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I just wanted to comment on the trip I just returned from in North Carolina. This riding was spectacular. Truthfully, the best riding I have done in 20 years of riding. The motorcycling Mecca, as my North Carolinian (Austin transplant) friend describes it. We thought we had it good in Austin with the hill country out our back door. But, this takes it to a whole new level.
We stayed in Blowing Rock, and got up each morning to ride west on the Blue Ridge Parkway and/or Hwy 321 (321 was our preferred route). We took one long day to ride to Deal's Gap in western NC. Word's really cant describe it. Take a look sometime at a map and the roads, you'll get the picture.
The roads are clean, smooth, unbelievably scenic, and free of traffic. No police, excluding the one nice one that pulled us over west of Asheville for illegal passing (oh well. When you’re having fun you cant let others spoil it). It is turn after turn through hills, trees and tunnels. There are tight turns, wide turns, 90s, 180’s inclining and declining turns, but (unlike some we have in the hill country) none jump up and slap you with a decreasing radius or off camber gotcha.
I rode with two good friends. One on an Aprillia Falco, one on a Speed triple, and me on my ST. The triple appeared to be the best suited for this kind of riding. Mine was probably the least suited. But, I tightened up the suspension and felt like I was able to push it to previously unexplored limits.
As we all know, Deal's Gap is hyped on a global level. Two of us (who had not been there) were skeptical. Pulling into the tourist trap of a restaurant/motorcycle resort/souvenir store we became even more skeptical, but it absolutely lives up to the hype. This is an amazing stretch of road, which will either have you much more in tune with your bike's ability or sobbing with a wrecked one. Deal’s gap appears to be intentionally constructed for the sole purpose of motorcycling enjoyment. There are cars, but they too are out there for the love of driving.
Honestly guys and gals, if you like two wheeling it, put NC on your short list. you will not be disappointed.
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