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Cherohala Skyway Fall Foliage Photo Ride Report

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Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Cherohala Skyway Fall Foliage Photo Ride Report

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Old 10-21-10, 01:07 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Creakyknees
what kind of gearing did you bring? looks 26-ish?
12x25. But as I said, I'm more of a masher. Riders who are easier on their knees might want something a little bigger.
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Old 10-21-10, 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Velo Vol
12x25. But as I said, I'm more of a masher. Riders who are easier on their knees might want something a little bigger.
And a 53-39 it looks like? There's no reason you can't ride that combo in the mountains, but it might not always be comfortable. I had that for a LONG time riding the mountains of appalachia.
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Old 10-21-10, 01:09 PM
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This is a great thread. Beautiful pics and excellent writing with a generous sprinkling of deep philosophical thought. Who would have thought you were just writing about riding a bicycle. Really enjoyed reading it.
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Old 10-21-10, 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Velo Vol

You are no Cerveloman.
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Old 10-21-10, 01:20 PM
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For those interested in riding in this area, avoid it on a sunny weekend in summer... https://killboy.blogspot.com/ During that time, hundreds of sports cars and motorcycles flog the crap out of nearby US129, the Cherohala Skyway, Wayah Rd, etc.
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Old 10-21-10, 01:21 PM
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good job, and cool pics


Are you talking about Deals gap? " the dragon?
It's really fun on a sport motorcycle.
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Old 10-21-10, 01:23 PM
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Nothing like a GREAT ride in TENNESSEE! Thanks for sharing and keep those pix coming.
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Old 10-21-10, 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by jr59
good job, and cool pics


Are you talking about Deals gap? " the dragon?
It's really fun on a sport motorcycle.
Deals Gap / Dragon is US129. The Cherohala Skyway is a different road to the south that goes much higher and is not as dense with traffic or turns.
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Old 10-21-10, 01:30 PM
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^ So you're saying the plan should be to drive up and do DealsGap/Dragon with the Porsche, then go ride The Cherohala Skyway?
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Old 10-21-10, 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by nhluhr
For those interested in riding in this area, avoid it on a sunny weekend in summer... https://killboy.blogspot.com/ During that time, hundreds of sports cars and motorcycles flog the crap out of nearby US129, the Cherohala Skyway, Wayah Rd, etc.
Killboy!
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Old 10-21-10, 01:55 PM
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Originally Posted by merlinextraligh
^ So you're saying the plan should be to drive up and do DealsGap/Dragon with the Porsche, then go ride The Cherohala Skyway?
Just watch out for Smokey The Bear on The Dragon
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Old 10-21-10, 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by coasting
You are no Cerveloman.
Oh come on. The only motivation I had to keep chugging up the mountain was the dream of striking a triumphant Cerveloman at the top.
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Old 10-21-10, 05:02 PM
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GONZO! Gorgeous scenery, and quite an accomplishment. Yes, and just a half bubble off plumb to THIS Florida flatlander . Ever tackled Newfound Gap up through the park, then down into Cherokee? The climb looks to be murderous, but the descent on the NC side would be SUCH a rush. I'm pretty sure I'd have to add a couple links and throw on a 26T freehub; 39x21 is just not what's called for up there.
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Old 10-21-10, 06:21 PM
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I was there last October. It's a beautiful area. And Nut 'N Fancy in Tellico has the best pumpkin pie I've ever had.
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Old 10-21-10, 06:29 PM
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Looks fun. I grew up in NC and all my family is still there. Aside from them, the actual seasons and colors that go along with it is one of the things I miss the most.
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Old 10-21-10, 07:51 PM
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Thanks for posting. I've had that in my plans to do that next year. Beautiful country. Did it a few years ago in a vette. (and of course did the Tail as well.)
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Old 10-21-10, 08:31 PM
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Great ride report and pictures Velo Vol! Gosh it makes me jealous. Its a pity they had to cancel the Challenge ride this year. I need to get over there and ride the Skyway before it gets too cold. Not much time left.
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Old 10-21-10, 08:37 PM
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Nice ride and report VV! Thanks for the pics and the great commentary. This is what I needed to read tonight.
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Old 10-21-10, 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by mrz80
Ever tackled Newfound Gap up through the park, then down into Cherokee?
I've ridden up to Newfound Gap (and on to Climgman's Dome), but I didn't go down the other side. A round trip would have been too much work.
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Old 10-21-10, 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by NealH
Its a pity they had to cancel the Challenge ride this year.
I know. I decided to go because I hadn't been down there since the last Challenge. It was a bit more comfortable without the 90F sun beating down this time.
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Old 10-25-10, 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Velo Vol
I've ridden up to Newfound Gap (and on to Climgman's Dome), but I didn't go down the other side. A round trip would have been too much work.
I've thought about having the wife drive me up just so I could banzai down the other side :-)
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