Should I make reservations or wing it?
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 744
Likes: 8
From: Pluto
Should I make reservations or wing it?
Posted earlier about planning my summer trip this July (10 days) to North Carolina "dragon" and surrounding area. I got many great replies as to what roads and areas to see.
I was wondering...my first few days are reserved at the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge....when I leave there, I want to ride north up the Blue Ridge Parkway - not sure how far but most of the way probably....my question is this: since I don't know how far we will want to ride each day (given the stops/sightseeing along the way), should I plan destinations and make reservations for places to camp/motel or are there so many places to stay that it would be safe to wing it and find something when we are ready to set camp/motel for the rest of the day/night?
I was wondering...my first few days are reserved at the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge....when I leave there, I want to ride north up the Blue Ridge Parkway - not sure how far but most of the way probably....my question is this: since I don't know how far we will want to ride each day (given the stops/sightseeing along the way), should I plan destinations and make reservations for places to camp/motel or are there so many places to stay that it would be safe to wing it and find something when we are ready to set camp/motel for the rest of the day/night?
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
I like the flexibility of not making reservations, but I have been in the very uncomfortable position many times of rolling into a town around dinner time and not being able to find a place with vacancies. My last trip, I ended up having to ride another 45 minutes to another town to get a room.
My compromise is to make a reservation around noon. A phone with a data plan and Google Maps on it is pretty friggin' handy I think.
My compromise is to make a reservation around noon. A phone with a data plan and Google Maps on it is pretty friggin' handy I think.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 1
From: Port St. Lucie FL
I agree with the comment about liking the flexibility of not having a fixed reservation. I noticed you said you were going in July, so if its any time during the holiday I would have a reservation. Otherwise I think you should be ok as long as you are flexible about where you stop. You might have to go a bit further to find a room. Given the economy though I think you might find more vacancies out there. I'm at Americade right now and if this is any indication, you should have no problem. Lots of vacant rooms here in Lake George - even the host hotel has signs out that rooms are available!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
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From: MA
I went down to Maggie Valley in '09 and we had booked places to stay each night on the way down off the BRP plus had a place rented for a week in MV. It was nice to have a definate place to stay but it made the trip seem rushed coz you had to make it to that nightly destination. I am going down again July 8-16 and this time I will wing it. There is no shortage of places to stay and they are all motorcycle friendly. Plus having a Garmin makes locating and getting to a motel a breeze.
Last edited by soos; Jun 9, 2011 at 04:45 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Sylva,NC
I would wing it, I think you'll find you average speed on the twisties here is going to be a lot slower and from what I've seen riding here (I'm only 50 miles to the Dragon and 20 miles to the south end of the BRP) there are lots of places to stay
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 14
From: connecticut
I always wing it and have never been without a place to stay. Sometimes you just have to drive a little out of your way. A gps and phone come in handy when your ready to settle in.Always stop at the welcome centers because you can get discounted rates and coupons.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
In a bike-crazy place like where you're going, you probably want reservations. When I was riding 66 in Arizona in January, it wasn't an issue.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 3
From: Columbia, SC
I'll be the odd ball. When we are touring, I always make reservations. For a couple reasons - 1. The Marine in me is comfortable with the structure and 2. The wife would flip if we were in anything less than a Red Roof with continental breakfast. Wish I was jokin.....
I don't ever feel rushed because I plan everything out. We leave around 9ish and ride to our destination - we normally do about 350 mile days. Through the mountains, its all day riding.
Have fun on your trip. Have been to Deals Gap many times. BRP is great - we usually stop in Cherokee for some of their awesome fudge and to spend some money at the casino. Check out the Two Wheel Inn while you are on 129. Its an AWESOME biker friendly hotel. Owners are really great.
I don't ever feel rushed because I plan everything out. We leave around 9ish and ride to our destination - we normally do about 350 mile days. Through the mountains, its all day riding.
Have fun on your trip. Have been to Deals Gap many times. BRP is great - we usually stop in Cherokee for some of their awesome fudge and to spend some money at the casino. Check out the Two Wheel Inn while you are on 129. Its an AWESOME biker friendly hotel. Owners are really great.
