Fall Motorcycle Events

• Sixth annual Mid-South Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run. Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marines and sailors will be present to receive the toys. No entry fee, just a new, unwrapped toy from each participant.
• Music City Motorcycle Show. Nashville, Nov 9-10 – Features U.S. and imported new motorcycles, custom-built bikes and hundreds of parts and accessories from over 200 vendor booths.
• BikerThon. Old Hickory, Nov. 13 - Free event, must be 21 or older. Celebrity guest appearances, free door prizes every 30 minutes, biker comedian, charity auctions and grand prize: free bike rallies for a year.

Do Your T-CLOCS Routine Before Every Ride

The safety checklist recommended by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is labeled T-CLOCS and it stands for tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis and stands. Before every ride, check these six items, paying special attention to tires, brakes, chain and sprockets, engine and transmission oil and filters, air and fuel filters, light bulbs and the battery.

And Now, the Top 5 Motorcycle Rides in Eastern Tennessee

The roads and rides listed are the top five rides as determined by reviews and comments from riders, rider ratings (1 to 5) and an average score from several magazines and other publications.

• Deal's Gap (aka "The Dragon" or "Tail of the Dragon"): 318 turns in 11 miles. Definitely for the highly experienced rider.
• Cherohala Skyway: Halfway between Chattanooga and Knoxville, this seemingly innocuous highway will turn on you, suddenly throwing a hairpin turn at you that you might be going too fast to negotiate.
• Natchez Trace Parkway: From Nashville to Jackson, Ms., over 400 miles of scenic beauty, lower speeds and gentle curves. This is one of the least difficult rides out there, making it perfect for the novice rider.
• "The Snake" - Hwy 421 & 34: North of Asheville near the Kentucky border. 489 turns in 33 miles, for the more experienced rider.
• Foothills Parkway - US321 to US129 segment: Just south of Knoxville, this road is a combination of gentle turns and sharp twisties. Better eat and gas up in Walland or Maryville, as there are no amenities on the parkway.