Late Dec with mid 60s in the mtns of NC.. It doesn't get much better since theres zero traffic compared to Fall/Spring. We did a 50 mile social ride, with 2 decent climbs(done as an in/out) for those whom might feel the need to hammer abit otherwise.

Early on along the Santeelah Lake(just off to the left). Perfect weather.

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We took a side spur to go climb Yellow Creek Gap, which is a 16 mile in/out, that climbs what is printed in Parham's Road biking the Smokies as argubly the steepest climb in NC(20+% with almost 1000' gain in .9 mile). After we climbed that and then descended back down at 45mph, we stopped (apparently in the middle of the road) for some social time/pics(a car might come by every 25 minutes or so in these parts).

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This area really sucks to ride.

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Why this pic is all pink, I dunno. Thats the Cheoah River on the left along hwy 129.

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Then resumed riding along the Santeelah lake. Awesome ride, by the way, with endless short climbs/descents.

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Blue Hole, a play spot on the Cheoah river.

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Blue skies.

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Then we climbed Maple Springs, which is a 5 mile 1600' climb(7-10% maybe?) up what was supposed to be the same road sorta as the Cherohala Parkway turned out to be, but was abandoned years ago. It now just climbs to about 4000' I'd guess, and deadends at a turn around. Below is the view off the side at the turn-a-round at the top. Thats Gregory Bald at 6100+' being part of the main spine of the Smokies. The entrance/start of this climb is at that big multi road entersection at the base of Joyce Kilmer where the bridge is. Its signed "No Outlet". Killer descent too;). ..just watch the rough/course pavement.

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But, theres also a short trail/bridge(25yard walk) walk out to a wooden platform with one of the best views in the SE, imho. One can see 260 degrees for miles. Don't miss this view if you climb this awesome and scenic climb.

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Later along the bottom and top of the dam while heading back late in the ride.

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Budget roadie/racer..:).. 05 TCR (alum) built up with Ultegra/Duraace(105 shifters) 9sp mix, 1500gm wheels w/ light tires/tube, Alien carbon, Aspide, some titanium and alum fasteners, ti skewers, etc. At a very average weight of 17.5lb.

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Messing around about the same time. Great ride, and will do it again.

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Part 2. Sunday was a mtb ride in the mtns behind my GFs place. Nice riding from the back door...

"we be going up yonder ways"..

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View from the powerline cut looking back down at the FS rd above(see it in the center of pic)

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Crazy dog just having fun.

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Not a bad place to explore for sure.

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Mtb mode.:) Neat gloves, eh?

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Hey Duckman, you done good again! Nice pics!

About Yellow Creek. . . where's the monsta' hill? A couple times I've taken that turn and found my way over to Fontana. Turn on yellow creek, go under the big a$$ pipe, up a hill, take a right at the T, go up a long hill, down the other side (to 28 I think). I don't remember it being nearly as steep as the cheoha dam climb. Just curious if I've been missing a good one?

I'll second the "Done Good"!

BTW ain't this some crazy weather we are having.

BTW2 nice pix.

Very nice. :thumbsup:

I've seen nothing but gray skies for weeks now; I'd gladly take pink skies instead :)

OK, as a guy from Indianapolis, who has ridden in that area a bit...

I"M TOTALLY JEALOUS!!!!!...

Great ride photos, great ride, and without a doubt the best riding east of the Mississippi...

Great pictures. I liked the helmet-cam shot.

So to go through Yellow Creek Gap, do you turn off 129 at Yellow Creek Road (as pictured above) and ride through to 28 (Fontana Road)?

Where is Maple Springs?

Great pictures. I liked the helmet-cam shot.

So to go through Yellow Creek Gap, do you turn off 129 at Yellow Creek Road (as pictured above) and ride through to 28 (Fontana Road)?

Where is Maple Springs?

Thanks. No helmet cam tho.I'm just riding with no hands and pointing the camera up and over my helmet.

Maple Springs starts at the exact intersection where you turn up to the base of Joyce Kilmer if'n you want to go up and see those big-arse old growth trees and such(the only signed "Kilmer" whatever in the area). Theres a bridge there, as well as a 4 road intersection. Facing Kilmer from the bridge..take a right on Maple Springs(not sure its marked, but there IS a sign that states "no outlet"). Very nice side climb to add-on to a given ride, with great views off to the right all the way up for the most part. Then a fun descent afterward. I hit 45 up near the top, altho the pavement is pretty rough.