We rode through a few pop-ups - but not enough to find shelter. Hot Springs seemed to be a mecca of throwback hippies trying to find their zen on the appalachian trail, which runs right through the town along with rafting companies. Fuel was a bit steep in Hot Springs, but when you need it - of course we're at their mercy.
Plenty of curves, meadows, farms, landscape that was spectacular - and we came out to find we were on the "rattler". I suppose that was a good name considering how many snakes we dodged on the pavement.
One mishap on our route - south of 41 - at the Pigeon River - and we just couldn't seem to get over to Route 32 - to finish off our twisties for the day. The storm that rolled in and the fact that pavement turned into gravel with a few switch-backs in site - made us re-think our route and safely rode 41 to the next exit where we found our route again - through Gatlinburg, TN - and through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
As we pulled into Maryville, the skies opened once again, just in time to check in at the Luxbury Suites - ready to settle down for a much-needed cocktail, some R&R and kicking up to gear up for the Tail of the Dragon tomorrow. However - somehow I think our previous days will surely rival tomorrow's itinerary.
The map and stats:
179.17 miles
Saddle time 4:29
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