Countdown to Gatlinburg: A Florida Boy Heads to the Mountains

It's happening. March 15th-17th. The mountain ride expedition. Something that I've read up on every day to increase theoretical riding techniques for when I actually get there. The trip that has only been a thought for the past 2 years. The dates were kind of forced on me due to the availability of the hotel, but it's far enough into the year where weather shouldn't be to bad and soon enough to not interfere with coaching spring flag football. This will be my solo vacation to clear my head before the swathe of events planned for this spring and summer (coaching, wedding, honeymoon, etc.) begin to take hold. To make things a little more interesting, I've decided to keep track of my thoughts and happenings, before, during, and after this event on here for your reading pleasure. Funny how a steal of a deal on Groupon can get the wheels turning on things.

So there it is. 530-something miles one way. This will easily be over 1500 miles round trip. Something the mighty SV, Jarvis, will handle quite well I believe. It's going to be quite the haul, especially for one day. Since I will only have 3 days to make it up, have fun, then come back, the trips to and from Gatlinburg will have to be knocked out as quickly as possible. March 15th will be departure day with plans on getting to the hotel around 3 or 4. I've altered the route there a smidge so I can negotiate my first serious mountain road right before I get to my destination. I've kept it open to take the original route around said mountain if I'm too weary from the trip up, which is a definite possibility. Although I'm young and resilient, I may have to utilize my better judgement for this bit. My return date will be the 17th.

Here is my endgame. A collection of roads well known in motorcycle lore. I plan on making my way over to Deal's Gap, better known to some as "The Tail of the Dragon", the Cherohala Skyway, as well as any other roads that tickle my fancy on what I hope will be a fantastic Sunday the 16th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the shoddy weather that's has been crapping all over the southeast will take a break so I can actually enjoy the trip. I don't care if it rains on the way there or the way back. Just let that Sunday be sunny and dry. Since this is my first BIG trip, I'm going to attempt video-documenting with multiple cameras. Not only will this give me something to look back on in the future, but it will keep me occupied en route.

Since I will be by myself...
On a motorcycle...
For 9 hours...

The reward will be well worth it.

The planning stages have already been completed much earlier than anticipated, aside from some last minute maintenance that will have to be done right before I leave. New or replacement parts that were necessary have already been bought and installed, spark plugs have been replaced and air filter cleaned. Everything will be gone over with a fine tooth comb the night before embarking on this ultimate super-slab session. The excessive highway does not bother me. That's what podcasts and music are for. The only "concern" that I have will be how this Florida boy, whose largest grade change was encountered going over railroad tracks, will handle switch back turns integrated into 3 story elevation changes.

Engine braking will be a must.