just puttin' around in WNC

[Cuttle]

I don't feel like writing a novel, so mostly pics it is - more to come in the future.

today, after slabbing 80 miles south to Greenville, SC, I decided to take the fun way home. Sorry, no pics from SC - I tried to get out of the heat and into the mountains as quick as possible.

Cathey's Creek:





some road I haven't been on before - gate is open



After a few miles of hard-pack it turned into a really, really nice track... according to the map it should be a loop (possible with a gate on the end)



to bad I was by myself, didn't carry a lot of tools, nobody knew were I went and it would have been a very long and lonely hike out, if something goes wrong
(I hate when I am too conscious). So, back down I went

I'LL BE BACK!



obligatory mirror shot:



the rest of the roads where just like this:

FS1206


views:



North Mills Rec Area



and more hard-pack:

Wash Creek Road



after about 45 miles of FS roads, I decided it was time to hit the BRP and head back north



stopped for a little refreshment at the Wedge



slow day at the Wedge:



the usual crowd:



to avoid the slab I decided on 251:



to bad I ran out of daylight to ride Big Laurel.

Proof that I am from Mars after all:



and the welcoming committee at home. As usual they make me feel guilty for going on a ride instead of a hike:



All in all, a good day.

My butt hurts

[rattlecan]

Good pics. thanks.

[knybanjo]

Keep 'em coming!


I think I know what gate was open but I've never been through there either....may have to check that out soon.

[Cuttle]

Originally Posted by knybanjo

Keep 'em coming!


I think I know what gate was open but I've never been through there either....may have to check that out soon.

It's 229 turning into 140A up on Gloucester Gap.... let me know and I join you

[Clockwatcher]

Let me know when you wanna ride up there again.......it seems that I am getting a lot more free time these days.

[35xj]

i wanna go too!

[Cuttle]

Originally Posted by Clockwatcher

Let me know when you wanna ride up there again.......it seems that I am getting a lot more free time these days.

as I told you before:


(I wanna be retired too)


What about next weekend? By then I should have my "new to me" car, and I don't have to rely on the DR as only transportation anymore (i.e. I can brake it and still can go to work).

[_anatic]

Originally Posted by knybanjo

I think I know what gate was open but I've never been through there either....may have to check that out tomorrow.

Fixed,
Nice pics, thanks Cuttle.

[lgajohnymac]

Is it a open invite for the AVL crew? I think I can hang on the versys! Sounds like fun! You planning on the FS road to 276? I haven't been back there in a couple years.

[Clockwatcher]

Originally Posted by lgajohnymac

Is it a open invite for the AVL crew? I think I can hang on the versys! Sounds like fun! You planning on the FS road to 276? I haven't been back there in a couple years.

Yeah...jump on in, open invite for anyone that wants to ride.
I am thinking easy ride , too hot to get to aggressive, so we will pace easy and stay on forest roads and back roads.

I will be at the wedge this evening , Im thinkin' cold beer and bike chatter.............

[Cuttle]

ok, time for more pics!

morning commute: 22 miles slab
evening commute: 45 miles fun

VIP parking at work




Hwy 251 along the French Broad





towards Marshall:



and up to Walnut Creek:





Walnut Creek/Big Laurel transition (very fast sweepers below )





Big Laurel





(this was not planned like this at all)



different exposure (same pic as above)



near Raw's place



I26



welcome to the neighborhood (look close)



Laurel Valley





a little bit of gravel for good measure



last couple of turns (less than 1/2 mile to go)



Definitely the best part of my workday!

but not tonight: it's Wedgeday

[East Coast Rider]

Wrong side of the road, on a lawn mower, with his ~2yo kid... Looks like my home town, except that guy had the decency to change out of his pajamas before he went outside

[knybanjo]

Originally Posted by Cuttle

ok, time for more pics!

Wow!! I really like that one!

[klaviator]

[QUOTE=Cuttle;16059078].........





QUOTE]


I love riding that area. Great pics. I really love curves like the one above. I was on some of the same roads last weekend. I believe I might have got a pic a curve or 2 away from the pic above.



I'll be up in that area all next week for some DS riding



Hi Carmen. I see you're still enjoying the KTM.

[Cuttle]

Originally Posted by klaviator

I love riding that area. Great pics. I really love curves like the one above. I was on some of the same roads last weekend. I believe I might have got a pic a curve or 2 away from the pic above.

Actually, this isn't the same road you were on, this turns are just 1/2 mile above our house (between Mars Hill and Wolf Laurel) and it will turn into gravel for a bit. but, if you want tight switchbacks you should check out the Grapevine road of Mars Hill