Saturday and Sunday Review:
Saturday was an easier day, as we knew there would be tons of police and severe congestion on most of the good roads.
So, Jacqueline and I hopped on the my trusty KTM early (well, 9 a.m.) and took a ride over to the Dragon. Most of the mist had cleared, so we still managed a decent pace, but absolutely nothing absurd, especially considering the aforementioned police presence.
Made it to Deal's Gap, asked guy on a ZX10 who just completed a run, and he confirmed there was 1 bike cop at the overlook with radar. Zipped down, and didn't see any at all. Took a few minute break, got some photos, and went back up, at a slightly more fun pace. Again, no police, and the cruiser-pirates at the Gap just looked like they were getting ready to head out en masse, so we timed it just perfectly.
I was rather shocked to see the amount of rubber boogers and rain sipe edge wear on my rear tire at the Gap - obviously my suspension isn't set up at all for 2-up. Had some boogers when riding solo (with Randy and Dan etc), but nothing like this.
Overall, the tires are about 50% done (literally down to half tread depth on the edges) after a week of riding - 1450 km.
Packed everything up, loaded the truck, went for an evening boat cruise on Fontana Lake - the captain, Karl, was great.
Sunday Review:
Up at 5 a.m. (ugh!), final house clean up, empty out the fridge, breakfast, and on the road at 6 a.m. Dropped the garbage in the dumpsters by Deal's Gap, and headed home. Everything was good, clear sailing. Lots of construction, but no real slow downs. Border crossing went smoothly, had to show paperwork for bike, and that was it. Made it home at 7:30 p.m., unloaded everything, and had a much needed shower (12.5 hours in a non air-conditioned truck in high temperatures is no fun at all).