Well, I have to admit I was a bit worried about potential mechanical troubles, but I have to say the 550 flat out owned the roads this weekend. We left Atlanta Thursday and went 200 miles straight to Asheville NC. Highlights include picking up the Blue Ridge Prkwy off 74 in NC, then heading North on 215. Ideal riding conditions and 215 is a great twisty treat. Friday was a wash so we were stuck inside all day. Weather cleared Saturday and we rolled out at about 11am. Heading east on 19 through Cherokee, Bryson City, Maggie Valley, etc. Pick up hwy 28 and roll through Fontana all the way to US129, Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap. I must say after all the hype, sadly disappointed with the Dragon. Good road, twisty, way too much traffic. Average of 15mph, not worth my time. You can have much more fun up in North Georgia with similar roads. After the dragon, pick up Foothills Parkway. Similar to the Blue Ridge, but a bit straighter, still amazing scenery (if you are brave enough to try and enjoy it while flying through...). Cutting through Smokey Mountains park, not recommended, ever. Too much traffic and lookie-loos checking out the foilage. That's okay, didn't ruin our trip. Ride home yesterday afternoon slightly delayed by a breakdown (Suzuki Intruder). We actually had to leave the bike in NC at a bike ship 1 mile from our cabin. Shame, but we are certainly glad it didn't break down on top of a mountain, where the temp was 40! So 600 miles on the CB in three days of riding, and I'm not really that soar. My arms are pretty much dead from holding the throttle open for about four hours yesteray. Got close to 50 miles per gallon on highway riding, keeping up with the V-max, 1200 Sportster and the rest, I think I'll give her a rest for a few weeks! A few pics attached (hopefully)
