Is riding The Blue Ridge Parkway in two days a good idea.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 3
From: Bel Air Md
Is riding The Blue Ridge Parkway in two days a good idea.
Six of us are going to Deals Gap next month, we have done it before, 500 miles in one day. I talked them into doing the entire Parkway on the way down, 469 miles in two days. I figured 45 mph speed limit it will take a lot longer. We won't make a ton of stops and I want to make sure it is doable. I hear the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great ride.
Anyone out there rode the entire route? Want a sanity check.
Anyone out there rode the entire route? Want a sanity check.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
Depends on weather and road closures. Last I heard some of the parkway was still closed. I would plan my route ahead of time. The parkway is slow going but 45mph doesn't beat you up like 12 hours in the saddle at 75+. I guess the only one that can answer that one is you and your buds.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: WNC
I hope you don't take this wrong, I have a deep personal connection to the BRP. I spent two of the hardest years of my life up there building the last 4 bridges, (these were completed after the so called "missing link, aka. the Lynn Cove Viaduct"), and I live 2 miles from there. There is simply too much natural beauty to be taken in quickly, it was designed to be enjoyed at a very leisurely pace. I see too many folks from the city just flying along, like they are in a hurry to get back home. Don't do it. Take your time, let it be something to remember, take a lot of pictures, and be safe. You can thank me later.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 3
From: Bel Air Md
thanks guys, we are not doing Skyline Drive. I'm getting the feeling three days is much better if I can talk everyone into it. Madmax I totally agree with you, the Parkway is one of the coolest rides in the country don't want to be rushed.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,834
Likes: 496
From: Northern WV
2 days allows plenty of time as long as your riding most of both days. I know many say "it's slow because of the 45 mph limit, so allow lots of time". In reality you can certainly ride 50, and pass slower cars and campers pretty quickly. Ever ride 250 miles in a day on non-interstate roads? That's all you'd be doing. Keep in mind you won't hit a stop sign or light the whole way, except a few on the construction detours.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,528
Likes: 606
From: Raleigh NC
460 miles, divided by 2 days, is 230 miles per day.
Divide that by 35 MPH, and it's just 6.5 hours riding time. Plus gas/lunch brakes. You'll be fine. Won't be as much "fun" as the best part of the BRP is the gawking.
But that's MY scene....
Remember, the "wildlife" isn't impressed by your bike, and not likely to run away, so watch yourself.... lots of critters up that way. Plus the idioyts who stop their Winnebago, in the middle of the road.
before you leave, check out http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm
for the latest closures. BUT...... there could also be local construction sites that will delay you.
We're heading that way in June.
Sunday Luray Caverns, and the Sky Line Drive
Monday Meadows of the Dan
Tuesday Spruce Pines
Wednesday Bryson City
Thursday 129/28/143
Friday return home
But we've got a lot of bikes, and we'll split off from each other, as this one want to scrape pegs here, while another want to sight see. We'll re-gather at night fall, and BS over a cold beer
Divide that by 35 MPH, and it's just 6.5 hours riding time. Plus gas/lunch brakes. You'll be fine. Won't be as much "fun" as the best part of the BRP is the gawking.
But that's MY scene....
Remember, the "wildlife" isn't impressed by your bike, and not likely to run away, so watch yourself.... lots of critters up that way. Plus the idioyts who stop their Winnebago, in the middle of the road.
before you leave, check out http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm
for the latest closures. BUT...... there could also be local construction sites that will delay you.
We're heading that way in June.
Sunday Luray Caverns, and the Sky Line Drive
Monday Meadows of the Dan
Tuesday Spruce Pines
Wednesday Bryson City
Thursday 129/28/143
Friday return home
But we've got a lot of bikes, and we'll split off from each other, as this one want to scrape pegs here, while another want to sight see. We'll re-gather at night fall, and BS over a cold beer
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: WNC
The bears are the worst. They can weigh 400 lbs, when you hit them it makes for a bad day. I forgot to mention the fines for speeding. $500 is a lot to me, plus the fact you will be dealing with the Federal Court in Asheville if you are in NC. I had a friend ask the judge for mercy because he was broke. The judge says " I got a dog named Mercy. I left him at home." These guys are playing on a different level than municipal traffic court, and they make sure you know it. One more thing, there are lots of side roads that are a blast, so while you're here, check em out.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 64
From: Southern Maryland
Well only thing is ,,, can not stop at every overlook and take pictures!! Last time up there did that and spend all day and only covered, 150 miles or so!! I was not in a hurry at all and the views are fantastic. Take you time, enjoy the slow ride and just enjoy.