Triumphrat

Junipero · 11-18-2009, 02:34 PM

Gang: I'm relatively new to this forum, bought an '09 Bonneville SE several months ago. I've got 1500 miles on her, but am now dying to get out on a five day tour, even though it is late November.

I live in Northern VA and this Friday Nov. 20th will be heading down the Blue Ridge Pkwy toward Asheville NC and the Smoky Mts. And ultimately "The Dragon".

I have the Cortech Tri bags (plenty of room just for me, and the Hepcos I really wanted haven't/aren't going to arrive in time anyway).

Since I figure it will be cold, I bought a Gerbing's heated liner and glove liners---- my friends called me a 'wimp', using much harsher words of course

--- and I have the Tourmaster Flex2 jacket and pants. I should be warm enough, and it looks to be low 40-s upper 50's with some rain maybe only on Sunday.

Any advice or thoughts or stories from anyone who has been along the Blue Ridge or Smoky Mtn's (or someplace similiar) late in November?

Thanks,

shekmark · 11-18-2009, 02:41 PM

Wow, I am jealous! i did it this summer on my touring bike. Make sure you go to Deals Gap, which is at the east end of the dragon. Cool store. You have to get one of their dragon stickers for you helmet! The Tail of the Dragon is a must, just because, but the other roads around it are to die for and the Blue Ridge Hwy is beautiful. Have fun!

shekmark · 11-18-2009, 02:44 PM

BTW, that Gerbing stuff is awesome. You will be very comfortable. Make sure you have something to pull over your head and cover your mouth/nose (under your helmet) to keep you warm if it gfets real cold.

propforward · 11-18-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junipero

I bought a Gerbing's heated liner and glove liners---- my friends called me a 'wimp', using much harsher words of course

You'll be enjoying your riding while your friends are shivering from hypothermia. Heated gear is great. I used to call people that used it wimps too, but now I realize they were just smarter than me!

Nice one, enjoy your tour. I don't know those areas, but I'm sure there are people here who do.

95speed3 · 11-18-2009, 03:28 PM

Fantastic ride. Keep an eye out on the temp & watch for ice in the morning at the higher elevations.
Heres a picture from the Blue Ridge from my August ride. It was in the 40's in the morning then. I hope you have warmer weather.

teachnsurf · 11-18-2009, 09:08 PM

Bring a spare key and don't keep all of your credit cards in the same place.

americana · 11-18-2009, 09:31 PM

In June , A buddy and myself make it a yearly trip to the Smokeys . we stay in Hiawassee , Ga , the Greater Atalnta British Motorcycle Assoiation puts on a fabulous British bike rally up there ( or down there) you get to ride in 4 states and the scenery is WOW , no better way to stretch the legs of your fresh Bonne , its a trip well worth taking . And dont worry about your buddies and your gear your the one who will be asking " are you cold " . Enjoy and be safe most of those mountain roads dont even have guard rails .

americana · 11-18-2009, 09:34 PM

oh yea , my avitar pic is from the Blue Ridge Parkway

timbo2 · 11-18-2009, 09:40 PM

Bring lots of floss to get the bugs out of your teeth - that's a great ride, especially as it really hasn't gotten too cold yet.

Junipero · 11-18-2009, 09:56 PM

All great advice and comments. I will especially bring spare key and credit card. Maybe duct taped to my chest or something so as sure not to lose them.

I'm guessing it will get cold up in those mountains, but I hope very clear skies.

The British Bike Rally sounds great, I'll plan on the next one.