2017 Gathering of Eagles, Part 2
Originally Published in Southeastern Rider Magazine, January 2018
June 20th, 2017: Gathering of Eagles is Cruiser Club, USA's Annual Gathering. Part I dealt with our trip to the gathering, Part II is about what we do while at the gathering.
My favorite riding partner, Kasey, and I woke up in our Fontana Village Resort Cabin. About fifty of our fellow Cruiser Club brothers and sisters were scattered around the resort in cabins, the hotel, and a few toy hauled their bikes and were spending the gathering in the campground.
The third decade of Gathering of Eagles, GOE for short, was our second event held at a vacation destination. As a family oriented club, some of our members make this their vacation. Two years ago, we met in Lake George, New York. Fontana Damn is another well-known motorcycle destination.
For actual Day One of GOE, we were free riding, which means it is was up to each of us where we wanted to go. Kasey and I wanted to hit The Tail of the Dragon, and make our way to Gatlinburg. It wasn’t a long loop, so we weren’t looking to hit the long and winding road too early. We left the resort, after filling the tank, and headed west and north on North Carolina 28. This is a great warm up road for Deal’s Gap coming up just a few miles ahead. The transition to famed ribbon of asphalt features a resort at the fork in the road. Despite being a Tuesday, the parking lot was quite full. Most of the riders were out in the parking lot surveying the bikes lined up. We visited the store, as Kasey needed a new Air Force Veteran Sticker for her new helmet.
This was my forth time riding The Dragon’s Tail, so I will spare you the details. There are countless reviews, videos and photos of the route. Besides, I had tunnel vision for most of it, keeping constant focus on the road at hand. We took a break at the overlook of the damn, recanted our experience, and then headed out further into the Volunteer State.
Our next stretch with a name would be the Foothills Parkway. The curves are tamer, but the path is dotted with great vistas, and lots of other bikes, including those without engines. In fact, one particular cyclist seemed to be putting their life in peril with how she was blocking the traffic stacking up on her six. We avoided the back up by pulling off to more than a few of the scenic overlooks. Despite taking extra time to take in the views, it didn’t take us long to catch up to the backup caused by the cyclist.
This parkway ended, and we headed east on the Lamar Alexander Parkway, to make our way to Gatlinburg. We had to veer off the parkway, continuing on US 321 to Wears Valley, where another right turn took us onto Lyon Spring Road. We arrived back into the Smoky Mountains National Park, meandering our way passed Laurel and Cataract Falls. The Sugarland’s Visitor Center marks our turn onto US 441, which would lead us into Gatlinburg. I was thinking we would breeze right into town, find a parking spot along the main road, and walk our way around the tourist trap.
As we approached the town, cars started piling up, many parked about anywhere they could fit. I was beginning to think that this might not have been a good idea. The sentiment was echoing in my helmet, but in a different voice, through the intercom connected with my riding partner.
The Tourist Trap certainly lived up to that designation, with lots and lots of people willingly caged in the confines of the city. We passed by sidewalks full of prisoners being driven in out of stores and eateries. Any parking space to be found was going to lighten my wallet by twenty bucks. We kept rolling through town, starting and stopping, as we made our way away from the center of chaos. We were hoping for at least a meal in town, and Kasey was hungry for breakfast.
We made our way back through the mass of people wandering aimlessly, and passed the Sugarland’s Visitors Center once again. We followed 441 until we arrived in Cherokee. We made a stop to fill the tank on my VTX 1800, and continued out on State Road 19. State Road 74 connected us back to the Moonshine 28. This time approaching the resort, the road was dry, and my skills were honed, so we rolled our way up to the resort, scrapping some steel off the floorboards, and we think at least once, the exhaust pipe.
That evening, Kasey and I continued a tradition that I had started a long time ago at previous GOE’s. I try to mingle with as many people as I can. A good time to do that is when you are breaking bread around a table. We did just that, sitting at a large table with others, and had great food and conversations. Night had fallen, and we returned to our cabin.
Next up was the annual Poker Run. Years ago we lost a great member who had done a lot to build the club, so it was decided to name the ride in his honor. Clouds were gathering in the sky, so we headed out to complete the run, and lunch, we hoped, before the rain would hit. We made our way down State Road 28, and shortly before Franklin, we veered off on Harrison Avenue, and made our way into town. Our destination for lunch was the Motor City Grill. We filled up the parking lot, and made our way inside, with a drizzle soaking our bikes. The food was great, and service second to none. For none of us living within 300 miles of the place, we managed to make a great pick!
Evening came quickly, and it was time to gather for ceremony and food. Upon entering the banquet hall, Kasey and I were waved over to a table. It seems each year, someone saves a spot for us, and it has been different people every year. It continues our plan to talk to as many different people as we can. We enjoyed the company at our table once again. After dinner, prizes were awarded, and lots of photos were taken. After a few drinks, we all parted, and went back to our accommodations.
Usually, Thursday is another group riding day. Mother Nature had other thoughts. While some ventured out in the cars they had brought along, most of us hung around the resort. We had lunch and dinner with two different groups of people. The evening featured a blessing of the ride home by “Sunshine” Bob, and a few more drinks.
June 20th, 2017: Gathering of Eagles is Cruiser Club, USA's Annual Gathering. Part I dealt with our trip to the gathering, Part II is about what we do while at the gathering.
My favorite riding partner, Kasey, and I woke up in our Fontana Village Resort Cabin. About fifty of our fellow Cruiser Club brothers and sisters were scattered around the resort in cabins, the hotel, and a few toy hauled their bikes and were spending the gathering in the campground.
The third decade of Gathering of Eagles, GOE for short, was our second event held at a vacation destination. As a family oriented club, some of our members make this their vacation. Two years ago, we met in Lake George, New York. Fontana Damn is another well-known motorcycle destination.
 |
| Once again, I knocked out The Dragon. When you stay only a few miles away from 318 turns in 11 miles, you have to take it on. |
Even though the
official days are Tuesday through Thursday, many of us will show up on Monday,
or even Sunday to enjoy the location. We had spent Monday traveling from south
central North Carolina, to the western, mountain area of North Carolina, mostly
through South Carolina. Monday evening featured a cook out at one of the larger
cabins where two families were staying, and early registration.
For actual Day One of GOE, we were free riding, which means it is was up to each of us where we wanted to go. Kasey and I wanted to hit The Tail of the Dragon, and make our way to Gatlinburg. It wasn’t a long loop, so we weren’t looking to hit the long and winding road too early. We left the resort, after filling the tank, and headed west and north on North Carolina 28. This is a great warm up road for Deal’s Gap coming up just a few miles ahead. The transition to famed ribbon of asphalt features a resort at the fork in the road. Despite being a Tuesday, the parking lot was quite full. Most of the riders were out in the parking lot surveying the bikes lined up. We visited the store, as Kasey needed a new Air Force Veteran Sticker for her new helmet.
After a brief talk with a few of our Cruiser
Clubbers that were also at the resort, we suited up, I turned on the GoPro, and
we headed out for the 300 plus turns in just over ten miles.
This was my forth time riding The Dragon’s Tail, so I will spare you the details. There are countless reviews, videos and photos of the route. Besides, I had tunnel vision for most of it, keeping constant focus on the road at hand. We took a break at the overlook of the damn, recanted our experience, and then headed out further into the Volunteer State.
 |
| Not a lot of places that are set up for great pictures, so you take the opportunity when you get it. It was nice to take a little break after riding The Foothills Parkway. |
Our next stretch with a name would be the Foothills Parkway. The curves are tamer, but the path is dotted with great vistas, and lots of other bikes, including those without engines. In fact, one particular cyclist seemed to be putting their life in peril with how she was blocking the traffic stacking up on her six. We avoided the back up by pulling off to more than a few of the scenic overlooks. Despite taking extra time to take in the views, it didn’t take us long to catch up to the backup caused by the cyclist.
This parkway ended, and we headed east on the Lamar Alexander Parkway, to make our way to Gatlinburg. We had to veer off the parkway, continuing on US 321 to Wears Valley, where another right turn took us onto Lyon Spring Road. We arrived back into the Smoky Mountains National Park, meandering our way passed Laurel and Cataract Falls. The Sugarland’s Visitor Center marks our turn onto US 441, which would lead us into Gatlinburg. I was thinking we would breeze right into town, find a parking spot along the main road, and walk our way around the tourist trap.
As we approached the town, cars started piling up, many parked about anywhere they could fit. I was beginning to think that this might not have been a good idea. The sentiment was echoing in my helmet, but in a different voice, through the intercom connected with my riding partner.
The Tourist Trap certainly lived up to that designation, with lots and lots of people willingly caged in the confines of the city. We passed by sidewalks full of prisoners being driven in out of stores and eateries. Any parking space to be found was going to lighten my wallet by twenty bucks. We kept rolling through town, starting and stopping, as we made our way away from the center of chaos. We were hoping for at least a meal in town, and Kasey was hungry for breakfast.
 |
| The Bikes Lined up for the Biker Games. Kasey's adorned helmet is in the foreground. |
Fortunately for us, me in particular, we found the Little House of
Pancakes on the edge of town. When we were seated, we got the last table
available. After the tasty and filling lunch/breakfast, we were about the only
ones left in the restaurant.
We made our way back through the mass of people wandering aimlessly, and passed the Sugarland’s Visitors Center once again. We followed 441 until we arrived in Cherokee. We made a stop to fill the tank on my VTX 1800, and continued out on State Road 19. State Road 74 connected us back to the Moonshine 28. This time approaching the resort, the road was dry, and my skills were honed, so we rolled our way up to the resort, scrapping some steel off the floorboards, and we think at least once, the exhaust pipe.
That evening, Kasey and I continued a tradition that I had started a long time ago at previous GOE’s. I try to mingle with as many people as I can. A good time to do that is when you are breaking bread around a table. We did just that, sitting at a large table with others, and had great food and conversations. Night had fallen, and we returned to our cabin.
Day Two is a busy day. After breakfast in our
cabin, we assembled in a parking for our Biker Games. We have some legendary
competitors in our club. “Rammin” Ray is our resident Slow Ride Champion,
probably winning the One Up and Two Up Versions about eighteen of the
twenty-one years. Naturally, yours truly, and his favorite riding partner, would
be paired up to take on Ray and his wife in round one. We lost, but by less
than the link of a bike. Mentally, I made that a victory.
The games wrapped up with a balloon toss, an event that Kasey and I had done well enough to finish runner up one year. The final event was just for our trike members. We wouldn’t be accepting any trophies at the banquet later that evening, but we still had a great time.
The games wrapped up with a balloon toss, an event that Kasey and I had done well enough to finish runner up one year. The final event was just for our trike members. We wouldn’t be accepting any trophies at the banquet later that evening, but we still had a great time.
Next up was the annual Poker Run. Years ago we lost a great member who had done a lot to build the club, so it was decided to name the ride in his honor. Clouds were gathering in the sky, so we headed out to complete the run, and lunch, we hoped, before the rain would hit. We made our way down State Road 28, and shortly before Franklin, we veered off on Harrison Avenue, and made our way into town. Our destination for lunch was the Motor City Grill. We filled up the parking lot, and made our way inside, with a drizzle soaking our bikes. The food was great, and service second to none. For none of us living within 300 miles of the place, we managed to make a great pick!
With the rain increasing, we decided to head back
the way we came, instead of trying to complete our loop. Not only did we feel
like it was a safer route, it would also give everyone time to prepare for
tonight’s banquet.
Evening came quickly, and it was time to gather for ceremony and food. Upon entering the banquet hall, Kasey and I were waved over to a table. It seems each year, someone saves a spot for us, and it has been different people every year. It continues our plan to talk to as many different people as we can. We enjoyed the company at our table once again. After dinner, prizes were awarded, and lots of photos were taken. After a few drinks, we all parted, and went back to our accommodations.
Usually, Thursday is another group riding day. Mother Nature had other thoughts. While some ventured out in the cars they had brought along, most of us hung around the resort. We had lunch and dinner with two different groups of people. The evening featured a blessing of the ride home by “Sunshine” Bob, and a few more drinks.
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information:
To read more
of my motorcycle stories, you can check out my Motorcycle Blog at:
www.Blogspot.RodneysMCBlog.com
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