You will absolutely love Asheville. I been there a couple 2-3 times.

And Harleys run their best at 50-60 degrees. Its not to expensive outside Asheville proper. Beautiful riding and things to see and do like the Biltmore Estate..the epitomy of wealthy indulgence on the backs of the poor and uneducated.

If you have moved there by time I retire I would seriously consider relocating there too. I did try to transfer there a couple 3-4 years ago.

Good luck and hope you acheive your goal.

I kind of enjoy a cooler climate to ride in, seems my bike runs better, I'm not overheating, I enjoy wearing my jacket - keeps the bugs off - and it works well in cooler temps.

I struggle with that aspect...they reccomend and I agree to wear ATGATT buut dayum is that brutal in hot weather. Its almost better to gamble a road rash for the opressive heat and wearing protective gear.

You have to try out one of those mesh jackets - they also make pants. I'm ok with my jeans but the jacket makes all the difference in the world. The one i have has the best the armor and makes the ride nice.
My buddy is wishing he had one on, his road rash took a month to heal up.

I did finally pick one of those up the other day in anticipation of next summers ride. Need somehting lite yet rain proof. Sticking with my tour master flex pants. Are rainproof and has kevlar in key places. Not exactly form fitting but when it starts raining I don't have to pull over to change.

you can keep the liner in and it acts like a wind breaker for those days that are upper 60's - 70's. I liked the mesh jacket I got for myself - I got one for my brother.
Don't get me wrong, I still like my leather jacket. But the new jackets I have all have armor in the elbows and shoulders and pads in the back. Seems they're a better fit also - just makes riding that much more enjoyable.
As for the pants - only in the milder weather, the kind that only gets cold if you're wet, and cold weather riding can I cover my legs with out over heating. SO jeans work well for me, especially out here in CA, around 10 months of summer.
When I was back in NY I used to double up on the jeans in the cold weather. Or I'd wear long underwear under my jeans.
I still prefer a colder day to a hotter day when riding - just keep the rain and snow!!

I did finally find a nice mesh/waterproof jacket for next summer. Little cool for it now but it'll be perfect for next summers ride.

I think my bike runs tighter in the cooler weather, might just be in my head.

I have got to get the time to explore Asheville and the Black Mountain area's... well all around there. It would be cool if we ended up in the same area over in NC. I don't have folks I ride with here. It's moreso because I work a lot and when I'm off I spend my time with the family. If we go to Florida it will be so my wife can enjoy the Florida beaches and I can check out MMI for my bucket list.

It's a wierd time in my life.

I cannot quite understand what you're going through KS. We're about the same age and I sure ain't looking hard to relocate or re-tool my chosen profession. Would it be nice..sure. Realistic for me...naw. I have tried 5-6 years ago to relocate to NC. Once to Asheville and another to Salisbury,NC...just south of Asheville,NC. And helz ya KS..it would be very cool to end up in the same place...it'll be tricky,but possible,lol.

What I'm going through? It's nothing traumatic or bad at all. As far as my career, It’s time to pass the Patron to a new generation. The new adventure will stimulate my mind and invigorate my body.