Oh yeah, we rode Deal's Gap, also.
Jeff Hall (Scooter)
Being a relatively new member to two-wheeled touring (5 years), I am
rediscovering America with a new perspective. Although I have been through
nearly every state, I have viewed these areas inactively, much as one
views a movie - staring blankly at a screen. Only recently have I experienced
my neighboring states via motorcycling, much as Lewis and Clark eagerly
experienced the new frontier.
The rides of prior months and yesteryear all linger freshly on my senses;
the warmth of the sun on a crisp morning, the unwelcome sting of West
Virginia's coal dust in my eyes, the rhythmic tick of a hot engine cooling
off after a challenging and tiresome ride, the satisfaction of feeling
man and machine working cooperatively through a twisty, forested road.
Each person defines their own harmony. My most recent rendezvous with
harmony took place throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. Many a motorcyclist
has traversed to this sightly fold in the earth. I had the great fortune
of enjoying these natural wonders in early April, a time when few others
propose the same idea.
At every mention of riding in Tennessee, the topic of Deal's Gap inevitably
surfaces among bikers. Also known as the "Dragon's Backbone,"
this stretch of road boasts 318 curves in a short 11 miles. The initial
purpose of this trip was to duel with this dragon, a favorite pastime
of many cyclists.
My description of Deal's Gap would do it no justice, especially in comparison
to Jerry Fondse's recent article "The Dragon," (posted on
the RIDE web-page under "Archive Stories"), a well-written
account. Instead, I'd like to make sure several surrounding areas are
brought to light. So many people journey hundreds of miles to Tennessee
to only challenge this infamous 11-mile stretch of ground and then head
home. That's like walking into Starbuck's and ordering a house decaf.,
or visiting Outback Steakhouse and asking for a cheeseburger.
There are a multitude of adventures to choose form in the Great Smoky
area. The Cherohala Scenic Skyway ( TN 165 / NC 143) is, in my opinion,
the South's gift to motorcyclists. I don't know if it was the crisp
air, the absence of traffic, or the triple-stack pecan pancakes I enjoyed
that morning, but I have never been as satisfied on a motorcycle ride
as I was on this stretch of road. The curves are gentle and inviting.
The road continually escalates and plummets, bringing you among various
arrangements of trees and plants that only survive at certain altitudes.
The Foothills Parkway is another two-wheeling pleasure. This stretch
winds along the crest of hills for miles, offering superior panoramic
views. Another road highly recommended to me, although time constraints
prevented me from tasting this track, is the Ocoee Scenic Byway or Parkway
in southeastern Tennessee. Running East to West across the Appalachians,
it's sure to be a pleaser.
Of course, the Blue Ridge Parkway goes without mention. The brief 80
miles I enjoyed on BRP was nothing short of spectacular. Last, but not
least, is route 441. Running NW to SE across the mountains, this pass
brings you among the skyscrapers of the East, the greatest of which
climb a hefty 6,600'.
We had the opportunity to scratch the surface of adventures that lies
in the Great Smoky Mountain area. We left with the intention of "slaying
the dragon" at Deal's Gap, and that we did. In hindsight, it was
the adventure leading up to and around Deal's Gap that convinced me
to return the following year. Deal's Gap is only a chapter in a textbook
of thrilling stories and sought after roads. If you're heading to the
area, for one reason or another, give these roads a shot. They may redefine
your harmony.
