The Heritage Classic Ride

Knowing we were going to be riding some of the great motorcycling roads this day (the Cherohala Skyway and the Tail of the Dragon), we were in great spirits. From Athens, TN we headed east on Hwy 39 to Hwy 68 and a short jaunt south to Tellico Plains which sits on the western end of the Cherohala Skyway.

The Cherohala Skyway is one of the classic motorcycle roads in the southeast US. One of the most expensive highways ever constructed (taking 34 years to construct at a price tag of $100 Million), the road climbs into the Great Smoky Mountains and crosses both the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. During our ride on the Cherohala Skyway, we rode in sunshine, fog, and rain over the course of its 36 miles with temperatures ranging from about 36 degrees F to 70 degrees F.

Checking directions before reaching Tellico Plains

At the start of the Cherohala Skyway

Tellico River

Along the Cherohala Skyway

This is why they're known as the Great Smoky Mountains

Heading east, the Cherohala Skyway ends at Robbinsville, NC, and we take Hwy 129 north towards Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Along the way, we pass the Cheoah Dam, famous as the dam where Harrison Ford jumps in "The Fugitive". Soon, we arrive at the Deals Gap Motorcycle resort for a coke and a rest before riding the Tail of the Dragon, which is the name of the next 11miles of Hwy 129 heading northwest. In those 11 miles are 318 turns - another classic, twisty motorcycle road.

When we arrived at Deals Gap, there were plenty of motorcycles in the parking lot. We stopped, refreshed ourselves with a coke, refreshed our bikes with some gas, and walked around a little to look at the variety of bikes that had come to ride the "dragon". Luckily we heard about the increased police presence on the dragon (unfortunately because of recent deaths due to accidents), so we kept our speeds reasonable and still had a lot of fun on the road.

When we were ready to go, we waited until there was a good gap between the bikes ahead of us. Within a few turns of the road I discovered the leaning limits of the HD Heritage I was riding, as I was scraping the edges of the floorboards on both sides. After about 1-1/2 miles, I was really surprised when I saw a medium-sized black bear cross the road in front of me, and then disappear into the forest. About 8 miles into the dragon is a stopping point that overlooks the Calderwood Dam, and we stopped to take a few pics. Then we continued on to the end of the dragon at Tabcat Creek Bridge at Chilhowee Lake.

Then we turned around, and rode it again in the opposite direction back to the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. Fun! Fun! Fun!

Along the dragon are several photographers that take pictures of the bikes and cars. They post the pics on their websites, which you can then purchase. The photos below of Pete and I riding the dragon were taken by Zee Photos.

Pete at Deals Gap

Lots of Bikes at Deals Gap

The Tail of the Dragon

A view of Calderwood Dam from the Dragon Overlook

At the Overlook with the HD Heritage Classic

Chilhowee Lake (north end of the Dragon)

After riding the Dragon in each direction, we took Hwy 28 east from Deals Gap and stopped at the Fontana Village Resort for lunch. After lunch, we continued east on Hwy 28, then north on Hwy 19 towards Maggie Valley.

In Maggie Valley, we stopped at the Wheels Through Time museum. This museum focuses on vintage and antique American motorcycles. It's a "must see" stop if you're ever in the area. Click here to see just some of the motorcycles on display at Wheels Through Time.

After spending probably a couple of hours drooling over vintage bikes, we left the museum and then headed north on SR-209. This is a truly beautiful road that winds through the lush forest of the southern Appalachians. Our destination on this road was Hot Springs, NC for dinner at the Smoky Mountain Diner.

After dinner, we headed west on Hwy 25, and then Hwy 19 south to Asheville, where we would stay for a couple of nights. Although it had been a long day with some incredible riding, we managed to hit Tressa's Downtown Jazz and Blues for a great night of music before finally hitting the sack.