Headin’ for the Smokies
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
We’re off to a later start this ride as we have to join up with riding friends, Dave & Nancy Nickerson in Shelbyville before heading for Tellico Plains. Dave’s first question was, where can we stop for breakfast? I replied, “let’s get to Monteagle first and see.”
After a leisurely breakfast we headed on down I-24 to Chattanooga and around to I-75 to Exit 20 near Cleveland, Tn and gassed up for remaining miles to Tellico Plains. Heading east on 64/74 to 411N and then connecting with 310 which turns into 39 and dumping out on 68 at Tellico Plains.
Deciding to find Conasuga Falls we headed south out of Tellico on 68 and found the road to the falls, first third of the way up is blacktop, but then turns to gravel with large crusher run rocks. I don’t recommend this road for two wheelers at all, steep, twisting loose rocks and no guard rails. It’s a difficult ride to the parking area even on a trike. Never did get to the falls, I walked ¼ miles never saw or heard the falls, so scratch this one from your list of sites to see. Dave’s Voyager started overheating and losing water so he stopped 2/3 of the way up and waited for us to come back down. We made to the Cabins on Caney Creek okay and decided to rest up for a couple of hours before venturing out for dinner.
About 6PM we decide to head north on 360 to Vonroe for some of the best pizza you’ll find in Tennessee, we didn’t make it there. About five miles from the cabins Dave’s Voyager started losing water again, so we stopped and assessed the situation and decided it was best to find a place to park his bike for the night and get back to Cabin. So I rode Shirl back to our cabin, rode back to the bike got Nancy took her back and then went and got Dave. Dave & I rode to town on our trike to get food and got a couple tips where we might get Dave’s Voyager fixed tomorrow morning.
Upon returning to Camp we talked to owner and told her what was going on and she generously offered her truck for transportation the next day, didn’t want a penny. So God does look down on us once in awhile and there are good Christian folks still out there. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
Wednesday, July 28th
Up early and the mountains are covered with smoke (fog) takes an hour or so for the fog to lift enough to see to drive in to town. After breakfast on the Square, we went to search a couple repair shops the waitress told us about, turns out, they’re are closed on Wednesdays. The closest big cities were Chattanooga and of course Knoxville, too time consuming and costly to rent a trailer and drive the distance to find out they might not be able to help. So Dave decided to check-out a car rental so we could site-see together. Upon contact the gentleman, he asked if had something he could rent, he said, Yap, got a “Yugo,” after Dave recovered, he asked, “how much?” The reply was, “Oh, just an arm and a leg.” Turns out the gentleman, said “nothing” and keep it as long as you need, I’m going to Gulf Shores for vacation and return it when you’re done.
So we decided to head out the Bald River Falls and drive some of the Cherohala Skyway and the falls as usual was putting it’s noisy and spectacular display and what can you say about the skyway, it’s always impressive, but always different depending on the time of year. As it was great later so we turned head back towards Tellico Plains taking Highway 360 to Vonroe for dinner. This time we arrived at Pizza Venti for the best pizza in Tennessee. Pizza for four was $20.00 plus tax, included pizza made four different ways, unlimited salad and drinks. I find this pizza ranks right up there with the best pizza that can be found in Chicago!
Thursday, July 29th
We up early and eager to do some more sight-seeing, so jump in the “Yugo,” actually a 2000 Taurus to see Cades Cove and Pigeon Forge. We done the 11 mile scenic drive through the Coves and spectacular views across large meadows with the mountains as a backdrop, with bears in the trees, turkey working they’re way through the grass and deer browsing in the meadows, but didn’t spot any elk.
After exiting at Meadowlands we head on up to Pigeon Forge for lunch and to gawk at the tourist attractions. Lunch was at the Old Mill Restaurant and the food was great with a wide variety to choose from. Three of us had the Chicken and dumplings and Nancy had Pork Chops, hate to say it, but mother couldn’t have made better Chicken and dumplings. Deciding we had enough of the hustle and bustle of the big city we head back down 411 to 360 back to the cabins.
Upon arriving at the cabins the owner greets us and after a brief discussion says because of our problems, Thursday night and Friday were on her! Could you ask for more?
Friday, July 30th
Up early, Dave & Nancy in their “Yugo” are off for home to get their truck and trailer to get his Voyager, we leave a short time later and ride to Chattanooga for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel and then down around on I-75 to to I-24, stopping in Monteagle for gas and arriving home about noon after quiet and beautiful ride from Tellico Plains. A great ride with a few problems, but easily outcome with the help of the great people of the Tellico Plains area.
July 31st – The Great Hamburger Run
Must be we didn’t have riding in the previous four days, so bright early we’re up early getting ready to join chapter G in Tullahoma for the 3rd annual Hamburger run.
We left with seventeen Chapter G members with Rich and Ann leading us down a great route through Winchester, then Cowan and then through Sewanee and across Nickajack into Alabama and on into Georgia to Randy’s at Trenton. Couple of times thought we were on the Dragon’s Tail, it kept us alert with switch-backs, hair pins and lots of twisties.
Arriving at Randy’s a few us needed an underwear change, just a short distance from Randy’s, as we went into a curve a car coming towards us stops for a turn and another car coming the same direction saw they were going too fast to stop, swerve into our lane, missing Curt just ahead of Shirl & I by mere inches and I’m looking for a place to go with only a couple feet for shoulder. I grabbed the brakes and hope that Mel & Joyce behind us on their trike have enough room to slow or stopped, luckily the car got back in their lane just in time, so all escaped without a scratch!
The 48 oz hamburgers were great, they had a buffet setup so you got your hamburger and fixed it your way, getting a salad if you wanted. The buns are all hand-made there and are great, about the size of a medium pizza and the burgers are cut like pizza slices, lunch also included drink and ice cream.
My best guess there were at least 400 riders there and all were patient in the heat for the ceremonies and awards. Tennessee had the most riders there, Alabama largest Chapter there and I believe Georgia got the “Great Traveling Hamburger.”
Rich & Ann lead us back a different route with twenty-one riders, how did we get 21 instead of 17, other riders heading on north asked if they could join us, which was no problem, when they departed they thank Rich for the great route and enjoyed the portion with us. We did ride a few miles through some rain, but no one wanted to stopped and put on rain gear due to the heat. Any way, we air dried quickly as it was.
Arrived home early afternoon and headed to the recliner to “rest my eyes” after great day of riding, Thanks, Rich & Ann
Larry #3
Day 1 – Off to the Wing-Ding, Des Moines, IA
Off at 4:40 AM, very warm and humid, but at least not raining. We done a pit stop near Paducah, KY, was just light enough to grab a couple quick pics before continuing north. First gas stop just north of Clarksville on I-24. Next stop for gas and breakfast just south of Harrisburg, IL. Continuing north on I-57 to I-64 W, third gas at on I-64 east of St Louis . Picked up I-55 North to Springfield, IL and then I-155 to Peoria, IL and then headed west around Peoria on 274 to I-74. Then I-74 to Galesburg, IL and decided to call it a day at 5:00 Pm Knoxville, IL just south of Galesburg, rather our butts said 600 hundred miles in one day was enough! After the first 100 miles of flat lands and corn, it just doesn’t getting any more exciting than that. Only 200 miles left tomorrow, should be in Des Moines by noon or early afternoon tomorrow, just maybe we’ll sleep in the morning! It was a great day for riding, was a bit cooler and drier as we got into Illinois. Got an electrical problem with the bike, lost the cruise control and the reverse, that really sucks, but continuing on regardless.
Day 2, 8:00 AM leaving Galesburg, IL
A beautiful morning, Sunny and hardy a cloudy in the sky, guess it’s 65 and low humidity. Iowa is just about as flat as Illinois and mile after mile of farm land, does get a bit rolling the further west you go. We were going to stop in Iowa city, but nothing but fast food near the express so we stopped for gas and late breakfast near the Amana Colonies. Just great riding weather, it was quite comfortable with a light jacket, probably would have been a bit chilly otherwise. Checked in at the Baymont near the Airport a little after noon time. Shirley insisted we catch a quick nap and then off for a early supper. LOL It’s maybe Des Moines turn to flood, they're hoping the levees hold as the rain has been very heavy the previous two days and more predicated later this week. Lots of wings on the road to Des Moines, GL1000’s, 1100s,1200s’ and of course 1500 & 1800s. it seems every third one is a trike!
Day 3, June 30th, Wednesday, Wing Ding 32, Des Moines, IA
Arrived at Veteran Memorial Hall, got our registration packet and then down to on-site registration to help out with registration from 10:00 AM to 1:00 Pm. Took a couple hours and explored the first floor exhibits and decided to call it a day. My cousin and husband haven’t arrived yet, so maybe tomorrow.
Day 4, July 1st, Thursday, Wing Ding
Spent morning exploring both floors of exhibits, then went across street to the Honda area to watch the stunt exhibit by Clint Ewing, pretty impressive what he can do on two wheels, but looks like he only gets about two shows out of set of tires. My Cousin, Judy & her Husband Don Along with Don’s brother & wife called said they made it town. They’re from Trego, WI., about 400 miles north in Wisconsin. Had dinner with them and enjoyed reliving some old child-hood times and family gossip. Agreed to meet back at the Wing Ding tomorrow morning.
Day 5, July 2nd, Friday, Wing Ding
Spent the morning with Don & Judy, and Don’s brother & wife (Ken & Joyce) re-visiting the exhibits. Don’s brother had to leave early as they have company coming tomorrow to their home. By this time it was lunch time so found an Applebee’s near their hotel enjoying catching up on the families and great-grandchildren, agreed to have dinner tonight to say our good-byes as they’re headed home tomorrow and we’re headed for Iowa City to visit Shirley’s friends Etta & bill.
Day 6 & 7, July 3 – Iowa City.
Just a short ride back I-80 to Iowa City to Shirley’s friend, Etta’s house, just a bit over two hours, spent rest of day and the fourth just relaxing and catching up on the families and friends. Hoping the rain holds off on Monday for the ride home.
Day 8, July 5 - Monday
The early morning (5:30 AM), a little misty rain was falling, but warm. From Iowa City we headed south on 218 to Mt. Pleasant. The light mist continued and then turned into a steady rain until we just about into Hannibal, MO, after stopping in Hannibal and shedding the rain gear, we followed 61 until we picked up I-64. And continued onto St Louis with sunny skies and continually rising temperatures. We continued heading east on I-64 until we reached I-57 and headed south towards Paducah, Ky, it was getting to be 4:00 Pm, so decided to call it a day and get lunch/early dinner at Benton, IL. We’ll head out early tomorrow and pickup I-24 then jump off and come down through the “Land Between the Lakes,” Dickerson and then to Columbia and then home. Not a long riding today, just about 400 miles is all, should be an easy ride home tomorrow.
Day 9, July 6 – Tuesday
Great Morning for riding, just another 275 miles to go and we’re home. We stopped at Metropolis, IL, “Home of Superman,” for breakfast at the Huddle House and then continuing on south on I-24 to exit 31 in Kentucky and then down KY 453 through “the Land Between the Lakes. Nothing much to see unless you take some of the side roads to the Lakes or the Bison & Elk areas, as it’s a gently rolling road with few curves and little traffic ending at Dover, TN. Headed off toward Dickerson and then picking up Highway 100 to Franklin and then south on the Natchez Trace to Highway 7 to Columbia then east on 412 to 431 to 99 to Chapel Hill and then south on 31A to 64 to home. It always great getting home after riding 2 miles short on 1800 miles, but would do it again. A great riding experience even though we had some electrical problems, but nothing that affected the lights or ignition.
We’ll be adding a slide show of some of the pics. we took, at the top of this, didn’t take any pics. on the flat lands as corn and soybeans aren’t too exciting!