24 Hour Mountain Trip

Took a spontaneous, local mountain ride yesterday and grinned the whole time. The Smoky Mountain scenery is always eye-opening, the weather was excellent and I met some cool sport/adventure riders (including one on a red `Strada). Last night, we chatted over a few beers and spent the night at Deals Gap Resort where you can always find plenty of gearhead/biker company. I left early and ran the Dragon on the way home at 7:00 AM when dawn had just broken and almost had the whole 11 miles of curves all to myself, seeing only two other vehicles. So, with ideal conditions, I let the Duc rip in a glorious, smooth-flowing ballet through countless dry esses and switchbacks on soft-edged Michelin Pilot Power 3 tires which stuck like Velcro. I left the 'Strada bags at home not needing all that cargo volume. I'm home now and thinking about my next short trip in a few days. It's the best Rx for what ails you I have yet found and the Duc draws plenty of attention from other curious (and envious) riders. It's an AWESOME curve bike!!!

gatdammit said:

Very cool. I did that in my favorite car once when we camped in that area. Didn't even know it was in our route, then...Boom! Tail of the Dragon. I was all pumped up and chattering away while my wife and friends looked at me like I was on serious drugs. Chicks, man...

What's that decal on your tank? Dragon? Wish it wasn't 514 miles away.

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Thanks. Yep, it's a dragon--wouldn't you know it? Ride/trailer up and stay a few days. We'll beat that dragon silly!

gatdammit said:

I have the trailer. Should do it while my PR3's are still nice and sticky. I bet perfect riding weather is coming up next month, too. What's the best day to ride for minimal traffic?

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Right on! Early to mid October is usually good--cooler but not cold and Monday through Thursday are the lowest traffic days (fewest squids, wackos and LEO's). Weekends and holidays are quite a spectacle though if you like to watch all the action. I prefer to ride rather than spectate.