Yup, some of what I mentioned is a bit outre, but you don't have to
do the whole route, IE Cherokee up 441 10-15miles toward the gap
out and then back is a very nice not particularly hard ride. The problem
is there really are not very many manageable road rides in the local
Cherokee area because of the narrow roads and formidable traffic
esp in June. Blue Ridge Parkway is not too bad after the first 5-8 miles
or so, but the first 5mi really are a challenge. There are a few camp
ground loops. Also just remembered the "Road to Nowhere" north
out of Bryson city that is fairly bike friendly and there is a 5 mi loop
in the Deep Crk campground that is just north of Bryson City.
One other thing, you have to like motorcycles on some of these roads,
Gull wings are ok but 15 blatting, belching HD are not. Cherohala is full
of the monsters. The ride from Fontana to Joyce Kilmer likewise is not
at all overwhelming and fairly pleasant traffic wise.