STory of my trip....

[birdie_xx]

Because its snowing, windy and cold like .....you decide, I thought I share my trip with you. It's couple of months old, but someone said "better late than never", right ?

Hope you will enjoy....

.....................................................................................................

PART 1

I decided to take a trip.

The thinking was I needed a change of scenery, to reorganize my thoughts and...just to have some fun. Also I haven't been to the "Dragon" on the ST yet and I really wanted to put that sticker on. Maybe a bit superstitious I didn't think I should do it and not ride the road first....
So I asked for three days off, made a loose plan and got ready.

DAY 1
Sunday

Well actually, I didn't leave that day (Sunday). I changed the route a bit by skipping my first destination. I decided to play lazy and just take my time..... leaving.
I went to Borders, California Pizza Kitchen, movies, even Cold Stone creamery - basically had a nice day "in town". As usual I packed very late, although since I had one bag packed from my last trip, I didn't have to do much.
I set the alarm and went to bed with the early start on my mind.......

DAY 2
Monday

....started 3 hours later than I planned. I overslept. But it didn't feel as a big deal. I had to run two errands anyway. I packed the bike, done the said errands and got on the road at Noon .
Here comes a huge advantage of riding alone. You do what you want, when you want.

Entering the Kennedy Expressway, I was pleasantly surprised to see the traffic move rather fast - I double checked in my mind if I was in the right place at the right time....yep , everything checked. "Certainly the congestion will start...." - here I was putting landmarks on the highway. Not this time. I made it through the City quite fast and I was in Indiana.
Thanks to the ST's tank volume and the bike's range I didn't have to stop for a while.
The overcast slowly changed to partly cloudy and the temps rose from "pleasant" to a bit warm, but not to bad.
Indianapolis greeted me with construction and traffic, but noting as bad as those in Chicago.
Soon I was on I-74 towards Cincinnati.
Not much to report here. Boring highways, steady hum of the V4 and tunes in my ears, filled the time. Pass Lexington the highway go a bit more interesting, but the Sun started to set down. I planned initially to make it to Knoxville, but changed my plans... See how nice it is ?
I was thinking about the ride a friend did, with a rides near the Cumberland Gap. Since I was going to ride "by", I thought of seeing the places. I have been to the Gap before, but couldn't find the scenic route and now I knew where to look. I also wanted to see the Cumberland Falls. A look at the "Madmaps" map ( I should get a GPS ! ) showed few interesting roads in the area, that were worthy of a detour.
I left the I-75 in Corbin , KY where I decided to spend the night. At this time I noticed something wrong with the bike's RPMs. First I thought I'm getting sloppy shifting, as the RPMs were not dropping with gear changes. But when I got on the off ramp I realized the "throttle" was stuck. Well not really, just the RPMs would not go down pass 3000.
I revved it to the red line few times and it helped.

I run into this interesting semi. The driver pulled on the air horn when I was right next to his cabin and I blasted my Stebel horn back. I wonder if he heard it !

Quite a lot of "paintbrush"



I pulled to the gas station for a copy of a hotel coupon book and checked the local rates. Then rode to the one that was not listed but looked good and negotiated the price - and saved some $$$ ! ;-) The hotel was new, with indoor pool (I ended up not using it) - the Comfort Suites, and it was nice and "comfortable", especially for the price !
Even though the clerk recommended "Sony's" BBQ joint (10% off for hotel guests), I decided on Cracker Barrel's Meatloaf dinner - yum !
I took it to the room, watched rerun of Letterman (with Matt Damon talking about "Bourne Ultimatum" - the movie I saw the day before...) and later found the "Young Frankenstein". Hoping for an early start - wake up call at 6am, I tuned the lights off...

 

[birdie_xx]

PART2

DAY 3
Tuesday

The wake up call worked and the alarms on my phone helped too. The day outside looked promising and I rushed around to get on the road. And then I remembered the clerk talking about the breakfast - HOT breakfast !!! I packed the bike and went to make my own waffle. It was goooood
I also spent few minutes at the lobby computer. I looked up the trip report from this area (thanks Anna !) to refresh my memory.
Strangely enough, I started my day going in the opposite direction to my destination for the day. Which by the way, has changed again since last night.
Initially I planned to leave Knoxville and head for Charlotte NC, to visit GIVI USA. The day after I wanted to come back to the Smoky Mountains and ride around.
I looked at the map and realized it made more sense to ride today and go to Charlotte the next day, and later go home from there.
I called GIVI about the change of plans and I also called a friend who lives in Maryville to change our dinner plans. All seemed to fall in place.
With full tank, blue skies and in a good spirit I went in search of the Cumberland Falls.
SIDEBAR - it often amazes me how much certain names repeat themselves in certain areas. The Cumberland name can be seen all over this part of TN and NC. I think I read that it was the name of Duke of Cumberland who was a friend of Lord Sandwich (kidding !).
I got back on I-75 South and took the next exit, RT 25W which led to RT90 West.
After few miles of very entertaining road - good start !, I arrived at the Falls. At least that what the signs said. I actually never saw them, so I have to trust Anna.

The Cumberland Falls ?







I was the only person there (at the parking lot), and not knowing how far wold I have to hike and not willing to just leave the bike by itself, I decided to ride on. Snapped few pictures and continued West on RT90. The plan was to connect with RT 27, head South to RT 92, turn East and ride that all the way back to RT 25E, where I started. If you look at the map, it'll make sense. BTW, the Madmaps map was very helpful and promised lots of fun riding. The map didn't lie, I enjoyed myself, except the map didn't indicate any problems with the bike as well as it didn't point the construction zones - more like the "war zones" actually.
First the bike's RPMs started to act again. This time bleeping the throttle would not help. However playing with the idle adjuster did. Every so often I had to turn the screw out, only to turn it back on after a minute or so, or the bike would die every time I'd pull the clutch in. Since I was on the back leg of the loop , I decided to keep going and try to make it to Kodak and the Mountain Adventure, Honda dealer. I wasn't looking to sitting in service and waiting, but I thought that the bike needs the attention.
Back to the fun part - the roads ! They were...FUN ! I made it back to the RT 25E and turned towards the I-40 and Kodak. The bike for now stopped acting "sick" and I could concentrate on the road.
Pretty soon I arrived to the Visitor's Center at the Cumberland Gap, place where the promised scenic road started. I found it this time and followed it to the Pinnacle Overlook. The road was narrow, steep and with exciting switchbacks !
I parked at the top and hiked to the Overlook. Very cool panorama opens up to three States .

That STain does not come from the ST !





I rode from there.....





You don't want to fall there ! .....



...or there !



Nature sculptures along the trail...





After taking some of the views "in", reading some history facts and information, I headed back. Pretty soon I was at the tunnel.



I've been here before but it always is fun for me.



However on the other side of the mountain the other obstacle appeared. The RT 25E was under a lot of construction. Signs "flagger" and "blasting"appeared. The road actually looked different than I remembered, but the traffic was moving. Coming from behind one of the curves, I found the cars in front of me stopped and the road closed to a single line. The side of the mountain was covered in dust and a avalanche of rocks appeared. Some rocks were quite large. The road had a barrier shielding the pavement, but many rocks just jumped it and landed right on the road.



I thought this was it, but soon bulldozers started to push more rocks downhill. And they kept going, covering the surface of the road more and more. They had equipment on the road, but even if they stopped pushing the rocks now, it would take them a lot of time to clear the road. I decided to turn back and go around. I took the RT25E back to Tazewell and took the RT 33 from there. I gave up the idea of visiting the dealership, as the detour would put me in Knoxville, away from Kodak. The RT 33 was another nice road , even if 4 lane highway. It let me move a bit faster, till I hit the City. I saw couple of moto cops on the BMW RTs. They gave me long looks. I waved, they waved back. I was wondering if they liked the ST . Or maybe they thought I was impersonating a motocop.

 

[birdie_xx]

PART 3


My current way point was the Deal's Gap. I thought of riding the Cherahola Parkway as well but I knew I had no time. I was to be back in Maryville around 6pm.
I rode the I-40 in moderate traffic, trying to avoid more cops that were, hm - many ! Made my way to the RT129 and followed it to the 'Gap.
There was no traffic on 129 at all. I saw few bikes going in the opposite direction, but no one ahead of me and no one behind. I saw one patrol car going down the mountain, but I guess I wasn't interesting. I later found out he was probably just returning from helping a semi stuck on the Dragon.
I can't understand why truckers keep going there. I saw where he was stuck earlier and I saw the truck too, parked at the State line.
To my surprise , I saw Killboy ( www.killboy.com ) and Zee photo ( www.zeefoto.com ) photographers at the Dragon. I guess they are working now more than just the weekends. Wonder if I'll look "purdy".....

Fom Killboy



Not to bad.....

This was my first time this year on the Dragon and on the "new" bike to boot, so I took it Essy. This ST sits lower than my previous one. I think it's the tires - a different profile. I keep dragging my toes, which is very distracting. But I made it to the Resort in one piece - no addition from me to the Tree of Shame.
The Resort has been remodeled this Winter, it keeps looking better and better ! I fueled up, ate lunch, said hallo to Brett (the owner) and hen bothered Francois a bit ;-).
I actually came to shop too. I wanted the new black Throttlemeister and the Ventura headlight guard. Both were in stock and are mine now. Thanks to Francois who was very helpful !
After some chat and drooling over his new BMW Adventure (I want that bike so much !!!)

( full res photo here ! http://bp3.blogger.com/_LxZ4Mi3rR3Q/RsqnkTkKNbI/AAAAAAAADSY/L2wqc3dTuD8/s1600-h/img_1441.jpg )

I said my goodbyes and rode down the RT 28 just a bit, to the dam. This is as entertaining as the Dragon. Turned around and back to the Store and onto the Dragon. I saw a groundhog and wild turkey, but didn't get a chance to snap a photo.
This time there was a couple on a cruiser in front of me. I rode behind them on the 28. And they (he) rode ssssssslow
I went around them by the store, but then I had to stop and play with the RPMs again and they went by, plus a guy on a SV650. When I caught up to them, the guy on the SV and I were both struggling behind the cruiser. It was a torture. Finally at one point the SV guy jumped forward and now I could too. For a brief moment I thought I was gaining on the SV which was not good, as I was working the ST hard. But then the guy kicked t a notch and I realized I'm riding to risky and he was gone.... After that there was nobody in front or behind me till the end of the run.

At the end of the Dragon, I decided to ride the Foothills Parkway. Now , this is an excellent road for the ST ! The long sweepers were much more suited for the heavy bike. Around one of the corners I came face to face with a Park Ranger, but he just waved to me - I looked at the speedo and it showed 65MPH +.....gulp ! Maybe TOURING bikes can go a bit faster ?! The ride was a lot of fun and I was sorry when I got to the RT 321 and turned to Maryville, but my dinner company Peggy and Vern were waiting !

At their recommendation, I checked into a motel, being cheap - I MEAN FRUGAL ! , I chose the second floor room - $10.00 less, took shower and run to the near by restaurant. I had a lot of fun and I hope Peggy and Vern enjoyed the time too. We talked so much, the waitress made some comments. I guess it took us to long to place the order and then to relive the table. She kept circling us like a vulcher.....

Sorry guys I kept you so late !!!

We went back to the motel where I had to show off the ST ! I guess I'm proud of the result. I hope that my friend Jerry would be glad too....
BTW, my friends made me to worry about the bike. They were concerned that it may be to dark and less safe for the bike to be parked where it was... Uhm thanks ! - like I needed that....
Sure enough just after they left, some guy from a floor above complemented the bike. But I already considered him a thief !
I covered the bike and thought I had to just relax - I looked outside the window as soon as I opened my eyes in the morning !
The TV programming was bad so I went to sleep. Good Night.

DAY 4
Wednesday

Same routine as the day before. The wake up call at 6am (I looked outside the window), back to bed for few more minutes - as it would make a difference...
Then I remembered I had to go. I packed, showered, packed the bike and of I went. I had to be in Charlotte by lunch time and I wanted to ride there semi scenic roads. I knew it would take to long, so I scrapped going through the 'Gap and the RT 28 . It seemed to far and to long to go back to Knoxville, to pick the I 40 to Asheville, although then I would ride the back roads from there, by the Chimney Rock Park - very nice area !
Instead, I decided to ride the RT 321 East to Pigeon Forge, then RT 441 through Gatlinburg to Cherokee and Blue Ridge Parkway from there. All good plan, except.....
I was rolling before the Sun was up and I was on the edge of chilling my a$$ of - well that came later when I was crossing the mountains. For now, on my way to Pigeon Forge I was fine. There were not to many people on the road and I was moving fine. It got less "fine" at Pigeon Forge , but not to bad. People were waking up, merchants were opening their businesses and I started to feel hungry. I didn't feel like stopping though.
Unfortunately the 441 to Gatlinburg got busy. And stupid busy at that. People going slower than speed limit........ To many to pass them all too.

Gatlinburg was waking up as well , although it seemed with a delay to Pigeon Forge. I didn't decide on any of the breakfast places and decided to ride on to Cherokee, to have food with Native Americans.

Views at Rt 441 ...





But because of the traffic, by the time I reached the Blue Ridge Parkway, I only thought of making up some time. I started to zoom up the BRP, luckily with virtually no traffic.
Left,right,left, vista on the left, scenic overlook on the right - what an awesome country ! Up and down, blind turn to the right, blind turn...well you get the picture. I caught to few slower cars and bikes and passed by in "safe and proper" way - most of them anyway. Bikers were cool , mostly waving me by.

One of the BRP overlooks





Before I was ready to end this roller coaster, I was in Asheville and it was 11am and I decided to switch to the I - 26 and take it South to the I - 85, to make up some time. It took me 4 hours to cover only about 150 miles !!! Quick call to GIVI - the Autocom rocks ! - and I'm told I should be in Charlotte by 2pm. I decided to do better. I saw only one trooper hiding in the bushes.... I made it to Charlotte just after 1pm. He, he.......



We ordered lunch and I could relax. I like coming there. This was the first time they would see my home made attachment for the E41 saddlebags.
I also wanted to buy this new bag that GIVI released. It's called T450 Trolly bag. It's a computer/carry-on bag, with a telescopic handle. It's partially soft, partially hard bag. The coolest part - it attaches to a GIV rack, just like any hard bag. What's even better. It can be attached to both - Monokey and Monolock racks !!! I was so thrilled, because I've been waiting for the release of this bag since Spring - I saw it the first time in March !

My joy didn't last to long though. Since I have the brake light switch on the mount plate, the T450 will not latch ! Bummer.... Now I have to decide if I want to make a quick disconnect below the switch and pull it out every time I want to use the T450 and not the hard case, with the brake light.
I thought I could use this bag for work - the laptop, movies, games....
I shall see...

I did install the Throttlemeister though. It was a breeze. It works and looks great !
At the end of work day, I left the bike in the warehouse and became Paul's guest. I spent a nice evening at Paul and Karen's home, talking, looking at new family motorcycles, watching their son ride his dirt bike in the yard - very cool !!! We also relaxed at the back yard pond with colorful fish.
Later enjoyed a dinner and a movie. It was late when we turned in - I still found time to play a computer game (how old am I ?????).
I was in bed by 2am.....

 

[birdie_xx]

PART4

DAY 5
Thursday

I woke up at 8am.... a luxury comparing to the previous days. The kids were of to school and I was catching the ride to the GIVI's office.
Before I got to comfortable, I got the bike ready. Soon it was 10 am and it was time to say good byes. I wanted to stay longer but I had to be back home that day and I also wanted to visit with a friend in Indiana (hi Todd !).
There is no straight/fast way to connect Charlotte with Chicago. I was trying to decide weather to take the less interesting (actually the I-40 is not to bad) Interstate route through Knoxville, or go North to WV and then go scenic through the Midland Trail - US 60 . It's a beautiful road that leads through the Hawk's Nest SP. I rode it once about 10 years ago, and would like to go again, but I never go this way.
The voice of reason ( I hate "that guy" sometimes), was telling me though, that the "scenic" route is going to stretch the trip a lot. So I decided to go straight North, following the US 52 to Ohio. It promised some fun, with less deviation from the course home.

Northbound on I - 77 - the Smokies on the horizon



I left Charlotte following the I - 77 North. I stopped for gas and power bar lunch and continued on I -81 West, till it crossed the US 52.

Does this bike make me look fat ?!



The road turned out to be a very good choice. Even though it led through maaaaany small mountain towns and it was longer than staying on I - 77, it provided a lot of entertainment for me !

There was another looong tunnel somewhere...



There were to many awesome sections to be overshadowed by the bit of slow traffic, gravel in some parts and the reoccurring throttle problem. I want to ride this road again !!! There were parts of this road that reminded me Poland. Nice twisty roads, with trees growing very close to the shoulder, on both sides, creating canopies of leaves - green tunnels.... Sorry , I didn't try once to take a photo. I just didn't want to spoil the fun, nor jump out of the rhythm of the road.

SORRY, NO MORE PHOTOS !

Left, right, left, right..... Why is Chicago's countryside so flat and boring ?!

Unfortunately, I could sense the time fly and I wasn't getting closer to Ohio. I thought of following the Ohio river West, but that seemed to slow. When I finally reached the I - 64, I decided to take it to Lexington even though it led South - West. I did realize this would be the quickest way at that time.
From there on I stayed on the Interstates. The I - 64 to the I - 75 to Cincinnati. I called Todd from Lexington realizing it would be to late by the time I had reached his home. And another change of plan - I just decided to go straight home.

It was already dark when I reached Cincinnati, where via I - 275 I reached the I - 74. I stopped for gas before Indianapolis - I love the tank range of the ST !
Without any hick-ups, delays and incidents, I reached the Skyway and quite fast I was home just past midnight, CST. 15 hours of quite interesting (well most of it anyway) riding. I didn't pay attention to the mileage when I started in Charlotte, but the whole trip brought 2000 miles, plus....

Except for the RP Ms issue and the tires, the bike run like a champ - go HONDA ! I realize how it doesn't even cross my mind to think of limiting my late night / remote location riding, in case something happen to the bike (the XX or the ST). I just cover the distance and pass the time.....
I had a great trip with spectacular riding and weather, but I do wish that I shared it with someone. Although it is convenient to travel alone - he, he !
I parked the bike and looked at it , feeling bad about all the dirt and the bugs splashed on the front, and couldn't wait to commute to work the next day. I knew it would get washed there.

It was good to shower and relax in my own bed !

Where to go next, and when ???


Cheers,

 

[LandRover]

Thanks Peter .... excellent ride report, and fantastic pics too! Sounds like you had a really good time.

Truth be told, as nice as it is to have a riding buddy sometimes, my preference is still to ride alone. To me, the long rides are journeys of discovery; both of myself, and my place in the cosmos. I dislike having my reverie broken by a fuel stop not needed by my 7.7 gallon beast, or a meal-break at a time I'm not ready for.

Long rides are a time for me to re-evaluate myself, and my situation. Not to say that there are any problems, but it's always good to check the "machine" on a regular basis, know what I mean?

Again, thank you for reminding me that I need to get out on another run. Hopefully, mine will be as helpful and as much fun as your's seems to have been. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us.

Cheers!
Bill

 

[Subdivided]

I am just waking up here in Northeast Ohio, having my coffee. The wind is howling outside, dark and cold. The 2007 ST is tucked safely away in the garage but your Ride Report makes my morning! I love to just take a few days off from a stressful job and ride, see new areas of the country and meet new people. I live through your report this morning! Thanks and Merry Christmas!

 

[b.carez]

Thanks for the great report Peter!

Sure makes me want to take off on another trip.

 

[05ST1300ABS]

Great ride report. I used to live in the northwest Indiana area and you chose a great road down to the Gap. Of course you know there are some great roads in Indiana and Kentucky and you could have spent a week getting there and about another week getting back.
So many roads, so little time.
It was a great write up with some great pictures.

 

[birdie_xx]

Thank you all . I'm glad you liked it.


Cheers,