Anyone know the northern side (North NC and Virginia) of the BRP well (and Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah?)
My wife and I just rode about 200 miles (one way) on it (from Cherokee to Boone after doing the Dragon dance) and I found it extremely tiring. But I've alwyas wanted to ride it all the way from Asheville to DC .
Saw a lot of bikes when we were up there. A lot of people from many different states. Don't know if anyone has ridden it for any long distance, but would appreciate any comments.
A few takes on my ride:
I know there's a post somewhere here about the aki-dents at Deals Gap, (relatively quiet the day I was there-Thursday morn(?)) but I can tell you I've seen plenty of same on the nicest parts of the BRP. I've come close a couple of times. Seems like you just cannot relax very much or take your eyes off of the road for one second. In fact, I used to scoff at the 45 mph speed, but I can see where a lot of places, you're better off. I'm wondering if it gets any easier in the northern parts.
There are several places in the Southern NC part where altitude and the weather can fling some real chills at you: highest point on the BRP -downright cold even in June. Can get off at the Pisgah Inn and get a cup of coffee. The wife and I did lunch. Great view, good food. About 8 tunnels later you're near the Asheville arboretum. They used to let you ride through there, but not anymore.
A little further is the Art/Visitor Center- has restrooms. No food.
Further North, Craggy Gardens always seems to be shrouded in cold fog. They have a place to stop at the top with a restroom. Good place to enjoy the view (if there is one) and put on another layer before going through.
After Craggy, it eases up a bit -not as many curves or extreme changes of elevation, many places where you can hit 60-65 mph without problem. You can ALMOST relax and enjoy the beautiful view -Crabtree Meadows (CM rest area used to have a gas station, but not anymore., you have to get off of the P to get gas) then Linville Falls. (BTW: it's worth getting off and doing the hike to the falls if you have the time: at least an hour.)
Moses Cone Memorial Park has some real nice hikes, but most take a couple of hours.
Boone is a ways away from the Parkway, but its a college town, so it has LOTS of different restaurants at reasonable prices. (Next year, I'll head towards Blowing Rock instead -haven't been there in ten years, or so.)
I took SR19 back to Asheville since it's faster and not as much of a roller coaster ride. Over 400 miles round trip. We both went to bed at 8 pm. Slept like a log.
END my report.
Anyone with info about the BRP further north, I'd love to to hear it.
Thanks!!!
Vinnie
My wife and I just rode about 200 miles (one way) on it (from Cherokee to Boone after doing the Dragon dance) and I found it extremely tiring. But I've alwyas wanted to ride it all the way from Asheville to DC .
Saw a lot of bikes when we were up there. A lot of people from many different states. Don't know if anyone has ridden it for any long distance, but would appreciate any comments.
A few takes on my ride:
I know there's a post somewhere here about the aki-dents at Deals Gap, (relatively quiet the day I was there-Thursday morn(?)) but I can tell you I've seen plenty of same on the nicest parts of the BRP. I've come close a couple of times. Seems like you just cannot relax very much or take your eyes off of the road for one second. In fact, I used to scoff at the 45 mph speed, but I can see where a lot of places, you're better off. I'm wondering if it gets any easier in the northern parts.
There are several places in the Southern NC part where altitude and the weather can fling some real chills at you: highest point on the BRP -downright cold even in June. Can get off at the Pisgah Inn and get a cup of coffee. The wife and I did lunch. Great view, good food. About 8 tunnels later you're near the Asheville arboretum. They used to let you ride through there, but not anymore.
A little further is the Art/Visitor Center- has restrooms. No food.
Further North, Craggy Gardens always seems to be shrouded in cold fog. They have a place to stop at the top with a restroom. Good place to enjoy the view (if there is one) and put on another layer before going through.
After Craggy, it eases up a bit -not as many curves or extreme changes of elevation, many places where you can hit 60-65 mph without problem. You can ALMOST relax and enjoy the beautiful view -Crabtree Meadows (CM rest area used to have a gas station, but not anymore., you have to get off of the P to get gas) then Linville Falls. (BTW: it's worth getting off and doing the hike to the falls if you have the time: at least an hour.)
Moses Cone Memorial Park has some real nice hikes, but most take a couple of hours.
Boone is a ways away from the Parkway, but its a college town, so it has LOTS of different restaurants at reasonable prices. (Next year, I'll head towards Blowing Rock instead -haven't been there in ten years, or so.)
I took SR19 back to Asheville since it's faster and not as much of a roller coaster ride. Over 400 miles round trip. We both went to bed at 8 pm. Slept like a log.
END my report.
Anyone with info about the BRP further north, I'd love to to hear it.
Thanks!!!
Vinnie