COFSTA

I met up with Scott and Steve Seitz at the Gate, and we rode around Lake James and up NC80 to Burnsville where we met up with Jeff and Greg who had just ridden up to Erwin and back. Ate lunch at the Blind Squirrell Brewery in Burnsville, first time there for me. The burger wasn't so great; the others had wraps, maybe they were better. Also quite pricey for what you get! I probably would go back to the Rad Dawgz across the street next trip.

Then we headed out to the Big Laurel Gorge/Canyon/whatever and it has a very nice new coat of asphalt. Smooth as glass. Jeff said it was also a little slippery too as he and Greg faded off into the distance, but I didn't feel it. I wasn't riding a Ducati Hyperstrada or KTM 690 motard either. Then down Walnut Creek and a few more back roads until we ended up on the west side of (ugh) Asheville. Threaded our way thru town to take Town Mtn Road to the BRP with the intention of staying on it all the way up to 80. At Craggy Gardens it was CLOSED due to snow/ice further up the mtn around Mt. Mitchell. Damn. Back down the hill and down I-40 where Jeff and I split off on 226 heading home and the rest stayed on 40-eastbound. Beautiful day for a ride, skies were severe clear. Great company and great to see Steve and Greg again, show up more often! I took a couple pics--anybody else?





Check out the frozen coating on the hillside at Craggy Gardens--it was 42F there.

SO....is Big Laurel resurfaced past the church where Walnut Creek roads becomes Big laurel all the way to old 23? or just the section when you turn left AT the church and ride towards Revere and connect with Chapel Hill road? I love the section to old 23 but it's beat up pretty bad.

tireatr wrote:SO....is Big Laurel resurfaced past the church where Walnut Creek roads becomes Big laurel all the way to old 23? or just the section when you turn left AT the church and ride towards Revere and connect with Chapel Hill road? I love the section to old 23 but it's beat up pretty bad.

We started from Old 23 (new pavement starts here) westward down Laurel and then went straight down Walnut Creek, and I didn't glance over to the right past the church to see if the new pavement continued on Laurel---but its worth the ride to get the first part anyway.

Well Dayum! I may have to check that out tomorrow! Add in Revere, Lonesome Mtn road, and the fun stuff in Yancey/Mitchell county and I might get tired of turning......Naaaaaa :)

Thanks Bob!

Nice report and pics, thanks! Is that Greg with a KTM?

LeeDavis wrote:Nice report and pics, thanks! Is that Greg with a KTM?

Yeah, 690 Duke I believe. It does a vanishing act in the twisties.

LeeDavis wrote:Nice report and pics, thanks! Is that Greg with a KTM?

You know Greg, always one step ahead of whatever the rest of us have to ride!
Her name is KaTy-Mae.

I can't push him through the corners much. Only place the Ducati has him is when it comes time to swing out and pass. I count to TWO to give him a head start and then run up his butt.

And for the record... the wraps at Blind Squirrel were delicious and the food was plentiful. However, cheap was definitely not present, so 2 of 3 stars.

tireatr wrote:Well Dayum! I may have to check that out tomorrow! Add in Revere, Lonesome Mtn road, and the fun stuff in Yancey/Mitchell county and I might get tired of turning......Naaaaaa :)

Thanks Bob!

Well I did just quote myself and I did ride Big Laurel Wednesday. Wow, that road rocks even more! I found myself riding it a tad faster on the new surface which caused 2 pucker moments. There are a few very tight descending radius turns on the section that leads off old 23 and if you're not careful......DOH! Nothing a little late braking couldn't fix but WOW, that road is a lot more fun when you don't have to dodge the repair strips and fine silt all over that road. Double Island was good, As was Harrell Hill and 197. 19W still has too much sand for my liking, but it's a means to an end and the TN side still rocks.

Have fun Sunday. I'll be in the DC in the cage.

A few pictures from the Burnsville/Big Laural ride.

Bob wrote:

LeeDavis wrote:Nice report and pics, thanks! Is that Greg with a KTM?

Yeah, 690 Duke I believe. It does a vanishing act in the twisties.

For seriously fast guys only who don't mind temptation. Wait until the 790 comes out shortly...