"Short Trip"

[Kris]

What was supposed to be a short trip, turned into a 3.5-4 hour ride, covering over 100 miles. Not that I am complaining, I enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. IanC was planning on just taking me through Happy Valley, which conviently ends near Deal's Gap. At the outlook on Happy Valley, he mentioned thinking about going up to the scenic outlook on Deal's Gap so off we went. When we got to the Scenic Outlook, he asked how I felt about going through all of Deal's Gap to which I responded with whatever you are comfortable with. Up until today he has always told me he wouldn't take me on the bike through Deal's Gap just because it's such an intense ride but something changed his mind today haha. In the beginning, I was thinking to myself "Don't screw anything up, sending him and myself catapulting off the road." Mainly I was worried about shifting wrong, or shifting in the turn and what not. The nervousness went away quickly and I started to really enjoy it. It was very engaging, always looking ahead for what's coming up. After we went up and down Deal's Gap, we drove through Foothills Parkway. Surprisingly there wasn't as much traffic as both of us were expecting. Most people on the Deal's Gap grasped the concept of using pull-offs but there were a few cars who didn't seem to understand, even after I literally yelled it to them. They just shrugged and kept going their speed. Overall it was a good ride and I enjoyed it. I think I'm in love with the Gap .

Here's a few pictures from Happy Valley and Deal's Gap:

Outlook at Happy Valley:

Ian's GS1000 at the Outlook:

Scenic Outlook on Deal's Gap:

The bike at the Scenic Outlook:

Tree of Shame at Deal's Gap Resort (I think that's the name :-s):

Welcome to Deal's Gap:

Taking pictures because the people in front of us were slow:

The otherside of the Scenic Outlook - There is a forest fire happening:

 

[cowboyup3371]

Great pictures. What's the deal with the tree of shame? Is that because of people wrecking on the ride or something?

 

[Kris]

Yeah I think people who wreck on Deals Gap throw a part or what not on the tree. IanC threw a part up there when he dropped his old Ninja on it I think.

 

[Detroit Diesel Man]

Great Pics..looks like a great ride..i like the tree of shame..lol...

 

[Kris]

It was kind of humorous to look at but obviously can be a sad reminder...

Here's a few pictures that I found amusing:

There was another picture I took but not entirely sure it would be appropriate to post but if you want to look at it, I'll put up the link. I found it amusing, but not sure everyone else would haha.

http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac60/kbehan2814/DSC03668.jpg

 

[IanC]

It was just too nice a day to stop at the end of Happy Valley. So since Happy Valley ends on US129 a few short miles and happy twisties from the lookout on Deal's Gap I decided to take the left, cruise along the lake and start edging up the mountains. I usually avoid the Gap at all costs on holiday weekends but with most riders being drawn to the Cherokee Survival Run I felt traffic might be a bit light. There were a few LEO's out but the traffic wasn't too bad. So after weighing Kris' great performance as a pillion I chose to continue on to the top. She did a bang up job and did everything great. I wasn't setting any speed records but once I was confident in how we work together through aggressive turns the pace wasn't slow by any means.
Her, the bike and I all had a blast. To get home there are several options and I was still in the mood to eat up some twisties so we headed back down the Gap and hung a right onto the Foothills Parkway (the entrance is a couple hundred feet from the exit of Happy Valley. They actually cross over/under each other at one point.)
There was hardly any traffic on the Parkway and luckily no LEO's as we shattered the speed limit but those nice easy sweepers just scream for speed. Hang the left on US321 and on to home. With a stop at Baskin Robbins of course. Total mileage was about 100 miles. Definitely a great and gorgeous ride.

 

[Charlie G]

Great pictures. I'm sure it is nice to be that close to great riding and scienery. I'm thankful to be close to some great riding as well. All roads should have reminders of what can happen on a bike, such as the "tree of shame". Thanks for shareing.

cg

 

[trumpetguy]

I enjoyed the pics -- great ride!