2005 Smokey Mountains Rough Road Ride

July 14 - 16, 2005

Ride Coordinator: Andy Simons

It's over for 2005...

Ten riders showed up at the ridge Top Motel for a couple of days of riding, fellowship, and eating. I had posted a start time for 900A of Thursday but everybody was ready so we started our ride at a half hour early. We left the Ridge Top and rode along the Little Tennessee river, up and over Tellico Gap, down Old River Road, across Tatham Gap, down FS 81 past Stewart's Cabin, under the Cherohala Skyway to Bald River Falls. From there we went around the lake to US 129 and a ride accross the Dragon before heading back to the motel. Total distance for Thursday was just over 200 miles. I am happy to report there were no crashes or drops and everybody had a great time. Thursday night the SMRRR group plus some early arrivals for the Summer Mountain Ride went to the Jarrett House Restaurant in Dillsboro, NC. The food there was great and was well served. Everybody especially liked the fact that the restaurant immediately started serving food (beets, slaw, and some kind of apple stuff), even before the drink were delivered. The MTF members were all well behaved and everybody cleaned their plates. Friday morning the same group of riders, plus Brave Susan (as a passenger), went back to the forest. We climbed a mountain on Conley Creek Road (which was harder than usual because of logging activity). It was foggy on top of the mountain so we quickly headed down through Leatherman's Gap and into Franklin, NC and the Loafer's Glory country store. We had a nice long break at Loafer's Glory and headed up Thunder Road to FS711. FS711 is a paved road but it was paved a long time ago and hasn't had much maintenance since. The gravel in the paved turns is much trickier than gravel over dirt and kept all the riders on their toes. There was a great overlook on FS711 and the fog and haze had finally cleared to where we had a beautiful view over Nantahalla Lake and took several pictures. Our group then went back over Tellico Gap to get to the Ridge Top in time for the Friday afternoon social that marked the start of the Summer Mountain ride.

Click Here for Pictures from the 2005 Ride



The Plan for 2005...


The Smokey Mountains Rough Road Ride is scheduled to start Thursday, July 14, 2005. Plans for the day include a group ride with lunch along the way. Most of our group will be staying at the Ridgetop Motel & Campgrounds. The owners of the Ridge Top, Ron and Darlene Pickett, offer our group a great rate ($50 for one bed, $55 for 2 beds, campsites also available) and enjoy having motorcycle riders stay at their motel/campground. Be sure and mention the the MTF Smokey Mountains Rough Road Ride when you call for your reservation. Make your reservations early. Motels in this area fill up fast at $100+ rates.

Riders will also need to register for the ride through: Jason Jonas' Ridemaster

A List of Participants will be maintained through the registration process.

Online registration ends Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Pre-ride Registration is encouraged. During the registration process you will be required to consent to an Agreement and Waiver. Review it thoroughly before registering for this ride. Walk-in Riders will be accommodated if they sign the Agreement and Waiver at the site.

If you want to make a donation to the MTF, you will be provided the opportunity to do that during the registration process. Payment information will be provided at the conclusion of the registration process.

Game Plan Thursday July 14
Leave from the Ridge Top at 930A - ride all day

Game Plan Friday July 15
Leave from the Ridge Top at 900A - ride until 100P
Meet and Greet with the SMR riders from 100P - 330P at the Ridge Top Motel and Campground
Ride to supper 400P - 530P (site to be determined).

Game Plan July 16
Poker run Sign-in 800A - 900A
Poker Run 900A - 500P
Poker Run Drawing 500P - 600P

Supper Saturday night will on your own. Possibilties include sending out for Pizza or eating at the BBQ Hut on US 19.

The 2005 Poker Run Map and Plan:
2005 Poker Run Map

Saturday's main activity at the Summer Mountain Ride/Smokey Mountains Rough Road Ride will be a Poker Run. The following guidelines apply: Participation is voluntary. You can come to the Summer Mountain Ride/Smokey Mountains Rough Road Ride and do your own thing. Entry Fee for the Poker Run will be $10. We will play 5 card poker. Please reference Hoyle for poker hand ratings. Riders earn credit for a card when they sign-in, credit for 3 cards by visiting 3 (of 16) sites shown on the poker run map (must show proof of visit), and credit for the final card by returning to the Ridge Top and checking in before 5:00P. Any ties will be broken by "cutting for the high card". All money taken for the poker run will be paid back as prizes (probably 66% first place, 33% second place). Sign-in for Saturday only riders will be from 8:00A till 9:00A. Check-in/drawings will be from 5:00P till 6:00p.




Ride Report and Pics From SMRRR 2004




The SMR organizers: Susan & Andy Simons
Email: andy112652@aol.com

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