Deals Gap trip
Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 11:34 am
Thought I'd share my weekend.
I am currently working full time, going to Grad School and working an internship. Yeah, not too much spare time for riding. So last weekend the stars alined giving me 4 days off in a row!!
Time for a ride. Never one to half-arse things I decided that 4 days was enough for a trip from Maine to Deals Gap in NC/TN.
I headed out on Friday Morning, blasting down the highway aiming to get somewhere south of DC. The only other stipulation for the day was that I 'picked up' Rhode Island and Delaware to add to my 'ridden in' map. Delaware necessitated my riding across the GWB in NYC, adding several hours to my day both in the bridge traffic and the heavy traffic on the NJ Turnpike. After around 14 hours in the saddle I achieved all three goals. 615 miles for the day.
Day two was another highway day, blasting down to NC. Having done a longer day the day before, this leg was 'only' 450, so once I checked into the hotel in Asheville, I headed out for an evening ride taking me down to SC to knock that off my map too. 530 miles for the day.
Day three was the fun day, I headed to Deals Gap to do a few laps of the Tail of the Dragon. For those that have not yet ridden the Dragon, do put it on your list. 318 turns in 11 miles with no houses or intersections along the route. Such fun, but there is more fun cruising to be had down there on the endless mountain roads to be found there.
Day four was the return leg. Again, not being a half-arsed guy, I thought an Iron Butt was in order. I headed out at 6am from Asheville, fully rested and ready for the ride, NOT! For those considering an Iron Butt, I can confirm that 30+ saddle hours and 1500+ miles in the 3 preceding days is not the best preparation.
I took the truck route from the south to New England, bypassing the NYC mess, but the ride still took 19 hours seeing me arrive home with 1040 miles for the day.
The ride home was satisfying, I have been wanting to do an Iron Butt for years, but it would be a stretch to call it enjoyable.
Below is a random selection of pics from the trip. Didn't take too many as I was busy riding.
Lunch spot on day 2 - Virgina is stunning
Luggage off and ready to go play
Gratuitous Selfie at Deals Gap
And the real hero of the piece
The tree of shame at Deals Gap. All the bike parts of the riders whose bravado was bigger than their abilities
Action shot from one of the photogs at the Gap
TN roads are gorgeous
A good look for me. I'm at my most handsome
Map Before
Map after
Trip was fueled by high test gas and 5 Hour Energies
I am currently working full time, going to Grad School and working an internship. Yeah, not too much spare time for riding. So last weekend the stars alined giving me 4 days off in a row!!
Time for a ride. Never one to half-arse things I decided that 4 days was enough for a trip from Maine to Deals Gap in NC/TN.
I headed out on Friday Morning, blasting down the highway aiming to get somewhere south of DC. The only other stipulation for the day was that I 'picked up' Rhode Island and Delaware to add to my 'ridden in' map. Delaware necessitated my riding across the GWB in NYC, adding several hours to my day both in the bridge traffic and the heavy traffic on the NJ Turnpike. After around 14 hours in the saddle I achieved all three goals. 615 miles for the day.
Day two was another highway day, blasting down to NC. Having done a longer day the day before, this leg was 'only' 450, so once I checked into the hotel in Asheville, I headed out for an evening ride taking me down to SC to knock that off my map too. 530 miles for the day.
Day three was the fun day, I headed to Deals Gap to do a few laps of the Tail of the Dragon. For those that have not yet ridden the Dragon, do put it on your list. 318 turns in 11 miles with no houses or intersections along the route. Such fun, but there is more fun cruising to be had down there on the endless mountain roads to be found there.
Day four was the return leg. Again, not being a half-arsed guy, I thought an Iron Butt was in order. I headed out at 6am from Asheville, fully rested and ready for the ride, NOT! For those considering an Iron Butt, I can confirm that 30+ saddle hours and 1500+ miles in the 3 preceding days is not the best preparation.
I took the truck route from the south to New England, bypassing the NYC mess, but the ride still took 19 hours seeing me arrive home with 1040 miles for the day.
The ride home was satisfying, I have been wanting to do an Iron Butt for years, but it would be a stretch to call it enjoyable.
Below is a random selection of pics from the trip. Didn't take too many as I was busy riding.
Lunch spot on day 2 - Virgina is stunning
Luggage off and ready to go play
Gratuitous Selfie at Deals Gap
And the real hero of the piece
The tree of shame at Deals Gap. All the bike parts of the riders whose bravado was bigger than their abilities
Action shot from one of the photogs at the Gap
TN roads are gorgeous
A good look for me. I'm at my most handsome
Map Before
Map after
Trip was fueled by high test gas and 5 Hour Energies