Welcome to the Two Wheeled Texans community! 
Feel free to hang out and lurk as long as you like. However, we would like to encourage you to 
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2003
- Messages
- 51,226
- Reaction score
- 8,210
- Location
- Huntsville
- First Name
- Scott
- Last Name
- Friday
If you spend a little time with Google, or some other wonderful search engine, you can learn a lot about the region of our country referred to as The Smoky Mountains. No, they don't have the literally breath taking vistas of the Rockies. Yes, there is a ton of information about the geological history and cultural history of the area that is actually quite interesting. Did you know the region averages 50-80 inches of rain per year? That is well into the low end of the spectrum for areas classified as tropical rain forests. You can also find a ton of fascinating information about all kinds of plants, animals, and slimy creatures that slither and wiggle in the region. All that stuff is really interesting and I could go on and on about it... But I won't. Lots of other places on the planet have all kinds of really interesting things about them too. What really sets The Smoky Mountain region apart from so many others is the roads... Yes, you read that right, the roads. No, they are not paved with gold. That would be a disaster because traction would be horrid! Those that are paved are done with a wonderful aggregate that yields prodigious traction, which is a good thing considering the intense twistiness of the roads in the region. Those that are not paved wind through landscapes that bring to mind fairy tales, monsters, and things rarely seen. Yes, I have some great pictures that I will be sharing with you. No, they won't even come close to conveying the blissful reality they attempt to capture. Yes, you really will have to make the pilgrimage to the holy land of riding some day to experience it for yourself! Back in the early part of the 2000's, I managed to get out to the Smoky Mountains almost five years in a row. The last trip was in 2005 as Hurricane Rita came ripping through East Texas, forcing our group to suffer through an extra day of riding while waiting for the storm to pass. Yes, it was excruciating, but we do what we have to do 
I've done trips to other places since then, but once you've been to riding heaven, all those other earthly riding areas just seem to pale in comparison and your thoughts will often turn heavenward. For reasons unknown, perhaps having something to do with lunar eclipses or other planetary phenomena, circumstances in my life worked out such that I got the last week of May off to do a motorcycle trip. There was no real debating of the issue. I've had this horridly intense desire to get back out to the Smoky Mountains for some time now and it had been building to a feverish pitch! The last trip was a "tour" that I led consisting mostly of TWT members and included six wonderful days of riding. So naturally I thought I might do something similar this time, but as a rally instead of as a tour (tours usually having a limit on attendance). I posted up the info with some teaser pics here on TWT, but the response was minimal. As usual, it seemed people were so wrapped up in their daily earthly business they had no time for thoughts of heaven 
But there were a few people with their minds on heaven. John "Johh Dirt", Roger "Rsquared", and Albie "Hood Ornament" were immediately on board for the trip. There were a few maybes. I sent out a few feelers to folks with whom I've done previous trips. The response was lacking... So it was decided to forgo the open invitation rally and just do a private trip with a small group. Since the group was small, John suggested that we might stay at his Father's place, in Balsam Grove, a small "town" on NC 215 just a few miles South of the Blue Ridge Parkway, right smack in the middle of a whole mess of incredible riding! This would save us the cost of seven nights in a hotel and make for a more intimate setting. So the plan was set in motion and all that was left to do was order bike stuff, prep the bikes, and wait... Albie and Todd "Tapntxs", Todd being a last day addition to the group, had to make a last minute cancellation. They were going to ride out together and meet us there, so their absence at the last moment did not mess up travel plans. When the electrons all settled, there were four of us: John, Roger, Steve "Desmo" and myself. The four of us would meet at my home and we'd trailer out together. The great day finally arrives! John, Steve and Roger all meet at my home on Friday around 3:00pm. My bikes are already on the trailer. Yes, I said bikes 
Early on it was decided that we would be doing a mix of street and dirt riding. For me, this meant taking my 05 R1200 GS and my 2010 KTM 530 EXC. For Roger, it meant taking his 2012 KTM 990 Adventure and his KTM 450 EXC. For John, it mean taking his DRZ 400, thinking he was going to take his Versys 650, but in reality buying a nicely outfitted KLR 650 just a few days prior to our departure. For Steve, being the last guy to get on board with going, it meant just taking his KTM 690 Enduro. If you were counting, that is seven bikes on one trailer. Back in April, Steve and Roger came up to my place so we could make sure that seven bikes would indeed fit on the trailer and that there would be places for all the tie downs needed to keep them from banging into each other on the long drive. It works like this. My GS goes in the front middle facing forward. The KTM 530 and 450 go on either side facing backward so their bars don't hit the GS bars. Then the 990 goes behind the GS, also facing forward. The KTM 690 and KLR 650 go on either side and face backward. The DRZ goes sideways on the back. The loading goes smoothly and by 5:00pm, we are ready to roll.
Steve, Roger, John and Daniel (who can't go with us but REALLY wants to!)
John's new KLR and Roger's 450 EXC
The whole rig loaded and ready to roll. That is my Dad's Dodge MEGA Cab diesel truck. I am fortunate that he lets me borrow it for trips like this because it is REALLY comfy and nice!
Sarah, always as excited about the trips as I am
The whole crew, Daniel (5-1/2), Rachel (3-1/2) and Sarah (7-1/2), and yes, that 1/2 matters to them!!
And so... with hugs and kisses for all... my kids and wife, not the guys... the guys and I hit the road, right on time! The first miles of a trip are always filled with anticipation, excitement, and energy. This is not my first trip with Steve or Roger, but it is the first trip with John. So we have a new guy to get to know and LOTS of time to do it... The drive is expected to take about 17-18 hours if we haul straight through with fuel stops only. This should put us in Balsam Grove early afternoon and give us an evening to leisurely unpack and settle in before we get down to the serious business of riding in paradise. We run up through East Texas toward Shreveport, Louisiana. Here we pick up I-20 for the long drone to Atlanta. Somewhere around 3:00am we stop in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This place is HAPPENING! The Waffle House is jumping. The Gas station is incredibly busy. All manner of vehicles are cruising around. What the...!? I stroll over and speak with a few of the local ladies, obviously primped up for a night out, and ask what all the hubbub is about? "It's because of the school." "Oh... What school?" I ask innocently. The blank stares inform me that I am obviously from another planet... "The CRIMSON TIDE!!" they inform me in a chorus of amazed and slightly indignant voices. "Oh... right... yeah... I knew that..." 
Well, I did know it was in Alabama Anyway, they ask where we are heading and ask about the bikes, then wish us well and we get back on the road. Roger takes over the driving duties because this is about my normal bed time and only an hour before his normal wake up time 
We hit a bit of construction here and there on the interstate, but overall we are making excellent time. The sun starts peeking over the horizon after we pass through Birmingham and soon we are driving through Atlanta. We pick up I-85 and run Northeast just across the state line into South Carolina where we turn North on SC 11. Eventually this hits SC 281, also known as Whitewater Falls Rd. As we head North the rolling plains give way to foothills and the road soon begins to twist and wind, climbing into the beginnings of the Smoky Mountains. The going slows. Anticipation and excitement displaces stiffness and grogginess. The closer we get, the slower it gets until we are doing well to maintain a 45mph average. We finally reach US 64 and the turn for NC 215 North. We've already been passed by a few groups of motorcycles enjoying the twisty morning. NC 215 is a real challenge with the truck and trailer. It is NARROW. The lanes are barely eight feet across and there is NO shoulder. It is only about 9 miles up NC 215 to get to John's Dad's place, but the pace is now down to about 25-30 mph at the most. The curves are very tight and the rock wall of the mountain very close. The trailer reaches from center stripe to side stripe. About midway up, a Goldwing comes flying around the corner, his head well into our lane. He lifts and misses, as does the next one. I am slowing as the third one comes around and is in our lane 
All four of us issue some form of excited utterance at the thought of an imminent impact. I've no where to go and cannot swerve. Mentally, I am already waiting for that sickening crunch sound that must be forthcoming... Miraculously, he lifts the bike and it misses the corner of the truck and then lifts his head to jusssttt miss the protruding driver's side mirror of the truck. 
About the time we reach our destination, my adrenalin finally comes back down... 
We turn into a NARROW gravel driveway lined with BIG bushes. The truck barely fits through and we have to fold in the big mirrors. John's Dad, Paul, is waiting to greet us. It's tight quarters for the long truck and trailer so there is some discussion of where to park and unload. I am leery of getting much off the gravel for fear of sinking into soft ground and getting stuck. However, we manage to unload then stick the trailer out of the way.
Here's a look from the side porch back to the beginning of the driveway
Here's the lean to garage which actually holds all seven bikes nicely.
Around the front of the house there is a beautiful lawn and a bridge over a nice stream to the back of the property
Looking back toward the front of the house, the bridge is to the left and driveway to the right
The bridge
Clear running water... a rarity here in East Texas where all water is brown... on a good day...
The stream comes in through the middle of the back of the property and then snakes around the outside of the front of the property. There are trout in it.
I spot some small fish up under here and under the roots in the background
View from the front porch, drive to the left, bridge to my right, stream runs all the way around the distant edge of the lawn flowing right to left.
Steve's lodging for the week, his own cabin!! Sometimes it pays to be the tall guy. The cabin has the only queen bed
We will be spending a good bit of time out here after the rides enjoying a cool brew
After getting everything unloaded there is some discussion about going for a ride. It is about noon. I decline. After being up for close to 24 hours, my internal equilibrium is whacked. The last thing I want to do is engage in an activity that require fine motor skills and balance. Roger, John and Steve decide to head out for a short exploration trip to nearby Pilot Mountain. There are endless miles of trails out here, but most are NOT for motorized use. In fact, the only off road riding is in private parks or a few OHV areas. The good thing is that there are still some "roads" that are not much more than a two track trail, and this is one of them according to John. So they gear up and head out, while I contemplate a nap.Roger and John ready for action... and capturing it on video
The guys zoom off up the hill and out of sight. I start settling in and visiting with Paul. It is not long though before we hear the sound of approaching bikes, far sooner than we had expected. Sure enough, the guys are back. It would seem that John's DRZ is having unknown electrical issues.The bike has been subjected to a bit of "creative" wiring
The zip ties are the icing on the cake for me 
John's Dad was a technician for Land Rover for years and pitches in to help
John endures a little good natured ribbing
The problem is eventually traced to a bad connection and is soon rectified
Electrical problems solved, the guys head out again. I hang out with Paul for a bit and then we get in his truck so he can give me the tour of town, which includes many of his favorite fishing spots. All are peaceful and I can see why he would enjoy fishing so much! The stream running through his yard is Shoal Creek. Not far away it dumps into the North Fork of the French Broad River, a very scenic spot!Shoal Creek ends as a waterfall where it meets the main river
These two falls are actually the main river
Here's the whole spot, really a nice place to just sit and listen to the water
The structure on the right is some kind of water powered mill, or at least it was at one time. A pipe from above the Shoal Creek falls ran water to a turbine box. That had a big pulley on it and there used to be a big belt running up through the floor into the building. The upper level looks like it has an electrical generator in it that was originally powered by the water turbine. It's all broken down, rusted, and neglected now.Across from the main falls, you really have to LIKE the sound of running water to live there!
The guys eventually return from their short ride. I'll leave it to one of them to tell you about it. With dinner on the mind, we decide to head into the nearest "major" town, Brevard. This is actually a very nice town and a decent size. There are MANY beautiful homes here. I can easily see myself living here... if I could find a job, which seems to be a recurring issue in many places with great riding where I'd be happy living... 
The MEGA Chinese Buffet place where we have dinner... and a pretty good one at that.
After dinner we head to the local grocery store to stock up on snacks for the rides and stuff to make dinner for the rest of the week, with the exception of Tuesday. John also has an Aunt that lives here in Brevard and she has invited us all over for a home cooked dinner. He assures us it will be worth the trip. 
Loaded down, we head back to the house. I spend the rest of the evening going over the routes and deciding where we'll be riding tomorrow. Then it is finally off to the land of Nod where I dream of things to come...
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Sam
Now I know there are riders that like to have 100 miles behind them before the sun comes up... I am not one of those freaks of nature. This is supposed to be vacation. The riding starts no earlier than 9:00am. Besides, in this area, there is often heavy fog laying in the low valleys and trying to ride much earlier than that means riding in heavy fog, not a favorite past time of mine.
I do manage to get around this by just having the GPS display the route, but the screen does not update as we move, forcing me to keep scrolling the map. My "old" 276C has better functionality than this new modern marvel 
Uh right... so we back track and try another road... and end up in an exclusive neighborhood with locked gates... so we back track... and head South on US 64 for roads that I know.
