al and I went across a few days ago, he on his Honda 400 dirt bike and me on the Vee. Deep mud, deep hard-packed ruts, great jumps over ledges, and some 80+ mph sandy straights made for a really, really fun ride. I need to get a video of that one for the folks that don't think that the Vee can handle dirt.

Jerryes,
The rides you listed are really good ones that would be hard to top. It's a good mix with something for everybody. That is one of the finest riding areas in the southeast. Plus, as you mentioned, lots of good food to enjoy! If everybody is cool with the 13th and 14th, I'll plan a long weekend.

OldKawBoy, wish that you could be there, but maybe we can get together for a ride some other weekend. I'm over in that area a lot - if I know in advance that I'm heading that way, I'll let you know.

13 & 14 work for me.

Cool beans I have asked the work gods if this is possible and they granted me some RR. Now lets hope the weather gods will do the same. Or we may get wet.:thumb:

I think there are some of us that don't have any dirt experience and would need to stick to the asphalt ribbon, but we could always meet in Tellico Plains and then meet up again at Deals Gap.

Deals Gap is over rated I think, unless you are a want a be road racer with a death wish.
There are many roads in the area that are fun rides with out the 18 wheelers in a blind curve or a nother rider in your lane. Just my observation, I'm not apposed to trails or fire roads with in reason.

My favorite thing about Deals Gap would be the hamburgers and hanging out to look at the different bikes at the Gap. Riding the Dragon is fun in the winter, but during the summer months, it's just a way to get to my friends house in Maryville. However, if you haven't ridden it before, it's a gotta-do sort of thing. Sort of like seeing Old Faithful in Yellowstone - the only time I go there is when I'm taking somebody to the park that has never been there before.
There are so many good rides in the east Tennessee/western NC region that we'd never be able to hit more than a small portion of them in one weekend. I ride over there on a regular basis and I'm still discovering good roads that I haven't hit before.
For those who would like to ease into some 'light' dirt riding, there are some really good smooth dirt roads with little traffic that we could ride - maybe mix up some mild dirt with some fun twisties.
I'm hoping to stay at the Cherohala motorcycle campground near Tellico Plains - http://www.cycleresort.com/ I should get there sometime on Friday evening and plan to stay through the weekend, if the weather doesn't just totally suck.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is now open north of Asheville. The cave-in near Craggy Gardens has been repaired to the point that cars can pass by now, one lane at a time. I'm going to head up to Virginia tomorrow for a couple of days of riding - I'm thinking about camping somewhere near Floyd so that I can go to the pickin' and grinnin' jam sessions on Saturday night. They have some good impromptu bluegrass get-togethers there nearly every week of the year. :yeahsmile:

Hey I am up for that, my brother is headed down for a bachlor get away before he gets hitched later this year. He will be here the 12th and 13th. Renting a KLR from the guy in Robbinsville. We plan on hitting this area and interested in getting up to ride and bull****. Camping Friday night, Saturday ride will end in AVL before dark for us. Hope to catchup with you VeeWNC and you FFs.

BTW I got the Givis mounted and the distanzia rear yesterday. WOW what a difference. I cant wait to wear out this stock front so I can replace it too!

I am up for whatever; I like to ride! I think we can just meet up and decide from there what to do or where to go. I agree with VeeWNC the best thing about the gap is actually the cheese burger and onion rings. And also the diversity of bikes and people. I do have to say that if you catch it when there is little traffic you can have a real good time on the V up there. The V can take the corners with the best of them. I will also be camping so hope to see VeeWNC Friday. Like I said Im there for a meet and greet and do some riding and there are all kind of good rodes to ride.:thumb:

+1...it sounds like we meet in Tellico Plains in the morning and ride from there. I agree with you about Deals Gap, but it is still fun to ride, unless of course you get stuck behind something. If nothing else it would be great just to meet up and say hi, get some pictures. If people want to do the same ride then great, but not mandatory.

The last time I rode the gap we met up with an 18 wheeler coming at us in our lane! No fun! Funny thing was I was following a truck driver on a VFR!

One of my riders wants to do the gap because the last time he had a mishap and didn't finish it...doesn't have to be fast, just wants to do it. I really like the Cherohala (if it doesn't rain on me)! The last time I went through the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forst I had a mishap (MUD)...but I am willing to try it again.

sharrison56 I cut through Joyce Kilmer basically because it cuts time off if I am doing the hole loop and also I find that even though they have repaved 143 a lot of gravel gets kicked up on the corners and kind of gets me nervous. same as Cherohala I like it but it tends to get gravel in the corners to. While going through JK I take it slow on the scratchy parts. I also had a mishaps on the gap also ran into a 18 wheeler coming around the corner there was someone there waving people over but I could not pull over where I was at so was going around the next corner and pull off but only got just into the corner and saw the beast was already in the corner. Straightened up got to the side of the road put my left foot down good then went to put the right foot down :badidea:nothing there started to go over road had a steep angle fell over into a ditch about a foot deep but deep enough to give a good ham string pull as I tired to take the full weight of the bike on my leg. Anyhow have been up there many times since and still have a good time it is a fun place to ride a bike. Heck for me I can sneeze and pull a muscle anymore. Man it sucks to get older.

I like doing the Cherohala/Deals Gap/Vonore loop - that has a lot of good paved roads with a lot of variety. Along the Cherohala are a lot of good dirt side roads too. It's hard to go wrong in that region - it's like being a kid in a candy store.

I just got back from a weekend in Virginia. Rode the Parkway all the way up to the Meadows of Dan - that's at milepost 177, about 40 miles north of Martinsville for you Nascar fans. The Parkway is finally open through Craggy Gardens, but there are two fairly short detours in the Boone/Blowing Rock region where you have to circle through the countryside to continue north.
I'll have more details from the ride after I get time to download some pix, but I have to mention the motorcycle campground at the Meadows of Dan - it is by far the best campground that I've ever stayed in. Bikes only - no cars allowed. Extremely clean and well ran with some of the friendliest people that I've ever ran into. I'm already planning some more trips to the area and plan to stay there again if anybody is interested in putting together a Virginia get-together...
http://www.willvillebikecamp.com/

Hey, I noticed on this trip that the 'adventure' type bikes probably out- numbered the cruisers. That is a first for me.

I love the gap. It would be cool if Killboy got a pic of a line of Versii coming through!

:thumb:

But any roads up there rock!

Mudarra, VeeWNC, Jerryes, Sharrison, johnwescott, lgajmac, ME, roadstarman. Looks like 8 so far. Niiiiice.

So are we planning on Saturday 6/13? hb9400 will be there too!

I'm planning to camp Friday and Sat night with VeeWNC somewhere over near Tellico. I just follow him around and all usually goes well!

I'm planning to camp Friday and Sat night with VeeWNC somewhere over near Tellico. I just follow him around and all usually goes well!

:) I"ve been known to clean out a ditch or two...

OK, do we plan to meet in Tellico on Saturday morning? How about at the diner - is it the Tellicafe? That's a good central location with a gas station available right across the street.

Neil, we can get in a good ride on Friday as we head over - maybe knock out a dirt road or two along the way.

Oh, I reserved a cabin for the two nights. That way, I won't have to mess with packing so much stuff for the ride over. They still have some vacancies available for $40 a night - not bad.

:)Neil, we can get in a good ride on Friday as we head over - maybe knock out a dirt road or two along the way.

You got it. Jenny may play if her GS is fixed by then. Let's scope the weather next week. Speaking of weather, i suuuuuure was glad i had a heated vest yesterday morning up on Mt. Mitchell. Damn was it cold and windy. The lighting was spectacular and my camera was on the shop bench nice and warm at home.

Car camping in Hot Springs this weekend, so I'm out for riding.

This is the loop some of us were looking to do. Suggestions are welcome. I think most everyone from Atlanta is riding up that morning, unless we can get up there Friday night.

What day were you guys planning to ride this loop? If its for a mid afternoon Friday start count me and my brother in!

Hey Neill the lucky batchlor makes it 9!! Even if it is a KLR.

Anyone else camping out Friday night?

I m planning on camping out also and if anyone gets here early enough on friday we can warm the roads up then also just let me know. VeeWNC I know everbody wants to get riding Saturday but the brick oven bakery cooks stone oven pizza only on Sat. And D-m good cinnamon rolls. Dont know if you have ever ate there but every thing is great. So if you have not tried it it is worth a try in the middle of town next to the bank which is across from the bike store. If not this time some time when your in Tellico. Also I dont know if you know mike owner of the bike store but he is a really good guy and know a lot about the off roads around the area. Wife owns the little icecream shop in town. Wow brick oven pizza, icecream, cinnamon buns man is this a great little area to ride and eat.:thumb:

I'm up for doing that one whenever the group wants to hit it. Depending on when we leave on Friday, we should be to the Cherohala Resort by mid-afternoon or earlier. That would leave time for some riding that evening. Hey Jon, if you head over with Neil and I, we'll be sure to hit some good dirt on the way in - I know a good one that we can hit after leaving the Gap if we go that way, or out of Robbinsville if we go in that way. The Brick Oven sounds good - maybe Friday or Saturday night?

Killboy will do pix for you however you wish - if we wanted him (or one of the other 'shooters') to do a group shot, all we'd have to do is ride by in a line and let him fire some off. Group wheelies, anyone???

I talked to some folks that have stayed at the Cherohala bike campground and got some really good reports on it. Having clean showers is a huge plus. It looks like a great place to stay. The camping is festival style - just set up in the meadow or by the creek. They have firewood, a covered pavilion, covered bike parking, and a store (with coffee!!!)
We'll need to decide on a meeting time for the Saturday ride, giving the folks that are coming in that day time to get there.

I got woke up in the campground at the Meadows of Dan early Sunday morning by a hellacious electrical storm, along with high winds and heavy rain - it was like the rendezvous all over again. It started around 2 or 3 a.m. and was still raising hell at 6. I was wondering if I'd be doing a 250 mile dash for home in the rain. However, by 7:30, the skies were clear and deep blue and it turned out to be a perfect day. Pretty danged cool early on though - I kept my liner in all the way back.

I've thought about checking out the campground at Crusoe this weekend. I've heard some pretty good things about it and one thing for sure - there are a lot of good rides nearby.
Let's hope for good weather!

I am booked in at the Cherohala Resort near Tellico, arrive on Friday 12th in the afternoon, leave sometime on Sunday 14th. I will be riding with my good friend Tommy, aka the Kermit Chair man, he does not have a Versys yet, just a BMW GS 650/800 but he does have Versys envy! We are getting a cabin as packing up a tent is such a chore.

Anyway it should be fun, hopefully the weather will be nicer than my last ride out to East TN, the monsoon otherwise known as the ADV Eastern rendezvous rally.

I am booked in at the Cherohala Resort near Tellico, arrive on Friday 12th in the afternoon, leave sometime on Sunday 14th. I will be riding with my good friend Tommy, aka the Kermit Chair man, he does not have a Versys yet, just a BMW GS 650/800 but he does have Versys envy! We are getting a cabin as packing up a tent is such a chore.

Anyway it should be fun, hopefully the weather will be nicer than my last ride out to East TN, the monsoon otherwise known as the ADV Eastern rendezvous rally.

Were you at the rendezvous?

We are planning a trip to this area June 9th, 10th, 11th. Looking forward to it. I think we're staying at Cherokee, NC and plan on hitting the casino.

Were you at the rendezvous?

I was, we were at one of the cabins, I did see a trio of Versys Red, Blue and Green in the corner of the camping area, my red Versys was parked up at the cabin, the night event was quite amusing, but my trip there and back to Nashville area was wet and cold:blah::blah:

I was on the greenie, missed ya too! Hope to catch up for a ride. I will be with my brother on a KLR. My road ride home was also very wet. Apparently there was a nice window should I have gambled for my ride back to AVL.

Roadstarman, my ride was the blue one. I heard that there was one more Vee at the meet, but missed seeing yours.
Hey Jon, I was sitting in the Slab restaurant when you plowed by in the rain. Leaving the dry and warm shelter was hard and I put it off as long as possible, but once I got going, I really enjoyed the ride. If I'm prepared, riding in the rain can be fun. I just hate it when I get caught out without my rain gear and the temps start falling.
Are you taking your stove this time? :yeahsmile:

Most of the Atlanta group will be coming up Friday afternoon and staying within a mile of Tellico, so we should be able to meet for breakfast and get started fairly early.

You guys are killing me! If I didn't have my KLR dual sport ride with my buddies in Virginia pIanned I sure would be in Tellico.........would like to meet you all.

Ride safe and have a great time and set up another date.

Dan

I will be in Townsend in September on a ride with another group. We also get up that way for day rides fairly often.

sharrison 56 where you all going to be staying?

Tellico Log Cabins

I beleive that is real close to the cherahola camp ground within a mile or to. You all get up soon enough and want to do dinner or get together let me know.

That would be great. My cell is 404-202-2052. Although I left it at a friends house last night...have to go get it tomorrow.

I have a suggestion for the sat morning meet up.
The Cherohala market is a great meet up place, plus gas right there. Its a lot nicer than the BP across from the Tellicafe.

What do yall think?

Works for me! Lead the way.

I have a suggestion for the sat morning meet up.
The Cherohala market is a great meet up place, plus gas right there. Its a lot nicer than the BP across from the Tellicafe.

What do yall think?
What time?

Depends are we going to eat before or after we meet up? I am an early riser so it make no difference to me. I would say leave it to the ones that are riding in on saturday as they will have to get up the earliest.

OK ,who is staying at the Cherohala camp site near Tellico, I will be arriving on Friday afternoon with my buddy, and we will stay until Sunday. Is Tellico in a dry county?

We are getting in Friday evening, but will be staying at the Telico Cabins.

I plan on staying at Cherohala camp site Friday night. I am up for a day ride in the dirt/street. However I am headed to AVL late Sat afternoon.

I just checked the weather for Tellico for the weekend. There is a chance of rain on Friday, in the form of scattered showers and thunderstorms. I think that I'll try to get an early start so that I can get there ahead of the evening thunderboomers. Saturday and Sunday both sound good though, with only a 20% chance or rain in the form of thunderstorms. That's pretty good odds.

I'm usually an early riser and I like a leisurely breakfast (newspaper and coffee) so I'll probably get out early Sat. and Sunday morning for that. We can pick a meeting time and place for the rides. I'm game for just about anything, so long as I have a chance to get plenty of photos of the rides.

I live close but will be camping also will be there Friday around noon or when ever I get everything together. Have not decided wether it will be tent or cabin was waiting on the weather report. Will be riding all weekend long hopefully. Will be friday and saturday night for me. Tell me when and where and I will be there. Hope to see some or all friday night anyone wanting to get together for dinner friday night let me know .. Tellico is a BYOB except for beer. :thumb:

I live close but will be camping also will be there Friday around noon or when ever I get everything together. Have not decided wether it will be tent or cabin was waiting on the weather report. Will be riding all weekend long hopefully. Will be friday and saturday night for me. Tell me when and where and I will be there. Hope to see some or all friday night anyone wanting to get together for dinner friday night let me know .. Tellico is a BYOB except for beer. :thumb:

Are trying to tell us its a dry county? Crap I already have too much to bring w/o having to worry about BMOB from NC.:cheers:

Well yes unless you know some of the local corn squeezers. But then I think they all went to Popcorn Suttons funeral and are still there Grieving.:mad: Hope you got that joke. I did hear that there are some Wild Turkeys that roam that area though. And some say that squeezing them aint bad.:)

There might be some of that corn stuff down in Ducktown! I think there is a liquor store down there, but that is at least 30 minutes away.

From the information I was able to get the closest liquor store may be in Murphy, NC. Let me check another source.

Rassser Sasser Frasser!!!

OK well guess its off with the tent and in with the beer! With enough beer there will be no need for a tent right?

But for me, it's easier to just haul a bottle over the hill with the rest of the luggage.

I am hearing rumors that you can buy beer in Tellico, but not liquor.

I am hearing rumors that you can buy beer in Tellico, but not liquor.

Ahh right I get it now. :thanx:

I am hearing rumors that you can buy beer in Tellico, but not liquor.

I think this is correct, as I seem to remember buying beer there a few years ago.

Cleared the schedule, so I'm coming down.

Does anybody have cabin space to share?

Don

If the site is up to date, there are still some cabins available for this coming weekend.
Check this page:
http://www.availabilityonline.com/availtable.asp

I need to see how long they hold the reservations so I'll know how much time that I have to play on the way over.

The weather is still showing a 30% chance of rain through Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with mostly cloudy conditions. I can live with that. Might keep things a little cooler.

Okay, I scored a cabin at the Cherohala M/C Resort so I'm all set.

Can't wait to get some good riding in!

Don

Okay, I scored a cabin at the Cherohala M/C Resort so I'm all set.

Can't wait to get some good riding in!

Don

Hey, this will give me a chance to see the Versys that made me decide to buy one for myself - I ran into you over at MR when I was still riding my Ninja. You had parked next the green Vee that Jon ended up getting. Before I left that day, I had decided to make the swap.I still wish that the red version had been available when I got mine.

Ok everyone I decided to take a run over to the camp ground and just to let you know it was not the first one I stopped at. I being the expert that I am went to the camp that I thought it was going to be. This is called Hunts Lodge he had no cabins left but thought one was going to cancell. I thought well sign me up in case; then he showed me the cabins and they where nice but not the same as the web sites; things were similar but not the same and at the last moment I relized I was at the wrong camp sites. So I graciously left. By the way he was a really nice guy and lets just say really accomodating. I said I was concerned that if we got the rain Wed. and Thur. that we are supposed to that the ground would be saturated and he said we have had people move the picnic tables from under the pavilion and set up there tents there. Or just sleep in there sleeping bags on the tables or floor. What ever it takes to make you happy. Well I got over my brain fart and went to the Cherahola camp ground and there were some cruiser guys there and let me tell they looked like they might still be there when we get there because man did they have the beer:cheers:. Anyhow I was going to see if they had any cabins available for the weekend and he said he only had two of the seven reserved and with mine that makes three. So If any one is looking there was as of last night four left. And I tell you this is a really nice looking place. Well maintained nice pavillion with ice and drink machine. Lots of space to tent camp showers really clean and they have I believe four. All with toilets and all well just thought I would mention that because I can tell you one thing you dont want to go in for awhile after I have taken care of bussiness. Now as far as I know tellico is a dry county but you can buy beer there; if not madisonville is only 14 miles away and you can deffinitely buy beer there. Local weather man say Wed. and Thur. will have at some point heavy storms as a cold front moves through. Friday it is supposed to clear out and then possible pop up thunderstorms in the afternoon for Fri., Sat. and Sun. Been in the 80's last couple of days with high humditiy. So sounds like going to be good all around weather. :thumb: So hope to see lots there this weekend.

Hey, this will give me a chance to see the Versys that made me decide to buy one for myself - I ran into you over at MR when I was still riding my Ninja. You had parked next the green Vee that Jon ended up getting. Before I left that day, I had decided to make the swap.I still wish that the red version had been available when I got mine.

Sweet! Can't wait to get some riding in and throw back a few. I'm getting new tires tomorrow so I should be all set.

Also anyone needing a to borrow a one man tent and sleeping bag and mat let me know I will haul it along. Any other needs with in reason let me know. I am going to the store for some liquid refreshments so let me know if you want me to pick something up. Will be going Thurs. so let me know before then.

We would have stayed there, but he wouldn't let us have cabins for just Friday night.

Thanks, Jerrryes, for checking out the campground (s). That pretty well agrees with what my friends told me about their stay there earlier this year. They said that it was very friendly, very clean, and that the proprietor really put a lot of effort into making their stay as nice as possible. It's good to know that we'll be helping out somebody that needs the business and responds in kind.

I'm thinking now that I'm going to bee-line across the mountains as early as possible on Friday to get to the Tellico Plains area before the afternoon thunderboomers roll in. I've did a lot of backpacking along the crest of the Nantahalas - Slickrock, Citico Wilderness, Bob Bald, Wolf Laurel, Hangover, Naked Ground, etc. - and there is one thing that I can attest to - if the weather gets nasty up there, you wanna be under cover and away from the high points. If it's already storming when I get to the Gap, I'll just take the Dragon around Chilhowee and come in from the north via Vonore on Hwy. 360 - I really like that highway and it will keep me down in the valleys rather than up in lightning rod country.

BTW, I have a cabin, and they have 2 beds. If anyone wants to share, it works out to $25/each for a night.

my buddy and I are heading out on Friday morning from the Nashville area, and taking the scenic twisty route, we should arrive around 3pm, looking forward to meeting with you guys

I'm getting in a bit late, but I just made a reservation at the Cherahala Motorcycle Resort. I'm bringing a friend along, although he won't be riding a Versys. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

We would have stayed there, but he wouldn't let us have cabins for just Friday night.

Where are we staying? (I forgot...lol)

I may stay sat night too. Just depends on the weather.

Tellico Cabins...I have been thinking about staying Saturday night too.

Tellico Cabins...I have been thinking about staying Saturday night too.

Do they have a website? I'm not familiar with where they are.

http://www.tellicologcabins.com/

Very close to Tellico Plains.

I hope you guys take lots of pictures!!

http://www.tellicologcabins.com/

Very close to Tellico Plains.

Cool, I have always wanted to stay their. :thumb:

BTW, I have a cabin, and they have 2 beds. If anyone wants to share, it works out to $25/each for a night.

hacktracker, I got a kitchen pass to go play this weekend. You still got half a cabin? which nights? where?

sounds like our group is growing...everyone that can should at least join us for a ride on Saturday

I'm definitely staying at Cherohala M/C resort Fri and Sat nights. I'll split a cabin or pitch a tent...doesn't matter to me. wont arrive till late afternoon Fri. If you want to split a cabin, call me. 205-281-5308

Hey, I wonder what sort of campfire setup they have at the campground. I'd love to be able to wrap up a big ol' steak in some foil and toss it onto some coals to go along with some cold beer.

By the way, I noticed that the campground doesn't allow glass bottles. Not a bad idea, when you think about it, even though I prefer beer in glass. Heck, after the first one or two, it doesn't much matter though.

Neil and Jon - I'm going to start as early as possible in hopes of beating the rain over the mountain. I may even suffer the super slab over to Waynesville to cut down on travel time. When are y'all heading out?

The group from Atlanta will be staying at the Tellico Log Cabins, which is on the East side of Tellico Plains. Looks like it is about 6 miles you the Cherohala Motorcycle Resort. We should get to Tellico by 6:00. If anyone wants to meet for dinner we can hook up then, otherwise we can meet for breakfast.

Hey, this will give me a chance to see the Versys that made me decide to buy one for myself - I ran into you over at MR when I was still riding my Ninja. You had parked next the green Vee that Jon ended up getting. Before I left that day, I had decided to make the swap.I still wish that the red version had been available when I got mine.

I always wanted the blue Versys but ended up with a new red one, bring some tools to Tellico and we can do a fully body swap? :goodidea:

Sad to say, fellas, but I'm not going to make it this weekend. Work aside, Jenny's bike didn't make it out of the shop this week and she's kinda my #1 wingman on road trips. [freaking bmw's!] The weather looks good for you. Get some great miles in, be safe, and take lots of pics. I'm predicting you'll have better roads than the Midwest Versys gathering!

I may get up early Sun and head out your way, though. We'll see what Saturday evening has in store...;)

Thinking hard about a trip over to Lynchburg TN next weekend for a Jack Daniels tour. That's always been on my list. That could take us out through Deals Gap and back across Cherahala. Can't beat THAT!

cheers
/neil

Sorry to hear you can't make it! We will have to set something up later in the summer.

Where and when are we meeting Saturday morning?

I would suggest meeting at the Cherohala Market.

http://www.cherohalamarket.com/


Lots of bike friendly parking, gas, and food for a quicky type breakfast, or would we rather eat somewhere?

Time? Suggestions?



One suggestion about the Cherohala/Dragon/360 loop. The Cherohala Skyway frequently gets fog in the summer mornings, I would suggest we do 360/Dragon first. Then hit the Skyway in the afternoon, which will be a refreshing ride after being in the heat all day.

But, its not my party, so these are merely suggestions. :thumb:

Those both work for me...I have done the Cherohala fog and it isn't much fun.

Shall we say 9 am then?

9am for breakfast or heading out.

9am for breakfast or heading out.

Kickstands up by 9:00. So plan to be there before then.

Sound good? Or do we need to allow more time?

Just checking in...Rode home thru the mountains. Had bad weather at home this weekend while we were out. Hope to see you all again soon.
Noel

after a scenic, twisty, fast ride home to the Nashville area, I spent the rest of the day lounging around watching MotoGP on TV, it was good to meet you all this weekend, excellent camp site, great weather, awesome roads and good company, lets do it again some time.

Shaun

If you were the one that had this for breakfast I could understand the quick ride home....... :)

Sorry I missed the event, I had the flu bug from friday till now fever 99.8.
Catch you guys next time.

http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/JohnTop.jpg
A shot looking back at John from Asheville following me on the Cherohala during Saturday's group ride. Man, that was fun!

Gotta get the next couple of shots in, even thought it will take a while to get the full collection loaded onto my site. Yamadog wanted a steak - he fixed up some real Man Food!
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/13ManFood.jpg
Toss that sucker right on the coals, wait until it stops breathing, and stab it with a Buck knife. Dinner is served!
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/14ManFood.jpg

Next shot shows the Cherohala Motorcycle Resort at a little past sun-up on Saturday as we prepare for the day's ride.
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/15Dawn.jpg

Breakfast on Saturday morning at the Prospector in Tellico Plains - that was... umm, different.
Pretty good food, but I think that we sort of overwhelmed the staff, who weren't exactly expecting a large group to drop by.
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/22Prospector.jpg

Meeting for the ride at the Cherohala Market in Tellico Plains...
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/26Gathering.jpg

Heading up the Cherohala -
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/27Leanings.jpg

Everybody thought that I was waving at them or something - here's the result...
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/29Riding.jpg

That's Asheville John behind me...
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/49Leaning.jpg

Another 'wave'...
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/51Riding.jpg

Heading down the Robbinsville side at a sedate pace...
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/54Yeaah.jpg

From the Calderwood dam overlook on the Dragon...
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/60Overlook.jpg

When I get a chance, I'll get the pages completed. I think that I'll end up with about 70 or so pix. It looks like about 90% of the 'creative' ride shots ended up being photos of the yellow line, overhead tree branches, my underarm, or the sky.

That was a terrific weekend in the company of some really fine riders. I hope that we can plan another one before too long. Tellico Plains has a lot to offer for a meet like that.

If you were the one that had this for breakfast I could understand the quick ride home....... :)

Yeah that was mine, finished little over half of it. Had a couple cups of coffee, I thought the coffee was the best part, short of the waitress picking up my brother plate AFTER he ate on it to give it to ?????? The look on your face was priceless when she just told you to eat it. Dang I wish we had a picture of that!

Just checking in...Rode home thru the mountains. Had bad weather at home this weekend while we were out. Hope to see you all again soon.
Noel

Dan and I home safe and sound. I actually did about another 150 miles Sunday with the girlfriend.

I had a great time and made it home safe and sound too. I left at 7am and the fog mostly around camp, once I made it to Tellico, it was fairly clear.

Can't wait for next time.

Don

It was great meeting everyone! We had some great weather, great roads and great bikes!!! We need to get everyone's pics posted!!! What was the final V count? 10 or 11?

I thought the coffee was the best part, short of the waitress picking up my brother plate AFTER he ate on it to give it to ?????? The look on your face was priceless when she just told you to eat it. Dang I wish we had a picture of that!


"secondhand breakfast special" , "all you can eat twice !!!", that was a pure comedy sketch, where was the hidden camera?

The "AWOL" trio made it home too. Most of us had a great time ;). Huge thanks to everyone that helped my friend, especially to Yamadog for staying behind while we went for the recovery vehicle.

Rod

The "AWOL" trio made it home too. Most of us had a great time ;). Huge thanks to everyone that helped my friend, especially to Yamadog for staying behind while we went for the recovery vehicle.

Rod

How was Seth (?) feeling Sunday (and today)? He looked like he was getting a little stiff on Saturday night.

Here's a few more shots from the Cherohala of the group. I don't think that we ever did get around to posing for the group photo - too busy riding and having fun.
http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/34Lineup.jpg

http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/39Lineup.jpg

http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/38Lineup.jpg

http://griztrax.net/backroads/TellicoMeet/33Lineup.jpg

I think that one of the bikes hadn't arrived at the overlook when these pix were made. It's still the biggest collection of Versys that I've seen in one place.

How was Seth (?) feeling Sunday (and today)? He looked like he was getting a little stiff on Saturday night.

He's pretty sore, but doing good. Fortunately, he has a supply of percocet. When he's all healed up and has the bike back together, we are going to get him some tassels and training wheels :topsecret:. I'll keep you all posted on his progress.

And get him some proper riding pants!!! Those jeans didn't provide him with any protection...especially afterward! Glad he came out of that as well as he did!!!

Had a great time!

My pics are here:
http://mudarra.smugmug.com/gallery/8565679_PMnUD/1/564324930_2xLBa

Well I have to say I had a really good time this weekend and really enjoyed meeting every one and seeing all the different bikes and how they are set up. Sunday morning I was going to go have breafast at the prospectors reastaurant until I read the new sign no food is wasted here. We recycle. Well any how decided to drive back over the Cherahola Sun. morning and had breakfast at the deals gap restaurant and it was very good. Sweet potatoe pancakes and blueberry syrup. One of the most beautiful rides I have had in a long time just me and the moutain roads. Im sure ashville John had a great ride over to. Well anyhow here are a few pictures.

At the overlook.
3362
3363
3364
3365
3366
3367
3368
3369
3370
3371
3342
3343
3344
All the cycles at deals gap.
3345
The Georgia bunch.
3346
3348
The Hooligans plotting there next move.
3349
The Hooligans looking at something.
3350
What the Hooligans where watching.
3358
Sunday morning everyone getting ready to leave.
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3356
Well it was great meeting everyone and hope to do it again soon maybe this fall
Cheers:cheers:

We couldn't have been much luckier with the weather, considering the forecast. I dodged a shower or two on the way over on Friday, especially near the Gap, but never got wet. The Cherohala was socked in pretty good early on Friday morning, and some riders that I talked to at the Gap said that they had high winds and heavy rain when they crossed over. I decided to head on across the Dragon and pick up Hwy. 72 at Punkin Corner. That turned out pretty good, since I was able to dodge the rain and had a great ride on in to Tellico Plains. The luck continued on through the weekend. I ran into a little rain Saturday afternoon on the way back from the group ride to the Gap. I cut across the dirt roads over the mountains rather than retracing our morning route over the Cherohala. As I was riding down the mountain below the Bald Rock River Wilderness, it started pouring. I stopped beneath some trees and put on my Frog Togs. By the time I got them on, it had already slacked off a lot, and the sun soon reappeared.
Sunday morning was really foggy, but only in patches, mostly in low-lying areas. I decided to head south on 68 instead of riding back across the Cherohala. I like Hwy. 68 with its sweeping smooth turns and rural scenery. I had planned on cutting across the Joe Brown Highway north of Hiwassee, but decided to ride a little further south first so that I could ride over the dam. After doing that, I kept heading north to pick up the Joe Brown Highway. That's a cool ride, very narrow and hilly, with scarce traffic as it meanders over to Murphy. From Murphy, I picked up Hwy. 64 through the wide valleys towards Franklin. The ridges near Winding Stairs Gap, right before dropping back down into the valleys near Franklin, are a blast to ride. I checked out the Rainbow Springs dirt road that cuts over the mountain from Hwy. 64 to the Wayah Road - that's a good'un!
From Cashiers, I headed south to the Whitewater Falls region, dodging some dark clouds and adding a few miles to a good ride. I made it home by 4 and beat the rain by about 30 minutes. Can't beat that!
We've gotta plan another one and give OldKawaBoy, Westcott, and Neil a change to get in on the fun.

+1 on the weather. As long as you missed the few showers that blew through in the afternoon the weather was pretty close to perfect. We got rained on around Canton when we left the office Friday afternoon. If the non Versys in our group had been on time we would have beaten that storm and stayed dry all weekend. We just missed one on 360 Saturday afternoon riding back from the gap. It was a great weekend! Here are the pictures I took. http://www.flickr.com/photos/35955367@N07/sets/72157619819783182/

:thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:

And get him some proper riding pants!!! Those jeans didn't provide him with any protection...especially afterward! Glad he came out of that as well as he did!!!

Judging by the conversation on the way home, I think that will be his next purchase. I also gave him my copies of Proficient Motorcycling and Total Control this morning. They helped me; maybe they will help him too.

That's great! I would hate to see him get really hurt. He was really lucky!

Judging by the conversation on the way home, I think that will be his next purchase. I also gave him my copies of Proficient Motorcycling and Total Control this morning. They helped me; maybe they will help him too.

Good deal! :thumb:



I'd recommend "Twist of the Wrist 2" also.

Ok, here's a heap of links - these are just a sampling of what's online. I haven't had a chance to check out the other photographers yet, but I suppose that some similar shots should be available. Maybe we can get links to all of the pages where we were passing by to make ordering the pix easier.
Jon, there's a great shot of you and your brother in there, with you following just behind him through the turn.

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050533&po=533

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/ThumbPage.aspx?e=4811792&g=05&s=525

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050524&po=524

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050517&po=517

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050514&po=514

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050463&po=463

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050461&po=461

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050455&po=455

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050452&po=452

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050451&po=451

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050409&po=409

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050407&po=407

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050405&po=405

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XW050421&po=421

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XV040243&po=243

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00XV040245&po=245

Hope this helps - I'd like to get at least a couple. I wish that we could have gotten a good shot of a good group wheelie... :yeahsmile:

:thanx:

here is a link to some more pics of us on the Gap

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/ThumbPage.aspx?e=4814155&g=02&s=50

killboy.com
zeefoto.com
us129photos.com

Will all have pics of us on the Gap.

Also ceckout Moonshine Photo... http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=29355