Sgt Blco's USA Coast to Coast 2017

Ahh, you're bringing back memories of 2015, I hope you get the smashing weather we had then


Phil.

So here is this years small group. I had a couple more bikes in teh container but they have gone off to to their own thing.

We have Andrew and Christine on a Crosstourer, Richard on his S10, Jonathan on his GSA, Peter and his buddy Tony on his GSA and Keith on his GSA.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-ZxFjPFr/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-ZxFjPFr/0/3ca808f5/M/IMG_0492-M.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-GQG4KrM/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-GQG4KrM/0/6a05ba8b/M/IMG_0498-M.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-L3VvbH3/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-L3VvbH3/0/304f0c47/M/IMG_0494-M.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-j8Mq3s8/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-j8Mq3s8/0/772dfaad/M/IMG_0500-M.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-j8Mq3s8/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-j8Mq3s8/0/772dfaad/M/IMG_0500-M.jpg" alt=""></a>

So we head of from Virginia Beach and head down to Kitty Hawk and then the site of mans first flight. Fascinating place despite the vistor centre being closed and it's hard to believe all this happend just over a century ago. In fact from the time the Wright brothers did their first powered flight in 1903, it was only 66 years until Neil Armstrong walked on the moon!! Unbelievable progress. Because teh centre was closed, teh rangers were doing talks outside and thankfully in the shade!!

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-qQDLd4q/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-qQDLd4q/0/2684dca8/L/2017-06-17%2015.21.54-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-5zkCmQW/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-5zkCmQW/0/1a79061c/L/2017-06-17%2015.54.36-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-rZ8Z2bT/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-rZ8Z2bT/0/9a1eafb5/L/2017-06-17%2015.55.32-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-kNQw5mT/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-kNQw5mT/0/719516f6/L/2017-06-17%2015.58.11-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Then it was time to dip our tootsies in teh Atlantic as we will do teh same on teh Pacific Coast in 20 days. Lovely warm sea and it was a pity we could get more time on the beach.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-rj8XTVS/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-rj8XTVS/0/d1cfb332/L/IMG_0505-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-6RHXDPK/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-6RHXDPK/0/59cd980d/L/IMG_0503-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-Xc8jjWV/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-Xc8jjWV/0/abd6974f/L/IMG_0506-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Luckily, my uncanny ability to find Ice Cream and Milkshake bars hasn't deserted me. This adventure riding is tough I tell you!!

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-v6gvNXJ/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-v6gvNXJ/0/613b0d2c/L/IMG_0508-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-QkHppvF/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-QkHppvF/0/e08cd245/L/IMG_0507-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-Zk7vDN3/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-Zk7vDN3/0/0c16151d/L/IMG_0509-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Then it was off into North Carolina in 33 degree heat and very high humidity but a really nice ride. Stopped for a cool down at an abondoned gas station and there are a lot of abandoned businesses and houses here which I guess is a sign of the times

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-WvFsDdH/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-WvFsDdH/0/914684ee/L/IMG_0510-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Greyhound buses are still running and seemingly still very popular

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-KKV3r8C/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-KKV3r8C/0/5ed1a07d/L/IMG_0522-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Checking for wifi in the restaurant last night and I think we are being watched........

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-JqjZMJc/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-JqjZMJc/0/6e7b02a9/L/IMG_0523-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

I do love a good trip report.

Good luck to Tom on his adventure. Does he have a blog/website ?

I knew Orville couldn't fly!

Sgt Bilco said:

Greyhound buses are still running and seemingly still very popular

Click to expand...

As a trucker I thought you might have noticed that Greyhound and some others run VanHool Belgium built buses. I think they still sell around 600 or more per year to the Yanks

Very jealous, will be following this thread.

Sorry folks but it's been a busy few days with some great riding and dodging the storms. Anyway, nice ride over the the Blue Ridge Parkway and our cracking little hotel in a place called Roaring Gap. Nothing there apart from a hotel, agolf course and a store which sold everything including Pizza and beer so we lucked out.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-Cx5dbPh/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-Cx5dbPh/0/4a2e076a/L/2017-06-18%2022.44.00-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-wc8Tq99/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-wc8Tq99/0/873c5b7b/L/IMG_0540-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

The golf course next door looked magnificent and I wished I'd got my 9 iron to drill a shot t 3 feet from the flag!!
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-gRVDdSp/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-gRVDdSp/0/b3eaf14a/L/2017-06-18%2022.48.24-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Next morning and we woke to find the mountains shrouded in fog but it looked like it may clear.
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-T4fjmDR/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-T4fjmDR/0/512168f7/L/IMG_0539-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Onto the Parkway and yep, it cleared after aboyt an hour and as usual on teh Blue Ridge, there are stunning views all round. The road is closed to commercial traffic and during the week it's very quiet. The speed limit is 40mph but you can sit at 50-55mph no problem and makes for some great riding.
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-tddqMwP/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-tddqMwP/0/53a03a06/L/IMG_0566-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-3Jmtm3K/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-3Jmtm3K/0/0f702bf5/L/2017-06-19%2015.44.35-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-fgDPkMk/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-fgDPkMk/0/0c40cebe/L/2017-06-19%2015.44.52-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-TwwVknf/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-TwwVknf/0/65e7c90a/L/2017-06-19%2015.45.05-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

A nice bit of relatively recent history along the way

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-TrvKgRt/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-TrvKgRt/0/681a38b1/L/IMG_0541-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-pL5JK3L/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-pL5JK3L/0/63d419ef/L/IMG_0542-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-prKrZMR/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-prKrZMR/0/fdb4af5e/L/IMG_0544-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

After a great 150 miles on the Parkway we called into a superb museum in Maggie Valley called Wheels through Time https://wheelsthroughtime.com. If you are ever in the area it's well worth a visit. It's all American metal and mostly HD but none the worse for that as they have some really rare kit in there and the best thing is, it is all as they have bought it and it all starts. A pal of mine Andy works there and you may get a bit of a discount for being from the mother country as well as a guided tour.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-vQBzvVV/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-vQBzvVV/0/fa61fb5c/L/2017-06-19%2019.13.14-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-QJBvh2W/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-QJBvh2W/0/5efde2b5/L/2017-06-19%2019.16.24-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

A WW11 HD boxer engine which was based on a Zundapp. They made about 1000 for the US military but didn't continue after the war because of the anti German feeling.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-RkG8QJC/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-RkG8QJC/0/17ade50a/L/2017-06-19%2019.25.21-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Andy giving us a guided tour

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-hPbZdRS/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-hPbZdRS/0/323cd70a/L/2017-06-19%2019.16.32-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Some bikes for the Gnarley boys to drool over.....

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-W4HRLQR/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-W4HRLQR/0/d04452cc/L/2017-06-19%2019.35.48-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-tNMD3tw/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-tNMD3tw/0/f167e683/L/2017-06-19%2019.50.11-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-WShmvgL/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-WShmvgL/0/c8cc09d9/L/2017-06-19%2019.54.14-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-qbTTPqs/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-qbTTPqs/0/e4b66f02/L/2017-06-19%2019.51.55-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Apparently one of the rarest American bikes.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-7MvjjnR/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-7MvjjnR/0/737746c7/L/2017-06-19%2019.37.24-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Plenty of cars as well and this was Steve McQueens Cadillac.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-xKRrPrW/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-xKRrPrW/0/d672193f/L/2017-06-19%2019.43.29-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Big old red barge

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-xNdkFcK/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-xNdkFcK/0/1d547b78/L/2017-06-19%2019.43.39-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-bpqHJNb/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-bpqHJNb/0/1a658e5d/L/2017-06-19%2019.42.30-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

And some really interesting kit

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-ZWJ3sJn/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-ZWJ3sJn/0/3cd5c7b1/L/2017-06-19%2019.45.16-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-ZjP2HJm/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-ZjP2HJm/0/cd965db3/L/2017-06-19%2019.45.30-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-vRQKZ66/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-vRQKZ66/0/0c53e767/L/2017-06-19%2019.44.57-L.jpg" alt=""></a>


As I said, well worth a visit if you are evr this way.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-sVbqszn/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-sVbqszn/0/02e67193/L/2017-06-19%2020.29.55-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Keep up the great 'work'.

Chris,

Someone seems to be travelling extremely 'lite'!

Have they got their own service barge following up at the rear?

Looks to be the beginnings of an amazing trip. I'd love to do similar but sadly it'll always be out of reach for me.

Keep it coming...

Moto museum looks fantastic, would love to see it one day. Another one added to the list

Sgt Bilco said:

We had a quick ride around to get the guys used to riding in the US and of course we stumbled across a gun shop. It was basically a Go Outdoors store with a small countries armoury on the back wall. What will it be sir? New walking shoes, pack of trail mix, a Glock and an M16.............. Jesus H, no wonder they have issues!!

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/C2C/i-vz4NWcV/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/C2C/i-vz4NWcV/0/7d7c2a0e/M/IMG_0485-M.jpg" alt=""></a>

Click to expand...

Oh I don't know.....maybe you can work out your issues easier over there.

https://youtu.be/YZCnR2tRN-k

USA

I'm not one bit jealous

Great stuff so far. Looking forward to the next instalment

ditto

i am in for the long haul

Sorry for the delay folks but we've been riding...........

We always stay in a small town called Townsend Tennessee for a number of reasons which include a good motel, superb roads in the area and possibly one of the best old fashioned ice cream and milkshake places in the USA

Anyway, the roads around here are simply stunning and when you string them together they will give you the best days riding of your life without doubt.

Our route took us along the Foothilsl Parkway up to Deals Gap (the Tail of the Dragon), Highway 129 and onto the Cherohala Skyway before running through some gorgeous back roads and back into Townsend. The whole route is 180 miles and gives you everything from tight twisties to very fast sweeping roads and very little traffic apart from the odd Harley barge but the generally get out of the way.

The Foothills Parkway is a great run of around 20 miles and a nice ride at 50mph. The views are stunning.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-tddqMwP/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-tddqMwP/0/53a03a06/L/IMG_0566-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-F2HFLf8/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-F2HFLf8/0/b12006af/L/IMG_0583-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

On to the infamous Deals Gap which is 11 miles long with 318 curves and is a mecca out here. Personally, I don't really like it as it's relentless, can get tiring and if you lose concentration for a second, you could easily end up in a tree. Many do and at weekends it's all kind of hell with cars and bikes everywhere and no real fun as the police are all over it. A few days before we got there a guy had been killed in a Ferrari so they have been extra vigilant. However, in the week it's fairly quiet and pretty good fun as long as no Harleys are bimbling up there.

Warming up.....
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-kxH5c3x/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-kxH5c3x/0/564b6d8c/L/2017-06-20%2014.32.31-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

They aren't joking......
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-8HRdM74/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-8HRdM74/0/8f0f47b7/L/2017-06-20%2014.47.35-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Most of the curves are very nicely cambered so if you are fairly brave you can keep up a fairly decent pace.
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-Jz2vJpS/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-Jz2vJpS/0/4f6bd214/L/2017-06-20%2014.54.38-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-hjx53xs/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-hjx53xs/0/d9671469/L/2017-06-20%2014.56.20-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-sPPrLFd/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-sPPrLFd/0/821541c5/L/2017-06-20%2014.56.11-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-tf9sjJL/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-tf9sjJL/0/ac752ce0/L/2017-06-20%2015.12.25-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-CWsr9ZL/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-CWsr9ZL/0/bbf55496/L/IMG_0568-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-pWkZr7j/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-pWkZr7j/0/a0a3e416/L/IMG_0569-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Then at the top they have the tree of shame dedicated to those who, in the words of the great Casey Stoner, their ambition outweighed their talent!!
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-Bv2RwRr/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-Bv2RwRr/0/1c67e490/L/IMG_0573-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

A quick brew and time to give the bikes a rest and off again.
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-P4nsxdZ/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-P4nsxdZ/0/079f3bbe/L/2017-06-20%2016.05.45-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Another 30 or so magnificent miles before we turn right on to what I think is the cream of the roads in the area. The Cherohala Skyway runs for around 50 miles across teh top of a mountain range and comprises of some great fast turns, sweeps and swoops and you just ride along grinning like a lunatic as you get the old bike standing on it's ears. The surface is racetrack smooth and would turn even the most sedate rider into a hooligan. Just magnificent and pictures just cannot do it justice. Mine certainley don't as I was too busy riding to take many!

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-SwcwPxv/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-SwcwPxv/0/27de04da/L/2017-06-20%2016.47.28-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-NzTHcM5/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-NzTHcM5/0/4c1ad049/L/2017-06-20%2017.00.10-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

You can just see the road running through the trees along the top of the hill
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-24zK5CV/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-24zK5CV/0/1494c0c2/L/2017-06-20%2016.59.43-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

And then you hit the inevitable harley traffic jam..... They insist on riding in a formation making it difficult to get past especially if they don't want you to. Most are pretty good though.
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-93gCwcc/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-93gCwcc/0/2b51a094/L/2017-06-20%2017.37.10-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

Then it's back to Townsend on some very Swiss like roads just to calm you down and get the adrenalin levels back to normal.
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-hNBMhj7/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-hNBMhj7/0/e839aae0/L/2017-06-20%2018.51.15-L.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-FZ7tdNT/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-FZ7tdNT/0/e38f68e0/L/2017-06-20%2018.40.32-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

And it's back to base for a well deserved ice-cream
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-cvsrgRf/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Blue-Ridge-and-Deals-Gao/i-cvsrgRf/0/406a6618/L/IMG_0564-L.jpg" alt=""></a>

As an aside, I can highly recommend spending time in the area as it's a great place to visit and ride. A mate of mine in Townsend rents GS's, S10's and dirt bikes and if wanted to visit somewhere different from the usual, this is the place. www.gsmmotorent.com

The best laid plans always fall over so apologies for not updating this as we went along. Many of the places we visited weren't blessed with hi speed internet to down load the pictures and of course we we pretty most evening. Anyhow the story continues........

After the fun and games of the Smokies and Deals gap, we head west across Tennessee and pick up some 100% gas which means it has no ethanol in it. You can pick this up easily in the East and Mid West and without that ethonol sht in the tank, the bikes always runs a lot better.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-sRP39vc/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-sRP39vc/0/a39a49f8/XL/P1050605-XL.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-rxW5Ksf/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-rxW5Ksf/0/5a13cea0/XL/P1050604-XL.jpg" alt=""></a>

And more of those crap roads:

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-KF6RXh5/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-KF6RXh5/0/9098ee4f/XL/P1050607-XL.jpg" alt=""></a>

Time for breakfast and when you go past a small town called Pikeyville, you really have to stop and see whats there. What was there was a fantastic little cafe which served a great breakfast.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-496wxb9/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-496wxb9/0/b6886ba0/XL/P1050608-XL.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-sBCP9wS/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-sBCP9wS/0/8ef4ee21/O/IMG_0594.jpg" alt=""></a>

Christine found the perfect touring accessory for the Honda Crosstourer......a five gallon drum. Andrews Crosstourer had only 600 miles when it came over and was using a lot of fuel compared with teh GS's but would get better as it ran in.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-7DvZsP8/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-7DvZsP8/0/55f02b8f/O/IMG_0596.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-rTwmphx/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-rTwmphx/0/0f74a53a/O/IMG_0597.jpg" alt=""></a>

In the afternoon, we called into the Jack Daniels distillery which is always worth a visit. The guided tours are great and give you access to most parts of the distillery.

This is the charcoal burner where the turn the cords of wood into charcoal to filter the whiskey

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-qJL66VL/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-qJL66VL/0/bcb5de62/XL/P1050612-XL.jpg" alt=""></a>

The main part of the distillery

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-39zD74V/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-39zD74V/0/8ae7d784/XL/P1050621-XL.jpg" alt=""></a>

The water source for the whiskey

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-k2KmcXP/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-k2KmcXP/0/ff302d2e/XL/P1050616-XL.jpg" alt=""></a>

The man himself

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-Ns58BQr/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-Ns58BQr/0/d4fb3b6e/XL/P1050620-XL.jpg" alt=""></a>

And the product.....

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-WgFCGk6/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-WgFCGk6/0/7984c9f6/XL/P1050624-XL.jpg" alt=""></a>

After the tour, we went into the town of Lynchburg which is obviously a tribute to the product and a great place to mooch around for an hour.

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-qBcmqP3/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-qBcmqP3/0/57dc80fe/O/IMG_0604.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-QsB9f6T/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-QsB9f6T/0/a96b4261/O/IMG_0603.jpg" alt=""></a>

A sit down and chat with himself

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-pLhXV8G/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-pLhXV8G/0/cd4e31a9/O/IMG_0600.jpg" alt=""></a>

Jack Daniels Ice Cream on the menu and Andrew chose the biggest thing on the menu. He still hasn't worked out US portions yet so us experienced US travellers hung around with a spoon.......

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-5SpVLMk/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-5SpVLMk/0/dd1101d3/O/IMG_0602.jpg" alt=""></a>

Then saw this fantastic truck. I know to some people it's just a truck but it's truck porn in my eyes......

<a href="https://chrisbiltcliffe.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-kVzG6kv/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/To-Jack-Daniels/i-kVzG6kv/0/a58a8a54/O/IMG_0608.jpg" alt=""></a>

Sarge' ....That truck porn with both 'zorts belching fumes/smoke/oil/shite into the air......Fabulous contraption.......

Get that trucker some AdBlue

With you all the way Chris...