jimbrough:
Not smoke FROM the ride.....
Smoke FOR the ride.

Chriss:
Sounds like a blast. Have you seen the semi-documentary "Long way round" with Ewan Macgregor and Charley Boorman? A little more rugged than what you are facing, but may be a good primer. An interesting watch none the less. Hope it all works out for you.

Try to get by the Jack Daniels Distillery while you are out there, they are in Lynchburg, TN. They have a tour that's worth the time. My husband is a Tennessee Squire & goes out there to parties a lot. His family is originally from the Great Smokey Mountain, Georgia area, beautiful place to ride. Be sure you take a list of emergency numbers (say- yes Mother!) and any prescriptions you might be carrying. If you are going to carry a pistol, check the laws first. Good rain gear is a necessity, and plastic bags to keep things in saddlebags dry.