Appalachian Backroads
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
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Likes: 5,213
From: Michigan
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,975
Likes: 5,213
From: Michigan
It looks like we'll make the run from Marion to Tazewell and Burke's Garden our first two runs (and weather permitting as many more was e can get done on our 4-day schedule.
Hoping that we'll a able to get local advice on prioritizing the loops.
Anyone with suggestions, I'm listening
I'm planning a two-day run to Marion (via a day for visiting in MV) on the way down and will probably do a straight through trip (500+miles) on my way home and I'm sure that we will not accomplish this trip without rain
Hoping that we'll a able to get local advice on prioritizing the loops.
Anyone with suggestions, I'm listening
I'm planning a two-day run to Marion (via a day for visiting in MV) on the way down and will probably do a straight through trip (500+miles) on my way home and I'm sure that we will not accomplish this trip without rain
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From: NC
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Joined: Sep 2020
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From: central NC
The Marion Tazewell ride looks interesting. I usually like riding up the hill rather than down. Does riding south to north accomplish this? Plus Burkes Garden looks good, too. Planning to ride out of Raleigh NC when the weather is a smidge cooler, hopefully in coming weeks. Just need to identify a good bike friendly motel at the bottom of Back of the Dragon, so I can make that run early in the morning at first light.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,975
Likes: 5,213
From: Michigan
The Marion Tazewell ride looks interesting. I usually like riding up the hill rather than down. Does riding south to north accomplish this? Plus Burkes Garden looks good, too. Planning to ride out of Raleigh NC when the weather is a smidge cooler, hopefully in coming weeks. Just need to identify a good bike friendly motel at the bottom of Back of the Dragon, so I can make that run early in the morning at first light.
Looks like they have a local diner nearby and close to the local roads.
Be sure to take your rain gear and at least a light leather jacket 'cause you never can tell how fast the weather can change in the mountains.
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: South Florida
The Marion Tazewell ride looks interesting. I usually like riding up the hill rather than down. Does riding south to north accomplish this? Plus Burkes Garden looks good, too. Planning to ride out of Raleigh NC when the weather is a smidge cooler, hopefully in coming weeks. Just need to identify a good bike friendly motel at the bottom of Back of the Dragon, so I can make that run early in the morning at first light.
Tazwell 2503.
FWIW
Abt an hour drive, very curvy (beautiful) and 32 miles. I nvr noticed a huge diff in elevation riding it.
I rode it several time on my bike and like it so much, brought my wife there.
It depends upon how much of a stickler you are with the up hill /down hill concern.
I would say it is not really a problem.
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,106
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From: central NC
Marion has an elevation of 3,500.
Tazwell 2503.
FWIW
Abt an hour drive, very curvy (beautiful) and 32 miles. I nvr noticed a huge diff in elevation riding it.
I rode it several time on my bike and like it so much, brought my wife there.
It depends upon how much of a stickler you are with the up hill /down hill concern.
I would say it is not really a problem.
Tazwell 2503.
FWIW
Abt an hour drive, very curvy (beautiful) and 32 miles. I nvr noticed a huge diff in elevation riding it.
I rode it several time on my bike and like it so much, brought my wife there.
It depends upon how much of a stickler you are with the up hill /down hill concern.
I would say it is not really a problem.
steep climbs/descents.
I looked up a topo map yesterday and saw what looked like much less elevation change between Tazewell and Marion.
Im just trying to decide now where to stay for a night during the week sometime late September.