A perfect ride

[Aesculapius]

How often do you have an absolutely perfect ride? You know, one of those rides where everything is just right. I am in Cherokee, NC for a conference, I rode the Spyder up yesterday, good ride, a little cold, a couple inches of snow at the higher elevations, but a good ride. Did the Nantahala gorge yesterday evening up to the lake and looped back via Hwy 28. But I was able to get out a little bit early today, rode the Dragon and looped back via the Foothills Parkway and through the Smoky Mtn National Park. Temps were around 60 when I started and in the low 40s by the time I got back but there was NO traffic, none. Absolutely clean road in front of me the ENTIRE way. The bike purred like a kitten, the smell of the spring air, dogwoods, and mountain rivers permeated my lungs, the tarmac was like glass and I had no worries. I don't know if it gets any better than that. Can I have a repeat performance tomorrow? Oh, I almost forgot about the squirrel that bit the dust against my front tire, maybe I won't run over any wildlife tomorrow.

[Lew L]

I had the perfect ride today---- Thanks for asking. Perfect temp, no traffic or distracted drivers, beautiful scenery, and the ran perfect---straight and true.

Lew L

[Chupaca]

Sounds like one of those days for you..good to hear .. may there be many many more..

[ARtraveler]

Glad to hear about those great rides.

[youngers]

How often do you have an absolutely perfect ride? You know, one of those rides where everything is just right. I am in Cherokee, NC for a conference, I rode the Spyder up yesterday, good ride, a little cold, a couple inches of snow at the higher elevations, but a good ride. Did the Nantahala gorge yesterday evening up to the lake and looped back via Hwy 28. But I was able to get out a little bit early today, rode the Dragon and looped back via the Foothills Parkway and through the Smoky Mtn National Park. Temps were around 60 when I started and in the low 40s by the time I got back but there was NO traffic, none. Absolutely clean road in front of me the ENTIRE way. The bike purred like a kitten, the smell of the spring air, dogwoods, and mountain rivers permeated my lungs, the tarmac was like glass and I had no worries. I don't know if it gets any better than that. Can I have a repeat performance tomorrow? Oh, I almost forgot about the squirrel that bit the dust against my front tire, maybe I won't run over any wildlife tomorrow.

for those of us still waiting on those high 60`s and mid 70`s ----- we want to hear more about the conference you attended , how was the indoors ? great seating ?

[Aesculapius]

Ugh! Hotel banquet rooms suck, even at Harrah's. The casino however is another story.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

.......Nice to hear someone's getting to ride ......Also very good move on the Squirrel, some folks would drive off the road to save the critter.....but then crash their car / mtc etc...you did the right thing ......Mike

[Little Blue]

Sounds like a wonderful ride.

[easysuper]

Every time I leave the house and return, I consider it a perfect ride. Some are more perfect than others , last year we took 9 days and rode to Glacier Park and that one was a lot more perfect than some.
Glad you had a great ride.

[Pirate looks at --]

Have to agree with above. I have had Zero Bad Rydes!

[bushrat]

How often do you have an absolutely perfect ride? ... Did the Nantahala gorge yesterday evening up to the lake and looped back via Hwy 28. But I was able to get out a little bit early today, rode the Dragon and looped back via the Foothills Parkway and through the Smoky Mtn National Park. Temps were around 60 when I started and in the low 40s by the time I got back but there was NO traffic, none. Absolutely clean road in front of me the ENTIRE way. ...

Your post brought back wonderful memories of my similar rydes in that area early last November, on my way south to FL. Enjoyed the 'Dragon', the 'Smokies' and a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Was very much hoping to do the 'Snake' a bit further to the east on my way back north last week, but the colder weather and looming storms suggested it was better to postpone and try it next November. One thing for sure: I do plan to trailer my Spyder back down into those hills and enjoy several more days of fun. Thanks for evoking great memories.

[Mahaflac]

Get mine back today from a recall. Weather for the next three days 70, 80,78, 78 and no rain in the forecast. time to ride.

[ARtraveler]

Three days of 50 degrees. The @#$% mountain is blocking the sun from my 30 ft. driveway. That is the only ice left to conquer before I can go riding. And yes, I have been stuck in that driveway twice trying to get it out before I had a clear shot. Gonna wait this year.

Hopefully, by this weekend.

[Aesculapius]

Well, I have to do another report on this evening's ride. Although the temps were a little bit warmer today it is hard to improve on perfection. I did the same loop today but in the opposite direction. The roads weren't quite as clean, but close. I think the sun brought out more folks. I ended up getting stuck behind a line of cars following one slow poke on 441 through the park, must have been a yankee. Just kidding, could have been Florida plates, but wouldn't that be a yankee too? Anyway, I just pulled over at one of the million pull outs and waited a few minutes while no other cars came by and took off again. Once I made the turn towards Cade's Cove there was nobody. I didn't come across any another vehicle until the Foothills Parkway but was able to quickly get by him. Once on the Dragon there was a guy on a big cruiser trying his best to ride hard and drag the floorboards but I think it kind of ticked him off that I closed the gap so quickly and almost effortlessly. He pulled over and I gave the ol' thank you wave but he looked away when he saw me at Deal's Gap later on as I was sipping on my Pepsi. From there on all was good again the whole way to Cherokee. I am also happy to report that no squirrels died today playing chicken with my Spyder.

I feel for those of you that are still iced or snowed in. There are some really beautiful parts of our country that are nice to ride in but the winters are just too brutal and too long for my taste. No such thing as Spyder hibernation here. Some crappy days for sure, but hardly a week goes by without some ride time.

[MR. H1956]

Sounds like a great day. Hope we all get some like that soon. If you get a chance ride the skyway up to its highest point from robinsville, NC. Thats a good ride also especially when the leaves are on the trees. Have Fun. Be Safe. Happy trails

[Samson]

I had a 4 hr window so I went on a great 3 hr ride in the Northern Arizona Mountains, approx 72 degrees, no traffic, Fantastic.

[Aesculapius]

I rode the skyway today Mr. H. as I was saving the best for last. Wow. What a road!