Smokey Mountians and beyond

Thanks Gents, it was a mixed blessing as his quality of life was gone.

So after a fine visit with my cousin it was time to hit the road. Now the real fun begins as I don't need to do 600+ days but rather I get to enjoy the back roads of Kentucky and Virginia.
Spotted this beauty on the road-my first car was a 63 but nothing like this.

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I stayed that evening in Marion, Virginia and look what I found in the parking lot- a 2011 KTM Supermoto T! I have a 2010 at home and have only see a couple others in Ca, rather a rare bike so I had to find the owner. We had a great time talking KTM and I was really wishing I had mine for the next 5 days.

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The next morning I had to beat feet to meet a FJR forum bud who offered to let me ride his DR650. Gee, it was foggy, imagine that.

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Made it to Jim's home where he had our rides for the day ready to go.

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I can't begin to tell how much fun it was to get off the pavement for a day in the Hills of West Virginia in the dirt. The fall color was just beginning, Jim on his S10 leading the way.

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We rode by coal mines and I spotted this beast, I think it would be fun to operate for a few days.

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Soon we came upon a string of these monstrosities.

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I did my best Captain Morgan, can you tell by the grin on my face how much fun I was having?

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At the end of the day I was proud of the West Virginia dust on my gear.

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I'll be back soon with the Back & Tail of the Dragon
 
In case your still looking I rode the Back of The Dragon, hwy 16 in Virginia. Had a BLAST!!!!! 33 miles of twists and turns with elevation plus no traffic for 33 miles??? Double triple star for the back of the dragon, has to be fun on any bike.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Mar...5ae77c57!2m2!1d-81.5195548!2d37.1148374?hl=en

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From here I need to work my way toward Maggie Valley for a FJR gathering. It's tought to know what state you are in where they all come together in funny lines. Draw your own conclusions from these.
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You may be welcome in Virginia but don't turn on your radar detector

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An odd roadside graveyard

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These two pictures are an example of the thick forests that much of the roads in this area are like, smooth road surfaces unlike the west.

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While in Maggie Valley a must see is Wheels in Time Museum, owner Dale rides his collection right out the front door.

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Opps running out of posting space more another time
 
Hey, I'm on a roll. More of Dale riding old iron, this place was awesome!

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I really want one on these babies

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On this day I was riding with a good group of FJR etc peeps.

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We rode the Cherhaula Skyway and also The Tail of The Dragon. I really didn't want to ride it but they insisted. Riding the tail on a Goldwing is like taking you sister to a dance, however it lived up to it's squid status as we rode it at 3 pm on a Friday. Cops, crashes and meat wagons-all I expected.
This guy can see how the Hippo does look like a Dragon

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We stopped at a pull out where I met this cutie from cheeseland. She was real proud of her 600 and with a quick tire inspection I knew she could ride well. The FJR guys said she missed here grandpa and that's why she was so friendly but we all know you meet the nicest people on a Honda :poke:

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Here's a guy at the same stop real proud of his shirt.

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Seemed to be a theme on the Dragon, but once we were past it some great leaf rustling was had. Crappy pic but you get the idea

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A fun day with new and old friends.
 
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