| Author | Message | ||
     Xodot |
I'm going to be staying Deals Gap at the Dragon all next week - my second visit. (Yes I am excited - does it show?) Anyone got a "must do" or favourite day trip/route to suggest on those Buell-tifull roads y'all got there?  On my first visit I just followed my host/buddy around and I was in heaven. Unfortunately I have no idea what roads we were on! | ||
| Etennuly |
There are some really good maps available that cover many loop rides in topographical form. There are so many great rides, and not all of them are the Dragon, Cherohala, etc. The most fun I have exploring new routes is to study the map at home(leave the GPS out of it), put the map in the side bag without looking at it at least a week before a planned riding day. Pick a direction and go, turning as frequently as possible on side roads. If I get lost, I have won! Then casually keep heading a direction until I find a highway again. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Bob- spend some time at www.tailofthedragon.com; they have a lot of info on local roads. 129/Cherohola Skyway is probably the most popular loop. 28 is also a great road that ends right at Deal's Gap. Plenty of other good roads in the general area. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
The "must ride" roads include 129 (The Dragon), 28 (all the way to Franklin), 143/165 (Cherohala Skyway) and the Foothills Parkway. 441 through SMNP is beautiful, but traffic can be bad- especially on weekends.  Wear full gear, leave your ego at home, stay in your lane, ride at your own pace, watch out for everyone else who isn't doing what they should (the first five things listed in this sentence) and you'll be fine. The whole area truly is motorcycle mecca. Enjoy. | ||
| Dragonslayer |
Have fun dude. That's all I'll say. | ||
| Hughlysses |
28 (all the way to Franklin) 28 is great all the way to Walhalla, SC if you want to go that far! | ||
| Wheelybueller |
+1 on rt 28.....  | ||
| 86129squids |
You said you're staying AT Deals Gap? Ben Steinberg is the GM of the Deal's Gap store and restaurant- if he's not covered up with work, no better dude to ask. Get a Mad Map. If you have GPS or very good maps, go find Reliance TN. The map that Redbuelljunkie posted has some flaws. If you travel south on TN68 from Tellico Plains, you will come to Copper Hill TN. This is where the state line for TN and GA is, and in Georgia the highway turns from 68 to 60. Same road. Goes all the way to Suches GA and Two Wheels Only MC campground. North Georgia is a 2-wheeler paradise, and the ride from Deals Gap, thru Joyce Kilmer Memorial forest, to the beginning of the Cherohala, across to 68, down to TWO and back across would take all day and be a workout. Shameless plug: www.fromthehandlebars.com They have the route to Reliance on a back issue. That's my favorite ride on the Buell. More enjoyable for scenery at slower speeds, but the best twistie roads, 100%. Be safe, keep the rubber side down. | ||
| Xodot |
This is great. Thanks all! I am sensing a theme evolving here in your suggestions. Although I am a fairly prudent rider, (a subjective comment to be certain!), the safety first comments are also most welcomed. What is a MAD map? | ||
| 86129squids |
I guess you'd have to google it- "Mad Maps" are sold all around the area, and you could probably order one and have it mailed to you. Ben will have them at the Deal's Gap store. High quality maps of the region, with places of interest and good stops for eats, etc. GPS could be fun, but you can't beat a good map. | ||
| Dynasport |
I'm heading up the week after (Sept 28) and I too am very excited. Be safe and enjoy the ride. |
