These are most of the hardy souls who ventured beyond the end of Route 116 to explore the hills east of Lake City, TN.
Front row L to R Polecat, Tom (yellow-03), Bob (Robeth), empty space where I was, and Galute. Back row L to R is Tony B, Steve Meadows (Brobubba), Yellow Wolf, Bonnie, Eric (Hogsmemberisold), Natalie Czarnecki, Chuck Wiggins, and on the end is Gale, the guy I followed through 116.
Thanks to Steve (Brobubba) and Chuck for helping with the IDs.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
The Motley Crew at the East Overlook, Norris Dam
First annual Yellow Wolf Ride survivors at Norris Dam
Yellow Wolf insists we make this an annual event. Some of his closest friends said he is looking forward to seeking out another "brisk ride" location for next year. (At least that's what I think I heard).
Yellow Wolf
Our fearless leader just before we headed for Lake City. We weren't the only bikes on the road but we probably set one of the quickest average ETs through the hills. I managed to freshen up the exposed metal on both sides since I left my suspension on a soft setting. Most everyone managed to leave a little of their bike on the pavement. This was my first time through heading east and much more pleasant than last spring. No snow this time!
Brushy Mountain Prison
Last chance to drink water and get ready for an extremely fun ride from Brush Mt. Prison to Lake City, TN via Rte. 116.
Polecat
This photo was taken in the parking lot of the Days Inn at exit 108 Knoxville. We had just come from the gl1800riders breakfast sponsored by Honda Directline, Electrical Connections, Bushtec, and probably someone else I forgot. The breakfast was a big success. Many prizes were awarded by the sponsors. Personally I thought Polecat deserved a best dressed award.
There were an estimated 300 attendees at the breakfast. That number whittled down to about 15 riders who wanted to explore the infamous Route 116. While many, including myself, climbed into protective leathers and road-proof armored mesh jackets, Polecat swathed himself the only way he knows how - casual chic. The possibility of an unplanned getoff doesn't intimidate the Polecat. Once in the twisties he never let up and with tennis shoes smoking, pulled into Lake City right on my tail.
I met the famous Polecat at CatsCade earlier this year and rode with him from Dayton to Knoxville last Friday. I learned quickly he doesn't take anything too seriously and his casual approach makes him a great riding partner and the ultimate "easy rider."
Norris Dam, completed in 1936
This overlook is about 4 miles east of I-75 at exit 128. There are some great parks and sights in the vicinity.
Grist mill on Rte 441
The tall trees provided some shelter from the sun along a scenic creek south of Norris Dam. The nearby barn contains a section cut from the largest Elm tree ever discovered.
I wanted to buy a sack of milled grist to see what all the ballyhoo was about but the souvenir shop was closed.
The mill is marked by a sign along the road and is worth the stop if you are into sightseeing. By continuing up the dirt road, along the creek, you eventually get to a ford (not an abandoned car...a water crossing). It's not very deep and is fun to splash through on a hot day. The dirt portion continues uphill and around some interesting turns until you once again reach civilization and pavement. After that you're on your own. A GPS helps. Otherwise, you might just want to go back the way you came in. Especially if you're low on gas.
Norris Dam Spillway
I didn't realize it at the time but this is where they have the big fish fry on Saturday. Another event I didn't have a ticket for.
Whoa...look how skinny I look!
Norris Dam area
The 3rd week of June was the time for Honda Hoot in Knoxville, Tennessee. Thousands of Honda riders gathered along with owners of probably every other make of motorcycle as well. The idea was to test ride new bikes provided by manufacturers, look over acres of aftermaket parts and accessories, and oh yes, try out some of Tennessee's famous motorcycle roads.
I got a late start and headed for the Hoot Friday morning. Polecat (Pole to his friends) told me via the gl1800riders BBS he would ride along if I would meet him in Dayton. I left Michigan in the dark as always, without any rain which is unusual for a long ride. Also as usual, I couldn't sleep the night before taking off. So, bleary eyed but determined, south I went.
Just as we had planned, Polecat showed up half an hour late at the Waffle House with an empty gas tank. I don't remember much after that except the weather was perfect and we didn't get any tickets. We took I-75 all the way to Knoxville. At exit 108 we tried to get a room for Polecat at the Clarion but they either were booked or got a close look at us and referred us to the Econo-Lodge down the street. I already had reserved a place about 20 miles north that I shared with a huge black bug which clung to the wall the whole night (I hope). I didn't mind. The price was right and the bug was quiet and didn't eat much.
Before attempting to make up two nights sleep I needed I went for an eighty mile ride east of the freeway through some back roads and parks. I wanted to get my pegs used to scraping for the following day's ride. My plan worked.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Home from "CatsCade"
Hawk's Nest, Delaware River 
Every year, the largest motorcycle rally in the world is held near Lake George, New York. This year an event rivaling Americade in significance if not size was held near Liberty, NY centered around the "Bulldog & Meesh" garage.
For several days preceeding Americade, GL1800 riders, VTX riders, and other invitees were treated to spectacular hosted rides through some of the most scenic roads in the east. In addition, there were social events including a prime rib dinner at the Candlelight and a cookout at the Fireman's Park.
I had ridden down from the Detroit area on Friday with "Hitman" from Windsor and "HiYoSilver" of Rochester Hills. It was a soggy, overcast day interrupted by stops at Tim Horton's and an off-road excursion following a missed off ramp. We followed Frank's GPS to The Candlelight Restaurant in time for dinner with a few dozen fellow Wing riders and then found our way back to the Days Inn in Liberty.
Along the way we got our first taste of the local back roads. Deer came out to greet our party of about 25 bikes as dusk fell. They stood and stared from the edges of the road as the line of quiet touring bikes snaked past and disappeared around the next curve. Back at the motel, riders thanked our impromptu guides and were told the ride was only a teaser for what was to come. They were right!
Saturday Sam had to head back to Windsor for a family emergency. (Everybody is ok now). Frank and I were priveleged to join a group of about 15 bikes led by George and his beautiful wife Cindy. Our guides rode VTX 1300s and were very knowledgable about the history, geography and other aspects of the area. They took us on a beautiful ride along narrow, two lane, twisty roads in the Big Indian area. For several hours we enjoyed the rivers, reservoirs, hills and valleys leading to Woodstock where we stopped for lunch. We only rarely encountered a car which allowed a very "spirited ride" as Yellow Wolf alludes to from time to time. Often the route felt more like a roller coaster than a road.
Saturday afternoon, we rejoined the other groups at Bulldog and Meesh's house for some more tire-kicking. Then it was off to another feast, this time a cookout with live music compliments of fellow rider Soloquest. The food was outstanding, the company was great, and the entertainment was better than we deserved! Soloquest could take the stage anywhere and be a hit.
Sunday was another gorgeous day. While another day of local rides was being arranged, Frank and I headed for Michigan. We went south on 42 to the Pennsylvania border to check out the Hawk's Nest area, (featured in numerous car and bike advertisements). We took the the obligatory pictures overlooking the Delaware River then struck out in a generally west direction. We had now run out of maps and the GPS had failed. Keeping the sun more or less to our left we found Route 6 and started eating up the miles. Route six is a secondary road in good condition with lots of opportunities to test the leaning limits of a Gold Wing. Traffic was light and the mile slipped away as we crossed Pennsylvania along the northern tier.
Hitting Ohio is always a little decompressing after the hills and curves of "3D" states. With storms threatening, we stopped for the night in Ashtabula. A call home confirmed we had made a good call. High winds and hail knocked out power in large parts of SE Michigan while we snored the night away in peace.
Monday the sky was gray but the Weather Channel showed only isolated thunderstorms. In the interest of time we took 90 west to Route 2. We zigzagged through downtown Cleveland for a while and saw some nice views of Lake Erie and the port. Once we were out of town Route 2 becomes typical midwest travel. Flat, cultivated fields, and constant wind. Everything in Norther Ohio leans to the east because of the wind. The trees, telephone poles, even old barns have a permanent list to the east. Everything that is except pedestrians and motorcycles which tend to lean to the west to compensate. Altogether sort of a Dr. Suess kind of condition.
At any rate, Monday was a day to make tracks, and we did. The concrete canyon of construction along route 280 north was exciting with large trucks crowding the narrow detour. Once we hit I-75 the trip was almost over. I turned off at 94 and Frank continued north with a wave and it was time to try to tell spouses what can't be described in words. The pictures help. The welcome, the rides, and the scenery have to be experienced.
Thanks to Bulldog, Meesh, and all who helped put CatsCade together. Hope to see you next year!
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