On the first Sunday of each of the past 67 years, Jim's Motorcycle of Johnson City, TN has "sponsored" the Roan Mountain Ride. Today was exceptional with high temperatures (in Johnson City) of almost 70 degrees. It has not always been so. Regardless of the weather, the ride always occurs.
The idea is simple. A "trial" rider (the yellow Gold Wing today) makes the trip from the shop to Carvers Gap on the TN/NC line an hour or so prior to departure of the group and records his time. The trial rider may choose any route he wishes and may ride at whatever pace suits him. The shortest distance is about 40 miles and the elevation rises from around 1500 ft in JC to 5500 feet at the top of the Gap.
As each rider arrives at Carver's Gap, their arrival time is recorded. There is no set route. There is no expectation that the group will ride together or return by the same route.
Today trial rider made the trip in about 63 minutes. The "winner" is the rider whose time most closely matches but does not beat the trial rider's. Today the winning time was 64 minutes.
When the group has arrived back at the shop, pizza is served and trophys are awarded winners (5 places today). Since no one knows exactly what route was taken or how fast the trial rider made the trip, winning is almost totally chance.
Five HSTA members participated today. Anne and Robert Williams, Nancy and Jim Randall (not pictured)
and Jim Culp
This "event" is free. Jim's MC Sales provides organization, location, food and trophys at their expense. These are GREAT folks! And, their shop ACTUALLY HAS MOTORCYCLES on the floor instead of generators, outboards, lawnmowers, etc. There were maybe 10 ATVs displayed but at least 50 bikes (Honda and Suzuki) on the floor. Yeah, this is my kind of place! If you're ever traveling in this area, give Jim's some business - they deserve it.