2012 Etowah Adventure and Fools Run

[TN2Wheeler]

Thursday- Got to Etowah around 12:30 today. Partially cloudy and about 75 degs. Nice! After checking into the Red Roof Inn I was still the only one here so I decided to set out on my own. Since I was alone my good intentions were to ride pavement. I set out on the Cherohala Skyway towards Deals Gap but when I passed came to the intersection at the top with NF81 I couldn't restrain myself. I just had to put a little gravel in travel. It was good.

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The Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort was nearly deserted but even better so was "the tail of the dragon". Passed one van going north and was passed by one motard going south. Otherwise the road was all mine. Awesome!

Going back to Etowah I stayed on the forest roads rather than the "high speed" return via the Cherohala. Bald River Falls had more water today than I've ever seen. There was actually mist in the air.

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All-in-all not a bad day at all.

[TN2Wheeler]

Friday - by 10pm last night there were 11 of us and by dark today, there were 14. Because several people got here after dark it took a little extra time to get going this morning. We split into 2 groups. One (my group) chose the mostly forest road route that took us down to the northern edge of Georgia's Cohutta Wilderness area. On the way we enjoyed a spectacular view of the Ocoee River valley from Chilhowie Mtn.

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Our total distance for the day was about 140 miles. It would have been a little more but aborted the route when a big black cloud appeared out of the SW. It started to rain just as we pulled back into the motel parking lot. The other group wasn't so lucky. They elected to ride a more easterly route that included the two sections of motorcycle specific single track. They got drenched a couple of times and had to fix one flat and manhandle one of the bikes from an inverted position down a steep drop off. Fortunately, there we no injuries other than pride.

Another excellent day even with the rain. Although some of us felt the need for a "power nap" enroute. :D

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[TN2Wheeler]

Saturday - it rained just before sunrise this morning but by 8am there were high scattered clouds, bright sunshine and 60 degs. Once again nice. Since there were 14 of us we split into 3 groups but all three were going the same way for the first 25 miles. We staggered our start time to spread out. However about 20 miles out our group (which was last one) encountered a large group of BMW riders assisting a fallen comrade. Fortunately no injuries but it took quite a few of 'em to get that big 1150GS out of the ditch and up on 2 wheels again. Another mile or so and we came across group2 removing the rear wheel from Glenn's DRZ400. Kind of reminded me of a road repair crew. One or two people working and a bunch of others standing around watching

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There were a couple of people actually doing something

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And then there was upper management doing what they do best

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Finally we were on our way again and we eventually arrived at Buck Bald where the view was just stellar.

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Some elected to ride the motorcycle designated FR82 and FR81 single track. Since it had rained much of the night it was VERY slippery. Well, at least that's what I was told. In a rare moment of lucidity I elected not to try that today.

Another 140ish mile day. Beautiful weather, zero dust, super DS routes and great company. What's not to like?

We all went to the Farmhouse Restaurant tonight for some first rate country vittles. Most everyone is loaded up now will depart tomorrow morning. Three of us will add another 1/2 day tomorrow.

The Etowah Adventure has been a good one this year.

[TN2Wheeler]

Sunday - only 3 of us this morning with an expectation of being back noonish. So we were riding earlier today. Only 80 miles today. I ran out gas on the return 2 blocks from the motel since I didn't fill up this morning. No worries, all I had to do was lay the DR350 on its left side and the final half gallon or so that hides in the right side of my tank runs over to the petcock side and I was good to go.

I'll leave you with some "artsy" pictures taken this morning on Starr mountain and Buck Bald.

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I think I can safely say a good time was had by all. :D

[bldrman]

Thank you for the running commentary Jim! It sounds like you were fortunate with the weather, and that everyone had a good time. That seems like a very good event. The pics were top notch as well.Syd

[PYG RYDR]

Jim,
Nice photos and report.
I had a great time!
I had fun riding and enjoyed seeing everyone.
Thanks to you and Rick for hosting the gathering.

[tom.youngbar]

Really sorry I had to bail out on this run. Just couldn't find the time to make the long trip down and enjoy it like it should be. Very happy to hear the weather wasn't as wet as it could have been for everyone. No injuries, other than a couple tires is always a good ride report to see.

When someone plans to hit the Virginia National Forest areas on a weekend please drop me a line. The bike is ready for the riding season and just needs some company.