What a ride I had yesterday veering off my usual routes a little.  I toured the Smokey Mountain National Park including the famous Cades Cove loop.  The park is located only about 25 miles from the Dragon.  Now this is not one of my usual routes, it is too crowded with to many restrictions for me, to many mini vans and SUV’s full of sightseers for my riding style.  But I am told that some folks like that kind a thing.  SMNP is the most visited national park in the country and every mini van east of the Mississippi was here this sunny Sunday, many bikes were also enjoying the scenery.

See this is where my tastes have changed over the years.  I used to like to slow down and smell the flowers and view the views.  But something has come over me these last few years living here in motorcycle heaven.  I have the need to hang off the side of my Geezer Glide, as I look at the curves of asphalt, not the scenery. 

July has been Mike the tour guide month.  Each weekend I had riders/potential clients following me around my mountain twisties.  One group of riders had 3 motor officers in it; none of them challenged my lead or riding style.  Actually was called a legend by one guy who had never ridden with me, but had been told about my riding style.  After 2 days of following me on twisty mountain roads thru Georgia, North Carolina & Tennessee, he thanked me for pushing him to be a better rider and the legend will go on!

 
We tried something new with me coaching the new Dragon and Skyway riders on the radio.  Only one didn’t get it and was choppered off the top of the Skyway.  So I now start out the pre-ride meeting with the chant “This thing of ours is dangerous” just to get their attention.  It seems to be working, as the feedback from the riders has been great.  Several riders said I should be getting paid for my coaching and tour guiding.  Yea I know I should be getting paid for writing too, maybe someday.  

The whole idea of this 2WheelRealtor thing and me writing this column is to get paid.  Perhaps 1 in 10 of these riders I show around my mountain twisties might get bitten by the same bug I was.  The “Ineedtoridetwisties” bug!  Ya see some of these riders have said they envy me for living in such a nice riding destination.  Duh…how about joining me?  Then maybe I can continue to ride for a living.  Speaking of that check out my new website, www.MotorcycleProperty.com.  This site will specialize in motorcycle friendly properties, not just homes but biker businesses for sale also. 

Keep your head and eyes up and twist the throttle!

Mike Ginocchi               

 
www.2WheelRealtor.com
www.MotorcycleProperty.com
www.SkywayGap.com