Friday September 14 Gatlinburg Tennessee to Chattanooga TN

Today we headed off from our hotel to stop for breakfast at Pigeon Forge ( yes that’s the name of the town) at the Red Rooster Waffle House . There was a car show happening which seemed to be a very large collection of all sorts of hot rods, muscle cars, jalopies and motorbikes that spread along the street for at least 5 kms or more. Got a feel for what it is going to be like when you go past people riding their motorised eskys. Has my first and last go at pancakes and maple syrup – bit sweet for me.

Today was the day we were all tackling the Tail of the Dragon , a legendary motorbike ride that is 11 miles long and has 311 turns. It is a motorbike mecca and even has professional photographers along the way and you can go on their website and get a photo . At the end there is a place called Deals Gap where you can buy the obligatory T-shirt and have a look at the "Tree of Shame ". All the bits of bike that have been the result of various accidents are hanging in the tree. The deal is not to add to it. I think our tour leader Skip was very relieved when we all got through ok.

Once the Dragon was done, we headed off off to the Cherolala Skyway which is one of the top 10 rides in North America. Beautiful road under very sunny skies – no sign of any hurricane anywhere. Stopped off at the Bald River Falls which cascades over 100 feet onto rocks below.

We stopped at a place called Kats beside the river for lunch and enjoyed the cool breeze as things are certainly heating up.

Overnight in Chattanooga where we stayed at the Chattanooga Choo Choo ( yes that’s correct) It was the old railway station but has been converted into a hotel with a range of accommodation. We stayed in the motel rooms but they have converted railway carriages into rooms . Very interesting complex. Headed into town for walk and stumbled upon the reopening of the main square- rock bands, street entertainers and lots of energy. Headed back and hit the hay for another early start.

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