[DonaldLL]

Hey guys I am taking a trip up to the TWI in Robbinsville NC during the first week of October. Plan on using it as base camp and taking day trips for 5 days in that area. I'd be glad to hear your "must sees" in that area. What kind of daytime temps should I prepare for?

Thanks!

 

[Eric]

Listen Mate: LOL. We missed you around here. It is good to see you back on the forum. There must be a ride report or something to tell us. You could always take a look at my Black Dog ride. Anyway I can't help with roads over there, but one of the boys will help out. Eric

 

[Chopin]

Welcome back. Your absence has been duly noted so expect a bit of " Where have you been ? " along with any answers to your question. I'll have to leave those answers to riders familiar to the area and there are plenty of riders who have been there.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

tell me about this two wheel inn you speak of

 

[detdrbuzzard]

found it http://twowheelinn.com/

 

[fossil92]

1st things 1st. As the others have said Great to hear from you again. We missed your presence around here (Mostly your Bodyguard though.)

2ndly, So I do a quick Google map search to see where you will be. The only thing that I did near there was the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg Tn. Which I highly recommend, very interesting tour & good time. I will have to defer the rest to some of the guys down that way. I'm thinking L2R, Crownfire, bossdog, Ref, I know I'm forgetting somebody. One of those guys should chime in.

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

Great to have you back Donald. I didn't realize I owned an INN... lol

 

[L2R]

a google search will lead to normal temps during October.
There are many days in July when a windbreaker or jacket feels good so I would take layers you can add and subtract as needed. I suspect you will be looking at anything from the 50's t the low 70's.

Assuming you will ride the Dragon, stop at Deal's Gap. They have maps with about 10 routes that include sites to see along the way.

Gattlinburg is a nice town to relax and shop. There is a huge outlet mall if someone needs a shopping fix.

Cherokee is not far if you want to check your luck at the casino.


I would also start a Carolina Kitchen in Robbinsville. When you get to town, you will see Mikey D's. It is just ahead on the right coming from 2 Whl Inn.





Many, many great rides and sites. You won't get to them all so again, I would get a map at Deal's Gap, it is for bikers.

There is a beautiful Parkway than runs for many miles along a stream, a dam, waterfalls take your pick. Maggie Valley, Hwy 321 is a blast no matter where you find it.

 

[santini1953]

I suggest Cades Cove in Townsend Tn. if you want to see bears and deer ! It is a beautiful ride through the cove and if you like taking pics of nature you will love it ! Check it out on the net !!

 

[budoka]

Howya man?! Should be a great time to ride that area. Reckon your temps will be somewhat warmer than I experienced over the last three days/evenings and 1500 kms (900 mi).

 

[cory1848]

I have been up there many times. I was thinking of trying to make an October trip to use up left over vacation days, but not so sure if that will happen. Bring a jacket for the higher elevations. Cherahola Skyway is a must do. Fontana Dam, Haiwassee Dam, are good spots, deals gap/rt 28 (Hellbender) are good roads. Ride up through the N. Georgia mountains as well. Rt 68 is great. Do the blood mountain loop then head back into NC. And dont forget to take lots of pics!

 

[DonaldLL]

Thank you gents for the warm welcome! I know you are going to razz me on this but we have not ridden since June. Took my bodyguard for a trip to key west on our bikes. Then we put them away for the summer... Too darn hot! So for me/ us we're just coming into good riding time of the year. We did take a vacation in the USVI as well so we haven't been idle. Then this thing called work keeps getting in the way and all of a sudden it's mid September. Wendy is out of vacation time so aww shucks I'll be making this trip solo hehehe
It'll be my first long trip on the Wing; Key West is only 350mi round trip. I plan to do just as suggested and go up to Two Wheel's place, scout around the area, then go back with Wendy next year. Thanks for the suggestions; I Knew of the usual spots but some tips are new to me. I've got 10 days maybe 12; first landing spot will be TWI in Robbinsville for 5 nights. The rest I have no plan and may just keep it that way!
I'll keep you updated and pics will certainly be coming.

Donald

 

[Eric]

Good to see all is well. I don't blame you for parking it with the heat. Enjoy your ride and I will look forward to the ride report and photos. Eric

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Here ya go:
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/
That covers about all the "rides" in the area.

 

[WingnutGordo]

i've heard about this place , i want to check it out late this year or early next spring

 

[crownfire]

It's a beautiful area and you will love it. I will second the nominations for the Cherohala Skyway and Hwy 28. It's a ways from Robbinsville but Hwy 209 up to Hot Springs, NC is also a great road without the Drogon traffic.

I know what you mean about work. I've been missing for a few months myself. Busy year. Hoped for a long ride in October but work has already filled up that month making up for things we missed this year.

 

[L2R]

http://www.diamondbacknc.com/route.html

this is on my list next trip to the area.

 

[DonaldLL]

hello all,

I am at the end of my trip. I am in Pointe Clear, AL and will be making the trip back home on Sunday. I did the Cherohala, Tail of the Dragon, Blue Ridge Parkway among others. Longest day (miles) so far was about 560 miles. It was easy on the wing. I did get some morning and evening temps at altitude in the upper 30s... apparently there was a chill that came through bringing the temps down below normal. Had to buy a heavier jacket. Got a ticket in GA (no helmet) ... I know I know. The weather has been perfect. no rain anywhere thusfar. I loved the chill in the air. It's hot down on Alabama and I am sure it's the same in Miami. I will post pics soon.

Later

 

[budoka]

Glad you had such a great run, even if you had to run unprotected (your bodyguard in-absentia). A bit off line, but where in the USVI were yis? Herself and I are in the midst of planning a dive vacation to Little Cayman for spring; we're both low on our nitrogen loading so. It ain't biking, but it'll do!

 

[crownfire]

Looking forward to the pictures. Those are all great roads and I had hoped to see them this fall. I'm sure your pictures will help my depression about work not allowing time off.