Buffet Riders invade Smoky Mountain Mansion.
by Neale Bayly

Deep in the Smoky Mountains a group of marauding touring riders was found guilty of having far too much fun today, at the luxurious Smoky Mountain Mansion. Riding their motorcycles down from Benton, Illinois, the Buffet Riders were using the Mansion as their "base camp" for a long weekend getaway to explore our beautiful countryside. Comprising of seven couples, I learned from the unofficial organizer, Alice Loucks, that this was the first time they had all traveled in a group like this. With five of the husbands working at Continental Tire North America and two of the wives, Cheryl and Lori being sisters, the eclectic group all had a tale to tell of how they had joined the ride.

Over Continental breakfast at the mansion, Ron, Nancy and I had the chance to meet them all this morning and hang out for a while. A little rain was falling outside so no one was in a great hurry to head out and ride. The plucky Buffet Riders had encountered a lot of heavy mist and fog on the Cherohala Skyway on their way in yesterday and with next to zero visibility it had been a difficult last couple of hours. Riding an assortment of bikes from Honda Goldwings to Harleys, the fun loving group was obviously enjoying each others company as well as the splendid hospitality Peter Covert and his staff offer at the Mansion. With a full day of riding ahead, over some the areas most spectacular roads, I am sure there will be many great tales to tell later this evening over dinner back at the Mansion.

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