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Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | Starting to plan a trip down the Blue Ridge for 2013; can't do the fall so what is the best balance of weather, scenery and traffic?
Thanks,
Jim |
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Cruiser
Posts: 103
Davenport, IA | For past several years, I have done an extended weekend trip around Memorial weekend. Traffic not bad. Temperatures and weather usually good. Rhododendron's usually in bloom and are plentiful throughout the parkway. You can't beat it! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| Jim, autumn is our favorite time to ride the BRP, but you almost can't go wrong any other time during "riding season". You may appreciate the cool shady roads and mountain elevations most during the summer months.
It goes without saying to avoid it on weekends or holidays, but we've never seen it really crowded.
The BRP is a great road but personally we can only take it for an hour or two at a time. After that it can become monotonous. You might enjoy some diversions onto the few intersecting roads to explore the backroads of VA & NC. One of our favorites is US 276 in NC. Whatever parts you skip on the way south, you can pick up on the way back home.
Just my 2 cents, I would avoid the Skyline Drive portion of the route and the accompanying toll. You can pick up the BRP further south for free. If you PM me I'll tip you off to a nice alternative route from around Front Royal southbound.
Have a great trip! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 251
Mechanicsville, VA United States | Blue Ridge Parkway is a very nice long ride, plan at least two full days and might even 3 full days so you can stop
along the way to learn somethings.
I live in Virginia and I've been all the way from one end to the other and there's lots to see and learn about the parkway and life along the PW.
This year we started at the south end(Cherokee NC) and headed north, rain/fog/wind and cold temps slowed us down and we missed seeing a lot around Ashville NC and I would love to see that area again cause what we could see was beath taking.
If you can plan on staying in Blowing Rock NC for one night, we stayed at the Alpine Village Inn, really nice for the area but I think it was $99 for the night but two of us spilt the cost and it was well worth it then. Across the street was a resturant called The Speckle Trout and we ate here, all I can say about our food was AMAZING!
I think I could write a book about the BRP cause I've done a lot of miles on it.
If you like Bluegrass there a place about 3 miles from Va/NC line on the Va. side that has locals playing there every day from 12noon till 4pm and a lot of festivals throughout the year, some are free and some not but all are
a great time, I ve been there 3 times and want to go again.
If you need help planing a trip don't hesitate to email questions and I'll do my best to help you!
diamonbird@yahoo.com
ps. would love to show you around even show you the dragon/deals gaps, been there a lot.
BTW we went through Ashville on the BRP in June and it was cold and wet and foggy. I'm thankful I own First Gear two piece rain suit.
Edited by diamonbird 2012-11-18 3:38 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
| Don't miss a slight detour at Maggie Valley NC for the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Should not be missed. I agree to drop the Skyline Parkway due to 35 mph speed limit. BRP is 45 most places but you can average a little more. If you get backed up in traffic and happen to pass on a double yellow it is fine only, no points because it is in a National Park although I'm not sure why I know that. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| keep in mind park rangers can give speeding tickets.
Yes becareful of 4 legged critters that sand in middle of road |
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Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | Sounds like a couple of nights in Blowing Rock should be on the list; the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway and the museum are all doable from there. I'm planning on running the BRP N-S using Kevin's advice I'll have some alternate routes to run if the crew wants some variety. Looking to hit the road on a Friday after work and get to PA, if we wake up Saturday to rain then we will probably stay on 81 and get as far south as we can, ride that area, then run the BRP S-N.
Thanks for the info, got a preliminary plan; after holidays it's time to get commitment and input from those that are interested then refine the plan. I'm gonna have a bunch of questions then.
Thanks,
Jim |
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Cruiser
Posts: 212
Tavares, Fl | Send me an email when you get ready to go, I drive a tour bus and do tours in the area, I can give you some ideas, one must is dinner at the Daniel Boone Inn in Boone, family style meals. Also check out the Mast General Store in Valis Crucis...on the way to Grandfather Mountain.... |
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Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | Make sure u know your gas stops. none on parkway |
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Cruiser
Posts: 251
Mechanicsville, VA United States | Yeah I forgot about the lack of gas station, might be a good idea for someone to carry some gas in something....believe me when I say we came real close to walking the first time we did the BRP. you get so used to thinking "oh there's another gas station around the next bend, I just know it is".
Having a Vision there's not much of an issue anymore but my other bikes didn't have the range. If anybody in your group has a small gas tank you had better plan better for it. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 133
, AR United States | Check out the BRP web site. http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=50 |
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Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | Yes and the brp has a booklet that lists gas stop. Picked it up at the end of end to ender. Go figure. Lol
Edited by sonicbluerider 2012-11-19 9:00 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | Ordered a set of maps from here that are supposed to show gas; will definately have to pay attention.
http://americaridesmaps.com/
Jim |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 7
East Tennessee | I have ran the BRP several times and I have to agree on making sure you know where the gas stations are. I ran out two years ago but got lucky because I was near a county road that dropped down with a gas station at the bottom so I was able to coast down to it. My buddies still give me a hard time about that one. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | It's finally here, leaving friday afternoon. Thanks for all the input.
Jim |
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BRP trip planning