TNT05

I missed their BBQ the past two years, but would not miss this one. I left Baton Rouge at 6:00 am on Wednesday and rode 600 miles to their house. It took me 10 hours and 45 minutes....yes, I averaged good speed riding the Valk. Gary was suppose to go with me, but his vacation was cancelled at the last minute due to work. So, off I went to enjoy the friendship and riding the mountains in the area. We rode Cherohala Skyway and Deal's Gap on Thursday, then off to Cherokee (casino) on Friday, and rode some of the local roads on Saturday before enjoying some great cooking and gathering of friends. I took off at 6:00 am Sunday (5:00 am Central). It was cold - 45 degrees - and a full moon was lighting the way. I was cautious because you just never know if a deer will run out in front of you on a cold, moon-lit morning. The weather was great for all 5 days.....clear, cool, and dry.

Vicki, Jim, Walt, and Sherry along Cherohala Skyway	Taking a short rest	Jim, Vicki, Sherry, and Walt	Scenery is great along this highway
More of the scenery	Vicki waits in front of my Valk...	...and here comes Sherry and Jim	The group gathers up for more riding
Vicki and Walt discuss the ride	Jim and Sherry wait to leave.	At Deal's gap....you nail parts on the tree after the crash	...the tree from further back
Jim and Walt.....	....posing again at Deal's Gap	MamaSue and Inky	Danny sitting on the porch taking it all in.
Vicki and Jim's house on the hill	Jim waits for the rest of the group for the Saturday ride	We stopped at the gas station in Reliance, TN.	Vicki, Ron, Yogi, Mik, and Jim
Later that day Shawn and LeAnn catch up to us.	Jim and my valk parked on the side of the road.	We came to see this waterfall	Getting the "money" picture on the phone
Jim, Vicki, Rocket, and Yogi	Me, Jim, Vicki, and Rocket	Name of the waterfall	Another picture of the falls
Near a ranger's station....great scenery	TJ, Shawn, Yogi...is it time to eat?	Jim talking to riders	Some of those who rode up for the day....ZRX group
Lamonster and Smilin Jack	Socializing	Smilin Jack and Hummingbird (Anita)	MamaSue keeps a close eye on the boys getting the food.
Time to eat...BBQ's shrimp and chicken	Getting in line to fill up that plate.	Jim giving proper instructions for cooking shrimp on the bar-bie	More of the group
Rocket...getting every pennies worth	Mick....near-by neighbor	Hmmm....kind of makes you wonder what's in the chest	Some of the bikes
More visiting with friends.	Just pulling in from a long day ride	Overlooking the mountains at the house	Time to rest after eating
Winding down...good food, good friends.	Enjoying the weather and talking about the ride home	Jim (JDubya)	Vicki (TNT)
Mick helps with cooking the chicken....	...and Jim keeps an eye on him.	Satuday night....full moon and a fire....	Gathered around the fire...Jim kept the logs rolling on...