SMOKEY MOUNTAIN RIDE-IN
The Smokey Mtn. Ride-in II (2010) took place in June, in Bryson City, North Carolina. It is a gathering of fellow Goldwing motorcyclists who enjoy meeting and riding the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The gathering was the brainchild of John Gardner (Bald Eagle) and Gary Baker (FL Cracker). They wanted to try to replace the Honda Hoot with another option for riding. The first Smokey Mtn. RideIn was held in 2009, with great results, so 2010 followed. Events include a Friday night fish fry with all proceeds going to help the children of Bryson City at Christmas. The Fish Fry is sponsored by the Carolina Riders. A BBQ is held on Saturday, with the proceediings wraping up and most heading for home on Sunday of the week. This event has become a regular scheduled gathering on many calendars. The third Smokey Mountain RideIn III will take place over a full week from June 21-25. It has increased each year in the number of attendees and 2011 is sure to be no different.
I have attended both Rocky Mountain I and II and certainly will be there for 2011. In 2010, I traveled with Linda Brockmeier as a co-rider on the back of the 2006, Dark Cabernet Gold Wing. We headed south across the Ohio river into Kentucky on US 27 towards Lexington, heading for route 421 a great road through the middle of Kentucky. We enter Tennessee at Cumberland Gap National Park, the meeting point of 3 states, Virgina, Tennessee and Kentucky, and continue on 25e and 33 towards Knoxville. Leaving Knoxville we use 411 and then 441 as we travel through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Route 441 is through the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and it can be tedious with the speed limit and cars. If you are lucky enough to travel early in the morning with little traffic it can be a great ride. We finally pull in to our lodging in Bryson City ready for four full days of great riding. Many great roads are available, Some of the best roads include The Cherohala Parkway with its wide sweeping curves and fantastic views of the mountainous terrain. Deals Gap is always available, but route 28 and Wayah Road can be just as much fun. The Smokey Mountain Ride In is just a great time with friends and great riding.
I have attended both Rocky Mountain I and II and certainly will be there for 2011. In 2010, I traveled with Linda Brockmeier as a co-rider on the back of the 2006, Dark Cabernet Gold Wing. We headed south across the Ohio river into Kentucky on US 27 towards Lexington, heading for route 421 a great road through the middle of Kentucky. We enter Tennessee at Cumberland Gap National Park, the meeting point of 3 states, Virgina, Tennessee and Kentucky, and continue on 25e and 33 towards Knoxville. Leaving Knoxville we use 411 and then 441 as we travel through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Route 441 is through the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and it can be tedious with the speed limit and cars. If you are lucky enough to travel early in the morning with little traffic it can be a great ride. We finally pull in to our lodging in Bryson City ready for four full days of great riding. Many great roads are available, Some of the best roads include The Cherohala Parkway with its wide sweeping curves and fantastic views of the mountainous terrain. Deals Gap is always available, but route 28 and Wayah Road can be just as much fun. The Smokey Mountain Ride In is just a great time with friends and great riding.
SMOKEY MT. RIDE IN II 2010
SMOKEY MT. RIDE IN III 2011
SMOKEY MT. RIDE IN IV 2012
SMOKEY MT. RIDE IN VII 2015