Thinking about a Blue Ridge Parkway ride

[ridesmith]

We're thinking about riding the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Skyline Drive to TN and back, and wondering what the Parkway is like for riders? Twisties?

[Matts_12GS]

Hi RideSmith,

 

 

If you ride all the way watch out for speed limits and deer on Skyline Dr.

 

Depending on when you go maybe you should check us out here when you get down to the western end.

[Selden]

The BRP is a wonderful ride that everyone should experience at least once. Roughly midway on the BRP is Fancy Gap, a very small community in VA. We had an "interesting" stay at the

Lake View Motel. Very accommodating owners, but the decor is kitsch to the max. We stayed in the clown room, which had roughly 20 clown dolls and paintings, plus an Elvis painting. Stop at the Pisgah Inn for a good lunch and view (on a sunny day).

 

The day the day I stopped at the visitors' center in Asheville to pick up a "Do you know what a descending [should have been decreasing] radius curve is?" long sleeve T-shirt, the ranger at the cash register asked me what I was riding. I said, "BMW". He asked, "What kind?"

[jimfastcar]

It is beautiful and leisurely ride, not technically difficult. I rode two sections of it, but eventually broke off to ride the Snake and the Dragon (been there, done that, bo desire to do either again as too many people trying to prove their prowess...)

It is the same all the way though, so you might get tired of it....

[Quinn]

A really nice road to ride; limited crossroads, pullouts at scenic overlooks at about five or ten mile intervals for slow moving vehicles, generally good pavement. On the negative side; it's a time suck--you'll average about 30mph. Don't want to speed much because of enforcement and cost of Federal ticket; also the chance of getting stuck behind a slow moving RV who won't pull over at the next overlook.

 

There are also a lot of really great roads just off the parkway if you have time.

 

---

 

 

[Selden]

It is the same all the way though, so you might get tired of it....

I disagree completely with this; when I rode the entire BRP from south to north, I was surprised at how varied it is over its length. High, sparse mountain vistas in the south, forested in the middle, goes through farmland in VA. By the time I got to Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park, my wrists were pretty much blown out from two days of twisties, and I got off at that point, but it's part of the total parkway experience.

[Bheckel169]

Plus 1 on Selden's comments. Plus, it doesn't take much to look at side excursions off the BRP. Fantastic sight seeing possibilities if you jump off every now and then. You could spend quite a bit of time getting off in Asheville and seeing the Biltmore as well as enjoy some wonderful restaurants there. There are many revolutionary war and civil war battlefields that you can do in a day ride off the BRP, as well. If you time this right, the colors in Spring are impressive and the whole ride is a photographer's delight.

Bruce

[FLrider]

I've got a corporate meeting to attend up in Nashville, the end of this month. It's only for a two days but they are paying for hotel for a week.

 

I am really tempted to ship my "work" clothes up there, ride the bike up and spend a few days up there and ride it back.

 

I wish I knew the roads up there because I can see myself getting up there and missing some great roads...

[lawnchairboy]

DO IT!

[Kinsley]

Almost any road can be technical if you ride it fast enough and the BRP is no exception.

There are some great sections if there's no traffic, so you have to catch it at the right time. Some of the best roads on the southern end are the ones that come up to the BRP from valleys below.

[Albert]

It's abolutely a wonderful and varied ride. Speed limits are low (lower on the Skyline than the BRP) but there's so much to see it would be a shame to blast your way along even if you could. I would suggest an early fall ride to avoid the summer vacationing motorhomes and trailers as much as is possible. Late fall you might hit the "leaf peeper" season as well. We did it from north to south a number of years ago but it's prominently on my "things to do again" list.

[jimfastcar]

It is the same all the way though, so you might get tired of it....

I disagree completely with this; when I rode the entire BRP from south to north, I was surprised at how varied it is over its length. High, sparse mountain vistas in the south, forested in the middle, goes through farmland in VA. By the time I got to Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park, my wrists were pretty much blown out from two days of twisties, and I got off at that point, but it's part of the total parkway experience.

 

 

Not my intention to be rude.....since we were mindful of the warnings on speed limits, we found it to be the same for long stretches....

This area is so full of great riding that the BRP was a relative dissapointment, scenic it is though

[sardineone]

I think you'll enjoy the BRP especially in the Asheville area. I would highly recommend a night's stay or at least a minimum of a meal at the Mt.Pisgah Inn on the Parkway about 20 min. from Asheville. I too highly recommend a visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville if at all possible.

 

http://www.pisgahinn.com/

 

http://www.biltmore.com/

[Foot]

The Skyline at 35 mph can put you to sleep, watch out for deer and bears on it also. The Blue Ridge is awesome if your not in a hurry and can enjoy the views. Stop and eat at the Pisgah Inn on the parkway great food. Try to do your trip during the week and not the weekend. You will find a lot less traffic to deal with during the week. My wife and I did bottom to top and back 2 years ago and really enjoyed it.

 

Alan

[Matts_12GS]

I've got a corporate meeting to attend up in Nashville, the end of this month. It's only for a two days but they are paying for hotel for a week.

 

I am really tempted to ship my "work" clothes up there, ride the bike up and spend a few days up there and ride it back.

 

I wish I knew the roads up there because I can see myself getting up there and missing some great roads...

 

FLrider, PM me and I'll get you some routes and roads that have been part of previous BRRs. Just let me know where you're supposed to be...

[ElevenFifty]

BRP is a must. More bikes than cars and on a weekday you can travel for a long time without seeing any other traffic.

 

Just before you get into Ashville - there is a pull off to the "Folk Art Center". This is a must stop IMHO. Sharon and I spent about an hour there a couple of years back admiring a gallery of quilts that were spectacular (and priced accordingly). Always an interesting place to tour.

 

We also stop at Craggy Gardens, just north of Asheville and take photos of the wildflowers. Also plan an hour to walk the trail back in to see Linville Falls ... there is more than one place to view the falls but be sure to go all the way to the last viewing spot ... it is worth the time and energy - one of the most impressive waterfalls in the east.

 

If your schedule permits, find yourself in downtown Ashville on a summer Friday night. You'll hear a drumbeat just before sundown ... follow the sound to the small park in the city center for the Friday night 'Drum Circle'. Great people watching spot.

[TEWKS]

A few from last summer. Nice Road!!

 

 

 

 

 

Pat

[Bob Palin]

This area is so full of great riding that the BRP was a relative dissapointment, scenic it is though

I totally agree with you Jim, a very dull road, slow, tunnel of trees, no human interest, and the occasional views are uninspiring. The valleys to the west are much more interesting.

[JayW]

I have ridden on the southern end of the Parkway many dozens (hundreds?) of times, the middle third several times, and the entire length twice. It is a national treasure that I am fortunate to live right next to. There are lots of other great roads in the area too, but I never tire of the BRP and it is one I frequently default to.

 

I too disagree that it is monotonous, in fact quite the opposite IMHO. It was designed to give the rider/driver a variety of experiences along its 469 mile path. If you want sameness, then ride the Natchez Trace Parkway...(another thread perhaps).

 

Before you leave, check to make sure the areas you intend to ride on are open - often there are sections closed due to rockslides or routine maintenance.

 

Jay

[FLrider]

I've got a corporate meeting to attend up in Nashville, the end of this month. It's only for a two days but they are paying for hotel for a week.

 

I am really tempted to ship my "work" clothes up there, ride the bike up and spend a few days up there and ride it back.

 

I wish I knew the roads up there because I can see myself getting up there and missing some great roads...

 

FLrider, PM me and I'll get you some routes and roads that have been part of previous BRRs. Just let me know where you're supposed to be...

 

Will do. Thanks. They have us staying at the Gaylord something or other in Nashville. But, I'm not adverse to blowing off the Nashville home base in favor of another part of the state.

 

I can blow off the meeting because, well, I can.

 

[Selden]

Thanks. They have us staying at the Gaylord something or other in Nashville. But, I'm not adverse to blowing off the Nashville home base in favor of another part of the state.

Oh god, Gaylord Opryland. I went to a library meeting there once, and we were sharing the conference center with the Pumper and Cleaner International Environmental Expo. Try to imagine 30 sewage pumper trucks lined up in formation with their arms upraised in parade salute. Butt cracks at the sushi bar. I tried to sneak into the exhibits hall, but couldn't get past security, and had to settle for an "I'm a Pumper" T-shirt, and sample issues of a few trade magazines, such as On Site Installer.

 

For me, the most interesting thing in Nashville was the Lane Motor Museum, which specializes in weird cars, especially microcars and the largest collection of Tatras in North America. Plus a Citroen 2CV in full race rally trim -- they dumped a second engine in the rear to make it AWD. Also a small collection of motorcycles.

[ridesmith]

Thanks for all the great tips and ideas. Can't wait to start rolling south!

[bimmers]

Take a couple of roads off the BRP they are fun and are considered among the best riding grounds in the country if not the world.

Close to civilization and especially my home so day trips are easily facilitated.

BRP can be a bit boring at 45 mph or even 35 at times but then just get off it and have a blast.

 

Ride safely and watch for dears, sorry deers...., don't ride at dark.

 

 

[Beemah]

I'm planning a trip for the last 2 weeks in July down the BRP, never been on it before. Planning on getting to The Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground and making that my base and doing as many rides as I can from there. I got a mad maps map of the Smokey Mountains off E-Bay and it has some great rides laid out in North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia. I'm psyched, I can't wait. Don

[Quinn]

I'm planning a trip for the last 2 weeks in July down the BRP, never been on it before. Planning on getting to The Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground and making that my base and doing as many rides as I can from there. I got a mad maps map of the Smokey Mountains off E-Bay and it has some great rides laid out in North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia. I'm psyched, I can't wait. Don

 

As long as you're camping, I'd suggest you spend the night at Willeville in Meadows of Dan. Nice campground, nice people, nice bathhouse, and a good excuse to eat buckwheat pancakes at Mabry Mills. The mill itself is probably the most photographed object on the Parkway.

[FLrider]

This Meadows place seems to pop up frequently. It must be nice. I'm not into tenting it if I don't have to and I notice that their are cabins etc., at the location.

 

Can anyone recommend a specific facility they stayed in that they liked?

 

http://www.meadowsofdanva.com/lodging.htm

 

Is the "campfire" thing only available to guys with tents?

[Albert]

I'm not at all affiliated, but we stayed here Stations Inn right on the parkway and it was great.

[Matts_12GS]

If you're going to spend any time around the Meadows of Dan area, I would strongly encourage you to go here.

[Selden]

BRMC in Cruso is a great base of operations, and close enough to Waynesville and the Pisgah Inn for a little fancier meal. You may want to swing by Waynesville to catch some of the Folkmoot (July 22 - August 1) activities, especially the Parade of Nations on July 23, and International Festival Day on July 31, both in Waynesville, NC. I'm sure the folks at BRMC will be willing to share advice on interesting rides.

[RedHot]

Just a note for those of you going to play on the BRP, I would check with the DOT to find out their clean up schedule. From what I've been told, they had a LOT of trees down with these winter storms and there are deteours while they are cleaning. I'm sure they'll take their sweet time cleaning things up but if you're thinking you're going to go from point A to point B in so many hours, you might need to figure in the deteours.

 

If you're going this summer, then never mind, hopefully they'll have this cleaned up by then.

 

Just my .02

 

HAVE FUN!!!!

[dstutz]

Don't think about it do it. It's another of those roads that's on most people's lists for doing in their lifetimes. I've gone north to south twice now but I came back up north on different roads both times. The speed limit of 45 is reasonable as you probably won't get trouble for 55 and that's fun enough. Scenery and roads vary. The top and bottom are more twisty with a section in the middle being lower and a little more sedate. I enjoyed it enough to do it the next year with a friend. Skyline Drive I can go either way on. If you want to enjoy the twisites skip it as it's 105 miles, you have to pay a fee to enter the park, and it's 35mph limit. It you are fine cruising along behind cars then go for it. It actually has tighter sections than the BRP.

 

It seems there are always closures on the BRP so whenever you go there will be some detours and pretty much can't stay on it the whole way. I'd consider an alternate route on the way home just for the sake of sampling some of the other roads in the areas. The Snake, US-421, in TN is not to be missed IMO.

Some BRP shots: