Analyze my Trip Route

[Kneedragger55]

Ok, putting the pieces together for my first long-winded ride....ever. And it'll be 2-up. Going from Raleigh to Blacksburg to Deals Gap to Charlotte to Raleigh. Sorry if this is in the wrong section, mod's please move if necessary, I looked in the Regional and EOM forums and didn't really see anything relative to this. I'm just looking for general experiences and exposures in these areas and if you guys can better enhance our trip. The original plan included going to Front Royal and knocking out most of the northern BRP, but it's just going to take too long so this is it. Not sure of the best way to share this as I have it in Google My Maps and Google Maps in 4 legs...so here goes. I'll let you look at the maps rather than blasting off 129 to 56 to 48 and on and on. I tried to look up "best roads in NC" etc to get us from Blacksburg to Deals Gap as that'll be the best leg of the trip, and I haven't ever done this before. Critique away and all advice is welcome.

If you have have a google account, you can use my maps as long as you're logged in. The first time I opened it looked like a pdf and I couldn't see anything, there should be a box at the top where you can open in my maps.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=181uyBxgdSvum4DcA-RYdkEsuYLU&usp=sharing

Legs in Google Maps

EDIT: So my links must have too much text to actually paste into the link or something. I have them emailed to myself and they all work. But when I put the link into here, only 2 of the 4 legs show up. The longer 2 links will not work. Any advice?

 

[Tiger_993]

When I click on your link above, it opens up right in My Maps and all four of your legs are there, as well as your "places to visit" list. I'm not qualified to make any route suggestions though, but I see a lot of curves in the route, so it must be pretty decent

 

[Tiger_993]

I lied.

I actually do have a route suggestion, just not sure if it will work for your timeframe or not: you could take the BRP from Blacksburg to Deal's Gap. It will probably be slower than your current route between those two points, but since you're going to be so close anyway, why not try to ride it. I have the entire BRP saved as a route for a "some day" trip, so I made a quick edit for you in order to pick it up outside of Blackburg.

I'm showing your current route from Blacksburg to Deal's Gap to be 348 miles and about 11 hours. If you take the BRP instead, I'm coming up with 401 miles and 13 hours. So I'm not sure if that is something you want to consider, but I thought I would throw it out there. I live in Minnesota, so take my advice with a grain of salt

For a visual, here's the BRP route from Blacksburg to Deal's Gap: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IhFTIgyaoQOWHeY36Nla3PPJKKM&usp=sharing

 

[Intech]

First of all, the northern end of the BRP is in Waynesboro, VA. North of there Skyline drive begins. If you want to ride some of the VA BRP from Blacksburg head to Christiansburg and pick up rt. 8 to Floyd. Go through Floyd and it will bring you to the BRP. You could then stay on the BRP or just take it to 58 west at Meadows of Dan and then head south on 21 in Independence to 221 to 421 and Take that to Shady Valley to ride the Snake. You could then head south on 91 towards Johnson City and pick your original route back up. The only other suggestion I would make is to take 143 to Robbinsville from 28. Pick up 129 there. Take 129 north and then turn off 143 and the Cherahala Skyway. Since you were turning around at the dragon you can take the Cherahala to Tellico Plains. Just as you are getting to Tellico Plains turn north on 360 to 411 north to 76 east and that will take you to 129 and the dragon. you will then be heading east again. If you have never ridden the area don't miss the Cherahala.

Writing that all out has me itching to ride that area again soon!

 

[Kneedragger55]

I'm showing your current route from Blacksburg to Deal's Gap to be 348 miles and about 11 hours. If you take the BRP instead, I'm coming up with 401 miles and 13 hours. So I'm not sure if that is something you want to consider, but I thought I would throw it out there. I live in Minnesota, so take my advice with a grain of salt

For a visual, here's the BRP route from Blacksburg to Deal's Gap: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IhFTIgyaoQOWHeY36Nla3PPJKKM&usp=sharing

Yea I debated on taking more of the BRP....but isn't the speed limit mostly 35mph??? I'm really hoping your travel time is off on that route from Bburg to the Gap. I've got 348 miles, but 7hrs 11min on MyMaps and 7hrs 15min on Google Maps. Hopefully you read that wrong or something. There's no way in hell I'm doing 11 hrs, and even an average of 40 mph is only 8.7 hrs just doing the math.

First of all, the northern end of the BRP is in Waynesboro, VA. North of there Skyline drive begins. If you want to ride some of the VA BRP from Blacksburg head to Christiansburg and pick up rt. 8 to Floyd. Go through Floyd and it will bring you to the BRP. You could then stay on the BRP or just take it to 58 west at Meadows of Dan and then head south on 21 in Independence to 221 to 421 and Take that to Shady Valley to ride the Snake. You could then head south on 91 towards Johnson City and pick your original route back up. The only other suggestion I would make is to take 143 to Robbinsville from 28. Pick up 129 there. Take 129 north and then turn off 143 and the Cherahala Skyway. Since you were turning around at the dragon you can take the Cherahala to Tellico Plains. Just as you are getting to Tellico Plains turn north on 360 to 411 north to 76 east and that will take you to 129 and the dragon. you will then be heading east again. If you have never ridden the area don't miss the Cherahala.
Writing that all out has me itching to ride that area again soon!

Maybe you can clarify if the BRP is 35 mph most of the way, it's been a long time since I road it. Also thought about riding the snake, but hwy 321 is a bit of an underground legend, it brings us closer to our destination, and it looks better on the map

All aside, those are great suggestions. We're staying 2 nights at the gap and riding the skyway after a day of rest. I've ridden those roads around the gap most of my life, so we definitely won't miss the skyway. The 360 to 411 is the standard route for sure and a great ride.

EDIT: Hmmmm...the snake does look tempting on second look. Not sure that 321 does "look better on the map". Will keep that in thought.

 

[steve_g]

BRP is mostly 45mph.

If doi ng the BRP, I'd skip the northern portion and start at Fancy Gap.

 

[TomInPA]

I show you going southbound on I-81 from Blacksburg enroute to Glade Spring. This is a rather unremarkable run that could be improved a lot of ways. One is to exit at Marion and take 16 north through Hungry Mother SP to Tazewell, or take U.S. 21 south to SR 58 West and enjoy the curves from Mouth of Wilson on down to your original route. Pretty much anything but Interstate would be an improvement. You are taking the express lane around some of the most beautiful riding in the east.

I would agree with picking up BRP at Fancy Gap off I-77 as being a way to enjoy some good riding without doing the entire distance. FWIW, I rode from Cherokee to Lynchburg on the BRP in a single day. That is a lot longer than you are proposing to go.

 

[Kneedragger55]

Thanks Tom and Steve....and yes you're right I-81 is likely the most undesirable of places. With a 7hr ride though I just wanted to cut out SOME of the time. Let's face it, the most time I've spent on a bike in a day was 4hrs on a R6 on I-40/85 like 8 years ago. Not the same I know, just trying to pace myself. I'll try to finagle that some and if I can do something different and only add an hour that'll definitely be better. Thanks for the routes!!

Looking at this site as another reference. Looks like some of these roads I've got on here, particularly the 212/208 from Hwy26 (exit 43) to Hot Springs is like nothing. I actually just checked to see if it was dirt LOL...IT'S NOT!!! Hahaha I'VE BEEN FOOLED BEFORE!!!! The little yellow google man shows a good road, but not very scenic and basically no gas. Definitely need to plan ahead on that front. I didn't really plan around scenery, just curves, time, and destination, figured the scenery would come naturally. I'm sure the wife would appreciate MORE scenery though. Taking 209 South from Hot Springs seems like a must. It literally looks like the gap on the map and has rave reviews as an underground hot spot with no traffic and great views, so that's going to stay, plus it spits us out at Lake Junaluska and an easy 1hr hop to 28 where I'm at home again

Basically no roads directly west of that northern stretch of I-40 through the heart of the mountains (except 441 N/S); and I think coming in on the south side of the gap is better anyway.

https://www.motorcycleroads.com/Routes/North-Carolina_109.html

 

[Kneedragger55]

Revised it based on comments. Thanks ya'll. Looking to hit Fancy Gap from Blacksburg, jump on the BRP to outside of Boone and resume the original route. Only add's 45min to an hour and no highway!!!!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qGW4TvTMv0-pQP4T6Y9UPbUyYRM&usp=sharing

 

[TomInPA]

Your link to Google drive is not public, but I think you will enjoy your trip on BRP. No road has been better designed with good consistent radius curves, lines of sight and amazing scenery. Speed limit of 45 can be exceeded, but stay alert and use a RD if you have one (outside Virginia). If you decide to go to Mt Mitchell (highest point on BRP), that is a State Park and they do enforce the speed. The thing about the BRP is there are no stops or intersections, so it is deceptively fast. However, if you don't stop at some overlooks you deserve to be beaten and surely will be since you are taking SWMBO.

 

[1911]

.....212/208....209 South from Hot Springs......

Don't waste your time there. Nothing worth a pint of fuel in the Hot Springs, Luck, Trust area

But really, you should avoid this area if you don't want Deal's Gap to be a letdown.

Of much importance here is when will you be doing Deal's Gap?

 

[Kneedragger55]

Sorry forgot to update privacy on new link:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qGW4TvTMv0-pQP4T6Y9UPbUyYRM&usp=sharing

Yea I think we'll enjoy the BRP, probably won't make it as far as Mt. Mitchell but I may finagle some more to include more parkway, we'll see.

.....212/208....209 South from Hot Springs......

Don't waste your time there. Nothing worth a pint of fuel in the Hot Springs, Luck, Trust area

But really, you should avoid this area if you don't want Deal's Gap to be a letdown.

Of much importance here is when will you be doing Deal's Gap?

Yea 209 looks to be a waste, maybe I'll skip it all together

You see....I spent many a good years at the Gap, and although some roads may be longer, I'd be surprised if it's curvier, or even more-so more technical. Regardless, what's killed the Gap is the publicity and squids, but the few talented locals (of which I know most) who've been riding that 11 miles since the late 80's early 90's keep it alive. There's a racer culture there that's hard to distinguish unless you immerse yourself in it, particularly in the off-season. It has traits most roads (including 209) don't have, there are no intersections, there are no turn offs, there are no outlets, there are no houses, there are no driveways. Some years ago there was a rock-slide on the North side which closed access to the Gap on the TN side by the Foothills Parkway. Guess what, it's a 3-4 hr detour to get there. TN police couldn't get there, and NC police couldn't patrol it. Plus, 11 miles is just enough for a "time-trial". Bet you can't ride 209 at 110% the whole way. We'll be at the Gap from June 12-14, come on up, I'll show you the local line.

 

[hppants]

You've got a nice loop ride going. I'd re-consider Hwy 221, Hwy 143 (Roan Mtn is spiritual), and Hwy 19W - in route to your eventual crossing of I-26. That entire section of the Pisgah National Forest is quite frankly IMO why motorcycles exist and arguably some of the finest riding East of the Mississippi River.

Resist with all your might the temptation to over plan your ride. I know it's a hard sell, but I can't over state this. In today's world of GPS, cell phones, and other technology, you really can't get lost. You spend your whole life on a schedule. For just a few days, just go with it. Don't worry about "making it to _________" or "seeing ______" or "missing the chance to ride ___________". Free up some mental space in your brain and allow your mind, imagination, and curiosity to lead you. This will heighten all of your senses without taxing you.

In that region, BELIEVE me when I say that it is ALL good. The shittiest wagon trail is friggin awesome over there. You simply cannot go wrong no matter what you decide.

Enjoy your vacation - please bring the camera and throw us a bone when you get home (ride report).

 

[El Toro Joe]

First of all, the northern end of the BRP is in Waynesboro, VA. North of there Skyline drive begins. If you want to ride some of the VA BRP from Blacksburg head to Christiansburg and pick up rt. 8 to Floyd. Go through Floyd and it will bring you to the BRP. You could then stay on the BRP or just take it to 58 west at Meadows of Dan and then head south on 21 in Independence to 221 to 421 and Take that to Shady Valley to ride the Snake. You could then head south on 91 towards Johnson City and pick your original route back up. The only other suggestion I would make is to take 143 to Robbinsville from 28. Pick up 129 there. Take 129 north and then turn off 143 and the Cherahala Skyway. Since you were turning around at the dragon you can take the Cherahala to Tellico Plains. Just as you are getting to Tellico Plains turn north on 360 to 411 north to 76 east and that will take you to 129 and the dragon. you will then be heading east again. If you have never ridden the area don't miss the Cherahala.
Writing that all out has me itching to ride that area again soon!

So...let's go

 

[Kneedragger55]

Thanks pants!! Yea 221 is a good consideration as well... I am honestly thinking about rerouting my route home to include more mountains even though it's less direct. I'm thinking that my current route from Gap to Mooresville may get boring and uneventful East of hwy 26. Comments? I could always high tail it back north and some point and change the place of stay for that night. The Charlotte area was a destination simply for a free stay, but if it means my ride flattens and straightens out a day earlier I'll probably reconsider and hit some of the previously suggested stuff otw home.

 

[luvtoride]

You could then stay on the BRP or just take it to 58 west at Meadows of Dan and then head south on 21 in Independence to 221 to 421 and Take that to Shady Valley to ride the Snake.

Do you mean after taking the BRP to Meadows of Dan head west on Rte 58 into Damascus. Then take Shady Valley Rd which turns into Rte 133 in Tennessee. Then take a left on 421 to ride the snake?

 

[Kneedragger55]

Ok I'm getting giddy. Here's a north route to take in more mountains before we do the last leg home, stopping in High Point instead of Mooresville. North from the gap, foothills parkway to 321, through cades cove (debating bc I know it's usually super slow), out to 321 to the ludicrous TN32. TN32 last two miles are dirt from what I can see and heard, but whatever, I'm not driving right by it!!!! Taking I40 north to somewhere, picking up 25 to 212 to 221 to BRP to a boring straight stretch of 421 into the sunset. Man I been sitting in this office too long today!

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1zyCVXs0pZv0sf8_e6G9oWT3jUCs

 

[Intech]

You could then stay on the BRP or just take it to 58 west at Meadows of Dan and then head south on 21 in Independence to 221 to 421 and Take that to Shady Valley to ride the Snake.

Do you mean after taking the BRP to Meadows of Dan head west on Rte 58 into Damascus. Then take Shady Valley Rd which turns into Rte 133 in Tennessee. Then take a left on 421 to ride the snake?

No, but that's OK too.

 

[LKLD]

The only other suggestion I would make is to take 143 to Robbinsville from 28. Pick up 129 there. Take 129 north and then turn off 143 and the Cherahala Skyway. Since you were turning around at the dragon you can take the Cherahala to Tellico Plains. Just as you are getting to Tellico Plains turn north on 360 to 411 north to 76 east and that will take you to 129 and the dragon. you will then be heading east again. If you have never ridden the area don't miss the Cherahala.
Writing that all out has me itching to ride that area again soon!

Bob's advice is spot on here. Just the other week we took the same route out of Tellico, after reaching Deal's Gap, we took 28 to 143 into Robbinsville. From there, we hopped on the Cherohala back to Tellico. I know time constraints can really limit "2Lane Time", so all the best in making it work for you.