Ok, here's what I have. Didn't make a lot of photos, mostly videos (for first time). And, since I'm lousy video editor, who knows am I going ever to make a video
So... This is my 2nd longest trip I ever made, 2500 miles. For many of you it's nothing, but don't forget I started riding exactly 5 years ago
Also my first trip longer than 3 days that I was doing only by myself - and I LIKE IT! Yes, I missed, many times, somebody to share my excitement and happiness, but FREEDOM of decisions was much greater.
Anyway... Part 1 (days 1, 2, 3)
Google Maps
Day 1: From home to Owensboro, KY
My new record:
Shared album - Afan Pasalic - Google Photos
Day 2: From Owensboro, KY to Great Smoky National Park (TN-NC), rode through the park, short stop in Cherokee, NC; sleepover in Bryson City, NC.
Shared album - Afan Pasalic - Google Photos
Day 3: From Bryson City, NC to the (west) beginning of Blue Ridge Parkway. At French Broad River turned to the South, to Walhalla, SC. From Walhalla, by Moonshine28 Trail North. Camping at Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge.
Shared album - Afan Pasalic - Google Photos
Part 2 (days 4, 5, 6)
Google Maps
Day 4: From Iron Horse to Tail of the Dragon, rode on the Tail (and back), and continued via Chattanooga, NC, Trenton, GA to Huntsville, AL.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/c4xn8cY5k6Y9RqJL9
Day 5: From Huntsville, AL, via Memphis, Jonesboro, AR to Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, MO - one of Route 66 icons.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/spLpcnfMknjVoNmE9
Day 6: From Lebanon to Florida, MO to see Mark Twain's birth house. And then back home.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2qjurPhXqwd1NepDA
Total ~2500 miles (Rever app that tracked my route said 2485 miles, odometer on my bike said 2548 miles) in 6 days.
I'm really happy I visited this area. For somebody from flat Iowa, with "gridded" roads, riding on curvy roads through woods, and rivers and streams... it was paradise. You should've see my happy face - better than any emoji.
The highest point: camping in Iron Horse. It was Monday and most of bikers already left, maybe 20 of us stayed in the campground. One couple (I apologize to not remembering the names) grilling and invited everybody. Some crazy, diverse bunch of people appeared... From gray-haired 70-year-old Harley guy in black jeans shirt with ripped off sleeves to well groomed guy in khaki shorts, socks and sandals... Harley guys, sport-touring guys, dirt bike guys... Every possible kind. And then something happened I didn't see last several years - NOBODY was holding smart phone, texting, checking, facebooking, instagraming... NO PHONES! Everybody just TALKING. Really high point of the trip.
The lowest point, of course, going home. And closer I am, more sad I am. The 2nd lowest point, I still don't know how, but the screw that holds handlebar end weight loosened and I lost the screw and the end weight - have no idea when?!?
Which trail/parkway/route I liked the most? Great Smoky is beautiful leisure scenic ride, I like it more than Blue Ridge. Southern part of the Moonshine 28 is really good - but the road condition is so good. I really liked the Tail (contrary to many
), it's the most challenging and the toughest ride. Definitely one of the top rides. And, thanks to everybody who suggested me to avoid the Tail over the weekend - 100% true.
When I do it again, I'll setup the "base" in Iron Horse and then each day go to different direction.
And, about the mighty NC700X - it proved itself as really reliable and great bike. And really happy I bought DCT. Rode the Tail with MT and changing gears with only two fingers was sooooo easy and helpful.
Thanks to all!
