[norova]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently on a bike trip from Pekin, IL to Gatlinburg, TN and will be posting a blog each day with photos and such about my trip. I'll be hitting up Deal's Gap and Cherohala Skyway and anything else I can find while I'm down in TN so it should make for some pretty interesting stuff. Just thought I'd share!

You can find my blog here: http://www.yourfirefly.com

Day 1: http://www.yourfirefly.com/2010/09/road-to-the-smokies-day-1/
Day 2: http://www.yourfirefly.com/2010/09/road-to-the-smokies-day-2/
Days 3 and 4: http://www.yourfirefly.com/2010/09/road-to-the-smokies-days-3-and-4/
Day 5: http://www.yourfirefly.com/2010/09/road-to-the-smokies-day-5/
Day 6: http://www.yourfirefly.com/2010/09/road-to-the-smokies-day-6/
Day 7: http://www.yourfirefly.com/2010/10/road-to-the-smokies-day-7

You can see all of my photos in my Facebook album here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2068810&id=197102025&l=9f9eff78bb

Thanks!

 

[Phatstud]

Nice.
Hit up US 421 is you get a chance right outside of Bristol, TN. It's about 2hrs from Deals Gap, north.

 

[OGPlaya]

Wow sounds like a fun trip, you becareful when you reach deals gap.

 

[Steelfish]

are those hotel maids hot?

 

[Acidskie]

Phatstud already said it, but I second it. You will kick yourself if you don't hit US 421 from Bristol Tn to Mountain City TN. Then you can hang a Left to go to Luaral Bloomery > Damascus VA > Shady Valley, or can hang a right to go around the lake > Hampton > Elizabethton > Shady Valley. Good riding to be had for sure.

Don't forget to visit the Country Store and have a Shady Dog. Nummins.

 

[xrated]

Unfortunately, you picked a bad time weather wise down here in the Murvil area. They have rain in the forecast for the next 4 days. We do need it though, as it's been a very dry summer for us.

 

[Phatstud]

Been raining nonstop here in Bristol since last night.

 

[ShadesOfGray]

sounds like a cool trip.... but I have to say, gatlinburg is pretty much the bunghole of the smokies, imho.

 

[2010Octane]

Dont get eaten by the likes of Demented while your out there! Lord knows what kind of chainsaw Demented carries around with him! :drunk:

 

[norova]

Posted an entry for day 2. Also, definitely gonna try to fit 421 into the schedule, it looks awesome.

 

[GRida600]

Man your inspiring me to take a road trip have fun out there and be safe

 

[thirdgenlxi]

Very cool dude!! Roadtrips on the bike are simply the best :cruising:

Kinda sucks it's been so rainy this weekend... but I hope you have a great trip anyways. Be safe!

 

[Phatstud]

Posted an entry for day 2. Also, definitely gonna try to fit 421 into the schedule, it looks awesome.

Let me know, I live in Johnson City and work in Bristol.

 

[Acidskie]

Glad to see I'm not the only one driving from JC to Bristol for work everyday... Too bad I am probably the only one on the forums who currently does so while not owning a bike. Would love to go ride w/ you guys.

Again - Don't forget to grab a Shady Dog and some jalapeño potatoes while in the Valley.

 

[Phatstud]

Nice, where you live at?
I'm in Boones Creek and own some property near the Bristol Country Club.

And the drive is boring as hell, 394, Bristol Hwy through Piney Flats where you have to slow down for the speed camera. Ugh!

 

[Acidskie]

Nice, where you live at?
I'm in Boones Creek and own some property near the Bristol Country Club.

And the drive is boring as hell, 394, Bristol Hwy through Piney Flats where you have to slow down for the speed camera. Ugh!

That is to damn funny. I'm near Ken's cycle. Since I work on the VA side I take 81 to exit 7. And yes that camera sucks.

Small world.

Sorry about jacking your thread Norova. I hope you enjoy 421 if you get to ride it. Pouring rain again tonight in the area.

 

[Phatstud]

Ha, wow.
I've only met one other person on the board from this small area haha! And you have a longer drive than me, damn!

 

[norova]

No worries about hijacking. I don't mind it.

Just got back from The Dragon, and man was it awesome. Day 3+4 entry coming up later today. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it up that way, though. I'm still sore from the ride down to TN and being out today for 5 hours really made my neck hurt. If I do end up going, it'd be on Friday most likely.

 

[norova]

Posted days 3 & 4

 

[Acidskie]

Nice write up and great pictures. Keep it coming! If you make it to Shady Valley on 421... You can get some great pictures down Hwy 133. At and around Back Bone Rock.