I am planning to go to Deals Gap, Tennessee (it borders North Carolina) for the third time next month, with about 7 other people on motorcycles, and maybe 1 driving. We will stay at a motel for 2 nights in either Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. It is about 250 miles from my home, with a long stop for lunch and several extra fuel and rest stops. We go here for the curvy mountain roads, the scenery, good restaurants, and seeing a lot of other motorcyclists.
My typical ride is a 22 mile loop near my home with curvy country roads including one that is along a creek with great air to breathe. Once in a while I ride to a new bike dealership to look around and dream, or get on the interstate for an exit or two to keep used to going 75 mph. Once in a while I will do a longer day trip to a good restaurant with a couple of friends on their bikes. I used to ride 70 miles from my college to home for some of the weekends and holidays by myself, and it would be safer now since most people have cell phones to dial 911. It seems like fewer cars pull out in front of you now, because motorcycles are more common and drivers are more used to seeing them. Maybe it is also because I wear a brighter colored jacket and helmet, compared to the old days on my Yamaha XS-650 (1980 to 1985).