After a quick fast food breakfast a three hour drive lead me past to the Great Smoky Mountains to Knoxville, TN then South. The GPS gave another option; however, which ran parallel with the mountains and got me off the interstate onto local highways and back roads. So I made the very tough call of choosing the scenic local roads.
The alternate route lead me to the Great Smoky Mountain Foothills. Signage dictating that no commercial vehicles were permitted. Luckily only few others were around so the warm up began. The road twisted and weaved with phenomenal views of the Smokies.
Shortly after finishing the 20 or so miles of the foothills the tail of the dragon was within reach. After warming up I couldn't contain my excitement. Snapping video and pictures sharing with close family and friends. The tail starts in an area called Deals Gap, NC. Its an 11 mile stretch of road that connects NC to TN with 300+ turns.
A legal rollercoaster is what the tail really is. More time was spent on the area than anticipated around 3+ hours. Observing all sorts of bikes, riders, drivers, and cars. A few times I pulled over to watch riders get their knee down around the "twisties". People flocked from all over for this stretch of pavement.
Going through once wasn't enough. Rolling through two times scratched the itch, time flew. Talking myself out the idea that I could get an apartment, job, and envisioning the future just to be able to ride this tail frequently is when I realized I needed to leave. The fall from grace always hurts. Check out some pictures of the BRZ here:
https://www.photoreflect.com/store/Album.aspx?a=1066528&e=10595794
The BRZ was phenomenal, but alone. I hadn't seen another of the entire platform (86/FRS/BRZ) and was outnumbered by several generations of Corvettes.
Changing perspective and using the momentum of adrenaline pumping happiness I reluctantly left Deals Gap to eat miles for the rest of the day. Making all the way into Mississippi just shy of the Louisiana border.
Waking up rested was the cherry on top of a great day.
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