Rode down from Anderson, Indiana to the Tellico Plains for a nights rest at the Mountain View Cabins. (Which I would recommend, cheap and clean) The next morning I took SR33 thru Maryville to I-40, which turned out turned out to be a very scenic relaxing ride of the route. Once on I-40 thru the Smokey Mountains the speed, twist, turns, was the most exhilarating and butt puckering ride/route I have taken yet.
Was riding my 2012 Triumph Speedmaster with the old lady in tow.
We didnt have time to hit the dragon. I hear its 316 turns in 11 miles and just simply didnt have the time for 30mph on that route.
I did ride the Cherohala parkway I believe, partially, to get to the cabin but it was 10 at night, raining with fog, which completely sucked but thats riding.
I think 33 is what they call the foothills parkway.
The intended destination was to Myrtle beach, Murrells Inlet in South Carolina and then back up 77.
Virginia is pretty and that route thru the mountains is cake for any rider and there was hardly any traffic on the 77 route as well.
All in all think it was about 1620 miles round trip and if I get the chance to do it again Ill have a windsheild at least and maybe some beaded seat covers. haha
Approximately 400+ miles per day, two days to get to South Carolina and two days back to Indiana.
As for I-40, I would suggest a few years of exprience before tackling that beast.