Need local trip planning help- NC to Illinois!

[pbgunrunner]

Hi, I just worked out a deal to pick up a bike in Jacksonville, NC and I get to ride back to Peoria, IL. Of course Im going to experience the dragon on the way! Any NC locals have advice on the best way to get from Jacksonville to Deal's Gap? I have3-4 days to make it from Jacksonville, NC to home and this will be my fist time in this area. I will have a GPS so Im not too worried about getting lost, of course I prefer fun roads and Ill take the longer trip to ride them! Any and all advice is appreciated! Ill be leaving early next week. Thanks! -chad

[OTISBLACKR1]

well, its only going to take you 8 hours or so to make it home from the gap "im from terre haute IN" after getting your bike, i suggest you get a room or even camp out at the CROT, if you need to be near other things such as fastfood, drug stoors, blablabla stay in Robinsvillie NC.. the reason i recomend you stay a night is there are just too many fantastic roads to ride to manage to do em all in one day.. you deffinately need to hit the Dragon, #2 the Cherohola, #3 Hwy 28 from the crot, through fontana, then on to robbinsville. and this is just for starters.. two days is a minium i would stay in the area.. i like to plan for 3-4 myself so i can stay and play. everyone at the crot is so friendly you wont want to leave. i have made many good friends from many states now just hanging out down there and meeting the crowds. i will say this, once youv been there you will want to come back, and back and again.. its something like a addiction. its a motorcycle "meca" hope this little rant helps you out.

[kerrbon]

...........i have made many good friends from many states now just hanging out down there and meeting the crowds. i will say this, once youv been there you will want to come back, and back and again.. its something like a addiction. its a motorcycle "meca" .........

I agree - I'm itchin to go back a third time this year

[SpokesView]

HI,
Since youou only have 4 days, I suggest you spend most of your time in the Deals Gap area. The fastest way from Jacksonville to Robbinsville is NC53 to I40, then I40 to Asheville where you pick up US 74. Take 74 to 129 into Rville.
My NC DOT map says it is 394 miles from Jacksonville to Cherokee, so plan on a 450+ miles for day one.

Be careful on Interyuck 40. Lots of cars, trucks, NCHP, etc. It has the most traffic of any road in NC, but it is the fastest way to Deals Gap. On my FXST, I usually run "Speed Limit +10" and do not attract the attention of the NCHP.

If the bike is new to you, start your first "fun" day in Rville with a warm up on the Cherohala. Over and back is 100 miles. You will know your bike when the dragon's curves come calling. Avoiding the THP is also a consideration, so you may decide to go early to the gap and ride the Cherohala in the afternoon.

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