Driving the Cherohala Skyway

[ga.spyder]

We have been enjoying 'Chamber of Commerce' weather here.Highs in the upper 60's,lows in the upper 30's,cloudless bluebird skys...made for top down cruisin.I decided to drive the Cherohala Skyway,for me about a 120 mile loop.The Skyway is an incredible ,curvy scenic road .Most of the drive is above 5000'.I back roaded to the terminus end in Tellico Plains,Tn.A nice ride through mostly farm land .I got there and decided 'what the hell',so I got some gas(no stations,rest rooms,nothing on the Skyway).I met a guy in a Porsche 944 who had just come across from the Robbinsville,N.C. start of the drive(for most people),so after admiring each others cars we decided to ride together on the way back.It was an awesome run as most of the rolling roadblocks(Harley riders) were coming the other way.The Fiat performed very well,even in the high altitude.I had no problem hanging with the Porsche,although we were in spirited not 'race' mode.The only spots where I wished for more was on the long climbs.Even though the FI has good torque,I would find myself in 3rd gear with the accel. floored for some stretches.
The scenery is breathtaking...you can see forever.I dont notice the beauty of this area as much,because of living here.It is impossible to ignore on the Skyway.I decided not to make the run over 'Tail of the Dragon',which connects to the Cherohala because of all the Harleys heading that way.It is much better on weekdays.Maybe we could get some Fiats together to make the complete loop in Spring? I have to go back....because I forgot my camera!!! Took the long way home through the Nantahala Gorge,and watched the kayaks and rafts shoot the whitewater.A great 'Fiat Fun' day! Here is a link to the Skyway
http://www.cherohala.org/ or http://www.cherohala.com/
Craig

[So Cal Mark]

sounds like a drive I'd like to do

[mdrburchette]

I'm in, Craig!

[ventura ace]

I took a peek at the route on Google Earth. Looks like a great drive? Is there a closely watched low speed limit, like the Blue Ridge Parkway? Hope not. Looks like great fun!

A

[ga.spyder]

The speed imit is not as low as the Blue Ridge,and it isnt enforced as strictly.Not to say there isnt a police presence.The ride is more of a cruise than a 'balls to the wall' run.It is a really great ride!I had taken the drive once before,but that was the first time in my Fiat.We had very little traffic on the way,but we were going against the grain.The biggest problem up here is that these areas cater to the Wild Hog people.You know,the middle-aged guys with giant dresser bikes and big girls on the back.They tend to travel in packs,and most of them cant make it around a corner.So you end up behind 20 bikes all going 20 mph below the speed limit.Very frustrating.I try to make my drives early in the morning ,while they are hibernating
Craig

[lordxenu]

Maybe when I get my car ironed out, I'll have to check this place out...the photos on their site are really nice, looks like a gorgeous place

I've thought about picking a dash cam up and driving around scenic areas for the heck of it, maybe making it a new hobby of mine :p

[ga.spyder]

It really is a fantastic drive. If you are planning to run it ,let me know.I will meet up with you on one end or the other.There is a loop off the Cherohala that comes out at the top of 'Tail of the Dragon'.That would be as many curves in a day as you would want?The Tail boasts 319 curves in a 11 mile stretch! Both of these rides are about 45 min. from my house.
Craig

[kilrwail]

Craig - Some day, you and me, the Tail and the Cherohala Thanks for the virtual images.

[ga.spyder]

Peter I will be looking forward to it! I cant believe I forgot to bring a camera.I had a good time running with the 944(non-turbo),the cars seemed very well matched in the tight stuff.His brakes were better and his torque won out in the long uphills.
Craig
ps... Any decision on Daytona?I am going,and will meet RacyDave there.I am thinking of buying the Grassroot Motorsport Experience ticket.Lot of extras,incl. pit tours.Details at grassrootsmotorsports.com