October 2: Abingdon, VA to Toccoa, GA

Highlights:

Sunday morning broke relatively clear and cold...temp 45F.

Got a late start...around 9:00AM

I-81 was a different experience today...light traffic. no trucks, no rain, no wind...nice riding conditions

Turned left on I-26 at Bristol, TN and headed south.  Almost immediately the road became a legitimate scenic highway...absolutely brilliant views.  Road rose to nearly 6,000', weaving through the valleys and over the gaps.  The temps dropped into the high 30's.  Gerbing jacket and gloves, now properly connected, worked beautifully...I never gave the cold a second thought.  Also used a skull cap and a buff pulled way up on  my head...very comfortable.

Arrived in Asheville before noon only to find that the interstate was shut down and I was forced onto a city street.  Decided at that point to turn my life over to Garmin.  Set the destination for "Home" and did what it told me....something I would not normally dare to do, given Garmin's willingness to send me on all manner of wild goose chases.

In 15 minutes I was on I-40 westbound, looking for a way onto the BRP.  A good ways out of town I found the BRP and hopped on it southbound.  Rode it most of the way to Cherokee and it was spectacular...bright sunny skies. light traffic, cool, no...make that COLD temps (down to 37F at 5,500').  The views were just gorgeous, though I was not inclined to spend much time at the overlooks.

At the first sign for Cherokee I dropped off the parkway and began a monstrous descent into the town of Cherokee where I found McDonalds for lunch.  Had the most pitiful Native American wait on me...absolutely pathetic.  Had approximately 3 teeth and could barely speak. 

Weather still mostly sunny and very cool...no more that 55F.

Quickly found 441S and knew I'd be home soon.  Ride south was smooth with light traffic and great weather.

Arrived home around 2:30PM.

Final thoughts to follow.