Day 16 - Cleveland, TN to Lake Lure, NC 

289 Miles

Today was back to why we ride.  289 miles of curvy, back-country roads.  I stitched together several really good rides and we made a full day of it.

Out of Cleveland we headed straight into the Smokey Mountains.  We shot down 64 for a short bit and then left the main roads almost entirely.

Denise got some great imagery of both why they call it the Smokey Mountains and the first look at this year's changing of the leaves.

Followed by awesome scenes of red, yellow and orange:

Even some of the planted variety:

Did I mention we had a few curves?

We rode along by some really pretty rivers and creeks.

Had a stop at Deals Gap (start of the Tail of the Dragon):

And finally closed it out with a ride down the Blue Ridge Parkway where we stitched our ride from one tunnel to another.  "Watch out for the bikes!"

All in all, it was a terrific day.  Today was the last day of the trip, with the exception of the final ride from Lake Lure to home tomorrow.  That doesn't count because it's merely a formality ride. 

I know Denise will be happy to be back, but I could use a few more days on the road.  Maybe next time.