frozenpoet
Site Supporter
I took that Thursday, Friday and Monday off at work. I don't really have a plan at the moment, but those are the days I have to work with.
Kickstand Ten, In the Land of the Dragon, NC Meet Up Event
- Thread starter drdubb
- Start date
drdubb
Site Supporter
I hope to ride up on Wed.
drdubb
Site Supporter
couple of pics from past KSL's to whet your appetite.
Put May 16-19 on your calendar.
Put May 16-19 on your calendar.
Therapy
Member
The boys and I are not in that pic because we are trying to catch up!
drdubb
Site Supporter
Thats actually a pre NC pic. Mostly nighthawks and a VFR or two.
I got the GPX of the Smoky Mountain 500 route. Might try running one or two legs while up there. Might skip the famous Whit road water crossing. I've done it on a DR650. Very tricky.
I got the GPX of the Smoky Mountain 500 route. Might try running one or two legs while up there. Might skip the famous Whit road water crossing. I've done it on a DR650. Very tricky.
Therapy
Member
On road for us.
Waya Rd. for the first time last year was pretty cool.
Waya Rd. for the first time last year was pretty cool.
drdubb
Site Supporter
Have you done 215 and 281. Makes a great loop off the BRP.
Cullowhee rd also has some interesting points.
Therapy
Member
Nope.
Looks like a good day. Long maybe. Things are tougher than BICU (before intensive care unit).
The Blue Ridge is the other way from us. We will be coming from Stecoah/Kickstand Lodge.
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This photo shows most of the folks that attended KSL7. Some came from as far away as Texas, Oregon(!), and Florida. It was a good time!
GregC
Site Supporter
The 215 is an amazing ride. There’s also some great fire roads off the Cherahola.
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Next time I decide to wear a doo-rag, someone please punch me....LOL
drdubb
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I've ridden the "gravelhala" on my old DR650. Thats some of what I plan to do this year if its dry. I'm not into mud.
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I can do gravel; no mud or water crossings....especially water crossings over asphalt or concrete....
drdubb
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Most of the gravel roads in the area would be easy of the NC. I remember one section of the gravelhala that was steep with some fist sized rocks. This was about 4 years ago, so don't know how it is now.
I toured most all of the gravel roads around the Cherohala Skyway last fall on my dual sport. Can you be more specific about which road(s) are referred to as the “gravelhala”?
I agree that nearly every road around there can be done on the NC, although one in particular that is a service road for a power line could be a bit tricky in spots.
drdubb
Site Supporter
Its a combo of River, N river Rds and Big Santeelah Rd. 81/217 on the America Rides maps.
OK, I know that route well. Please forgive me for sounding like I'm complaining, but on N. River Road, I spend most of my time dodging potholes made from all the car traffic, and the last time I was on 81 (Big Santeelah) on the NC700, I barely averaged 10 mph because they had put down a deep, loose layer of round, golf ball sized gravel. I LOVE most all the gravel roads in the Cherohala area that are off the beaten path, like Old Furnace, Davis Creek, Wildcat, Bald River, Citico, Cold Spring, etc, but I'd avoid the gravelhala if I had a choice. And near the top of my favorites list might be Sycamore Trail, up to the high grassy meadow. Awesome.
These pics will get you anxious for spring!
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drdubb
Site Supporter
Love for you to lead me around. I actually crashed on Big Santeelah. Tried to avoid a big pothole and an F250 with travel trailer at the same time.
Sorry to hear about the crash. Yes, we could do a day or two of mixed pavement/gravel rides, easily keeping it doable on an NC. In the Cherohala area, I very rarely encountered any water holes and I can’t think of any water crossings (except on the Smoky Park’s Parson Branch, which has been closed for a few years, as far as I know).
