It's hard to describe some things. There are events in our lives that cannot be accurately depicted in words. I'll do my best, but unless you were there, it's impossible to duplicate the experience.
Renea and I left our home at 7am Thursday. It was brisk and beautiful. The new engine in Thumper purred and has more power than I've dreamed......still to this day, untapped. That will be saved for after the final tune. We took some country backroads to get to US 64 and made our way to US 41A. Once on top of Monteagle Mountain, we stopped at Jim Oliver's Smokehouse and had a wonderful breakfast. Before we got back on the road, we decided to bundle up a little more since we had apparently underdressed when we left the house. Out came the chaps and sweaters. We got on I24 and headed west to Chattanooga where we picked up I75 north to US 64. We stopped for gas in Cleveland, TN and continued on 64 to US 19. The rest of the trip to Maggie Valley was uneventful, but very relaxing and enjoyable. I was already fully decompressed before we entered the Nantahala National Forest. It was so good to be in the "twisties" again.
Hoga$m (Brian) and Kathy were the first folks we met upon arrival. We spoke briefly as we checked into the Rocky Waters Inn, and I was in awe of his machine. There's something about those Hucks that just catches my eye. Renea and I unpacked the green bike, and then headed into MV for lunch. We stopped at Legends Sports Bar and ordered lunch and just then I noticed another Watermelon pull up. I knew it was Barry, and he had his lovely daughter Jessica with him. I was great to see Barry again, and equally great to meet Jessica. We had lunch and headed back to the motel. Renea took a nap, and I washed Thumper. There was a group out riding, so supper plans were sorta up in the air. I had a few beers in me, so I knew riding wasn't happening. Apparently I wasn't the only one. We gathered around the fire, told tales, drank beer, and ordered pizza. Thursday was a great evening, and the point at which I experienced the "who's who" syndrome. Renea and I met so many wonderful folks throughout the weekend. Kudos to Martha for making the name tags, as they really helped the "memory challenged" like me.
Friday.....folks, I won't dote on Terry's riding planning and riding capabilities, as we all know no one does it better than him. The ride was great, well planned, and just the way I like it. I was right behind him when we started, and I quickly realized that Thumper's new torque and power really isn't gonna do me much good until I get the suspension in order. Terry could leave me in corners. The experience made me re-examine my situation, and apparently I've been chasing my bike all over the highway lately. I confirmed that after I rode Ken's bike last night. Anyway, next on my list is Traxxion and BiTubo. Friday's ride was awesome. Renea and I didn't do the TOD. We went with a group over the Foothills Parkway, near Clingman's Dome, and back to MV via the BRP. Supper that evening at J Arthur's was nothing less than...........perfect. Thanks for setting that up, Helen. We had a wonderful time.
Renea and I did our own thing Saturday. We went into Cherokee and did some lookin' 'round, then we headed out US 19 to NC 28 to Stecoah, Fontana Village, the Hellbender and into Deal's Gap. As I suspected, the place was packed. We used their facilities and left headed to Robbinsville to visit some friends and have lunch at Sweetwater BBQ. After that we went back to the motel and got ready for supper at Snappy's. Glenn, Brother, thanks for setting up a wonderful supper at Snappy's. The prime rib was great.
We ate breakfast at Joey's this morning, came back to the motel, packed the bike, said goodbye to everyone who was up, and hit the highway headed back home. The trip was awesome. I didn't want it to end. I'm so happy I have tomorrow off to spend with Renea, who also has the day off. We have plenty to do around here including tending to a tired Thumper who just rolled into her 20K mile service.
Folks, I love this place, and Renea and I love the people. Thank you so much for having us, taking us in, and treating us like family. We're honored to be here and anxiously await the next GTG, so we can be with you again.
Henry
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Topic: Maggie Valley (Read 2152 times)