Cancelled due to travel and lodging restrictions.
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RFP = "Ride for Pie"
Why? Because pie fixes everything! And the bonus is ... I buy the pie! And give you free stickers!
It's time for another Moto-AL Dual Sport Invasion of Tellico Plains, Tennessee!
The plan:
- Camp at CMTC
- Ride some dirt roads and twisties
- Return home on Sunday
Arrive: Friday, April 24th
Ride: Saturday, April 25th (Kickstands up at 9:00am!)
Depart: Sunday, April 26th
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This will be a dual-sport weekend for me, but all bikes are welcome. We don't have to stick together, but it would be cool if we had a group of folks hanging out together in the evening. Last big trip like this, back in 2017, we had a street ride and a dirt ride.
Route on Saturday will follow North River Road, Snowbird, Dirt Dragon (NF304), Lunch in Murphy, Joe Brown, McFarland (incl. "The Ruins"), Smith Mountain, and Kimsey Mountain, then back to campground. All of this is "adventure bike" friendly. Nothing gnarly, but it will take all day.
I'm planning to stay at Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground (CMTC), http://www.cmtrails.com/ (http://www.cmtrails.com/). Cabins are $52/night, but there are two beds, so you could share a cabin (not a bed) and get away with $26/night. Or you could camp there for $10/day. To make a reservation, go to the website and scroll down to "Book Now". I have already reserved Cabin #1.
Temperatures should be nice in mid-April from mid 40's at night to mid 70's during the day.
P.S. - I provide the pie!
Some photos from previous Tellico trips:
(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0b/63/9b/14/cabins-grounds.jpg)
(http://www.pbase.com/kwb377/image/165303650/large.jpg)
(http://www.pbase.com/kwb377/image/165303659/large.jpg)
(http://www.pbase.com/kwb377/image/165303664/large.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/People-and-Places/i-H9h9vQt/0/e1af6307/L/IMG_2184_heic-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/People-and-Places/i-KZ79nBs/0/2bd0925a/X2/IMG_2178-X2.jpg)
On my calendar!
"Attention those who love the Upper Tellico. Enjoy it thru Feb. They are replacing the Bald River bridge so the road will be closed for 2 years."
Just saw this on a paddler's FB page. This would be the bridge you stand on to see the falls. Something to consider for route planning.
Can we please get a dual sport group photo on The Dragon?
That would be fun!
I am tentatively planning to attend this one if I can figure out my clutch on the 690! (parts arrive Wednesday)
Quote from: norton73 on January 26, 2020, 11:00:48 AM
"Attention those who love the Upper Tellico. Enjoy it thru Feb. They are replacing the Bald River bridge so the road will be closed for 2 years."
Just saw this on a paddler's FB page. This would be the bridge you stand on to see the falls. Something to consider for route planning.
The start date for the bridge closing is being delayed until 2021.
https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/Bald-River-Falls-bridge-to-close-in-March-2020-567322161.html
QuoteThe Forestry website showed the expected start date for the project was set for March 2020. However, Cherokee National Forrest Public Affairs Officer Terry McDonald told WVLT News that no exact start date is set, but they expect the project to begin sometime in 2021.
Putting this on the Calendar! This area never disappoints! Glen makes good rides happen! All Y'all need to get on board and make this what Motorcycle Alabama is about!
@Nice Goat, are you now taking your AT?
My anniversary is on the 27th. Hopefully the wife will allow celebration to commence on the following weekend!!
Just reserved cabin 7. Do people normally cook and hang out, or go out to eat??
Sounds like fun and I can eat some pie!!
HEY....Melony and I are IN for this one. I'm off work that Thursday-Sunday....perfect timing.
Looks like this is the same weekend as the Spring Chicken hard enduro at Cornerstone Ranch! I will unfortunately be torturing myself through this gruesome race instead of enjoying the sights of Tellico! :(
Quote from: bscid1 on February 04, 2020, 02:53:58 PM
Just reserved cabin 7. Do people normally cook and hang out, or go out to eat??
Sounds like fun and I can eat some pie!!
Wayne (the owner of the campground) makes breakfast and dinner, and there is a decent pizza place in Tellico (former location of Krambonz BBQ). I'll bring the pie to the campground in my cooler. It will be delicious...
I had hoped to come with my lady friend. But that's the weekend of one of the two tournaments I fish. Maybe next time.
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Coronavirus got you down?
401(k) in the shitter?
OPEC price war destroying your shale investments?
Never fear --- Our next Tellico camping trip is near! Only six weeks from now!
Come on up to Tellico Plains and enjoy some dirt roads, campfire conversation, and ... pie!
I promise that you will feel better by the end of the weekend!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Tellico/i-237TN5X/0/4705db6f/L/IMG_7492-L.jpg)
CMTC is closing until further notice due to the virus. We'll play it by ear, but we may have to cancel or camp somewhere else.
Nearby Ghraham County NC is shutting down, including the Cherohala Skyway.
https://wlos.com/news/local/graham-county-declares-a-local-state-of-emergency-traveling-restrictions-in-place?fbclid=IwAR3CqA1-t-Kr5ouCGuAJ58z2RjT68abvQBEqzOaKj6oYJChjWoBzEKC_LMU (https://wlos.com/news/local/graham-county-declares-a-local-state-of-emergency-traveling-restrictions-in-place?fbclid=IwAR3CqA1-t-Kr5ouCGuAJ58z2RjT68abvQBEqzOaKj6oYJChjWoBzEKC_LMU)
Quote from: Jwwr on March 23, 2020, 07:23:18 AM
Nearby Ghraham County NC is shutting down, including the Cherohala Skyway.
https://wlos.com/news/local/graham-county-declares-a-local-state-of-emergency-traveling-restrictions-in-place?fbclid=IwAR3CqA1-t-Kr5ouCGuAJ58z2RjT68abvQBEqzOaKj6oYJChjWoBzEKC_LMU (https://wlos.com/news/local/graham-county-declares-a-local-state-of-emergency-traveling-restrictions-in-place?fbclid=IwAR3CqA1-t-Kr5ouCGuAJ58z2RjT68abvQBEqzOaKj6oYJChjWoBzEKC_LMU)
About half of the Skyway is in Tennessee. Graham county can't close that.
Alright, I didn't want to do it, but this ride is cancelled.
Personally, I thought going out in the wilderness was a good form of social distancing, but forced social distancing takes priority now.
It saddens me to hear this. Hopefully it all blows over soon.
It's the right call. Every ride I have waited all winter for has been canceled. This was going to be my best year ever and has quickly become the worst. As Win pointed out elsewhere, its not a good time to potentially become a burden on the EMS folks. Guess we'll all have to work hard the second half of the year to make up for it.