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Introduction
After a night at Swan Cabin, we began our second day of riding with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Despite the challenges we faced the previous day, we were eager to explore more of the beautiful landscapes that awaited us.
Morning at Swan Cabin
Our morning started leisurely with coffee and snacks on the front porch of Swan Cabin.
The tranquil surroundings and the crisp morning air made for a perfect start to the day. By approximately 10:30 am, we had packed up and were ready to hit the road. Due to the forecasted rain and the challenging gravel terrain leading to the cabin, we decided to not stay a second night and instead embarked on a new adventure.
The Ride Begins
Our initial plan was to ride the Cherohala Skyway. However, after about 3-4 miles, we realized that the heavy cloud cover would obscure any scenic views we hoped to enjoy. We decided to turn around and head back to the entrance of the Joyce Kilmer Forest. At the turn-off, we discovered a motorcycle information area, which featured a large sign covered in stickers.
Inspired by the sight, we added one of our Engineered 4 Adventure stickers, marking our presence and adding a bit of our story to the collective journey of riders before us.
Maple Springs Overlook
Next, we rode up to Maple Springs Overlook. Fortunately, the cloud cover had dissipated in this area, revealing absolutely stunning views. The scenery was breathtaking, and we took our time to fully appreciate the beauty around us. (More details on this in our upcoming scenery blog post.)
Lunch at Historic Tapoco Lodge
After soaking in the views at Maple Springs Overlook, we headed towards the Historic Tapoco Lodge for lunch. This was a destination I had wanted to visit for years, and it did not disappoint.
(Details about our dining experience will be included in the restaurant blog post.) While there, we noticed several car enthusiast groups had also stopped for lunch, including a large number of Mustangs due to a Mustang rally weekend at the Tail of the Dragon. I was particularly excited to see three Fox Body Mustangs.
Exploring the Dams
After lunch, we set off to see the dam used in the film "The Fugitive" and then Fontana Dam.
Unfortunately, one of our group members started experiencing motorcycle trouble as we reached the dam from "The Fugitive." Despite making adjustments, the issues persisted, and we had to reenter traffic multiple times amidst heavy tourism traffic. Eventually, we decided that three of us would head back to our shop to get a trailer and return to pick up our friend.
The Ride Home
Although we didn’t get to fully appreciate Fontana Dam, the ride home past Fontana Village was beautiful. The weather had cleared up, and we experienced perfect riding conditions with only a few intermittent showers as we neared our destination. The day's ride, filled with scenic beauty and camaraderie, left us with many cherished memories.
Conclusion
While our second day of riding had its challenges, it was an adventure filled with stunning views, good food, and the joy of riding with friends. I stayed home to ensure food was ready for everyone upon their return. Despite the difficulties, we all returned home safe and happy, with a sense of accomplishment and stories to share.
Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll share the breathtaking scenery we encountered during our trip.
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