The first ever Motorcycle Kickstart Classic is now in the books.....and let me tell ya, it was one heck of a weekend.  It all started Wednesday morning as bikes began rolling in from across the country.  The weather was perfect, and showed promise of sunny skies and mild October temperatures for the entire two day ride.

By noon on Wednesday, things were really beginning to take shape.  Over 40 bikes had already signed up for the ride, ranging from Knuckleheads and Panheads, to modern hot-rod customs, a host of 60's and 70's imports from Europe and Japan, and of course a few trusty old flatheads, one of which, Dale would be piloting for the next 300+ miles.

I had sketched out the route late Tuesday night, and made plenty of copies for everyone....just in case of the inevitable separation of the pack, wrong turns, and breakdowns.  The first day would cover over 200 of the best miles that the Appalachian's have to offer, including parts of Hwy 28 near the Dragon, the famed Cherohala Skyway, and the little known (and rarely travelled) Route 30 out of Reliance, TN.

By the time five o'clock rolled around on Wednesday, we'd already signed up over 60 riders, with more to arrive during the evening and next morning.  The American Iron Magazine staff was on hand for the ride, including our good friend and AIM editor Buzz Kanter aboard his beauty of a 1936 Knucklehead, and greeted riders with route sheet, free 2011 Motorcycle Kickstart Classic T-shirts, and stickers for helmets and bikes.   With Baker Drivetrain sponsoring the ride, they sent out two of there best representatives -- Mr. Bert Baker himself, and drag racer extraordinaire James Simonelli.

Thursday morning, the bikes and riders gathered at the WTT for one last glance through the museum before the big ride.  Just after 10:00 a.m., everyone was ready to roll.  The ceremonial kickstart of the bikes all at once was something to witness, with almost 70 non-button-start machines in attendance.  And we were off.

Heading over the mountain into Cherokee, NC, I couldn't help but take a glance back every few minutes, soaking up the site of such a diverse group of machines, and riders, winding through the twisties on what was sure to be one of the best rides of the year.  I was on my '38 Knucklehead, which seemed to run better and better with every mile, Dale on his 1940 80" Flathead "Gas Hog", and Buzz on his '36 Knuck, leading the pack. 

The goal was to take only back roads....we weren't in a hurry, and besides, when you're on motorcycle, the twistier the roads the better.  After following HWY 19 all the way through Bryson City, we took a right on 28, blasted a few miles, and stopped for gas at a little station in Stecoah, NC, taking up almost every square inch of their parking lot. 

The first thing I noticed after getting off my bike was about 70 smiling faces.  This was a good sign. 

We hung out at the gas station for about 15 minutes, as some riders made a few adjustments after the first 50-mile shakedown.  Everyone seemed to be running good, so we hit the road, headed for the Cherohala Skyway.

I had never ridden the skyway, but knew we had to incorporate it into the ride, having heard thousands of great things from museum visitors over the years.  I didn't really know what to expect, but after the first few miles, I realized there was no doubt that this is a must-do for anyone riding the mountains. Steep climbs, big sweeping curves, and long range views.......one of the best roads I've ever ridden.   Bert Baker and James Simonelli made their way to the front of the pack, and when Bert flew by me like I was standing still, I knew there was only one thing to do........grab another gear and catch up!  We held a blistering pace across the Tennessee line, soaking up the long range views before each next turn, even if only for a brief second or two.  Descending into Tellico Plains, we all stopped for a gas and a bite to eat, each raving about our favorite part of the last 50 miles.

Out of Tellico, we headed south on 315 toward Reliance, TN.  Sure there were quicker ways to go, but having ridden a stretch of HWY 30 out of Reliance during this year's Big Mountain Run, I couldn't help going back for another run at it.  Tight s-curves and banked corners everywhere, and a string of bikes to give 'em all they had.  By the time we hit HWY 64, it was a confirmed good choice.

So another 50 miles down the road we went, passing through little town after little town, giving the locals a site I'm sure they hadn't seen since the 60s (or longer!).  The last 10-mile stretch of four lane gave us a chance to wind 'em up a little, proving (if only to ourselves) that all the care and preparation we took in getting these bikes ready for the road was enough to ride 'em, and ride 'em hard. 

Pulling into Panhead City, we were met with great hospitality by Chuck and his friends.  Barbeque, Chuck's Special Spicy gumbo, and beverages of any sort were up for grabs, and Baker Drivetrain even handed out a few awards for riders, including the oldest bike on the run, a 1933 Harley VL all the way from Nashville, TN.

By the time it was dark, we were all beat, and headed to the hotel, to reflect on the day's ride a little, and to gear up for whatever came our way on Day 2.

To be continued......