DAY 8 TAIL OF THE DRAGON

We slew the dragon, faced him head on, and he was defeated. I believe I'm supposed to receive a reward from the damsel but she is in Phoenix and I think I'm in Tennessee.

Decided to do the whole Cherohala/Dragon loop along with a run to the loop by Fontana Lake. Started towards the dragon from the north and stopped at the motorcycle shop before heading down the dragon. Al and Jan didn't have bells on there bikes to ward off evil spirits and we know that you have to get the bell as a gift for it to have it's full powers. So Jan bought Al a bell and Al bought Jan's and we were soon on our way. Drove the 318 curves in eleven miles followed by a stop at Deals Gap for a souvenir t-shirt a few pictures, and a chance to swap stories of our motorcycle prowess with other riders.

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high
If I had a day that I could give you
I’d give to you a day just like today
John Denver

We were then off for the rest of the loop which was just as good as the dragon with beautiful roads and scenery. Speeds ranged from 50 to 15 from curve to curve incredible roads in great shape. We had very light traffic all day sunny skies, shirt sleeve weather, along the banks of rivers, lakes, and thick forests,an absolutely great ride. Bruce summed it up when we finally stopped to get gas and he said "That's the most fun you can have on a tank of gas".

Stopped for the night 35 miles from where we were last night but oh what a day. At dinner we talked about other rides with sections just as interesting but this one will go in the memory books with them all.

Here is a link to a map of the area we road today minus the to and from the motels.
http://goo.gl/maps/VsAR

We switch leaders with every tank of gas and as luck would have it I was in the lead for 194 miles of the best roads in Tennessee, I love it when thinks just work out right. Bike is a little lighter as I ground down some of the floorboards on the roads of the loop.