Southeast Spring Rally Road Trips

[goose]

Hey Everyone , GOOSE here ;), was talking with COAHA about road trips for the Spring Rally, a few of us live in the area and are able to plan out some road trips if anyone is interested. I will be at the Rally Fri the 24th( :-/hopefully) & for sure on Sat the 25th and was wondering if anyone else had any suggestions? [GOOSE]

[dkdixie]

Goose......I listed a proposed route couple weeks ago. Needed to revise it so I deleted the post.
Didn't hear any comments on it one way or the other.
Had 280 mile route including Cherohala Skyway and Dragon (for those that want to ride it) along with RT28 south from Deal's Gap and some other good roads.

[goose]

Sounds good dkdixie lets roll!!!! [GOOSE]

[coacha]

I remember reading it. Didn't it have GPS coordinates or cross routes on it? Post again if you have the revised route.

[MikeInFla]

I put it on google maps so I can see the entire route at once. It looked like a great ride to me. If I saved it I'll post it.

[coacha]

You are a better man than me if you can get google map stuff to save. I can't figure out how to make that thing work to save myself.

[MikeInFla]

Here is the link. I hoped it saved correctly. It may not be exact, I used the starting point from Helen since the Hotel is there. If it's wrong maybe someone can adjust it and re-post.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...,1.235962&z=10

[coacha]

That route looks interesting. Some of the GA/TN guys can check it and see if it is correct or a doable route.

[mrfuni]

Nice route. Done most of the roads by car and they would be great on the bike. It'll be an all day ride ...

[dkdixie]

Good job Mike. You got most of it. You left out the Dragon area though.

Here's the entire "proposed" route.

Starting at Helen-Hampton Inn

Left on Hwy 17 to Hwy 75alt
Left on Hwy 75 alt to Hwy 348
Right on Hwy 348 to Hwy 180 (coach, you said you wanted to go to Brasstown Bald Mt...it would be approx 20 miles east (right) of this intersection but about an hour or more in time.
Left on Hwy 180 to Hwy 129
Right on Hwy 129 to Blairsville, GA
Continue on Hwy 129 to Hwy 64 in Murphy, NC
Left on Hwy 64 to Hwy 294
Right on 294 to Hwy 68
Right on Hwy 68 to Hwy 360/165 in Tellico Plains, TN
Right on Hwy 165 (Cherohala Skyway which becomes Hwy 143) to Hwy 129
Left on Hwy 129 to Hwy 28 (Deals Gap, where those that want can ride the Dragon)
Right on Hwy 28 (along Tenn River) to Hwy 74
Keep left on Hwy 74 to Hwy 28 South
Right on Hwy 28 to Hwy 64 (Franklin, NC) from here there's 2-3 ways to go depending on time. Cliff (VulcanE) knows another curvy as hell side road (almost as bad as the Dragon) in this area. Only problem it runs into high weekend traffic area)
Right on 64 to Hwy 175
Left on Hwy 175 to Hwy 76
Left on Hwy 76 ( over another mountain) to Hwy 197
Right on Hwy 197 to Hwy 356
Right on Hwy 356 to Hwy 17 and back to Helen and cold beer!

Total miles; approx 286.1

There's a couple turns on this route that I can't get my female GPS to recognize. Can't make it go the way I want.

As Joe mentioned above, it will be an all day ride. Needs to be an early start.

Guesstimate over 750 to 1,000 curves on this route and 8-10 mountains.

[mrfuni]

dkdixie...
As mentioned in previous posts maybe skip dragon area based on crowds and it being a weekend. From what remember the proposed route has plenty of curves and twisties, along with beautiful scenery. Figuring stopping for gas, food, photo ops it'll be a full day...(I'm just thinking...)

[rhunt4]

I am thinking (I know that is dangerous) but any way I believe that will be a 10 to 11 hour ride could be a tad more. I will be a pretty ride and should be fun

[MikeInFla]

Thanks...

I should have mentioned I left it out because it was an optional part of the ride.

I think the route as it (at least from the map) looks to me like a lot of fun turns, hills, photo ops and hopefully good places to eat and drink.

[dkdixie]

Originally Posted by rhunt4

I am thinking (I know that is dangerous) but any way I believe that will be a 10 to 11 hour ride could be a tad more. I will be a pretty ride and should be fun

It won't take that long. The route can be adjusted depending on time. The furthest point is approx two hours, via the shortest route, riding time from Helen. My best guess is eight hours, depending length of stops and if anybody rides the Dragon.

You know....Considering the distance, round trip, some are traveling to get to the rally, it may be a situation that 300 miles may be more than they want to do.

Nothing wrong with splitting the group into two rides going different routes. Its going to be hard to keep 25-30 (?) bikes in one group together.

The ladies might like a leisurely ride to some place like Highlands, NC for a lengthly lunch and some shopping. And you still have to cross a few mountains, and curves, to get there.

Just a thought.....

[goose]

Hey Everyone that would be a great day's ride we can let whom ever wants to include the dragon, ride it instead of the skyway both are great rides, Thanks Mike for the map![GOOSE]