Blue Ridge Parkway ??
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 88
Likes: 3
From: Northwest New Jersey
My wife and I head down from Northwest NJ to Charlotte every year for one of our annual rides. We take 8 days and never in a hurry. We do however bypass Skyline Drive. We usually follow 11 or 340 to Waynesboro and then hop on BRP at mile 0. Ride down to Mt Airy (think Mayberry) spend the night and then find roads less traveled into Charlotte (base camp). We then do days rides with our son on the BRP. Get riding, sites and history. Bottom line, highly recommend the BRP. Skyline has more campers/motorhomes and families vacationing.
If you want a treat, take the Millersburg Ferry across the Susquehanna( http://www.millersburg.com/attractions/ferry.html). It's so much better then crossing the river on the 81 Bridge. We then head down 15 to Thrumont, MD, stay at the Cozy Inn. Lots of Presidential History there. In the morning after a great breakfast at the Cozy, it's off to Harpers Ferry or Charlestown for a bit of Entertainment. Back on the road 340 South. Lot's of great places to visit or just ride at a gentle pace.
For a side trip, once down on the BRP, take 33 into WV. Excellent roads and head to see the New River Gorge Bridge. Make sure you ride down to the river under the bridge. It's breath taking and photo op central. Follow 19 South in NC.
We have been running these roads for years and have never been disappointed.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it........
If you want a treat, take the Millersburg Ferry across the Susquehanna( http://www.millersburg.com/attractions/ferry.html). It's so much better then crossing the river on the 81 Bridge. We then head down 15 to Thrumont, MD, stay at the Cozy Inn. Lots of Presidential History there. In the morning after a great breakfast at the Cozy, it's off to Harpers Ferry or Charlestown for a bit of Entertainment. Back on the road 340 South. Lot's of great places to visit or just ride at a gentle pace.
For a side trip, once down on the BRP, take 33 into WV. Excellent roads and head to see the New River Gorge Bridge. Make sure you ride down to the river under the bridge. It's breath taking and photo op central. Follow 19 South in NC.
We have been running these roads for years and have never been disappointed.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it........
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Good write up, stuckinnj. We will be riding around that area middle of May. I hear the ride from Maggie Valley up to Boone is a real nice stretch and we plan to do a lot of it on the BRP.
I hear Skyline Drive is also real nice (we won't be that far north on this trip). Too bad about all the traffic on it.
I hear Skyline Drive is also real nice (we won't be that far north on this trip). Too bad about all the traffic on it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 2
From: Macon, GA USA
What was number 1? Yes the BRP is a beautifully ride and well worth it but nothing compares to the Alaska Highway in North America.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 916
Likes: 12
From: NoVA
For you inquiring minds;
1. Beartooth Highway
2. BRP
3. US. 129 (Deals Gap)
4. 550 Colorado
5. PCH
6. Going to the Sun Road
7. Cherohala Skyway
8. 36 CA.
9. 12 Lolo Pass Idaho/Montana
10. Rt.2 Angels Crest Highway, CA.
11. Natchez Trace
12. Rt.33 VA/WV
13. Rt.58 CA.
14. Rt. 170 OH.
15. Rt.129 WA & Rt.3 OR
I found that I had ridden 9 of the 15. Ohio # 170 was a suprise. In two weeks I'll do it. I think a big mistake is Rt.33 VA/WV. It has some nice turns at the top, but no big deal. Rt.39 is much nicer. I might put the other 5 on my bucket list.
The reason there are no Alaska roads named is because it was a survey of roads that are ridden by a large number of riders.
BTW, stuckinnj, from Front Royal try Rt.522 south to 231 south instead of Rt.11 or 340.
1. Beartooth Highway
2. BRP
3. US. 129 (Deals Gap)
4. 550 Colorado
5. PCH
6. Going to the Sun Road
7. Cherohala Skyway
8. 36 CA.
9. 12 Lolo Pass Idaho/Montana
10. Rt.2 Angels Crest Highway, CA.
11. Natchez Trace
12. Rt.33 VA/WV
13. Rt.58 CA.
14. Rt. 170 OH.
15. Rt.129 WA & Rt.3 OR
I found that I had ridden 9 of the 15. Ohio # 170 was a suprise. In two weeks I'll do it. I think a big mistake is Rt.33 VA/WV. It has some nice turns at the top, but no big deal. Rt.39 is much nicer. I might put the other 5 on my bucket list.
The reason there are no Alaska roads named is because it was a survey of roads that are ridden by a large number of riders.
BTW, stuckinnj, from Front Royal try Rt.522 south to 231 south instead of Rt.11 or 340.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 2
From: Macon, GA USA
For you inquiring minds;
1. Beartooth Highway
2. BRP
3. US. 129 (Deals Gap)
4. 550 Colorado
5. PCH
6. Going to the Sun Road
7. Cherohala Skyway
8. 36 CA.
9. 12 Lolo Pass Idaho/Montana
10. Rt.2 Angels Crest Highway, CA.
11. Natchez Trace
12. Rt.33 VA/WV
13. Rt.58 CA.
14. Rt. 170 OH.
15. Rt.129 WA & Rt.3 OR
I found that I had ridden 9 of the 15. Ohio # 170 was a suprise. In two weeks I'll do it. I think a big mistake is Rt.33 VA/WV. It has some nice turns at the top, but no big deal. Rt.39 is much nicer. I might put the other 5 on my bucket list.
The reason there are no Alaska roads named is because it was a survey of roads that are ridden by a large number of riders.
BTW, stuckinnj, from Front Royal try Rt.522 south to 231 south instead of Rt.11 or 340.
1. Beartooth Highway
2. BRP
3. US. 129 (Deals Gap)
4. 550 Colorado
5. PCH
6. Going to the Sun Road
7. Cherohala Skyway
8. 36 CA.
9. 12 Lolo Pass Idaho/Montana
10. Rt.2 Angels Crest Highway, CA.
11. Natchez Trace
12. Rt.33 VA/WV
13. Rt.58 CA.
14. Rt. 170 OH.
15. Rt.129 WA & Rt.3 OR
I found that I had ridden 9 of the 15. Ohio # 170 was a suprise. In two weeks I'll do it. I think a big mistake is Rt.33 VA/WV. It has some nice turns at the top, but no big deal. Rt.39 is much nicer. I might put the other 5 on my bucket list.
The reason there are no Alaska roads named is because it was a survey of roads that are ridden by a large number of riders.
BTW, stuckinnj, from Front Royal try Rt.522 south to 231 south instead of Rt.11 or 340.
Last edited by 46u; Apr 1, 2011 at 04:57 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 88
Likes: 3
From: Northwest New Jersey
Buzzard II - yup we 'stumbled' onto 231 last year. 340 & 522 share the road for a bit. My wife is big time in photography, between the stopping and 'slow down', I turned onto 231 by mistake. Turned out it wasn't a mistake - Good road. I believe it is even a designated scenic route.
Getting the bike ready for our first trip o the season to the Outerbanks in early May, to ride w/our son & friends. I'm also planning our annual trip to Charlotte now as well. Changing uo a bit thsi year by meeting up w/some old friends at Lost River State Park for a couple of days of excellent riding, eating and drinking (yes in that order - no drinking and riding!). Then down to Charlotte to our sons. My wife is flying down to spend some quality Momma time with him before I get there. Then it's off to the BRP, Eastern TN & KY. Then back to Northwest NJ.
At least one weekend in and around Gettysburg mid-July. I don't get to ride often (travel for work) so when I ride, I like to take advantage of the 'down' time.
After 38 years of riding, there are very few roads that don't add something new & positive to the ride. Pick a destination and just head in that direction. The sites and sounds aways seem to be found without much effort.
Getting the bike ready for our first trip o the season to the Outerbanks in early May, to ride w/our son & friends. I'm also planning our annual trip to Charlotte now as well. Changing uo a bit thsi year by meeting up w/some old friends at Lost River State Park for a couple of days of excellent riding, eating and drinking (yes in that order - no drinking and riding!). Then down to Charlotte to our sons. My wife is flying down to spend some quality Momma time with him before I get there. Then it's off to the BRP, Eastern TN & KY. Then back to Northwest NJ.
At least one weekend in and around Gettysburg mid-July. I don't get to ride often (travel for work) so when I ride, I like to take advantage of the 'down' time.
After 38 years of riding, there are very few roads that don't add something new & positive to the ride. Pick a destination and just head in that direction. The sites and sounds aways seem to be found without much effort.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Marysville, Kansas
We plan to make day trips out of Pigeon Forge TN with a group from Lincoln NE. We'll stay there 6 nights so should have some good rides. Never been there before.
We ride in Arkansas EVERY TIME we get a chance to get away for 4 or 5 days....
We ride in Arkansas EVERY TIME we get a chance to get away for 4 or 5 days....
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
The southern part of the BRP is great! If I were going from where you are, I'd hightail it on the flattop to get there faster so I'd be able to have more time on the BRP!
There are several roads that cross the BRP that are more fun than Deals GAp (dragon) but ya gotsta ride the dragon at least once and get the T!
276 south of Asheville,both ways.... AWESOME...be carefull decreasing radius turns after long(1/4 mile) straightaways
215 connects to 276 west of the BRP does a loop with 276 and 64.
64 has waterfalls and cliffs, if you know where to go...one waterfall you drive under...
80 towards Marion, just north of Mt. Mitchell...AWESOME...be carefull, steep and 5MPH switchbacks
Have fun! I'll be there the last week of April!
There are several roads that cross the BRP that are more fun than Deals GAp (dragon) but ya gotsta ride the dragon at least once and get the T!
276 south of Asheville,both ways.... AWESOME...be carefull decreasing radius turns after long(1/4 mile) straightaways
215 connects to 276 west of the BRP does a loop with 276 and 64.
64 has waterfalls and cliffs, if you know where to go...one waterfall you drive under...
80 towards Marion, just north of Mt. Mitchell...AWESOME...be carefull, steep and 5MPH switchbacks
Have fun! I'll be there the last week of April!
thanks
Jrbean1