1st time at Deals Gap

[FJ1200W]

I decided to deliver the old Kawasaki H2 that I had.
Rented a UHaul 5x8 enclosed trailer for a one way haul.
It pulled nicely behind my Outback, and it had tie down points and offered plenty of protection for the bike.
I did strap a Pingle wheel chock in the front to keep the tire from sliding out.
Also used soft ties and 4 points for the ratchet straps - they didn't need any adjustment the entire trip. 
The new owner was thrilled, and that bike is now behind me.

[FJ1200W]

The trailer said 55mph, the tires were "J" rated, so the drive out was a full day.
We stayed in Alcoa, TN and the next morning, headed to Deals Gap.
Those roads are excellent.

[FJ1200W]

The people were all great.
Saw one of the 1100 Rebels in person, the guy rode it down from New York. He said he wanted a better seat.
There was a guy or a girl in a Dragon outfit, and a tough looking cigarette smoking dude on a - Honda Shadow.
I noticed a very nice chain - strange, the things we notice.

[FJ1200W]

A old GS1100E, the same as my 1st big bore four, showed up.
Then a group of pristine riders on the latest greatest machines.
And we continued back on the Cherohala Skyway, which was not as twisty as the Dragon, but oh so beautiful.

[FJ1200W]

We had to take a detour coming back, as who would not want to stop in Skullbone!

[FJ1200W]

A few decades ago, a good friend sent me a t-shirt from Skullbone. He's since passed away, and I always wanted to make a stop.
The grandson is trying to re-open the store, as the original owners have passed.
https://goo.gl/maps/hbGV2HyF6N8NohqW8
Further down the road, we stumbled on a huge cross.
It was too cool to pass up.
https://goo.gl/maps/118aMNPgnURTzqZG6

[FJ1200W]

No gasoline shortage, we had zero problems. There were a few stations with only regular.
We went under a pipeline and there was a crew working on it, possibly related to the "incident".
Just a great time with my wife and our dog, Walter.
Coming back, through the secondaries, we encounted many interesting small towns.
Some were big towns, but due to change, they no longer were.
One stuck out, Cairo, Illinois.
It was bordering on being a ghost town, when it was once one of the bussiest places on the river.
They had the 3rd busiest post office in the country as one time.
Now it's on the verge of collape.
Here is a link to what was once the hospital: https://goo.gl/maps/PhE8sUTy3UKVFCXQ8
Yes, I wanted to explore this and so many other abandonded buildings along the way -
Maybe next time.

[Millietant]

Great pics and a nice story Steve.....I think that Deal's Gap is now on my bucket list 

[Old Rider]

Cool report and pictures Steve 

[FJ1200W]

Old Rider, Millietant, thank you.

When the buyer of the H2 offered pretty good money to deliver the bike, seeing where he lived, and my wife needing to use up some vacation time, it was just the perfect storm.

Love it when that happens - wish it happened more!