PCX in the Smokey Mountains (pic heavy)

[Shoe]

Part 1

Booked a lodge back in January in hopes of finding a little warmer climate than up North, but like the rest of the nation, everything is 3 weeks behind from normal temps.

Arrived Thursday night after a shitty drive through Cincinnati. I can usually pull it off in a little more than 8 hours, but Dayton to Covington took over 2 hours. That should have been 40 minutes tops!

Anyway, Friday morning was quite cold but the road called my name. The road to the lodge was quite steep and same with the parking on a grade. I did end up using the parking brake...lol

Here's the view from the upstairs balcony




Everything West of the main drag going into Pigeon Forge/Gatlingburg is up the hill and houses built into the hill side. I really wasn't sure if the PCX could handle such a grade, but it did and then some.

Do to the low temperatures I just milled around the outskirts. I took the Gatlingburg bypass into the Park. Quite scenic as it always is, but being on 2 wheels made it really special. It's easy to pull off and take pics.



I love running water and that will become appearant if you choose to read on. Must be the flyfisherman in me....



The views are spectacular and can't be matched looking out of a car window. You're in it and a part of it!






It's the little things that grab your eye...

[Shoe]

Part 2

I came back damn near frozen stiff after a 25 mile ride and the rest of the family wanted to take in the scenery as well. I had hoped to the PCX across the Gap into Cherokee, but the road was closed do to major collapse during the winter months and anything above 5000' was still in Winter mode

Kinda cheating (and I could have done it with proper clothing), but these pics are worth posting






While the picture looks grainy, it frigging snowing up there!!




Yet there is hope in the valley...lol

[Shoe]

Part 3

Saturday I got sucked into Dollywood... LOL

Thankfully I was able to escape for another ride mid afternoon. The temps climbed into the mid-50's and in theory I should be able to manage a longer ride into the mountains. I took the bypass and toward Cade's Cove into Townsend. From there I went NE back into Pigeon Forge, about a 55 mile ride. Just too many picture opportunities to capture them all. I came in at dark and the gang was worried.











What a cool ride!!!!

We shared stories, played some games and ate like kings, Eventhough it rained like hell all night. I thought my riding would be cut short.

[Shoe]

Part 4

I had originally planned to fish some of the local streams for a day or 2, but realized that for some stupid reason I was missing my reel...

Here I was about to pull the trigger on a 1 day non-resident license only to realize it must have been displaced from my bag! My wife suggested just buying a replacement, but honestly I don't buy junk, the line alone is 70 bucks, add the backing and the reel....

Screw that! I'm going for a ride!!!!

I took the far Eastern route of the mountains and stumbled into Cosby TN!

WOW. No traffic. I think once I got on to 32 I saw 8 cars and what a ride!!!!!!!

This must have been "Bubbas's place



Pretty cool....

Then I'm off to the mountain. The sign said 11 miles until pavement ends. PERFECT!

This is the Cosby entrance to the NP




Another stream!



Up the Mountain, switchbacks, ect. The speed limit was 30 mph, but I don't think I went any over 25. No guardrails, just mountainside right down to the Appalachian Trail

The sign wasn't joking!




Cool driveways along the way

Wanna buy a house?



Cheap? Perhaps the lease ran out, or they just left

Another PCX photo among the numerous washes within the mountain

[Shoe]

Just to see the Route



So on my way back I run into Mike (he's been making sculptures for 40 years and I could relate

I primarily stopped for the wagon, but since established a bond



What an artist!




Too Cool!

Anyway, I'm back home and waiting for the next photo opportinity, perhaps closer to home, but one never knows where life will take you!

[khaosaming]

Nice pictures. Not a soul there. Was is really so cold that nobody dared go out?

[Shoe]

Nice pictures. Not a soul there. Was is really so cold that nobody dared go out?

No, just certain areas don't get the pressure. Go west, especially toward Fontana, or South to Cherokee (besides the Casinos) or East away from the attractions and you're right on the middle of rural America!

[you you]

Great pictures

[calinaz]

Nice pictures, always wanted to ride out that way!

[Taz]

Great pics, did you see any bears or are they still hibernating? I saw a few black bears around there but it was warmer. Also there is great white water rafting in the area which is fun.

[Shoe]

Thanks Guys!

Taz, I didn't see any bears, but it should have been close, at least in the valleys. Turkey mating season was in full swing. Seen a few Toms courting, fans and all. Tried to get close a few times, but they didn't want to cooperate.

Here's a few more pics





Another one of Mike's creations

All of his carvings are made from one log and is basically subtraction



I even found an old Micro Car in front of an Antique Shop

I believe it's a Metropolitan

[you you]

A Nash metropolitan? An old Austin?

[you you]

Oh oh memory is coming back. Frazer Nash metropolitan

[Shoe]

Yeah, those fetch a pretty penny. Anywhere from 9 to north of 30 grand, depending on condition

[strkngfang]

Beautiful shots, looks like a very nice riding experience.

[skuuter]

Been on this Route many, many times.....!!!!!

[Rumpleproofskin]

What an amazing place to ride.

[WhiteNoise]

Lovely, just lovely. You, your scoot the peace and quiet all together as one! Perhaps another way of understanding the phrase, "Nature's Calling!" Thanks for taking us along (o:

[kramnala58]

Great post! Thanks for sharing the pics!

[skuuter]

Next time You're riding the road to Cades Cove, turn and go out to Tremont. The road will finally become gravel, but will give way to a great area for photos....!!!...and over on 32 past Cosby, continue on the road after it becomes gravel, it will take You (after about 23 miles) to the Elk Herd, and spit You out on the super narrow, super twisty (curves posted at 5mph) paved Lost Cave Cove Road. You'll come out in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.....