The Dragon

April 3rd, 2004

   Sometimes the plan comes together. A lot of mornings you go to the meeting place and there is not anyone there. I wonder what happened to everyone that said they were coming? Why did they not tell me they decided not to come so I would not get my newly washed bike all nasty riding in the rain to our meeting place? But then, there is last Saturday, April 3rd which did have a turnout of folks. A good turnout.
    Actually, the weather was not all that great. Oh, it was not going to rain on us, but it was not real warm either. I know of at least three bikes that did not make it because it was "too cool". Oh well... But for the 18 people that did show up, riding 11 bikes, it was a blast. A good time that makes the work being put into  this club and the rides all worth while. New folks showed up the ride and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
    Group 1 was at McDonald's ready to go at 9:00 AM so off we went towards Alcoa. Down Asheville Highway, cross Straw Plains Pike to John Sevier. Then, we turned South on Alcoa Highway to Waffle House. There, we met Group 2.
    We rode the 4 lane down to Rt. 129 and made the left turn which takes us over through Pumpkin Center. It was starting to warm up as we traveled along Chilhowie Lake and started the gradual ascent onto the Dragon. We stopped at the Overlook and saw a few sport bikes there but the traffic was amazingly light. Another stop at Deals Gap, then again at Wolf Creek (Rt. 28) before finally getting to Franklin where we had lunch. Bobby Smith was heard telling his wife "Dan did not stop for lunch until now <1:00PM> and I am wasting away." Debbie could not come because of family complications. (We missed you Debbie).
    At lunch, Jim Hickey confirmed that 441 over Newfound Gap was just opened but snow and ice still made the road hazardous for motorcycle travel. The decision was made to head over through Waynesville where we would pickup I-40 and return via that route.
    Up Rt. 28 towards Highlands and the magnificent water falls along that road. I intended to do the loop under Bridal Veil Falls but discovered a B.A.R. had the little loop road blocked. Sorry folks. There were too many of us to stop at one of the small pullovers and Bridal Veil was the last chance. Guess we will just have to do it again some time.
    We stopped in Cashiers for more photo ops and again at I-40 near Maggie Valley before finishing the ride. I rode nearly 300 miles and I bet some of us rolled over 400 miles. (Phil and Kim from Wallins, Ky.)
    A great day, good people and the biggest ride for the club this year!