Cherohala, Hellbender and Nantahala Trip

Scott S. earned the coveted Night Rider award for his solo predawn ride into the Tennessee mountains to join the others (Bob.K, Scott T., Dennis, Larry and Bob S.) who camped Friday night on the slopes outside Tellico Plains. His arrival for breakfast left them just one rider short of a Magnificent Seven. Who was that missing rider?

After breakfast they rode out into the brilliant light that strobed its way through the trees at the lower elevations of the Cherohala. A stop at the aptly named Turkey Overlook let a known-to-be narcoleptic V-Strom, now loaded with camping gear, to succumb, not once but twice in as many minutes, to the big G.

Happily the paparazzi had their cameras holstered, so no lasting evidence remains, except a bruised ego. 

The ride up to the mile-high point (Santeetlah) grew colder but the wind swept the skies allowing long range colorful views in all directions. Fantastic, you've got to love this high country. The ride down the Robbinsville side was even more colorful with easy sweepers giving chances to take it all in. At the bottom of the Cherohala they took a "short-cut" to US 129 on Santeetlah Road that skirts the lake and passes the Joyce Kilmer Wilderness. A few (two) gave this twisty roller coaster a thumbs up. The others, not so much. A short cut it's not, but a nice alternative if you don't mind broken pavement and blind turns.

On 129 the group opted to ignore the Dragon's call and instead headed down the Hellbender (NC 28) to Fontana Lake and its Village for lunch. Anyone familiar with Fontana Village as an ex-TVA work camp and pig-out oasis for backpackers, will be surprised at how it has grown into a major resort with three, count them, restaurants. The old take-your-muddy-boots off kitchen-restaurant now offers only ice cream and gifts. Oh well.. 

A ways south of Fontana NC 28 is four-laned and a quick ride to the turn off for the Nantahala Gorge and a stop at Lesser Wesser Falls to listen to the girls scream as their rafts buckle and twist in the class three rapids. No rafts flipped while they were there but three kayakers did.

After the water show it was off to Andrews and then Blue Ridge to join the traffic down 515/575 (apple festivals you know).

This was a great trip. The weather was perfect; the leaf peep timing right on. The camping overnight gave the riders an opportunity to relax together and enjoy each others company. A blessing.

Here's a video of most of the highlights. Enjoy!