The Smoky Mountains Motorcycle Rally is a series of events that bring together motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains region. Held in various locations throughout Tennessee and North Carolina, these rallies offer a unique blend of scenic rides, thrilling competitions, and a vibrant community of like-minded riders.
Smoky Mountain Small Bore Rally
The Smoky Mountain Small Bore Rally is a celebration of small-displacement motorcycles, held annually in Maryville, Tennessee. This event, scheduled for June 6-8, 2024, is a must-attend for riders who appreciate the agility and maneuverability of smaller bikes.
Key Attractions
- Field Games: Participants can showcase their skills in a variety of field games, testing their balance, precision, and control.
- Races: The rally features exciting races, where riders can push their small-bore machines to the limit.
- Stunting: Daring riders can demonstrate their acrobatic abilities on their bikes, thrilling the crowd with their gravity-defying maneuvers.
- Giveaways: Attendees have the chance to win exciting prizes, adding to the excitement of the event.
- Riding: Of course, the main draw of the Smoky Mountain Small Bore Rally is the opportunity to explore the winding roads and scenic vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains on your small-bore motorcycle.
- Food and Contests: Delicious food and engaging contests round out the event, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all participants.
- Bike Show: The Detroit Ruck Garage hosts a prestigious bike show, showcasing the finest small-bore machines from across the country.
- Industry Vendors: Attendees can browse a wide selection of motorcycle-related products and services from vendors hailing from all corners of the nation.
Best Routes
While the Smoky Mountain Small Bore Rally doesn’t specify any particular routes, the event’s focus on small-bore motorcycles means that riders can explore the scenic backroads and winding mountain passes that are best suited for these nimble machines.
Smoky Mountain Bike Week
Smoky Mountain Bike Week is a week-long celebration of motorcycles and the open road, held in Maryville, Tennessee, from September 28th to October 5th.
Key Attractions
- Bike Rides: Riders can embark on thrilling journeys along famous routes like the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Foothills Parkway, and more, taking in the stunning vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Live Music: The event features a lineup of live music performances, adding to the lively atmosphere.
- Flat Track Races: The Smoky Mountain Speedway hosts exciting flat track races, where riders can showcase their skills on a closed-circuit track.
- Demo Rides: Attendees can test-ride the latest Harley-Davidson motorcycles, exploring the brand’s latest offerings.
- The Shed Smokehouse and Juke Joint: This popular dining and entertainment venue at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson offers a taste of the region’s culinary and musical heritage.
Best Routes
The Smoky Mountain Bike Week offers riders the opportunity to explore some of the most iconic and scenic routes in the region, including:
- The Dragon (US 129 with 318 switchback curves)
- Cherohala Skyway (“The Million Dollar Highway”)
- Foothills Parkway
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Various mountain highways and river gorges
These routes are renowned for their breathtaking vistas, challenging twists and turns, and the pure joy of riding through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Thunder in the Smokies
Thunder in the Smokies is a series of motorcycle events held in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Key Attractions
- Scenic Rides: Riders can embark on stunning journeys along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding roads, taking in the natural beauty of the region.
- Bike Games: The event features a variety of bike games, with a $1,000 cash prize up for grabs.
- Bike Show: A prestigious bike show with a $1,000 cash prize for the winner.
- Live Music: The event features live music performances, adding to the lively atmosphere.
- Food and Drinks: Attendees can indulge in delicious local cuisine and refreshing beverages.
Best Routes
The Thunder in the Smokies events offer riders the opportunity to explore some of the most scenic routes in the region, including:
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Roads to Cherokee and Asheville
- Scenic mountain highways and river gorges
These routes are renowned for their stunning vistas, challenging twists and turns, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Smoky Mountains Motorcycle Rally series provides a unique and unforgettable experience for riders of all skill levels and interests. Whether you’re a fan of small-bore machines, cruising on iconic routes, or seeking thrilling competitions, these events have something to offer every motorcycle enthusiast. So, rev up your engines and get ready to explore the scenic wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains on two wheels.
Reference:
– Smoky Mountain Small Bore Rally
– Smoky Mountain Bike Week
– Thunder in the Smokies