SMOKY MOUNTAIN ROUND-UP
(Part 1)
Reprinted from TN Chapter “F” Newsletter
Written by Wayne Roberts
Wow! What a weekend! Nina, Mark, Katie and I went to the Smoky Mountain Round Up this weekend and had a great time. Mark and I rode Deal’s Gap four times and enjoyed each and every one of the 318 curves each time. I was able to ride my Goldwing, and Mark was able to ride my 30-year-old Norton that we just got out of the shop with a fresh rebuild. Nina and I rode the Goldwing to Sweetwater and Mark and Katie rode in the Blazer and towed the bikes on the trailer. We even had a spare tire in case the Norton developed a problem. We intended to ride this time and not be sidetracked into shopping or something else. Mark and I spent most of the day riding while Katie and Nina spent the day shopping at the antique malls. Nina bought several things, but also bought a set of silverware that matched a pattern of my mother’s. She felt like she found a treasure.
The Motel treated us great too. I had only registered myself, but I brought along 3 extras and they fed them the prime rib dinner also at no extra cost.
The AGWA people at the registration desk also provided lots of snacks. I especially enjoyed meeting and talking to many people and meeting new friends. I think they all like to have a good time with as few hassles as possible.
The ride there was great because our group rode highway 64 most of the way there. We only had serious traffic in Chattanooga. Nina rode with me most of the way. I like that since we like to talk about the sites we see. On the way back Nina also rode with me until the road got wet and then she rode in the Blazer. We rode the 2 lanes all the way back and the only traffic was at Murfreesboro. I did stop to try and see my aunts, but they were out with their children. I should have called ahead, but I will see them later. We also rode part of the Trace and with the rain, there was little traffic. As it got dark, the rain increased and I had some trouble seeing the road so Mark led with the Blazer and I followed the taillights. We made it home safe and tired. It had been a second great day of riding. Let’s do it again!