About a year ago, Tad Gralewski convinced me to saddle up my CBR600 and take a trip with him to the Appalachian mountains. (report here) Considering how much I enjoyed the trip last year, there was no question in my mind if I'd repeat it again this year. So, with that in mind, and fall quickly approaching, Jeff, Tad, and I started making arrangements to head back to the Appalachians. For this trip, there would be 6 bikes in all: Tad (CBR1000f), Jeff (VFR750F), Jeff's Dad (CB 750-4K), Adam (VFR800), my Dad (ST1100), and myself (VFR800). Go Team Honda!
Our route would be similar to last years trip and would take us out of Chicago via the interstate into Indiana, across Kentucky, into West Virginia, then Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia (for some), and finally across Tennessee and back into Illinois and home. The trip totaled 3018 miles for me.
Day 1 - Oct 5, 1999 (Saturday)
437 miles
The group met at Tad's place for an early 6:30am departure. After a quick cup of coffee, we set out for the Dan Ryan expressway to make our way into Indiana. Generally, when leaving Chicago we take the Tri-State, and I think we'll continue to do that for any future trips. The Dan Ryan wasn't moving bad, but there was sure a lot of traffic on the road for an early Saturday morning. At any rate, we made it around the city without incident, and made our first gas stop in West Lafayette, IN. We also grabbed a quick breakfast at Burgar King before getting back on the road. I think Tad lost his touch though - as he only had 2 sandwiches this morning.
Having looked at the weather channel maps before leaving, I knew we were going to run into rain sometime around Indianapolis. Unfortunately, I was right and it started raining a short time after breakfast. From that point on, until we arrived at the hotel in Richmond, KY, it basically rained the entire time. (I'd say at least 7 hours of rain). I do have to make a couple of comments about my riding gear here. My AeroStich once again did wonderful. Yes, after 7 hours I was a little wet in the pants area, but considering all the rain, I'm not complaining one bit. As for my 100% waterproof Tour Master gloves, they worked for all of about 2 hours. Total JUNK! And my waterproof boots, they lasted about 5 hours I'd say. (maybe I should call AeroStich for some gloves and boots - you think?)
Once checked into our hotel, we spotted a Pizza Hut within walking distance and enjoyed some much needed food. I'd say the two main topics at dinner were a) can you believe we're dry, and b) what's with this DRY county?
Day 2 - Oct 10, 1999 (Sunday)
372 miles
From Richmond, we set out for Summersville, WV and our next hotel for the trip. The roads were still soaked from all the rain the previous day, but the good news was that the skys were breaking up a bit. From Richmond, we took Route 52 east to Beattyville, KY. Had the roads not been so wet, this road would have been a blast. It was loaded with 30 and 35 mph marked corners, in addition to some really tight stuff. (mental note: come back here again)
After regrouping, we decided to head south towards the Danial Boone Parkway. Shortly after our turn to the south, it started raining again. My dad and I made a quick stop to cover our luggage and switch back to those (did I mention) sucky tour master gloves. We again meet up with the rest of the group at the Parkway and took it over to Hazard, KY. (I wonder where the Dukes live) The DBP was nice, but knowing what was coming up the next few days, I didn't bother taking any pictures. Plus the rain was kind of putting a damper on things.
From Hazard, we headed south for a few more miles, then took Rt. 119 into West Virginia near Williamson. Next we followed Rt. 52 south to Hanover, WV (or was that Hangover?). This road turned out to be pretty nice and we got into our first sections of really nice (and twisty) roads. Also, the sun was finally starting to shine by late afternoon, and the roads were drying up. Tad and I hit one section of a little detour pretty hard, and he later made a comment that I only held him up in like 3 corners. (Tad had just taken a track school this year, so this was actually a hidden complement I believe)
After checking the trusty-rusty VFR clocks, we realized it was already getting late, and that we should start making our way to the hotel. With that in mind, we hooked up with Route 19 and took it the rest of the way to Summersville - but not before running through another batch of rain. Once at the hotel, having not sleep much the past night, my Dad and I grabbed a quick bite to eat at the adjacent DQ and then I was fast asleep.
Day 3 - Oct 11, 1999 (Monday)
318 miles
From Summersville, the direct route to the next hotel in Winchester, VA would have only been about 175 miles. So, the plans were to "explore" West Virginia a bit. I decided to split from the group for this day and my Dad decided to follow my route. Remembering a few good roads and a particular lake Tad and I drove by last year, my morning plans were to find those places again. Unfortunately, the "gray" road I picked to take us that direction turned into a muddy, gravel, totally trashed road for what seemed like 50 miles. (though it was probably only about 15) Seeing no end to the bad road, I pulled over and we flagged down a HUGE dump truck to ask for directions. The trucker that stopped saved the day I must say. He was the nicest guy, and said "go around the bend, then past a house, and take this road to your left." He said it would be real rough, but would get us back to pavement in less than 1 mile. With that, my Dad and I saddled back up, and headed up the road where we saw our same trucker parked on the side of the road. Thankfully he stopped there, because otherwise, I'd have never turned down this road that looked more like someone's driveway. Needless to say, we were very great-full to be back on pavement, and I felt really bad about the route I choose.
My next mission was to find a power wash so we could clean our
bikes up and start the day over. We got lucky, and found one about
15 minutes up the road in Flatwoods, WV. After a quick washing,
and a gas fill-up, we were back on the road. The good news though,
was there now wasn't a cloud to be seen in the sky and the roads
were dry. I never did find that lake I was looking for, but maybe
it wasn't meant to be. Tad tells me I shouldn't go searching for
things like that, and that I should let them find me. Ummm, ok,
I guess so dude.
From Flatwoods, we took Rt. 15 over to 55, and north into Elkins. These roads were great and after getting the mud out of my mind and off my bike, I was finally starting to enjoy the day. After Elkins, we went north-east on 33/55 towards the Virginia boarder. Like I said in last year, WV is really a great place to ride and it actually ended up having what I would say was the best scenery for the entire trip.
Next, we stopped at the outlook to the right and very much enjoyed
the view from here. I was amazed to see such vivid colors in
WV, especially compared to what we saw last year.
(click here
for the same picture taken last year by Tad) I also messed with my
Dad's head a few weeks before the trip saying he'd be standing
right here, in the middle of West Virginia, 1000+ miles from home.
I think my psychological therapy worked, as we both really enjoyed
the moment. He even made a comment about
"wishing he didn't know now what he didn't know then." :)
Following 55 the rest of the way out of West Virginia was ok, though I should have turned south and taken 33 across instead. (once again, I didn't remember correctly the route we took last year) We made it to the hotel by 6:30pm EST and meet up with the rest of the group for dinner.
Pictures:
A babbling brook in WV - go away RAIN
My VFR on a mountain in WV
The Trank bikes in WV - what colors!
Day 4 - Oct 12, 1999 (Tuesday)
447 miles
We left Winchester and made our way towards Front Royal, VA and the beginning of Skyline Drive. Before entering the park though, we stopped at my first diner and had some good eats. I of course ordered biskets and gravy since it was on the menu, and Tad enjoyed playing some Patcy Cline on the counter top juke-box selector.
Once into Shenandoah National Park, we made our way south
to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shenandoah was looking very nice,
and I'm sure all of us with cameras stopped a few times for
pictures. There were all kinds of signs about deer in the
area, and everyone we talked to also warned us to really watch
it up there. Sure enough, they weren't kidding. I saw a few
deer, including one that just stopped on the side of the road
to admire my VFR. (picture is below)
At the end of Shenandoah some 100 miles later, we stopped for another pretty maids in a row pictures at the beginning of the BRP. Also, we said our goodbyes to Adam who needed to start heading for home from here. After some gas and a snack, we all kind of split up and had plans of meeting at Bent Mountain about 150 miles down the Parkway. I decided to just set a casual pace, sit back, and enjoy the scenery as I had last year. However, for some reason I wasn't able to find that same peaceful easy feeling I had found on the BRP before. Yes, the BRP was still nice, but not as nice as I had seen it before.
A short time later, I came around a corner and saw Jeff and Tad flagging me down. After I got my helmet off, they asked me if I "want to go draggin with them." About this time I was thinking to myself, "umm, this doesn't sound like a good idea." Ok, I said, I'll try riding with you guys for a while, but if I start dropping back, don't wait for me. We did some fairly aggressive riding for next few miles and I even got the chance to see Jeff's spark show. I was trying to watch their lines, but still wasn't able to get my peg down like they were. Oh well I figured, I'll see you guys up the road.
After a few more stops, I found myself down the road a ways when Tad caught back up to me. Then it happened. We come around this corner, I'm in the lead, and see a 30 mph marked corner. Not even thinking about the peg thing, I enter the corner at a moderate speed (somewhere around 50 or 55). Shortly after the apex, I feel something funny coming from my foot peg and hear the strangest noise coming from the right side of my bike. What the? Ohhhhhh...I JUST DRAGGED MY PEG FEELER! :) To make sure I wasn't hallucinating, I reached down to feel it, then started bouncing up and down on my foot-pegs to let Tad know what happened. We pulled over at the next overlook and inspected my bike. Sure enough, it was official. My first ever peg drag. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that in my opinion, this type of riding borders on the edge of too extreme for the street. Tad said it last year, and I'm going to say it again this year. At any rate, it was a good learning experience, and is good to know just how far todays sport bikes can really be leaned. (and I know, there's much more yet to go) However, I think for most of my street riding, I'll try to stay just shy of this level of riding. (no comments from the peanut gallery - I did say most)
At any rate, after my peg dragging, Jeff, Tad, and I continued down the BRP towards Bent Mountain where we were supposed to meet up with the Dads. We never did see a sign for Bent Mountain (must not have intersected the parkway), so we decided to continue on to our original planned meeting place in Fancy Gap. Before making it to Fancy Gap though, we had to pull over so Tad could get gas as he had hit reserve. (at least it wasn't me needing gas this time) We set a fairly good pace the rest of the way to Fancy Gap, and met up with Jeff's and my Dad just as they were getting ready to leave. For some strange reason, they thought we'd already filled up with gas and left them behind.
From Fancy Gap, the Dads decided to take the slab the rest of the way to Lenior, NC while Jeff, Tad, and I continued on the BRP. A short time later the sun went down, and in no time we were riding in complete darkness. We of course saw a few deer, but were also able to stop at a lookout where Tad and I had stopped last year - Jefferson outlook. It was a cloudy night, so the stars were not visible, but it still was neat to stop on the BRP at night and enjoy the view. After the lookout, we continued about another hour to the hotel where we had some fast food then went to bed.
Pictures:
Mr. Deer says what a nice shiny VFR you have
my VFR leaving Shenandoah National Park
my Dad and I at the BRP!
Pretty maids all in a row at the BRP
Jeff and Tad on the BRP (taken while riding of course)
Day 5 - Oct 13, 1999 (Wednesday)
254 miles
This morning we awoke once again to the all too familiar sound of rain. Per the weather channel though, it was supposed to clear out by early afternoon. We hung around the hotel for a bit, grabbed a quick breakfast at Shoneys, and then made our way back to the BRP. Due to the patchy fog, the group split apart a bit and everyone took it easy this morning. Our early morning plan was to meet at Mt. Mitchell which peaks at over 6500 feet.
Here's where the story unfortunately takes a really bad turn for me. I was cruising along trying to see through the very dense at times fog, when all of a sudden I broke through the cloud level (ie. fog) to see the most gorgeous view of the mountains peaking through the clouds. (picture to right) I stopped to enjoy the view (and of course to take a picture) when I heard Tad coming up the road. It was such a spectacular sight that I flagged him down so he could enjoy the view also. After Tad saw me, he turned around, and went back down the road to turn around as there was traffic coming up behind him. About 5 minutes later I was thinking to myself, "what the hell happened to Tad." I figured something must have happened, so I saddled up and went back in search of him. Sure enough, about 5 corners later I saw him on the side of the road struggling with his bike which got stuck in the ditch while he was trying to turn around. I pulled up next to him and yelled, "Just a second, I'll give you a hand." I then pulled down the road a bit to put some distance between his bike and mine. After putting my bike on the side-stand, I started walking towards Tad's bike about 30 feet away. Then, as I was approaching Tad's bike, I heard one of the worst sounds I could have imagined. My bike fell over! :-( I still don't know what happened, but let me say this much - I wasn't the happiest person in the world at that point. However, I quickly had to regain myself and help Tad with his bike so he could now help me pickup my bike.
I'd say considering everything, I got lucky. My clutch lever bent extremely but didn't break. My mirror broke, and of course there was some plastic damage. At least the bike was still ridable! I'm still not sure what happened, but the good news is my insurance is going to cover the damage.
Obviously, after my bike got rashed I wasn't in the best of moods for the next couple of hours. I also decided to take a more direct route to the hotel so that I could remove my plastic and give the bike a good looking over. Before heading for the hotel though, we did make it to Mt. Mitchell and enjoyed the view from up there. Jeff and I found some really cool chairs with a great view in the lodge on the top of the mountain also. Despite what had just happened to my bike, it was still quite peaceful.
Next, the Dads and I set out for the hotel after a gas station lunch and fill-up. The road into Murphy, NC from the east turned out to be kind of fun, and I quickly found myself at least trying to get my head back into the trip and forget about my road rash. Sorry to the Dads that they missed the turn for the Best Western here. I was a couple miles ahead of them by that point, and figured they couldn't miss the huge Best Western billboard. :)
Pictures:
Jeff's and my Dad riding in the fog on the BRP
Tad's w-i-d-e CBR on the BRP
the view from Mt. Mitchell
Day 6 - Oct 14, 1999 (Thursday)
307 miles
This was the day on the trip that we decided to stay in the same hotel for two nights. The days highlights included the Wolf Pen Gap in Georgia, Route 60 in GA, Route 68 in TN, the Cherohala Scenic Skyway, and of course Deals Gap. Jeff and I had a great day of riding, and I must say that I did some of my best riding to date this day. I even dragged a couple more pegs to complete the tri-fecta of peg scraping for the trip (BRP, Deals Gap, and the Cherohala). I would defiantly recommend a second night in this area to anyone passing through on a trip. Oh, I almost forgot Rt. 28 heading towards the Gap. Tad really liked this road, though I think 60 and 68 were better. I also re-discovered what a great thing TORQUE is. (right Jeff?)
Pictures:
the Cherohala was looking better than ever
the VFR's after Deals Gap
Day 7 - Oct 15, 1999 (Friday)
521 miles
With a lot of miles to cover to make it to Carbondale, IL, we all got an early start to the day. I decided to figure out my own route and I told the group I'd meet them at the hotel. Thanks to Tad though for the recommendation to run the Cherohala again before leaving the area. I had a great ride across it and saw maybe 3 cars the entire 50 miles. The Cherohala for sure gets my vote for the second most scenic area on the trip.
After the Cherohala I took 68 up to the interstate at Crossville and took that across towards Nashville. The traffic in TN was really moving, and I made some great time before exiting the slab to checkout the "Land between the Lakes." The "trace" as they call it in Kentucky was an ok road and was a welcome change from the expressway for sure. Once into Kentucky, I headed north-west and eventually crossed into Illinois again (which I gave the double salute to this year). Not long after entering IL I exited for gas with 220 miles on the trip and then took the back-roads the rest of the way to Carbondale.
Of course when I saw the turnoff for Makonda I couldn't resist and took a little detour through Giant City Park. After Giant City, I made a left onto Pleasant Hill road, wicked it up a bit, then honked twice. (some readers will know what I'm talking about here). Then it was on to campus (SIUC where I went to school) and a quick ride through to make sure all was well. Next I took the "strip" up to Route 13 then made my way to our hotel. After a quick shower on my part, my Dad and I called a cab and headed for Tres Hombres for dinner and a few cocktails. Then we hit a few of my old favorite hangouts (Boobies, Gatsbys, Side Tracks, and Styxs) before walking back to the hotel (ouch!). We even saw Winston the bagel man and I asked him "Hey - how's it going?" (again, inside joke - sorry about that)
Day 8 - Oct 16, 1999 (Saturday)
362 miles
At this point in the trip I was ready to get home. I again split from the group and did some EST and was home after only one gas stop and about 5-1/2 hour of route 57 and the tri-state. (gotta love the range of my VFR!)
Summary:
While I still enjoyed this trip, as I mentioned earlier, I wasn't able to find that same feeling I found last year. Tad tells me it will never be like the first trip again. The scenery in WV was absolutely gorgeous and I would have liked to spend a little more time there. As I would have said last year, I got "giggy" with it a bit, and did some great riding throughout the trip. It really sucked to have my bike fall over, but I was able to put it behind me for the most part. The Dads did very well and I think overall had a great time. I was glad I got the chance to show my Dad what the mountains are all about.
Links:
All of my photos on one page
My homepage
Tad's report
my Dad's report
