tour reports » April to the Smokies

Twice a year I ride down to meet up with some gearheads. Our meeting spot is Kickstand Lodge in Stecoah NC. Dubbed a five star resort where you sleep on the ground. This April was the retreat, my first burner trip on the RS, and a test for things to come. Lays out to be a 12hr trip by car at some 640mi. I limbered up and left bright and early, in the rain. 6am Departure, 6:30pm arrival, traffic in my favor and cleared up by 8am. A fantastic ride down on a Friday, Highway/Interstate the whole way. Arriving in comfort and able to move was great. This is the first bike I have had or ridden that I could do 12+ hours comfortably.

Once there plenty of great riding to be had. Coming from the flattest of flats, it is refreshing to ride there, lots of challenging roads. And fantastic scenery. Nantahala gorge, Fontana, Cherahola Skyway, all amazing places. I rode to Killboys but did not ride the Dragon, not sure I will, droves of cars that weekend.

Come Monday morning, I had to leave, and be home Monday night. Loaded the bike, parked it under a carport and stayed in a cabin Sunday so as not to have to break down camp. It had been unseasonably chilly at night. Awoke Monday morning to frost! Frost in April and 31*. No insulated gloves, no heated gear, this is going to hurt. And hurt it did, my legs and fingers made me stop many times. Once the sun came over the mountains it warmed quickly, me, not so quick. At my first gas stop there was a center with a ski and skate place. The very nice folks there sold me a most wonderful pair of windproof insulated gloves.

A scenic, relaxing, easy ride home with 14 hours in the saddle. I can ride this thing so much, I don't have enough getaway time.