Erik decided working from home was not as fun as working from a tent in the mountains. So, he issued an invite to all members and friends to come for a camp and ride. It was truly a great time spent on some of the most hallowed roads of the Smoky Mountain Chapter area. Dorsey, Kent and Kent’s long-time friend Jamie Calloway arrived on Thursday to meet Erik who had been there all week. As Erik would have to work on Friday; Dorsey, Jamie and Kent formed a ride plan for the next day with Dorsey as Road Captain. Looking at the map of the entire area with many documented rides to choose from, we came up with a hybrid that would take us south and then west and save most of the Blue Ridge Parkway riding for Saturday.
So, bright and early we left the campground, turned left and headed south past Looking Glass falls. When I say past, I mean at about 50 mph. With Dorsey leading you don’t often get to stop. So, this picture is from a brochure.
Then it was on to Brevard and Highlands via the Moonshine28 route (beautiful winding mountain roads) and on to Deals Gap for the Tail of the Dragon. During lunch we noticed some Japanese modified sports cars head up. A few minutes later, when we started up, on the first turn, we saw one of these cars, a Toyota Supra, had slid off and down the embankment.
On the way back to the camp, we took the parkway North and stopped for a picture at the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,053 feet above sea level.
On Saturday Erik joined the ride and headed North on the Parkway for some beautiful scenery and fun riding.
Along the way we rode to the top of Mt. Mitchell which is the tallest peak East of the Mississippi River. Next, it was on the Little Switzerland for lunch. Dorsey told us that all motorcycle riders eat for free there, but I’m pretty sure he paid everyone’s bill. Thanks Dorsey.
Weather started looking cloudy and Erik, on his blue ’48, decided to head back for camp while the rest of us motored on to see the Viaduct.
During lunch, Jamie had noticed a sticker for the Devil’s S’s, which I think is also known as the Devil’s Whip. On the way back to camp we took this road, Highway 80 South from the parkway toward Marion, NC. It turned out to be better than the Tail of the Dragon and the highlight of the trip for me. On the very first turn, I heard tires squealing and Jamie saw the Tri-Glide come up on two wheels, evidence we were all having a great time. While writing this up and looking at the map, it appears this same road going North, down from the parkway elevation may also be some great riding.
This is a great campground for motorcycles only, Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, which is in my opinion under-utilized. It features an open area for tents, cabins, showers, Breakfast and Dinner offered at a centrally located covered kitchen and dining area, and a common living room with couches, TV, WIFI, tables, local maps, etc. Any motorcycle enthusiast would very much enjoy staying here and taking the many surrounding routes of mountain riding.