TiltTheHorizon
07-06-2010, 07:53 PM
Went out to the gap about a month ago for the National SV rally... figured I'd share a few pics since I was on here looking up some stuff for my dad. I used to have an SV, but traded it in last September. But the rallies are so much fun, I don't think I'll ever stop going.
We stayed in Fontana Village, as always, and had some pretty decent weather. Unfortunately, I couldn't talk my buddy out of holding off on heading up 129 on Sunday, so we got caught in a MASSIVE rain storm. Took my leathers about 2 days to dry out. :o
Anyway, spent most of the day Monday going up and down the mountain, and then went to Great Smoky Mountain National Park on Tuesday afternoon. Traffic was pretty heavy, but the scenery made it worth it. On our way back down the hill, we stopped along a river and I had a great chat with a guy on a Harley. He said they make the trip from Chicago every year, rent a cabin, and just pretty much do nothin' for a whole week. Personally, I can't think of a better vacation than that.
It rained Wednesday morning, but cleared up by around noon. Did a few more runs and started visiting with friends I hadn't seen in a couple years, as they started to roll into town. Rain Wednesday night postponed our "micro brew" night, where everyone brought a local beer to share. I don't drink, but still contributed, and brought some Cream Soda for myself.
By Thursday, I started to get a little worn out from riding. Trips to Wheelers, 28 and 129 a countless number of times, and the fact that I was staying up late and getting up early, really started to take its toll. The micro-brew beer party turned into a great get-together, and I think everyone at the rally was there. We're a small group, that maybe only had 70 people this year, but it was a lot of fun. I think I stayed up until about 230am that night just hanging out.
Friday and Saturday seemed like a blur. Especially Saturday evening. Everyone was trying to get their things packed for an early departure Sunday morning. It was hot, humid, and everyone was pretty tired from the weeks events. And of course the depression sinks in... knowing that it's mostly likely going to be at least another year before you see many of your friends again. But I guess that's what keeps me going... always looking forward to the next rally.
Well, here's some pics.
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally31.jpg
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally24.jpg
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally20.jpg
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally10.jpg
Oh... also hit the 10,000 mile mark on the Duc. So much for that "unreliable" thing everyone told me about. :D
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally12.jpg
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally03.jpg
We stayed in Fontana Village, as always, and had some pretty decent weather. Unfortunately, I couldn't talk my buddy out of holding off on heading up 129 on Sunday, so we got caught in a MASSIVE rain storm. Took my leathers about 2 days to dry out. :o
Anyway, spent most of the day Monday going up and down the mountain, and then went to Great Smoky Mountain National Park on Tuesday afternoon. Traffic was pretty heavy, but the scenery made it worth it. On our way back down the hill, we stopped along a river and I had a great chat with a guy on a Harley. He said they make the trip from Chicago every year, rent a cabin, and just pretty much do nothin' for a whole week. Personally, I can't think of a better vacation than that.
It rained Wednesday morning, but cleared up by around noon. Did a few more runs and started visiting with friends I hadn't seen in a couple years, as they started to roll into town. Rain Wednesday night postponed our "micro brew" night, where everyone brought a local beer to share. I don't drink, but still contributed, and brought some Cream Soda for myself.
By Thursday, I started to get a little worn out from riding. Trips to Wheelers, 28 and 129 a countless number of times, and the fact that I was staying up late and getting up early, really started to take its toll. The micro-brew beer party turned into a great get-together, and I think everyone at the rally was there. We're a small group, that maybe only had 70 people this year, but it was a lot of fun. I think I stayed up until about 230am that night just hanging out.
Friday and Saturday seemed like a blur. Especially Saturday evening. Everyone was trying to get their things packed for an early departure Sunday morning. It was hot, humid, and everyone was pretty tired from the weeks events. And of course the depression sinks in... knowing that it's mostly likely going to be at least another year before you see many of your friends again. But I guess that's what keeps me going... always looking forward to the next rally.
Well, here's some pics.
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally31.jpg
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally24.jpg
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally20.jpg
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally10.jpg
Oh... also hit the 10,000 mile mark on the Duc. So much for that "unreliable" thing everyone told me about. :D
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally12.jpg
http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq267/mgoodliff/Trip%20Photos/Dragon%202010/Rally03.jpg