>>> 9.09.06 - GSMNP-Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC

Description: Great Smoky Mountains, entrance to entrance and back
When: Fall, 2006
Distance: 61 miles
Elevation Gain: 10,000 ft. +
Information: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Review: This was a ride I always wanted to do. I wanted to conquer the park and ride the entire thing. It's a strange ride, because it's so beautiful, yet painful, yet annoying at times. Annoying being the traffic and particularly Harley riders that are somehow more macho than me with their cigarettes and guts. I took much pride in self-propulsion up and over a mountain... twice. Even with traffic being heavy I had no problems.

I began at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where I started for the Clingmans ride. The grade from Sugerlands up to Newfound Gap is quite consistent. It's not easy but it isn't overly difficult (from 5 to 8%). After reaching Newfound Gap, descending into North Carolina was a little tricky. It was still early so the shadows on the road disguised some imperfections. And after descending for 10 miles or so I was hitting 40 mph in the shadows. I started slowing down so I didn't blow a tire, since I didn't have a spare. Then I was worried about my breaks overheating. Anyway, the North Carolina side has much more variable terrain. I rode down into Cherokee and turned around in town to head back into the park to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. A great spot to take a break.

Starting back up the mountain I liked the more gradual grade for the first 8 miles or so. Then it started to tilt up and it hurt. The last 7 or 8 miles up was pretty tough. It is steeper than the Tennessee side with no breaks until the very top. Still manageable but depending on how you feel you may need to pull off to take a breather. The weather was very cool so luckily I had no problems with the heat.

The final decent was the most fun. The only dangerous part about the Smokies is overcooking a turn. If you're smart and break into a switchback correctly there is no danger. Anyway, on the way down I pulled into a pack of Harleys. We went about 10 miles down together at about 42 mph. I don't think they knew what to think, but I was having a blast.