We finally got the "Three High Rides" logo completed! This will be the logo that will be on the T-Shirts and pins that are available to people who ride to these points, and send us info about their ride. Send us pictures of you and your buddies at each location, your name(s), the type of bike(s) you rode, and any info you would like to share on interesting places you found, or good places to eat. Look at your map, and plan your route carefully. All of the roads that lead to these locations are great, but depending on where you are starting from, you'll probably need at least two days, or multiple trips, to make all three. We took two days, and tied them all into a big loop back to Knoxville.
When it's as hot as it's been the past few days, sometimes its better to get in some quality garage time, and figure out some way to combine motorcycles and water. A good way to do that is to take an afternoon off to wash and detail your bike. If you haven't tried it before, S100 is a great bike cleaner. I was first turned on to S100 by a BMW riding friend of mine back in the 80's, so it's been around a long time. What makes it so good to use is that it will actually remove brake dust and chain lube from your wheels, but won't harm your paint or plastic parts. Does a great job on those nasty bug splatters too. I've had the best luck by spraying it on a cooled off bike, mist the bike with water, wipe it off with a towel and then rinse. I usually use a soft brush to get the wheels after the S100 has loosened everything up. Most shops have it.
If you like purpose built road-racers, 2-Strokes, or very rare machines, you have got to like this bike. Charles brought this little jewel fresh from e-bay to the Time Warp Tea Room bike night. This bike is a 250cc, water cooled, twin cyclinder, 2-stroke that makes between 60-65 HP, while weighing only 280lbs! The engine is essentially 1/2 of Honda's 1993 500cc GP bike.
It was built for the Japanese domestic market, and was not sold outside of Japan. To make it even more rare, only 900 were produced. Who knows how it ended up in Monroe, Georgia, or what the previous owner was smoking when he decided to sell it. This would be a prize in anyone's collection.
Charles currently races WERA vintage, and said that it's not beyond the realm of possibility that this bike may see a track day at some point. After all, this bike was made for the track, not hanging out at Hooter's, and you would really have to get it on the track to fully appreciate it. If he decides he would like to hire a test rider, he had has plenty of volunteers (including myself). Everyone with any track experience was drooling over this bike when he brought it down. Hey, it's essentially a 250cc GP bike with signal lights, mirrors, and a speedometer! Congratulations on your new scoot Charles. Definitely a Cool Bike!
For those of you who haven't felt like riding all the way around the mountain to get to the twisty part of 129,
there is good news. The Dragon is now re-opened!. TDOT has gotten all of those pesky rocks out of the way, and you can now ride from the Tennessee side of the mountain straight through to Deals Gap. I'm sure the area stores and businesses are more than happy, not to mention all the people who rode long distances to get their "I Survived 129 T-Shirt". Be safe up there. It will probably be crowded. Plus I'm sure that local law enforcement will be out in force.
If you're touring North of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway and find yourself looking for a place to dine that isn't fast food, check out "Canyons of the Blue Ridge" in Blowing Rock N.C. We were in Downtown Blowing rock getting gas when we were referred to the Canyons by an older gentleman driving a V-8 Kompressor Mercedes. He had struck up conversation with us about the bikes, and I figured anyone who is driving a car that cost more than my house would know a good place to eat. Him telling us that this place "has a good view" was the understatement of the year. The view off of the deck is amazing.
According to the history printed on the menu, The first business at this spot, a tavern called "The Bark" was started in 1936. During it's colorful history this location has been a tavern, a speakeasy, a brothel, a grocery store, and a casino. At one time it had a sign out front that read "Chicken, Dumplings, Fish Bait". That's what I call 1-Stop shopping.
The burgers we got were great, but it's much more than a burger place. The menu selection is broad (everything form Chimichangas to Ribeyes), and reasonably priced.
If you're spending the night in Blowing Rock, they also have live entertainment most weekend nights. The address is 8960 Hwy 321, Blowing Rock N.C, and it's really just a short hop off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Well worth the stop.
According to the history printed on the menu, The first business at this spot, a tavern called "The Bark" was started in 1936. During it's colorful history this location has been a tavern, a speakeasy, a brothel, a grocery store, and a casino. At one time it had a sign out front that read "Chicken, Dumplings, Fish Bait". That's what I call 1-Stop shopping.