Deal's Gap / Robbinsville Conditions

**Shaman** · 04-29-2012, 09:10 AM

Looks like sun all week, the roads are good. There's some new concrete abutment along the Dragon where they had a dirt slide this spring, don't know if it's permanent or not. The Cherohala and the Gap are starting to weather a little bit more but they're good... the road by the reservoir is getting a little choppy but who cares...

Police presence yesterday was pretty bad, one trooper running sweep and two that were just setting up around 11am when we blew through. Nothing on the 'hala, though.

**senojrb** · 04-29-2012, 09:20 AM

Sweet goin down in 2 weeks!!!! Can't wait!! Lots of bikes?? Busy??

**Shaman** · 04-29-2012, 09:22 AM

Not real busy yesterday for a Saturday but busy enough. Won't be back until tonight with any more news if I have some... just about to tear off.

**Shaman** · 04-30-2012, 05:29 PM

3 days of great riding so far. 28 and Wayah are both in good condition (or at least as good as Wayah has ever been, which is to say that it's paved). Saw a Biaggi RSV4 APRC SE yesterday, with a full Akrapovic system on it... forget BMWs, that's how you contract priapism... not much else to say right now other than that we did have a little crash - in the driveway of the house, 20 feet from calling it a day... not me, thankfully.

Tuono is working great, reliable, hasn't burned a drop of oil and nothing is giving it trouble.

**canadianshark74** · 04-30-2012, 05:33 PM

Thanks for the update. I will be heading down there with senojrb in 11 days. Can't wait.

Whats the weather like? Was in cool on the 'hala?

**Shaman** · 04-30-2012, 05:57 PM

Its cooler on the 'hala but overall it's well over 30 degrees C here. Today I'd go as far as to say it was hot.

**Shaman** · 05-01-2012, 10:20 AM

Joyce Kilmer is in pretty good condition too... and the giant 20' thick trees are, too. This morning's ride.

**oomis** · 05-01-2012, 03:25 PM

I'm leaving for that area via the BRP on May 11th. Thanks for the update

**senojrb** · 05-01-2012, 06:56 PM

Thanks for the updates, leaving in 10 days!!!

**Shaman** · 05-01-2012, 07:33 PM

The Foothills Parkway is in good condition, no real construction on it but some signs are up. The road up to Townsend is under construction though (not really, just the side of the cliff is being chewed off either for more room or for safety). The Happy Valley road off the Parkway is in the same condition as the last time I was on it... maybe 2006/7? Which is to say a little rough, a little dirty, but mostly deserted and fun to ride.

Parsons Branch road is in fine condition too.... which is to say that it's dirt, gravel, a stream crossing or two and some rocks. But lots of good scenery... if you're really comfortable with your street bike on country lanes or you are on a motard/ish type bike, do it. It goes from the other side of Townsend to the middle of the Dragon.

Lots of good video today, some of it is a little misty... I guess there must have been humidity in my new HD2 case.

**Shaman** · 05-03-2012, 10:14 AM

360 is in great shape too... didn't mention it. My video from the 28 may not make the 'net, a guy on a Hypermotard S and I got a bit more than spirited on it... heh Going up Wayah again today and to the 215 I think, or maybe a stretch of the BRP. About to leave the house...

**canadianshark74** · 05-03-2012, 01:55 PM

Where are you staying?

**Shaman** · 05-03-2012, 04:22 PM

Treetops.

More info: if you have a dual-sport or you don't mind a road that is REALLY deserted and REALLY ripped up, the 711 is kind of cool. I did it today on Le Tuono but I wouldn't venture again... very picturesque and extremely windy, it would be a hoot on a DRZ or KLR (etc.)