Welcome from further north of the Mason-Dixon! My Triumph (Sprint GT) is a little different from the classic look of the Bonnies, but it is still a great bike. Unlike Traveler, I bought my first bike 5 years ago at 56 years old. Some of my favorite rides have been in the Great Smokies! On our last visit, we stayed in Little Switzerland at a well-maintained motel with fantastic views of the hills and morning clouds settled in the valleys around us. Fun roads (even 2-up). I've never ridden in Alabama. What do you think of the riding there?
Good morning - here anyway. Alabama is not quite as scenic as N Georgia & N.C. but it's still has a lot of great motorcycle roads. And what lots of people don't realize is we have about 40-50 miles of some of the most beautiful beaches in the States. P/U the new Bonnie tomorrow afternoon in Atlanta - about 180 miles NE of here. They're adding a w/s, heated grips, the Triumph leather saddlebags. the rear pad on the fuel tank, and a center stand. Did you eat at the restaurant in Lil' Switzerland? Beautiful. And not much better riding than The Blue Ridge Pkwy. But the 45 mph speed limit really sucks on such a great road Have a great day
Good luck with the bike P/U. Will you trailer it home or get a ride there and ride the bike back? We ate at the restaurant at the Big Lynn Lodge (included in our stay). The breakfast and dinner were terrific and the place is a gem! Regarding the speed limits, my oldest friend has often said, "rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools!" Words to live by!
I'm not suggesting a blatant disregard for speed limits (like the sportbike riders I saw on the Cherohala Skyway ride with full leathers and knee-pucks dragging around the corners). But a little exuberance when the road allows adds to the fun without risking a pricey ticket. "... the guidance of wise men..."
Greetings from Arizona and welcome to the forum, @Traveler! I'm a little late to the "welcome wagon" but have been enjoying the info and banter in this thread. I've not ridden in your neck of the woods but surely would like to someday. Hope you enjoy the forum!