my first ride report...
dunno how to post pics without hot links in them, but here 'tis...
The Wager....
Feeling the pressure of losing, the good wife presented her two small side bags to me... she had been given a very limited amount of space to pack for her very first overnight trip on two wheels. I was proud of her, she had room to spare! Proudly she watched as I tucked my toothbrush in to the last remaining space….
Not a “biker” by any stretch of the imagination, she had never fallen in love with the two wheel flight I have passionately pursued for decades, she was now reticent, but willing. She did lose the bet, after all.
We pulled out of Chattanooga later than we had hoped. The sun was setting. Dark and dangerous thunderheads loomed over the mountains to the east, our planned direction of travel. My radar confirmed angry red cells of heavy wind and rain drenching the mountain passes that lay ahead. She dutifully donned her rain gear, commenting that she felt like she was preparing for a hazmat mission. I agreed that indeed she was, as rain, wind, dark of night and deep valleys with twisting roads certainly were "hazardous material" when mounted on two wheels.
The rain came in torrents, certainly testing my focus as I strafed through the blind sweeping turns. Occasionally, the radio silence was broken as we chatted some about the kids, the week behind us, and the yet unknown to her, destination that lay ahead.
At one point, she said, "Is it raining?" Surprised but delighted by the query, I leaned to the right sharing the deluge I was obviously shielding. She was clearly doing very well on the back and was surprised when she noted the pouring rain visible in the headlight and now drenching her helmet. I smiled.
We arrived late... The lodge was beautifully lit in a welcoming 'old world' glow. The rain had mostly stopped by this time and we idled in. Briskly the door swung open and Karen, the general manager emerged clearly relieved to see us. We were instantly family and welcoming hugs were shared all around. She knew we were on the bike and the late hour and rain had been a concern. I later discovered a voicemail on my phone from her checking on us to be sure we were safe. We had missed the gourmet meal that had been planned for us. Earlier in the day I had talked with Karen and Becky and knowing we might be late, they generously offered to put the entire meal in the warmer for our late arrival. I declined the gracious offer.
With bounding energy Karen escorted us up in to the trees to our cabin. The gentle rush of the river below the cabin porch welcomed us to our snug retreat. The beautifully restored cabin was warm and inviting with rich walnut panels and dark wood floors. Without TV or phone to distract the modern traveler, we found absolute peace and comfort in this quiet place. On the dresser sat a tray of very fresh and sweet fruits, fine local cheeses, two very generous treats freshly made; three berry cheese cake and a decadent chocolate cake flanked by a merlot and a nice cabernet. This was nice.
The plush bed was amazing, unlike any "cabin" bed I had every slept in. tired from the ride, we fell into the cool sheets and soft warmth. We slept hard.
Morning came, and we woke much later than we had planned. I had left the drapes open to allow the sun to wake us, but the combination of the deep forest, the sounds of the river and the comfort of the bed had kept us. We hurried to the lodge for breakfast.
Second only to the staff, the dining room was sunny and welcoming; the smell of warm blueberry scones and fresh coffee pushed the fog from my brain. Spinach and wild mushroom soufflé, morning sausage and fresh fruit of all kind filled the table before us. “Anything you desire” was the response to nearly every question. Anne is the morning chef and clearly gains great personal satisfaction in her creations. We enjoyed a leisurely meal overlooking the river and getting to know every member of the team that makes this place so special. Ron and Terry stopped by and visited for a while. They own this wonderful place and we were filled with history and the stories that fill every room. Ron’s history goes back a few generations and he told the stories of family that had worked at the old lodge nearly 100 years ago. He is clearly passionate about historical accuracy and the restoration of the lodge proves it. Filled with personal treasures from the early 20th century, many from this very lodge, it is truly a trip back in time.
The day was filled with some epic mountain rides. We strafed The Tail of the Dragon at Deal’s Gap where she earned her “dragons”. Into the many small valleys and villages we rode. We found local crafts and foods and fell in love with the people.
Dinner at 6pm was truly a 5 star. Jaspers restaurant at the lodge (a family name, says Ron) is open to all comers with a reservation but the focus is always on the lodge guests. Live music gently filled the air and Alex, the evening chef opened the 5 course dinner crispy frog legs Remoulade. Not being a true fan of “cuisses de grenouilles” I passed but I admit, the aroma was amazing. A savory black bean soup followed. The appetizer was a smoky Italian gnocchi with fresh mozzarella and Italian olives. WOW. Our choice of four entrees was the aged T bone with cabernet butter; Truffle baked potato with mushrooms and tomatoes. The steak was fork tender; the flavor was phenomenal. The mushrooms are oak grown here in the valley and the tomatoes were fresh and sweet. A very nice wine list was provided and an old vine merlot paired perfectly with this incredible meal. We cleansed our palette with a very refreshing lemon sorbet and out came the treats. Honestly I don’t recall all the choices we were given, but I enjoyed the melt in your mouth three berry cheese cake again as it was so delicious the first time, I could not pass it up. The good wife enjoyed a moist coconut cake. Fresh coffee was the perfect finish. Everything is made right here by the very staff that is now like family. The meal was amazing……
Karen joined our conversations and later admitted she had never been on a bike. The good wife said surprising assuredness, “you should ride with him. He’s a good pilot”. My heart swelled with pride. Karen thoughtfully considered the offer but would not commit.
Some of the guests gathered at the bar where Ron and Lena tended to their every wish and joined in the laughter and fellowship of new friends. The smell of oak and leather filled the place. I asked if we might be able to just stay forever.
Walking the pristine grounds, the comforting smell of campfire smoke lured us to the fireside. Everything for smores was on hand. Cool mountain air, warm firelight framed by the gentle flashes of lightning bugs; surreal. Later, we retired to the porch of our cabin and enjoyed the front porch rockers, the sounds of the night forest and the gentle river. This was the perfect ending to this amazing day.
The following morning dawned as before. No rush this time. I had asked Ron and Terry what time checkout was. “Whenever you like” was his smiling response. We carefully packed away the few things we had and loaded the bike. Breakfast was enjoyed in the kitchen this time. Anne proudly created her masterpieces custom to order and did not disappoint with fresh spinach and blue cheese omelets alongside my now favorite blueberry scones and fresh fruit.
After breakfast we walked toward the old and beautifully restored office and Karen met us. She was wearing her boots and anxious to take her first ride ever! We did a first ride brief and some basic instruction and off we zipped. As a first ride I thought the highway 28 “Hellbender” to Fontana Damn was a great choice. Karen certainly seemed to agree and we talked the entire time. She noted that it was indeed “much like flying” as we swept and carved the turns along the pristine lake. She added that “it’s nothing like I imagined”. I love this stuff.
Back at the lodge, we found Terry and the good wife relaxing in the deep leather and wood chairs enjoying the morning and each other’s company. The sun spilled through the windows as the moments and memories were banked into my brains “happy place” file.
Finally it was time to ride for home. Hugs all around and the staff all joined us as we mounted up and headed out. They all spoke of our next visit as if it was already booked. Seems it may as well be…
Through the valley to Robbinsville NC we rode and then high into the mountains we climbed as we crossed the Cherohola Skyway toward Tellico Plains TN. The Skyway runs nearly 6000 feet in elevation at the top with wispy clouds and cool mountain air welcomed us as we ran through some of the most epic vistas and sweepers in the east. I’ve been running in these mountains for nearly 30 years and this is the one of the most breathtaking 50 miles of road in the country. Do not miss this ride.
Safely home, we agreed that we will soon return to this hidden gem in the mountains, it is truly a treasure that must be experienced by all. The good wife agreed, that this was a bet worth losing... For me, winning a bet and traveling on two wheels make the journey so much sweeter.
Until next time…
~jonathan
https://tapocolodge.com/
and now some pics...
the lodge...
the lodge...
secured, lit motorcycle parking
the good wife...
path to the cabin
the cabin... (and yes, it has flat paved parking just next to the porch, all the cabins do)
The porch
from the porch
the river below...
oh so cozy and so very nice...
the day begins... (no helmet hair yet... fortunately i don't have that problem)
earned her dragons...
Karen, General Manager and future motorcyclist...
Dinner...
the music...
“cuisses de grenouilles”
black bean soup
Gnocchi
Sorbet...
amazing...
three berry cheese cake
coconut cream...
sorbet au berry
coffee...
Alex...
the grounds...
inside the lodge...
one of the very rarest coke machines in the world, see if you can tell why...
to the bar...
Ron and Lena tend the bar...
breakfast begins the following morning...
Ann, the master of the morning breakfast
amazing...
Karen, first ride ever... and not the last!
Bittersweet goodbyes. can't wait to come again!
see the photo album here:
https://s338.photobucket.com/albums/n403/CrashGordan/Tapoco%20Lodge%20NC/
dunno how to post pics without hot links in them, but here 'tis...
The Wager....
Feeling the pressure of losing, the good wife presented her two small side bags to me... she had been given a very limited amount of space to pack for her very first overnight trip on two wheels. I was proud of her, she had room to spare! Proudly she watched as I tucked my toothbrush in to the last remaining space….
Not a “biker” by any stretch of the imagination, she had never fallen in love with the two wheel flight I have passionately pursued for decades, she was now reticent, but willing. She did lose the bet, after all.
We pulled out of Chattanooga later than we had hoped. The sun was setting. Dark and dangerous thunderheads loomed over the mountains to the east, our planned direction of travel. My radar confirmed angry red cells of heavy wind and rain drenching the mountain passes that lay ahead. She dutifully donned her rain gear, commenting that she felt like she was preparing for a hazmat mission. I agreed that indeed she was, as rain, wind, dark of night and deep valleys with twisting roads certainly were "hazardous material" when mounted on two wheels.
The rain came in torrents, certainly testing my focus as I strafed through the blind sweeping turns. Occasionally, the radio silence was broken as we chatted some about the kids, the week behind us, and the yet unknown to her, destination that lay ahead.
At one point, she said, "Is it raining?" Surprised but delighted by the query, I leaned to the right sharing the deluge I was obviously shielding. She was clearly doing very well on the back and was surprised when she noted the pouring rain visible in the headlight and now drenching her helmet. I smiled.
We arrived late... The lodge was beautifully lit in a welcoming 'old world' glow. The rain had mostly stopped by this time and we idled in. Briskly the door swung open and Karen, the general manager emerged clearly relieved to see us. We were instantly family and welcoming hugs were shared all around. She knew we were on the bike and the late hour and rain had been a concern. I later discovered a voicemail on my phone from her checking on us to be sure we were safe. We had missed the gourmet meal that had been planned for us. Earlier in the day I had talked with Karen and Becky and knowing we might be late, they generously offered to put the entire meal in the warmer for our late arrival. I declined the gracious offer.
With bounding energy Karen escorted us up in to the trees to our cabin. The gentle rush of the river below the cabin porch welcomed us to our snug retreat. The beautifully restored cabin was warm and inviting with rich walnut panels and dark wood floors. Without TV or phone to distract the modern traveler, we found absolute peace and comfort in this quiet place. On the dresser sat a tray of very fresh and sweet fruits, fine local cheeses, two very generous treats freshly made; three berry cheese cake and a decadent chocolate cake flanked by a merlot and a nice cabernet. This was nice.
The plush bed was amazing, unlike any "cabin" bed I had every slept in. tired from the ride, we fell into the cool sheets and soft warmth. We slept hard.
Morning came, and we woke much later than we had planned. I had left the drapes open to allow the sun to wake us, but the combination of the deep forest, the sounds of the river and the comfort of the bed had kept us. We hurried to the lodge for breakfast.
Second only to the staff, the dining room was sunny and welcoming; the smell of warm blueberry scones and fresh coffee pushed the fog from my brain. Spinach and wild mushroom soufflé, morning sausage and fresh fruit of all kind filled the table before us. “Anything you desire” was the response to nearly every question. Anne is the morning chef and clearly gains great personal satisfaction in her creations. We enjoyed a leisurely meal overlooking the river and getting to know every member of the team that makes this place so special. Ron and Terry stopped by and visited for a while. They own this wonderful place and we were filled with history and the stories that fill every room. Ron’s history goes back a few generations and he told the stories of family that had worked at the old lodge nearly 100 years ago. He is clearly passionate about historical accuracy and the restoration of the lodge proves it. Filled with personal treasures from the early 20th century, many from this very lodge, it is truly a trip back in time.
The day was filled with some epic mountain rides. We strafed The Tail of the Dragon at Deal’s Gap where she earned her “dragons”. Into the many small valleys and villages we rode. We found local crafts and foods and fell in love with the people.
Dinner at 6pm was truly a 5 star. Jaspers restaurant at the lodge (a family name, says Ron) is open to all comers with a reservation but the focus is always on the lodge guests. Live music gently filled the air and Alex, the evening chef opened the 5 course dinner crispy frog legs Remoulade. Not being a true fan of “cuisses de grenouilles” I passed but I admit, the aroma was amazing. A savory black bean soup followed. The appetizer was a smoky Italian gnocchi with fresh mozzarella and Italian olives. WOW. Our choice of four entrees was the aged T bone with cabernet butter; Truffle baked potato with mushrooms and tomatoes. The steak was fork tender; the flavor was phenomenal. The mushrooms are oak grown here in the valley and the tomatoes were fresh and sweet. A very nice wine list was provided and an old vine merlot paired perfectly with this incredible meal. We cleansed our palette with a very refreshing lemon sorbet and out came the treats. Honestly I don’t recall all the choices we were given, but I enjoyed the melt in your mouth three berry cheese cake again as it was so delicious the first time, I could not pass it up. The good wife enjoyed a moist coconut cake. Fresh coffee was the perfect finish. Everything is made right here by the very staff that is now like family. The meal was amazing……
Karen joined our conversations and later admitted she had never been on a bike. The good wife said surprising assuredness, “you should ride with him. He’s a good pilot”. My heart swelled with pride. Karen thoughtfully considered the offer but would not commit.
Some of the guests gathered at the bar where Ron and Lena tended to their every wish and joined in the laughter and fellowship of new friends. The smell of oak and leather filled the place. I asked if we might be able to just stay forever.
Walking the pristine grounds, the comforting smell of campfire smoke lured us to the fireside. Everything for smores was on hand. Cool mountain air, warm firelight framed by the gentle flashes of lightning bugs; surreal. Later, we retired to the porch of our cabin and enjoyed the front porch rockers, the sounds of the night forest and the gentle river. This was the perfect ending to this amazing day.
The following morning dawned as before. No rush this time. I had asked Ron and Terry what time checkout was. “Whenever you like” was his smiling response. We carefully packed away the few things we had and loaded the bike. Breakfast was enjoyed in the kitchen this time. Anne proudly created her masterpieces custom to order and did not disappoint with fresh spinach and blue cheese omelets alongside my now favorite blueberry scones and fresh fruit.
After breakfast we walked toward the old and beautifully restored office and Karen met us. She was wearing her boots and anxious to take her first ride ever! We did a first ride brief and some basic instruction and off we zipped. As a first ride I thought the highway 28 “Hellbender” to Fontana Damn was a great choice. Karen certainly seemed to agree and we talked the entire time. She noted that it was indeed “much like flying” as we swept and carved the turns along the pristine lake. She added that “it’s nothing like I imagined”. I love this stuff.
Back at the lodge, we found Terry and the good wife relaxing in the deep leather and wood chairs enjoying the morning and each other’s company. The sun spilled through the windows as the moments and memories were banked into my brains “happy place” file.
Finally it was time to ride for home. Hugs all around and the staff all joined us as we mounted up and headed out. They all spoke of our next visit as if it was already booked. Seems it may as well be…
Through the valley to Robbinsville NC we rode and then high into the mountains we climbed as we crossed the Cherohola Skyway toward Tellico Plains TN. The Skyway runs nearly 6000 feet in elevation at the top with wispy clouds and cool mountain air welcomed us as we ran through some of the most epic vistas and sweepers in the east. I’ve been running in these mountains for nearly 30 years and this is the one of the most breathtaking 50 miles of road in the country. Do not miss this ride.
Safely home, we agreed that we will soon return to this hidden gem in the mountains, it is truly a treasure that must be experienced by all. The good wife agreed, that this was a bet worth losing... For me, winning a bet and traveling on two wheels make the journey so much sweeter.
Until next time…
~jonathan
https://tapocolodge.com/
and now some pics...
the lodge...
the lodge...
secured, lit motorcycle parking
the good wife...
path to the cabin
the cabin... (and yes, it has flat paved parking just next to the porch, all the cabins do)
The porch
from the porch
the river below...
oh so cozy and so very nice...
the day begins... (no helmet hair yet... fortunately i don't have that problem)
earned her dragons...
Karen, General Manager and future motorcyclist...
Dinner...
the music...
“cuisses de grenouilles”
black bean soup
Gnocchi
Sorbet...
amazing...
three berry cheese cake
coconut cream...
sorbet au berry
coffee...
Alex...
the grounds...
inside the lodge...
one of the very rarest coke machines in the world, see if you can tell why...
to the bar...
Ron and Lena tend the bar...
breakfast begins the following morning...
Ann, the master of the morning breakfast
amazing...
Karen, first ride ever... and not the last!
Bittersweet goodbyes. can't wait to come again!
see the photo album here:
https://s338.photobucket.com/albums/n403/CrashGordan/Tapoco%20Lodge%20NC/
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