Weekend Ride to Blue Ride Parkway (Pics)
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 891
Likes: 210
From: Clarksville, TN
Great pictures. We are planning a ride the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway late this summer Fortunately, I only live 3 hours away from the mountains of east Tennessee.
By the way... I used to struggle with dressing for weather too - especially when there are wild swings from low to high temp. I highly recommend going with heated gear. I only wear a heated jacket, as I find leather chaps keep my lower half warm enough and are not too hot until it hits the mid 70s. Gerbing jackets are the best I've worn. They are light, and can easily go underneath a leather jacket. As it warms up, I turn the heat off and open the vents in the leather jacket. It works well for me.
By the way... I used to struggle with dressing for weather too - especially when there are wild swings from low to high temp. I highly recommend going with heated gear. I only wear a heated jacket, as I find leather chaps keep my lower half warm enough and are not too hot until it hits the mid 70s. Gerbing jackets are the best I've worn. They are light, and can easily go underneath a leather jacket. As it warms up, I turn the heat off and open the vents in the leather jacket. It works well for me.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Apr 15, 2017 at 01:18 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 83
From: SW Virginia
I ride year round being in SW Virginia. That means a few days in the teens. I don't have any heated gear but I hear it is wonderful. I don't wear leather very often as I find its range to be very limited. A modern style textile jacket will typically have more feature that allow for a shift in temps with many huge vents not to mention the protection you get from armor. Plus it will often be waterproof as well. There are obviously some leather jackets with more versatility as well but struggle to keep up with textile.
Its all about your core. Vests, heated or not can do wonders while keeping your arms less bulky and free to move. then you can shuck off layers as needed. If you keep your core warm than your feet and hands will be much better off as well.
Sometimes all it takes is blocking a little wind. Wearing rain pants can make a massive difference. for this reason as well as others I like two piece suits. Plus when my jacket is waterproof I only need the pants and can just zip my vents closed.
Riding boots, real riding boots, can be expensive. But they are awesome. especially so when you have long days in the saddle. Mine are a little higher so they in themselves do quite a bit for warmth and surprisingly aren't that hot even in 100 degree weather. Plus, they are truly waterproof.
My first real trip was down and through Central America. Talk about taking too much crap. I think you will find in time you will have enough space in those bags. For long trips skivvies and wool socks as well as the right kind of t-shirts can be washed out in the sink...though the wife may not agree
I wouldn't need half of what I took back then, now.
looks like you had a great introduction to traveling by bike. You will get it dialed in like clockwork!
Its all about your core. Vests, heated or not can do wonders while keeping your arms less bulky and free to move. then you can shuck off layers as needed. If you keep your core warm than your feet and hands will be much better off as well.
Sometimes all it takes is blocking a little wind. Wearing rain pants can make a massive difference. for this reason as well as others I like two piece suits. Plus when my jacket is waterproof I only need the pants and can just zip my vents closed.
Riding boots, real riding boots, can be expensive. But they are awesome. especially so when you have long days in the saddle. Mine are a little higher so they in themselves do quite a bit for warmth and surprisingly aren't that hot even in 100 degree weather. Plus, they are truly waterproof.
My first real trip was down and through Central America. Talk about taking too much crap. I think you will find in time you will have enough space in those bags. For long trips skivvies and wool socks as well as the right kind of t-shirts can be washed out in the sink...though the wife may not agree
I wouldn't need half of what I took back then, now.looks like you had a great introduction to traveling by bike. You will get it dialed in like clockwork!
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 853
Likes: 48
From: Virginia
OP: Great pics! I live an hour from the Parkway and have never been, which I need to rectify that at some point. That bridge pic had me saying "no way"...scared of heights.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11,722
Likes: 9,152
From: Georgia
Took that trip last summer and it's a great one.
Things I've learned:
Wear or bring a full face helmet. Always carry rain gear.
Those cargo net bungies are awesome. If you dress in layers you can strip at quick pull offs and tuck whatever is no longer needed under them without having to repack.
Things I've learned:
Wear or bring a full face helmet. Always carry rain gear.
Those cargo net bungies are awesome. If you dress in layers you can strip at quick pull offs and tuck whatever is no longer needed under them without having to repack.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,615
From: along the shore of Mishigami
I'm sure you already figured it out but pack heavy items in the saddlebags, medium weight in the tour-pak and if you get a bag for the luggage rack, a change of gloves, sweat shirt light jacket and anything readily accessible, the tour pak bag will add weight up high so keep that in mind. We enjoyed the BRP even with the misty rains.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,967
Likes: 7,069
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
FYI-
The "Dragon" will be closed to traffic from April 17th- April 29th. Due to utilities placement activities. The roadway will be closed in numerous places.
It will be open for 30 mins, then closed for 30 mins, over and over, until the work is done.
The "Dragon" will be closed to traffic from April 17th- April 29th. Due to utilities placement activities. The roadway will be closed in numerous places.
It will be open for 30 mins, then closed for 30 mins, over and over, until the work is done.
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