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Eastward Distraction Part 2 – Day Five

By Thom | June 19, 2008

Atlanta, GA to Cumberland Gap TN -

Well, this morning I woke up in a comfy, cool bed – ahh, the hardships of being on the road . Had some breakfast at the Waffle House (definetly now one of my favorite places to eat, to bad there aren’t any close by) care of Dave. We played with the bike a little bit more and then I was on my way to enjoy Northern Georgia and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

And what enjoyment it was!! I had beautiful weather, sunny skies and very cool temperatures as I flew around the curves and turns in the Smokey Mountains. Definitely one of the best rides of my life!!! I just did not want to stop, so I didn’t take too many pictures! There were several times when I outburst in an audible chuckle as I made some beautiful turns. I was very glad that Dave and I replaced my throttle sleeve – it made for a much better experience and handling. I will surely be back!

After my joyouse ride throughout the parkway, I thought I could make it up to the Cumberland Gap NP before it closed for the evening. I was wrong as they closed earlier than I tought, but I did have an excellent journey up there. I went through Pigeon Forge, which is close to the park; two words – tourist trap! Wow!! Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind mini-golfing in a Mars lander with Superman flying around overhead while sipping on a Mai-Tai out of a plastic boot – but wow! This place was a tourist mecca – I’ll be back someday to play tourist, but today I was a traveler. I did stop on the outskirts of town at the Lodge Cast Iron Outlet (gotta love the cast iron) to get Katie a present so that she woudn’t feel left out. She hates cast iron, but I feel that if I buy here more and slowly throw out her other pans, they should start to grow on her…

The tunnel on US 25E that leads you though the mountain is amazing. It’s nearly a mile long and feels pretty erie when you get deep inside.

I chose to stay at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park for the night ($10.80 for the night) and it was one of the best state parks that I’ve ever stopped at. A really beautiful place, with hot showers, nice campsites, and easy access. I should have spent another day there enjoying just the park.

Peach trees in Northern Ga