April 5, 2009. The crew meets at the intersection of Hwy. 11 and Hwy. 276 for a long loop over the mountains to Nantahala Gorge. That's Emilio on the left with the do-rag - he's not riding with us today, but plans to meet up with his buddies here later in the morning. It's pretty cool - about 45 degrees, but it's warming up fast.


April 5, 2009. Lessee - we'll have a big Beemer, a VStrom 1000, a Yamaha 1000, a Yamaha FJR 1300, a fat-bob Harley, a 600 Yamaha, and my little KawasiMoto on this ride. It's gonna be fun...

This Harley ain't no slouch! On the straights and through the twisties, he hung right with us. I've gained a whole new respect for the make - but I'll stick with my sport bike.

We re-group at the intersection of Hwy. 64 and Buck Creek Rd. west of Highlands. On our rides, each rider sets the pace that they're comfortable with, and we agree to re-group at each intersection. It keeps the rides fun and relaxed. Phil's Yamaha often leads the pack.

If you've ridden the Wayah Road between Franklin and Nantahala Gorge, you may have stopped at the friendly little store at the turnoff on the Franklin side of the mountain. Wayah Road is a great ride, loaded with steep twisties and spectacular scenery.

Hawg! I really like this bike.

Al passes by on his FJR on the western side of Wayah Road.

Another shot from further down the road at Nantahala Lake.

The sign says it all...

Signs like the one above line the roads of the southeast. There was a long series of these small signs along the Wayah Road - I always picture the guys that put them up as being really, really lonely, and probably guilty of marrying their first cousin.

Al and Karen round the bend above Nantahala Village, our lunch stop for the day.

Hmmmm, Rivers End restaurant! I was so hungry that road kill was beginning to look good.

That's our table in the corner, damage nearly completed. If you're not familiar with this region, the Nantahala River is a popular whitewater destination, with thousands of kayakers and rafters pouring into the Gorge during the summer months.

From a flower box on the footbridge over the Nantahala River.

After leaving the Gorge, we circled back to Franklin over twisty Hwy 28 and then picked up the Elijay Road over to Cullowhee. From there, we started taking separate routes to our homes. It was a good day in the mountains.