Spring Training Camp - Wednesday - Some Great Riding

[DaveDragon]

Spring Training Camp - Wednesday - Some Great Riding (http://davedragon.rilysi.com/2008/04/stc-wednesday-rilysi.html)

http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ_rQpdUAI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/4V4WSNtzzNU/s200/CIMG0532.JPG (http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ_rQpdUAI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/4V4WSNtzzNU/s1600-h/CIMG0532.JPG)
I decided to get in some solo riding time today before the group rides of later in the week.

http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ-_wpdT9I/AAAAAAAAEJg/-to3N57kHF8/s200/CIMG0533.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ-_wpdT9I/AAAAAAAAEJg/-to3N57kHF8/s1600-h/CIMG0533.JPG)
I took 28 toward Fontana and got this shot at an overlook.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ_AQpdT-I/AAAAAAAAEJo/Fe28XMIy_Cs/s200/CIMG0536.JPG (http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ_AQpdT-I/AAAAAAAAEJo/Fe28XMIy_Cs/s1600-h/CIMG0536.JPG)
28 heading toward Deal's Gap.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ-WQpdT7I/AAAAAAAAEJQ/Px2NXAqqHpA/s200/CIMG0539.JPG (http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ-WQpdT7I/AAAAAAAAEJQ/Px2NXAqqHpA/s1600-h/CIMG0539.JPG)
I love the fuel economy the GS gets up here in the hills.


http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ-XApdT8I/AAAAAAAAEJY/Wejl9OJENzI/s200/CIMG0541.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ-XApdT8I/AAAAAAAAEJY/Wejl9OJENzI/s1600-h/CIMG0541.JPG)
Deal's Gap / Crossroads of Time with only 2 or 3 riders instead of the overflow of hundreds of riders.


http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ9awpdT5I/AAAAAAAAEJA/DducmQH5yKk/s200/CIMG0542.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ9awpdT5I/AAAAAAAAEJA/DducmQH5yKk/s1600-h/CIMG0542.JPG)
North Carolina heading into Tennessee on Deal's Gap.


http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ9bQpdT6I/AAAAAAAAEJI/FLso3UNrRVc/s200/CIMG0545.JPG (http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ9bQpdT6I/AAAAAAAAEJI/FLso3UNrRVc/s1600-h/CIMG0545.JPG)
The Reverse view from Tennessee looking back to North Carolina.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ8lQpdT3I/AAAAAAAAEIw/qojlKoaPTgw/s200/CIMG0547.JPG (http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ8lQpdT3I/AAAAAAAAEIw/qojlKoaPTgw/s1600-h/CIMG0547.JPG)
I love riding Deal's Gap using just my Right Hand and just a smooth ride in 3rd gear.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ8mQpdT4I/AAAAAAAAEI4/tAeVYDxp0ks/s200/CIMG0548.JPG (http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ8mQpdT4I/AAAAAAAAEI4/tAeVYDxp0ks/s1600-h/CIMG0548.JPG)
Following are several shots from Deal's Gap.


http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ7vwpdT1I/AAAAAAAAEIg/aN1MtTHfQZo/s200/CIMG0551.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ7vwpdT1I/AAAAAAAAEIg/aN1MtTHfQZo/s1600-h/CIMG0551.JPG)

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ7wApdT2I/AAAAAAAAEIo/DuXSk6PtorY/s200/CIMG0552.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ7wApdT2I/AAAAAAAAEIo/DuXSk6PtorY/s1600-h/CIMG0552.JPG)

http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ67wpdTzI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/Z9mTHO1NiiQ/s200/CIMG0553.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ67wpdTzI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/Z9mTHO1NiiQ/s1600-h/CIMG0553.JPG)

http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ68QpdT0I/AAAAAAAAEIY/8PpII8GaZNE/s200/CIMG0554.JPG (http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ68QpdT0I/AAAAAAAAEIY/8PpII8GaZNE/s1600-h/CIMG0554.JPG)

http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ6PwpdTxI/AAAAAAAAEIA/w6d5OPZ5Sv8/s200/CIMG0555.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ6PwpdTxI/AAAAAAAAEIA/w6d5OPZ5Sv8/s1600-h/CIMG0555.JPG)

http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ6QQpdTyI/AAAAAAAAEII/fkzWrGSu9ZY/s200/CIMG0557.JPG (http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ6QQpdTyI/AAAAAAAAEII/fkzWrGSu9ZY/s1600-h/CIMG0557.JPG)

http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ5qgpdTvI/AAAAAAAAEHw/3CTeWf4GpAw/s200/CIMG0562.JPG (http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ5qgpdTvI/AAAAAAAAEHw/3CTeWf4GpAw/s1600-h/CIMG0562.JPG)

http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ5qwpdTwI/AAAAAAAAEH4/alKfI5wuYio/s200/CIMG0564.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ5qwpdTwI/AAAAAAAAEH4/alKfI5wuYio/s1600-h/CIMG0564.JPG)

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ4-ApdTtI/AAAAAAAAEHg/gIpK5HFZpNQ/s200/CIMG0569.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ4-ApdTtI/AAAAAAAAEHg/gIpK5HFZpNQ/s1600-h/CIMG0569.JPG)

http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ4-wpdTuI/AAAAAAAAEHo/cZOwASKEN9M/s200/CIMG0574.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ4-wpdTuI/AAAAAAAAEHo/cZOwASKEN9M/s1600-h/CIMG0574.JPG)

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ4EApdTsI/AAAAAAAAEHY/VTTf0plFlEw/s200/CIMG0577.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ4EApdTsI/AAAAAAAAEHY/VTTf0plFlEw/s1600-h/CIMG0577.JPG)

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ2lApdTqI/AAAAAAAAEHI/fHWyQt5eOws/s200/CIMG0578.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ2lApdTqI/AAAAAAAAEHI/fHWyQt5eOws/s1600-h/CIMG0578.JPG)
Tellico Lake below the Calderwood Dam.


http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ2mApdTrI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/2OZt-jRnCOo/s200/CIMG0581.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ2mApdTrI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/2OZt-jRnCOo/s1600-h/CIMG0581.JPG)

http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ1vwpdToI/AAAAAAAAEG4/tAFbggNPNHY/s200/CIMG0582.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ1vwpdToI/AAAAAAAAEG4/tAFbggNPNHY/s1600-h/CIMG0582.JPG)
I stopped in on the good folks at Tellico Motorcycle Outfitters (http://www.tellicomoto.com/) in Telico Planes.

Mike & Cherie Dozier have built a great shop where you can get the latest in Motorcycle Protective Riding Gear, bags, tools, shirts and all manor of Adventure Riding gear.

I stopped in to pickup some Discount Coupons Mike provided for Spring Training Camp door prizes. They are located at 106A Scott Street, Tellico Plains, TN. (423)253-2088 www.tellicomoto.com (http://www.tellicomoto.com/)

http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ1wgpdTpI/AAAAAAAAEHA/liOpTBBMewo/s200/CIMG0586.JPG (http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ1wgpdTpI/AAAAAAAAEHA/liOpTBBMewo/s1600-h/CIMG0586.JPG)
How do you like this private covered bridge in Tellico? Must be nice.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ1XApdTnI/AAAAAAAAEGw/ffB1gaEaR6s/s200/CIMG0590.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZ1XApdTnI/AAAAAAAAEGw/ffB1gaEaR6s/s1600-h/CIMG0590.JPG)
The Bald River Falls.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZzoApdTlI/AAAAAAAAEGg/-ksxGE6NQkM/s200/CIMG0594.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZzoApdTlI/AAAAAAAAEGg/-ksxGE6NQkM/s1600-h/CIMG0594.JPG)
Here are some shots from the Cherohala Skyway.

http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZzogpdTmI/AAAAAAAAEGo/W515X2cMT2g/s200/CIMG0595.JPG (http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZzogpdTmI/AAAAAAAAEGo/W515X2cMT2g/s1600-h/CIMG0595.JPG)

http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZzFgpdTjI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/InX33go6lvk/s200/CIMG0596.JPG (http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZzFgpdTjI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/InX33go6lvk/s1600-h/CIMG0596.JPG)

http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZzFwpdTkI/AAAAAAAAEGY/pvAEXbVFbms/s200/CIMG0598.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZzFwpdTkI/AAAAAAAAEGY/pvAEXbVFbms/s1600-h/CIMG0598.JPG)

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZx9ApdThI/AAAAAAAAEGA/HWPRc_k8cVg/s200/CIMG0599.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZx9ApdThI/AAAAAAAAEGA/HWPRc_k8cVg/s1600-h/CIMG0599.JPG)

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZx-ApdTiI/AAAAAAAAEGI/0oNnWodLsUs/s200/CIMG0600.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZx-ApdTiI/AAAAAAAAEGI/0oNnWodLsUs/s1600-h/CIMG0600.JPG)
Still some snow above 4500 feet.

http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZxWwpdTfI/AAAAAAAAEFw/BONnRC7OC4k/s200/CIMG0601.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZxWwpdTfI/AAAAAAAAEFw/BONnRC7OC4k/s1600-h/CIMG0601.JPG)
Heading in to North Carolina from Tennessee on the Cherohala.

http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZxXgpdTgI/AAAAAAAAEF4/-VoiPwN3WbM/s200/CIMG0603.JPG (http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZxXgpdTgI/AAAAAAAAEF4/-VoiPwN3WbM/s1600-h/CIMG0603.JPG)

http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZwvQpdTdI/AAAAAAAAEFg/EHAt8gdjXgA/s200/CIMG0604.JPG (http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZwvQpdTdI/AAAAAAAAEFg/EHAt8gdjXgA/s1600-h/CIMG0604.JPG)

http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZwvgpdTeI/AAAAAAAAEFo/OERlt1hepf8/s200/CIMG0605.JPG (http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZwvgpdTeI/AAAAAAAAEFo/OERlt1hepf8/s1600-h/CIMG0605.JPG)

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZwPApdTcI/AAAAAAAAEFY/a1alolyijMI/s200/CIMG0606.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZwPApdTcI/AAAAAAAAEFY/a1alolyijMI/s1600-h/CIMG0606.JPG)

http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZuJQpdTaI/AAAAAAAAEFI/rUkh37kLTfc/s200/CIMG0607.JPG (http://bp2.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZuJQpdTaI/AAAAAAAAEFI/rUkh37kLTfc/s1600-h/CIMG0607.JPG)

http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZuJwpdTbI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/dsLyePIi0Hc/s200/CIMG0608.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZuJwpdTbI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/dsLyePIi0Hc/s1600-h/CIMG0608.JPG)

http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZtrgpdTYI/AAAAAAAAEE4/EAAUs9opm_E/s200/CIMG0611.JPG (http://bp3.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZtrgpdTYI/AAAAAAAAEE4/EAAUs9opm_E/s1600-h/CIMG0611.JPG)

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZtsApdTZI/AAAAAAAAEFA/b6OVA8LWxfE/s200/CIMG0613.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZtsApdTZI/AAAAAAAAEFA/b6OVA8LWxfE/s1600-h/CIMG0613.JPG)

http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZtPApdTXI/AAAAAAAAEEw/1yvnEgTQPZI/s200/CIMG0616.JPG (http://bp1.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZtPApdTXI/AAAAAAAAEEw/1yvnEgTQPZI/s1600-h/CIMG0616.JPG)
On the North Carolina side of the Cherohala is a brown stripe down the center of each lane that last for 18 miles. Reminds one of a never ending skidmark.

The strip does not exist on the Tennessee side.

http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZsqwpdTWI/AAAAAAAAEEo/jgon0V-mbTc/s200/CIMG0618.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/SAZsqwpdTWI/AAAAAAAAEEo/jgon0V-mbTc/s1600-h/CIMG0618.JPG)
At one of the many look out points along the Skyway I found this placard that details the forced removal of the Cherokee that had lived in these mountains for 10,000 years.

In 1838 and 1839, as part of Andrew Jackson's Indian removal policy, the Cherokee nation was forced to give up its lands east of the Mississippi River and to migrate to an area in present-day Oklahoma. The Cherokee people called this journey the "Trail of Tears (http://www.powersource.com/cocinc/history/trail.htm)," because of its devastating effects.

The migrants faced hunger, disease, and exhaustion on the forced march. Over 4,000 out of 15,000 of the Cherokees died.

Ok, enough history for this post.

More photos to come.

LATER

[gglove]

Looks real nice Dave. Great job I am jealous I will ride to work tomorrow but not in any scenery like that :(

[brianf70]

Dave:
I saw a few GS's on 411 yesterday on my way back from Maryville (had to go to the big city for a few things).Just wondering if any of them was you. If not I honked and waved. I'll try to get over to the Ironhorse this week to say hi.
Brian Fairbank

[DaveDragon]

Dave:
I saw a few GS's on 411 yesterday on my way back from Maryville (had to go to the big city for a few things).Just wondering if any of them was you. If not I honked and waved. I'll try to get over to the Ironhorse this week to say hi.
Brian Fairbank

I was on 411 for about 5 miles on my way to Tellico Plains.

We hope you can join us here, it's been a while!

Later

[markittleman]

Your photographs at Deals Gap and the other roads was just great. Would you mind telling me about your camera set-up on the bike. I would love to take photographs as I ride, but dare not due to safety issues. What special considerations do you use when taking photographs such as those; equipment, etc.?

Thanks.

Mark Ittleman
2003 LTE Josephina
Humble, Texas
"If I can't I must."

[jzeiler]

Mark,


Go back and read the caption on piture #8 - He uses a hand held camera. Casio Exlim. Just chuck it in the tank bag between shots. I do the same thing only I am chicken and have a lanyard on mine in case I have to let go of it real quick.

Dave does get better pictures than I do but he takes about a million each day and only posts the good ones.:p

[pkpr1998]

Mark,


Go back and read the caption on piture #8 - He uses a hand held camera. Casio Exlim. Just chuck it in the tank bag between shots. I do the same thing only I am chicken and have a lanyard on mine in case I have to let go of it real quick.

Dave does get better pictures than I do but he take about a million each day and only posts the good ones.:p

Hey John, we just get him to omit the pics of himself! :histerica

[MOPMan]

Dave (or anyone who knows),

Have dates been set for the STC in '09?

I'm working on my ride calendar for '09 and can't find dates for it anywhere.

[Steve_R]

They haven't been set yet Jim. We'll probably know the dates after this weekend. Someone will post them and they will get stuck at the head of this forum.

[jarhead354]

Hello,
I'm a newbie to the ranks of BMW owners having recently purchased a used 2003 LT. I live North of Atlanta and I'm learning more about the Southeast Forum. Can someone tell me more about the STC? I'm looking to meeting more of you in the future. :wave

Thanks,
Frank Carroll

[messenger13]

Hello,
I'm a newbie to the ranks of BMW owners having recently purchased a used 2003 LT. I live North of Atlanta and I'm learning more about the Southeast Forum. Can someone tell me more about the STC? I'm looking to meeting more of you in the future. :wave I know I'm just a dayem Yankee and all, but here goes...

Twice a year, some of them thar Rebels meet up at the Iron Horse (http://www.ironhorsenc.com/) in Stecoah, NC. A few of us Yankees usually come down, just to keep y'all wide-eyed southern boys in line. That, and, let's face it y'all have the greatest roads this side of the Mississip. And y'all sure know how to have a great time! :)

There's plenty of great riding. Talkin'. Eatin'. Wrenchin'. Movie watchin'. And just chattin' around a campfire in the heart of the Smokies. What could be better?

I'd be down there right now, but I just sold my bike. I'll get down there next Spring ... and hopefully next Fall as well. Otherwise, John and Charlene (the owners) are gonna kill me DEAD! :wow:

[jarhead354]

Thanks Joe for the information. I know about the one coming up but I wasn't aware of the one in the spring.

Regards...

[RVB1019]

Mike and Cherie run a two great shops- Tellico Plains Motorcyle Outfitters and a great little Ice Cream shoppe.

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SilverBuffalo]

Mike and Cherie run a two great shops- Tellico Plains Motorcyle Outfitters and a great little Ice Cream shoppe.!!
I saw the sign when I was by there on Monday and passed it by
thinking it was another place to buy leather tassles etc.
So that's where "mini" Mike ended up, I'll have to check it out next time.

Wednesday was a perfect weather day up here,
we came of the BRP and headed toward TN
not to far from where Dave was riding (small world)
still to early for peak leaf peeping maybe after this cold and rain passes through.

[motorman587]

You guys/gals do not have to much fun and hope I can make it in the spring of 2009............:)

[Diehly]

The dates wouldn't work for me so I went a week early. Franny and I warmed up the Skyway and the BPW for you. While literature will tell you that it runs 10+ degrees cooler on the skyway, we found a 27 degree discrepancy and she guessed closest to the actual 36 degrees and was the recipent of a backrub as a result. Check out the Thunder Mountain General Store on the Robbinsville side. The new owner did a great job of renovating and has a great apt. upstairs for rent for riders. Take a look on line. It is for sale. It made me think of riding with Rob and Howard and the fun that we had photographing each other.
Took my Dave Dragon Trailer from OH to NC and it pulled like it was on rails. Have a blast gentlemen, I will be with you in spirit.

[bob_menton]

Not too many people "blasting" at Iron Horse today. Temp = 54F and raining. From the smoke coming out of the chimney, I guess they have a fire burning at the Iron Horse lodge. Janet and Lynn Keen (among others) took a bike ride yesterday - today they're off in the 4-wheeler to visit friends in Burnsville, NC. Janet is looking good after her knee surgery of 3 months ago. Fried chicken for dinner tonight, prime rib tomorrow night. Yum!

Brett is missed - he owed several folks an Iron Horse dessert, so not a surprise he's not here. Nobody's missed Joe yet ... hey, give it some time.:D

Greetingzzz to all from the Iron Horse campground, Stecoah, NC.

- Sharon & Bob (warm and comfy in the 'hard tent')

[messenger13]

Nobody's missed Joe yet ... hey, give it some time.:DBad press is better than no press at all! ;) Have fun Bob .. and tell Sharon I send my love. :)

[pkpr1998]

Not too many people "blasting" at Iron Horse today. Temp = 54F and raining. From the smoke coming out of the chimney, I guess they have a fire burning at the Iron Horse lodge. Janet and Lynn Keen (among others) took a bike ride yesterday - today they're off in the 4-wheeler to visit friends in Burnsville, NC. Janet is looking good after her knee surgery of 3 months ago. Fried chicken for dinner tonight, prime rib tomorrow night. Yum!

Brett is missed - he owed several folks an Iron Horse dessert, so not a surprise he's not here. Nobody's missed Joe yet ... hey, give it some time.:D

Greetingzzz to all from the Iron Horse campground, Stecoah, NC.

- Sharon & Bob (warm and comfy in the 'hard tent')

Bob, I really really really wish I could have been there. Somebody has got to keep you houligans out of trouble!

Maybe you all will forget the CBS by spring! Please tell all that I said hello and also to John and Charlene.

Word to Bob, don't ride behind Lynn! :histerica

[Lynn_Keen]

Bob, I really really really wish I could have been there. Somebody has got to keep you houligans out of trouble!

Maybe you all will forget the CBS by spring! Please tell all that I said hello and also to John and Charlene.

Word to Bob, don't ride behind Lynn! :histerica

Hey, Don't Ya know, nobody likes a smart ass!:stir:

And as far as the CBS, don't forget that I got it in writing!!

Sorry you couldn't make it. Heard your a little under the weather so hope your feel'n better!

[Lee510]

Good riding day at the Iron Horse. Chilkoot_Charlie, NCRider, (Norwood & LaNette), and I left the lodge shortly past 11:00, bound for Maggie Valley and the Wheels Through Time Museum. Very light sprinkles were coming down as we left. A little heavier rain going up the road. After the museum, we had lunch at the Grizzly Grille. Good BBQ, I thought. As we headed back to the Iron Horse, the rain had stopped and the roads were starting to dry in places. I thought the trip back was going to be ideal. And it was for about half way. When the rain started, I saw frogs drowning. Several miles down the road, it rained so hard the ducks didn't like it.

Due to past experience with a thunderstorm, I have made it a point to avoid riding in the rain. That, and my dad always said I didn't have sense to get out of a shower of rain. I was trying to prove him wrong. Couldn't do that today. As for riding in the rain, it wasn't as bad as I thought. Now, if I never do it again, at least I can say I've done it.

Having a great time at the Iron Horse.