Smoky Mountain Rider

Photo – Bikes at the Mountaineer Restaurant / Riders Roost Wow! Joanne at the Mountaineer / Riders Roost in Maggie Valley pulled out all the stops. What started as a social ride turned out more social than ride, but what a party! Only a handful of us enjoyed a fabulous cruise in the evening sunset [...]

Carolyn and Larry G. from Granger, IN., enjoy one of my secret waterfalls Paperwork is all done, bikes in the barn, time to crack open a cold one. A good time was had by all, especially me, but that’s not hard when you’re out riding in the mountains. Thanks to Carolyn and Larry for treating [...]

Photo – Troopers were well represented (I kept a low profile) Even with mesh pants, a mesh jacket, and my visor open, it was hot. Another heat wave hits the mountains. It hit 89 degrees on my thermometer at home, though it was surely much hotter through town. I know Al Gore has something to [...]

Photo – Jackie enjoys the country roads of VirginiaYou know the story – excuses, excuses. Where the heck are the Virginia maps? I’ve got them started. Two scouting trips have narrowed the focus. They are not going to be ready as soon as I’d wished, but that’s usually the way it goes. Business has been [...]

I’ve been curious about the construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway since the road reopened north of Asheville, NC. This section of the parkway has been closed for more than a year due to a landslide. The detour around it took more than an hour and access to the highest mountain in the east, Mt. [...]

Day 12 – IT’S OVER!The unexpected has happened. I did ask the officer at the hearing if my conviction could be appealed, and was told it would be reviewed, but was I surprised when the letter arrived. The suspension of my driving privilege has been lifted and I have been granted probation instead! Provided I [...]

Day 11 – Rainy Day Bliss On The BikesThe rain continued on and off through the night and we awoke to a gray wet day. Up and out early, we headed for breakfast at Mabry Mill just down the Blue Ridge Parkway. We were first in line for a heaping plate of pancakes and planned [...]

Day 10 – Frustrated With A MapRocky Knob, VA – We’re watching the rain while tucked away all snug in our cabin at Rocky Knob, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Careful strategic planning insured we are only a couple miles from Chateau Morrisette, one of the premier Virginia vineyards, and the first bottle of [...]

Day 9 – My Luck Is Holding – So FarHillsville, VA – Today’s been pretty lucky overall. It took a little longer than expected to wrap things up this morning. Orders piled up overnight and I had to do some custom printing early this morning. We were on the road a little after 10 AM. [...]