YZFin' at the Dragon!

So, the YZF rally in July was a huge success. Such a success that a few of us having been wanting to go back. Jason was the first to put the wheels in motion. When the dust settled, Sept 24th weekend was to be the time and everyone was welcome. For me, I wasn't able to spend the entire weekend; however, I was able to ride over Saturday and join the group for a few hours.

Just outside Bridgeport, AL at 6:30am.

Saturday arrived quick enough. With a 4:30am wake-up call, I was on the road by 5am. Blasting out of Huntsville and northward to Chattanooga went quick and painless. The "interesting" part was that it was 76F in Huntsville at 5am. For this time of year, that should almost be the average High ... not the low. As I got out of the city, the temps fell a bit which made for an enjoyable jaunt into Tennessee.

Some minor mishaps happened along the way. For starters, the heated-grip switch lost it's adhesive tape and was danging for the remainder of the day. No biggy; however, kinda took the buzz of my perfectionist attitude.

Then, the next mishap occured as I was rolling into Vonroe, TN. A sizeable rock got wedged between my front fender extender and the tire. It's happened before and most times it makes for a light grinding noise for a second and then the stone pops out. This time, it popped the fender extender off the fender and I run over it with the back tire. Ugh. So, I pull over, run out into the road, grab the extender, shove it into my pannier and continue on. It can be glued back on and the factory fender was ok. These ultimately were my only mishaps for the day. If I'm going to have to have mishaps, these are the ones I like to have!

I stopped in Vonroe for fuel and a snack. Once both bike and me were refueled, I shot down to the Gap store to meet the YZF crowd. Now at roughly 9:30am, the Gap wasn't busy...at all! As a matter of fact, I had a 100% clear path all the way down to the state line. Other then a few bikes going the other way, I had the whole place to myself. Muhahaha...it was fun.

I encountered my first car about half mile from the state line. It was quite the lineup with an RV, a F-350 towing a fishing boat and three cars mixed in the middle. I kicked the bike into neutral and glided all the way into the store. A first that was pretty cool.

Steve and Kelly coming into the Gap store.

The YZF'ers that arrived at the store were Jason (Proto), Kelly (Rivergirl), and Steve (ss600r). I'd met Jason at the YZF rally; however, this was the first time meeting Kelly and Steve. We make our introductions and chit-chat for a bit. However, the Dragon was calling! It was time to get rolling.

All four of us took off up the Gap and had an enjoyable ride back up. Once close to the top, I pulled over to grab some pictures. We horked one of Killboy's favorite spots for our own photo-opting. With camera in hand, I personally think I took some of the best pictures to date! Then, I gave the camera to Kelly so she could take a few shots of me. Woot! Not often I get pictures taken of me.

Jason putting his knee on the Dragon.

Armed with a few good pictures, we then finally completed the Gap with a nice little break at the top. It was fun watching some of the bikes come and go. However, we all agreed that we could have done without the pissing match that started between two Harley riders. I guess they couldn't decide who's was louder. So, they revved and revved. Finally, one shot down the Gap leaving his riding partner behind. I guess he too got fed up. But the look on his buddy's face as he pulled away was priceless.

Jason, Kelly, and Steve at overlook.

From there, I discover that Jason has never been to the Cherohala Skyway. It was Kelly's and Steve's first time to the area as well. One can't goto the Gap without also riding the Cherohala. So, I took lead and went Hwy 72 to Hwy 360 and onto the Cherohala Skyway. Shhhh, we all opened it up a bit on Hwy 72. For those that are familiar with the area, you know what I mean *wink* *wink*.

The next order of business was lunch. We stopped at that little greasy spoon of a joint that is right on the water just before going up the hill of the Cherohala. It was the same place a few of us ate at for the YZF rally. It was ok then. But, today the service was horrible. It took about 15min to get a cheeseburger and then the girl gave Steve a leaking cup and *KNEW* it! Next time, I'm going to have to try "The Bistro" which is just a few hundred yards away.

With grub in the stomach, it was time to enjoy the Skyway. Unfortunately for me, I was running low on time. So, I rode up to 2600ft mark to the first lookout. I gave Jason direction for the rest of the loop. For me, I had to head back down and head for home.

The ride home was pretty painless. But damn it was hot! The FJR simply sucks when temps are above 90F. Too much plastic and too much engine heat just compound an already hot ride. None the less, I made quick work out of the ride home and rolled into the garage at 5:30pm.

All in all, a good Gap trip. Met some new folks (I enjoy showing first-timers the roads in and around the Gap), made some friends, and had some good riding! Can't ask for more then that!

Until next time...

Statistics from today's ride
Mileage:	516mi
Max Speed:	139mph
Average Speed:	60.1mph
Depart Time:	05:00
Home Arrival Time:	17:27
Away From Home Time:	12:27
In Motion Time:	8:35
FJR Average Fuel Economy:	44mpg