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Blue Ridge Parkway Trip

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Old Feb 17, 2009 | 09:36 AM
  #11  
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I'm also thinking of doing a BRP trip this Spring, but wanted to ask about the weather. Are things clear enough in the first half of April, or is it better to wait a while?

I made the mistake of thinking Winter was over in April when I took a trip through the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mother Nature provided an outstanding reminder of how wrong I could be.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2009 | 10:16 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by wbeem
I'm also thinking of doing a BRP trip this Spring, but wanted to ask about the weather. Are things clear enough in the first half of April, or is it better to wait a while?

I made the mistake of thinking Winter was over in April when I took a trip through the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mother Nature provided an outstanding reminder of how wrong I could be.
If you have a choice then I would wait until mid or end of May. April could still be nice but you never know. If it's 65 in the Piedmont the BRP will around 55 degrees. It's more colorful in May for one thing plus a little warmer too.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2009 | 10:19 AM
  #13  
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You could have good weather or cool weather rain or snow . Do your self a search of yancey ,mitchell and avery counties past weather and make your mind up. I ride heavy during april but you better be ready for some cool mornings year round. We have had snow on july 4th. Just remember that it is mainly a dry cold so it does not well like it would where the moisture is high. Always have a good pair of cool weather boots, gloves, and face mask/scarf and ride.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2009 | 11:22 AM
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I would be awful nervous about planning a BRP trip anytime before May. Remeber that elevations for lots of the parkway are above 3000 feet and parts south of Ashville are above 5000 feet. Snow would make a trip come to a halt quickly, and at that elevation, you are at risk for that.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2009 | 12:29 PM
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Thank you, folks. I'm going to heed your warnings and err on the side of caution. My last trip up in the Asheville area was a few years ago in late May. It was damn hot leaving Florida, but chilly when I got to the highest point on BRP. Having made the mistake before in Utah, I don't want to end up in more mountain snow on this next trip. I'll wait before heading up there again.

What the hell, I'll just fly out to Vegas in April. It's usually blue & breezy out there during that time of year. Thanks for the weather info.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2009 | 12:38 PM
  #16  
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I'm heading up to the Smokes Apr 24 -May 2...pm me if you wanna ride
 
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 11:04 AM
  #17  
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Fox Creek Leather is right off the Parkway in Independence VA.

Nice small town, little storefront, great products. Worth the stop.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 02:06 PM
  #18  
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We were in Bryson City NC, middle of May..... 80+ degrees here in Raleigh, woke up to 36 degrees next morning... booooo chilly....I actually plugged in the gerbings....
 
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 06:30 PM
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Well it appears the wife and I will be hitting the BRP near Blue Ridge, Va and heading south down to 21 north in NC. Plan on spending the night in Blue Ridge or near abouts, coming from Williamsburg Va, then probably sleeping near Sparta NC on 21. Anyone familiar with any of those areas and have suggestions?

Then taking 21 north up to Wythville, the I-77 on into WV thru Charleston WV, catching 33 on into Ohio.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by glideridemike
Well it appears the wife and I will be hitting the BRP near Blue Ridge, Va and heading south down to 21 north in NC. Plan on spending the night in Blue Ridge or near abouts, coming from Williamsburg Va, then probably sleeping near Sparta NC on 21. Anyone familiar with any of those areas and have suggestions?

Then taking 21 north up to Wythville, the I-77 on into WV thru Charleston WV, catching 33 on into Ohio.
Unless you're into interstate riding and dodging semi-trucks, I'd skip the I-77 part. Try 52 to Bluefield area, then 19 to north of Beckley, then 60 to Charleston. Much more fun.
 
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