The Big Loop

Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016.  Temp. 28*F.  Previous plans had been made to ride with a group of riders, one of which I knew and that was the leader for the ride.  We were to meet up at the BP Station at Walland, TN and leave there at 9:30.  However, even the best made plans can go awry.  It was heavy frost and cold this morning when I pushed the Honda NC700X out of the garage.  I was donned in all of my heavy winter garb along with the heated gloves.

I took off for Walland with time to spare as I wanted to gas up down there to start the ride to Chattanooga, TN to have a BBQ lunch ride with the group.  I took mostly back roads to Walland and pulled into the BP station, gassed up, pulled it up to the front of the convenience store to grab a cup of coffee before we left.  Funny, I didn't see any bikes and they would normally be there by now.  So I asked the lady behind the counter what time did she have and she told me which was the same as my watch indicated, 9:27.  I mentioned to her that I was meeting a group of riders here.  A fellow eating breakfast told me that a group of riders had not long left heading towards the Foothills Parkway.  I finished my coffee, mounted my trusty steed and headed out after the riders.  All I knew was they were heading to Cleveland and by-pass Chattanooga to eat BBQ.  I didn't remember the name of the restaurant.  So the story begins.

This is the approximate route I took, with a few side roads near the start of the ride.  It was a gorgeous day, high wispy clouds and a big blue sky.

I only took a few pics between the house and Walland.  I was more interested in looking for salt or salt dust on the pavement and ice.  But who in their right mind would not like a morning like this.  Even with the layer of frost it is still pretty.

 A typical East TN backroad view early in the morning.  A good place for a cemetery and a church, located at the intersection of two roads.  Some of those headstones may have been from someone not stopping at the stop signs.

I didn't take any pics while I was on the Foothills Parkway because I was too busy hanging the curves and watching for LEOs.  Trying to catch up to the group had me pushing it just a tad, well, to be honest, a little more than a tad.  I ran US 129 from the Foothills back to US 411 but figured the group would take 72 which was a shorter route.  But on 411 I could twist it a little more to catch up.

This route takes you through several small towns whose store fronts all seem to look alike.

Just south of Athens, TN an Amish buggy was easing along the shoulder of the road.  There is a good size Amish community in this area.  And to alert the vehicle drivers, there's yellow and black signs showing a horse and buggy.

I rode through Cleveland, TN for the first time in many years.  Interstate highways by-passes most of these quaint little towns these days.

Catching TN 58 West of Cleveland I ran it down to Harrison and noticed this big house sitting on top of the knoll with a pretty lake in front.  The lake was dug to supply dirt for the highway as this is apparently a low area.

I ran 58 into the edge of Chattanooga and in the process ran a portion of the ridge that several of us rode on a few weeks ago.  This is just a nice stretch of open road with very few vehicles.  Which was a good thing.

The lake at Harrison, TN which is just North of Chattanooga.  It is quite large and today the wind had just a slight ripple on the water.  This was changing because the wind has picked up due to a weather front moving in.

 I ate BBQ at Shuford's which is located at the junction of US 27 and US 127 in Signal Mtn., TN.  It has been in this location for 30 years.  At their pulled pork plate with delicious green beans and turnip greens.  And yes, a piece of cornbread.  Delicious if I do say so.  After lunch I ran US 127 West toward Dunlap, TN.  Nice rock outcroppings along the way.

 The route takes you over the mountain and after a ways you start to see a deep valley below you.  This valley is Sequatchie Valley.  I've written about it before but I usually catch it farther North.  It is a nice twistie highway crossing over the mountains.

When you hit the top of the mountain you are now on the Plateau where the terrain turns a bit flatter with some slight rolls in it.

After a few miles you start to descend the Plateau heading for the valley below.

And watch the signs for there are several areas where the downgrade is 8 to 9 %.  And the curves can sneak up on you quicker than a blink of the eye.

 Sort of like this one. 

But it is so pretty even with the leaves all gone.  I guess it's the ruggedness of the area that appeals to me.  Just trying to imagine the first settlers trying to get their wagons and belongings over these mountains is beyond me.  A hard struggle on a good day.

 Heading down you catch glimpses of the valley below and also the mountain range on the western side of the valley.

A little twist here, a little twist there, mountains every where.

I rounded a curve and in the space between it and the next curve I glanced over to see an open mine entrance.  A SUV was parked nearby so I slowed to a stop and made a u-turn to go back and take a closer look.  I eased the bike off the highway onto the crushed rock, being real careful not to let it slide out from beneath me.  Shut it down, pulled off my gloves and took a walk over to get a closer look.

I noticed the young girl and heard other voices.  It seems her mother, brother and another girl along with their dog had climbed up the sloping side to the top above the mine entrance.  Or I should say, mine entrances as there was 3 shafts here.  I would think the mines were dug for granite or limestone.  The young man told me they went about 200 yds. back and split off ending at a pond.  Couldn't believe they were not barricaded.

Once you hit the valley it just becomes more beautiful and relaxing.  It is a very straight road for miles and miles.

Mountains on the East of you.

 And mountains on the West of you.  Lo, as I ride through the valley of beauty I think of the greatness our United States has to offer and the amazing things He made for us.

Cows, horses, pasture land and a house every so often.  And miles and miles of highway I must ride before the end.

I stopped in Pikeville at a Hardee's to grab a cup of coffee and take a break.   Now this place could use some personnel changing.  Four people behind the counter, and 5 customers inside, 1 waiting on his order, one who was angry because they totally messed up his order, a lady trying to get the rest of her order, someone waiting outside in a car for their order and I had made the mistake of ordering and paying.  The must have missed their Meth today.

 After a short break I rolled on toward Crossville.  Beautiful pasture on my right.

Mountains in the distance meant that I was getting closer to Crossville where I would take a right and head back East.

The sky and the mountains were just so pretty today.  I guess it must have been the light, the shading or maybe it was because I had not been out this way in a few weeks.  Whatever the reason, it was beautiful.

One of those government missile silos sticking up over the rise.  You'd think people would have recognized they were not that well hidden by now.

And with all of the snow, ice and cold yet the grass is still green.  Doesn't look like my yard for sure.

Hung a right onto TN 68 which would take me over toward Rockwood.  This also takes you up over the Plateau, across the mountains and through one of the areas where various stone is shipped all over the country from.  Lots of rock quarries in this area.

Like sentinels all in a row, the leafless trees stand guard until Spring comes again.  Then you won't be able to see beyond their trunks.

One of the many stone quarries along the highway.

And one of the many lots selling stone by the piece or by the truck load.

 Made a left turn and into Rockwood we went.  Just a short way up the road we hit I-40 eastbound and down for Knoxville.

The temperature had warmed up by noon and the day just seemed to get better by the minute.  By now it was about 4 p.m.  My day was coming to an end but not after a wild dash on the superslab.

That white stuff in the distance is snow still on the ground up on top of the mountain I was crossing.  Still needed to watch in the shadows for ice patches that would change your direction in less than a heartbeat.








I caught up to the traffic in Knoxville, rode along with it until I got to the I-140 turnoff.  It was now about 4:30 and time to get back to the house.  I blistered across the TN River just to open the 700 up a bit.  It is a nice little machine for what it was designed for.  And that is doing some paved roads and some unpaved roads.  It is not a cruiser but some people use it for that purpose.  If the seat was a bit easier on my rump, it would handle a long haul after some saddlebags were added so that you would have room to carry your belongings.

I haven't named this bike yet, been kicking around a few names to see if it fits, but Little Hoss is about to become the winner.  We did 356 miles door t door on this ride averaging 68.4 mpg.  And I rode it hard with a hard wind to face.  Not bad at all.  Ole Sweet Thang wold have used 3 to 4 times the amount of gas that I put in today mainly because of the wind and that big windshield she carries.  I must say I'm impressed with Little Hoss.  He's got stamina.

I had a great day today even though it didn't start off as I had planned.  However the finish was the same, a great time, great miles and great smiles.  Until he next adventure, watch where you walk, meet a stranger and smile and enjoy life.

Breezing By Bald River Falls, Graveling in The Gorge, Cherohala Skyway and The Dragon

This is the first long ride of 2016.  Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, 8:30 a.m., 30*.  Rolled the 700 out of the garage looking more like the Michelin Tire Man with all the clothes on than a biker.  Heated gloves plugged in and turned on to hot hot hot.  Pulled out for meet-up with bike friend Paul but needed to top off gas tank before pull out time.  Finished and at 8:45 Paul pulled up and we pulled out for Vonore, TN, about an hour's ride south.  Traffic was light and we cranked it a bit so that we could meet up with friend Marc at the Food City south of Vonore.  Got there a bit early so Paul and I had a quickie breakfast while waiting on Marc.  Marc was riding up from Evensville, TN which was about an hour's ride south of Vonore.  Now that you have the lay of the land, let's ride.

I stole this picture from Paul but the day didn't start out looking exactly like this but isn't this a great looking East TN morning view.

One of my favorite old red barn shots down on U.S.411 south of Seymour.

And this pasture full of Black Angus seemed to have no worries at all, not knowing a carnivorous beast was riding by thinking of burgers, steaks and pot roasts.

Paul getting ready to top off his fuel tank while friend Marc was visiting the store for a cause.

Shortly afterward we three departed for some fun via some different back roads over to Tellico Plaines, TN.

Another glorious day in the land of the free.  No mine fields, no rockets flying overhead, nothing but peace and the sound of wind whistling past my helmet and the quiet purr of the engine.

We traveled along easily today as there were few to no vehicles on the road.

Farm animals/pets have heavy hairy coats due to the winter cold weather.  And the main part of winter isn't here yet.

Nice rolling hill farm country but mostly into cattle than row crops.

A quick stop in Tellico Plains so Marc could top off his tank and we were back on the road "Cherohala Skyway" which crosses the mountains into NC.  This covered bridge is the entrance to a very nice resort lodge just outside of Tellico Plains.

Riding along the Tellico River gives some nice views and scenery.

We were going to run the Cherohala for a short distance and then take a side road over to Bald River Falls which is in the Cherokee National Forest. 

With all of the recent rains the streams and rivers are flowing well.

Each bend gives a different view with some water tumbling over rocks, some small drop-offs or squeezing itself between large boulders.

And then you see the mist in the air.  By now it is about 40 degrees.  Between my bike and the bridge railing there is ice and the entire area is very slippery.

One of God's great pieces of artwork.  This is Bald River Falls.  It measures between 80 and 100 ft. high.  When the water is really flowing after heavy rains the mist covers the entire bridge with a cloud.

You can imagine this multiplied several times over.  You'd need a seeing eye stick to help you get across the bridge.

Paul on the left and Marc on the right.  One crazy old man and then just a crazy man but then you only live once right?

After leaving the falls we continued onward along the river to our next adventure which was going to be the North River Road, a stretch 18 miles in length that went through the mountains and would loop back to the Cherohala.  Most of this 18 miles was gravel, which in TN is crushed limestone rock.  Nothing is round.

Several nice picnic areas along the way and some great views of the water rushing toward the falls.

We are now on the gravel and this is a two way road, it's just all that wide in some places.  However, the speed limit is 25 mph so that makes it a bit easier to handle.

A lot of the area is covered with moss so you know it is damp and cool most of the time.  And by now you have seen about all of the water pictures you want to see and if so, hit escape.

For there are more coming.  To hear that rushing water makes some people want to rush to the bathroom and to others it just lulls them to sleep.

With the recent rains dust wasn't a real problem but there were some chuck holes that could hide a crawfish boiling pot.  Thank goodness I was following Marc so when I saw him jerk his Trike around I knew there was at least one big hole ahead.

The stream in the mountains narrowed but the tumbling action continued, just the falls were not as high.

It was very scenic back here and spaced every so often was a camping spot.  Camping is allowed in the designated spots and you don't have to worry about seeing your neighbor, especially in the summer.  Bring all of your needs for there's no store close by nor any facilities like running water, hot showers, electricity, etc.

That white spot sort of in the center of this picture is not a waterfall.  It is frozen run-off from a culvert beneath the roadway.  We were going to cross it shortly.

In a bend of the road we decided to take a stretch break, eat a snack bar and gab a bit.

Back on the road again looking out for debris from some strong winds up in the mountains.  We noticed a lot of trees snapped off and pushed out of the ground in several places.  The winds can get quite high up in these woods.

A nice arch bridge covering this old gravel road.  It is part of the Cherohala which meant it wouldn't be too long before we made a turn to get back on hard pavement and run the Cherohala over to the short cut to the Dragon.






My camera battery died so I borrowed this picture from Paul.  We noticed the pavement was damp so apparently there was a light rain earlier or it had been very foggy.  Determined that it was fog and we soon confirmed our answer.



Now the Cherohala climbs to over 5400 ft. in elevation.  The temperature is cold enough here at 1 p.m. to maintain frozen water on the sides of the rocks (that white stuff you see in the bend of the curve). 

Which meant the road surface may have just a touch of ice on it.  Now put this all together and your cheeks will tighten up just a bit and your throttle hand will go very lightly on the twisting.  Fortunately for us it was not ice on the roadway, just moisture from the fog and warm enough to keep it from freezing on the roadway.

Our route to us by the Joyce Kilmer Forest.  We stopped for a little while as Marc had not been there or at least had not been there in a long time whichever applies.

It is a very pretty site usually but the high winds and rains had brought down a number of trees.  This forest is one of the few virgin forests left in the area.  Lots of trails to be hiked and enjoying nature.  Here's a couple of nature things enjoying the view from the bridge.





This stream runs beneath the bridge and meanders on down along the roadway that enters the area.










We stopped by Santeetlah Lake which has the Brookside dam.  There is a small community here built along the sides of the mountain.  Paul and I have been here several times.  It is very pretty, quiet and a long way from a Walmart Store.

We followed a rode that took us down to the bottom of the dam thinking that white streak was overflow iced but it wasn't.  It was running water.  Made an interesting picture anyway.








Now for the rest of the story.  Santeetlah Lake drains water through this pictured pipe to a lower level.

That rushing water from the pipe then turns the generator of the Brookside Station power provider to form another lake and a river that allows the water to continue down the mountain.  It's not Niagara Falls but it does the trick.

Heading onward toward The Dragon.

After running The Dragon, and with only one vehicle, if my memory is right, on the road besides us, we come to a turn off facing this beautiful old lodge.  Now to run along the lake to the Foothills Parkway.

Cherohala Lake is very low on purpose as TVA is getting ready to do some dam inspections/repairs if it will stop raining long enough to draw down the water level.  Normally the bottom of the tower legs are just above the water line.

We said goodbye to Marc who headed back to his home while Paul and I hit the Foothills Parkway headed to Walland and a cup of coffee before heading back to our houses.  The Smoky Mountains from the Parkway.

And finally a few back roads later we arrive at our start-up point to check the mileage of the trip and Paul's odometer.  We both filled up and zeroed out odometers that morning as we usually do but today was for another purpose.  Paul recently changed the sprocket size and rear tire of his bike and needed to see how much his odometer and speedometer was off.  It came out to read about 9% less mileage and slower that it shows.

Total mileage for me today, door to door, 188.  Gas mileage riding the 700, 72.5 mpg.  Total amount of fun, too high to calculate.  So until the next trip, I hope all of you will get out, even if it's a bit chilly, and enjoy this good earth.  And don't forget to tell someone hello.  Maybe even that you love them.  Be safe.