BRP Riders, a little info please?

[six2go #152]

In the past I've ridden short sections of the BRP out of Asheville and Cherokee, but have always wanted to ride the entire Parkway in one trip. Would some of you experienced guys(and gals) please offer some advice as to where there are good overnight stops along the way? Not sure if I will start at the North in Waynesboro or in Cherokee. I'm not much for stopping & gawking at the overlooks and such, my stops will be mostly for gas & lunch. I don't normally ride more than about 8hrs in a day but I do keep the wheels turning during that time.
So, if I started at Waynesboro, where could I expect to be at the end of my day? Hotel recommendations? Same question if I started in Cherokee. I'm thinking it will be a 2 day trip, is that about right?
I'm not sure just when I will do this, maybe during Inzane week. If so, I may stop off at GZ to see how things are going.
Thanks for your help.

[..]

http://www.ncnatural.com/Parkway/MilebyMile.html All you need to know.

http://maps.nps.gov/blri/road-closures/

http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/camping-on-the-blue-ridge-parkway.htm

Galax for http://thegalaxsmokehouse.com/ , gas amd motels.

http://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway_tour/overlooks/00011.asp

If you don't go up Mt. Mitchell you are missing a treat. Same with Waterrock Knob near Cherokee.

[six2go #152]

Thanks Britman, That should keep me busy for awhile. 

[Jess from VA]

The main issue on BRP is gas.  There may be only two spots where you see gas stations from BRP.  The rest, gas may be close by, or miles and miles away.

Check this out. (print it out... maybe it can put into one of those newfangled GPSs   )
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=50

As to motels, I have no advice, other than to estimate your approximate comfort level of miles and hours at 45mph, and use the computer to pick a few places at your halfway or third-way points and make reservations.  I am big on winging it, but have had occasion to pass many No Vacancy signs well after dark in popular places when I made no reservations.  

What I do prefer is to never stay in or near any heavily populated areas; all big cities and towns suck with higher prices, more lowlife, and greater chance of wildlife in the beds.

[six2go #152]

"What I do prefer is to never stay in or near any heavily populated areas; all big cities and towns suck with higher prices, more lowlife, and greater chance of wildlife in the beds."

Good advice Jess, although I'm still mulling over that "wildlife in bed" part. Never figured that was always bad.

[G-Man]

A bunch of us are meeting Sat night in Waynesboro and staying at the Days Inn.  We plan on leaving after an early breakfast and should be pulling into Asheville for dinner Sunday evening. 

[Jess from VA]

"What I do prefer is to never stay in or near any heavily populated areas; all big cities and towns suck with higher prices, more lowlife, and greater chance of wildlife in the beds."

Good advice Jess, although I'm still mulling over that "wildlife in bed" part. Never figured that was always bad.

I was speaking of bugs........ but whatever it is, it's trouble. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

A bunch of us are meeting Sat night in Waynesboro and staying at the Days Inn.  We plan on leaving after an early breakfast and should be pulling into Asheville for dinner Sunday evening. 

You do know that's around 375 miles ? Hard to do that on the BRP in a day.... Just sayin' 

[..]

A bunch of us are meeting Sat night in Waynesboro and staying at the Days Inn.  We plan on leaving after an early breakfast and should be pulling into Asheville for dinner Sunday evening.  

You do know that's around 375 miles ? Hard to do that on the BRP in a day.... Just sayin'  

Ya can do it if ya ride like a crazy man and plan gas/restroom stops to last about 5 minutes, if that.

Nothing wrong with an early start, say 6am and a late dinner, say 10pm.

Watch out for wild life as the sun goes down 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

A bunch of us are meeting Sat night in Waynesboro and staying at the Days Inn.  We plan on leaving after an early breakfast and should be pulling into Asheville for dinner Sunday evening.  

You do know that's around 375 miles ? Hard to do that on the BRP in a day.... Just sayin'  

Ya can do it if ya ride like a crazy man and plan gas/restroom stops to last about 5 minutes, if that.

Nothing wrong with an early start, say 6am and a late dinner, say 10pm.

Watch out for wild life as the sun goes down 

No disrespect to G-Man but he doesn't need to be riding like a " crazy man " on The Blue Ridge Parkway with it's curves.... You should rethink this Gary it's not doable in a day without riding in the dark.

[..]

A bunch of us are meeting Sat night in Waynesboro and staying at the Days Inn.  We plan on leaving after an early breakfast and should be pulling into Asheville for dinner Sunday evening.  

You do know that's around 375 miles ? Hard to do that on the BRP in a day.... Just sayin'  

Ya can do it if ya ride like a crazy man and plan gas/restroom stops to last about 5 minutes, if that.

Nothing wrong with an early start, say 6am and a late dinner, say 10pm.

Watch out for wild life as the sun goes down 

No disrespect to G-Man but he doesn't need to be riding like a " crazy man " on The Blue Ridge Parkway with it's curves.... You should rethink this Gary it's not doable in a day without riding in the dark.

Where's the sarcasm/irony/making a joke font when needed.

[six2go #152]

"What I do prefer is to never stay in or near any heavily populated areas; all big cities and towns suck with higher prices, more lowlife, and greater chance of wildlife in the beds."

Good advice Jess, although I'm still mulling over that "wildlife in bed" part. Never figured that was always bad.

I was speaking of bugs........ but whatever it is, it's trouble. 

I knew that. Just trying to add some humor.

[Momz]

The Can-Am Spyder should do just fine.
Finding gas should not be any different from riding any motorcycle.

Watch out for large RVs and packs of bicyclists hogging the road.
Have fun.

[G-Man]

A bunch of us are meeting Sat night in Waynesboro and staying at the Days Inn.  We plan on leaving after an early breakfast and should be pulling into Asheville for dinner Sunday evening.  

You do know that's around 375 miles ? Hard to do that on the BRP in a day.... Just sayin'  

Ya can do it if ya ride like a crazy man and plan gas/restroom stops to last about 5 minutes, if that.

Nothing wrong with an early start, say 6am and a late dinner, say 10pm.

Watch out for wild life as the sun goes down 

No disrespect to G-Man but he doesn't need to be riding like a " crazy man " on The Blue Ridge Parkway with it's curves.... You should rethink this Gary it's not doable in a day without riding in the dark.

Uh Oh!      I was lead to believe we could do it in about 10 - 11 hours or so.  And no disrespect taken at all.  I know my limitations and always try to ride within them. 

I guess we'll see how it goes.  It looks like I77 crosses the BRP at the half way point from Waynesboro to Asheville.  If we see it's gonna be a longer than expected haul, we could just hop on I77 to I40 and make up some time.  Cheryl will be flying into Asheville about noon on Sunday so I'd really like to get there to have dinner with her.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

A bunch of us are meeting Sat night in Waynesboro and staying at the Days Inn.  We plan on leaving after an early breakfast and should be pulling into Asheville for dinner Sunday evening.  

You do know that's around 375 miles ? Hard to do that on the BRP in a day.... Just sayin'  

Ya can do it if ya ride like a crazy man and plan gas/restroom stops to last about 5 minutes, if that.

Nothing wrong with an early start, say 6am and a late dinner, say 10pm.

Watch out for wild life as the sun goes down 

No disrespect to G-Man but he doesn't need to be riding like a " crazy man " on The Blue Ridge Parkway with it's curves.... You should rethink this Gary it's not doable in a day without riding in the dark.

Uh Oh!      I was lead to believe we could do it in about 10 - 11 hours or so.  And no disrespect taken at all.  I know my limitations and always try to ride within them. 

I guess we'll see how it goes.  It looks like I77 crosses the BRP at the half way point from Waynesboro to Asheville.  If we see it's gonna be a longer than expected haul, we could just hop on I77 to I40 and make up some time.  Cheryl will be flying into Asheville about noon on Sunday so I'd really like to get there to have dinner with her.

Another thing to keep in mind is the weather if a isolated / scattered thunderstorm roll's in you literally cannot see the bike in front of you when the clouds cover the mountain this will cut speed down into the teens at best.

[Willow]

Uh Oh!      I was lead to believe we could do it in about 10 - 11 hours or so.  ... 

It's a two day ride.  Take it easy and enjoy the ride.

You're rolling north to south.  The ride changes dramatically (and for the better) when you cross into North Carolina.

We've stayed the night in Blowing Rock.  Nice place.  We've also stayed in Sparta.  Nice small town.  Actually there is no shortage of towns just off the Parkway that have fine places to eat and sleep.

Take two days.  Take your time.  Enjoy the ride.

[..]

A bunch of us are meeting Sat night in Waynesboro and staying at the Days Inn.  We plan on leaving after an early breakfast and should be pulling into Asheville for dinner Sunday evening.  

You do know that's around 375 miles ? Hard to do that on the BRP in a day.... Just sayin'  

Ya can do it if ya ride like a crazy man and plan gas/restroom stops to last about 5 minutes, if that.

Nothing wrong with an early start, say 6am and a late dinner, say 10pm.

Watch out for wild life as the sun goes down 

No disrespect to G-Man but he doesn't need to be riding like a " crazy man " on The Blue Ridge Parkway with it's curves.... You should rethink this Gary it's not doable in a day without riding in the dark.

Uh Oh!      I was lead to believe we could do it in about 10 - 11 hours or so.  And no disrespect taken at all.  I know my limitations and always try to ride within them. 

I guess we'll see how it goes.  It looks like I77 crosses the BRP at the half way point from Waynesboro to Asheville.  If we see it's gonna be a longer than expected haul, we could just hop on I77 to I40 and make up some time.  Cheryl will be flying into Asheville about noon on Sunday so I'd really like to get there to have dinner with her.

You could use I77 to about the point you mentioned and THEN get on the BRP. The southern half is more mountainous and therefore more fun and pepperd with dramatic overlooks.

Or get on the BRP in Roanoke.

Once you pass Hwy 80 in NC you are then committed to using the BRP all the way to Asheville. There are no other "escape routes" if the weather closes in. The "road" north from Craggy Gardens is a long downhill forest road.

[..]

In the past I've ridden short sections of the BRP out of Asheville and Cherokee, but have always wanted to ride the entire Parkway in one trip. Would some of you experienced guys(and gals) please offer some advice as to where there are good overnight stops along the way? Not sure if I will start at the North in Waynesboro or in Cherokee. I'm not much for stopping & gawking at the overlooks and such, my stops will be mostly for gas & lunch. I don't normally ride more than about 8hrs in a day but I do keep the wheels turning during that time.
So, if I started at Waynesboro, where could I expect to be at the end of my day? Hotel recommendations? Same question if I started in Cherokee. I'm thinking it will be a 2 day trip, is that about right?
I'm not sure just when I will do this, maybe during Inzane week. If so, I may stop off at GZ to see how things are going.
Thanks for your help.

If you have the time once you get to the end of the BRP just turn around a go the "other way". Twice the fun in one rideBetter  than using the slab.

[G-Man]

Uh Oh!      I was lead to believe we could do it in about 10 - 11 hours or so.  ... 

It's a two day ride.  Take it easy and enjoy the ride.

You're rolling north to south.  The ride changes dramatically (and for the better) when you cross into North Carolina.

We've stayed the night in Blowing Rock.  Nice place.  We've also stayed in Sparta.  Nice small town.  Actually there is no shortage of towns just off the Parkway that have fine places to eat and sleep.

Take two days.  Take your time.  Enjoy the ride.

Doing the BRP in two days would make this a three day trip.  Not a bad thing, but like I said, Cheryl will be arriving in Asheville on Sunday and though I know she can take care of herself, Her smile is more important for me to see than some overlooks.   

We'll see how it goes and what some of the folks we're meeting up with think.  I'm leaning towards the first or second half of the BRP and alternate with the superslab for a one day ride on Sunday from Waynesboro. 

And Evan already made it clear that he's not into the BRP in the rain so the weather is gonna play some part, maybe.

Either way, can't wait for INZANE ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

[Valkjerk]

I just watched an episode of Top Gear (British one) where the trio were going to ride the BRP the whole distance. They couldn't stand the constant reduced speed zones at 25 to 45 mph. They gave up on it immediately. I have ridden it for a couple hours and it was beautiful but lousy for making good time.

[Jess from VA]

Gary, I have done BRP many times and I like it.  I volunteered to lead a ride down from Waynesboro, though I'm only 2hrs from Waynesboro, to help folks out who said they wanted to do it.  I knew it was going to be a very long day (in good weather, even longer in bad weather), and thought everyone was aware of this.

I too would like to get down to Asheville Sun (I'm paying for half a room there whether I'm there or not, and so is everyone else).  I think it may be a good idea to go half slab and half BRP, but will bow to the majority.  Me, I'd rather slab the first half (or at least to Roanoke) and BRP the 2d, but weather might make the choice for us.  I have been on BRP in lightening, thunder, driving rain, fog and blind and it kind of takes the fun out of it.  Lets get everyone together Sat evening and work a plan.

At present, we have a 380 mile trip (give or take) down BRP.  At 45mph constant, never slowing, no gas, no food, that comes out to 8 3/4 hours.  Breaks, gas, food, bad weather, and winnebagos will add to that.  I was already was going to suggest fast food for lunch (to save time), but was afraid of being lynched.  My best guess if weather is not too bad, and we keep moving with only short breaks, we end up riding after dark one or two hours.

Andy, Big/Little D, others.... what say you?

Remember, the other half could easily be done on the return trip.    

[..]

After dark on the BRP.........................

[Willow]

And just to make things a little more complicated, some of the best of the BRP is between Asheville and Cherokee.   

[Jess from VA]

After dark on the BRP.........................

It's not just a job, it's an adventure. 

My dual off-road 100W H4 brights and 55W (rated 70) PIAAs light up the world (and blind oncoming traffic). 

Early bird may get the worm, but lead rider gets the deer.   

[..]

After dark on the BRP.........................

It's not just a job, it's an adventure.  


Early bird may get the worm, but lead rider gets the deer.  

Aint that the truth.

Although the bear that zipped between Coot and Steamer on the BRP would disagree.

[Jess from VA]

I replied as well. 

[Oss]

Jess,  I draw the line at lighting storms on the BRP   H A T E being caught in lightning with these 2 big antennas on the interstate   Been VERY close to strikes several times aint no fun no sir

Done fog and rain up there on BRP, very interesting to watch the fog rise over the road
and beautiful right after the storms   Just allow space between bikes and all is ok in case of critters

Was it Churchill said about there is nothing quite like being shot at without effect ?

[andym]

Im with Jess
I prefer not to be riding in the dark and rain with a bunch of tired riders on a road full of twisties and deer on the road at twilight .
I have enough problems without asking for more  :-)

[big d]

Thinking about doing the brp on the way home. It would allow three days. No pressure that way.

[Jess from VA]

Thinking about doing the bro on the way home. It would allow three days. No pressure that way.

Kinky.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thinking about doing the bro on the way home. It would allow three days. No pressure that way.

Kinky.   

hit that modify button quick

[andym]

No a bad idea D........ Are u meeting us in Waynesboro

[andym]

I want to apologize to the group if it seems Im being pushy. I am very open to change with regard to the ride down to Ashevill. I guess all those years or being a Project Engineer and Manager , I just feel the need to organize stuff. Again please accept my apologies if anyone felt that way

See u in Waynesboro or ASheville :-)

[jima]

Thanks Britman and Jess from Va. Can't be at insane but will be on parkway this summer, so I bookmarked your suggested websites. Thanks again.

[..]

Thanks Britman and Jess from Va. Can't be at insane but will be on parkway this summer, so I bookmarked your suggested websites. Thanks again.

One of the effects I like about the BRP is you can be in cloud one moment and brilliant sunshine the next as you move from one side of the mountains to the other.

This becomes more marked as you ride the southern end and pass thru quite a few tunnels. Then it can be raining on one side and brilliant sunshine on the other.

[3fan4life]

Gary, I have done BRP many times and I like it.  I volunteered to lead a ride down from Waynesboro, though I'm only 2hrs from Waynesboro, to help folks out who said they wanted to do it.  I knew it was going to be a very long day (in good weather, even longer in bad weather), and thought everyone was aware of this.

I too would like to get down to Asheville Sun (I'm paying for half a room there whether I'm there or not, and so is everyone else).  I think it may be a good idea to go half slab and half BRP, but will bow to the majority.  Me, I'd rather slab the first half (or at least to Roanoke) and BRP the 2d, but weather might make the choice for us.  I have been on BRP in lightening, thunder, driving rain, fog and blind and it kind of takes the fun out of it.  Lets get everyone together Sat evening and work a plan.

At present, we have a 380 mile trip (give or take) down BRP.  At 45mph constant, never slowing, no gas, no food, that comes out to 8 3/4 hours.  Breaks, gas, food, bad weather, and winnebagos will add to that.  I was already was going to suggest fast food for lunch (to save time), but was afraid of being lynched.  My best guess if weather is not too bad, and we keep moving with only short breaks, we end up riding after dark one or two hours.

Andy, Big/Little D, others.... what say you?

Remember, the other half could easily be done on the return trip.    

Just a suggestion here:

You could ride The BRP from MM 0-45 and take US 60 into Buena Vista. You can get onto I-81 between  Buena Vista and Lexington.  This will put you on I-81 @ MM 188. Run I-81 south to I-77 south (MM 81).  Run I-77 south to Fancy Gap ( MM 8 ) this is a little over 130 miles of Interstate. Get back onto the BRP at Fancy Gap (There is a pretty good little mom and pop restaurant just before the BRP and fuel).  This will put you back on the BRP @ MM 199,  Asheville (US 70) is @ MM 382. This combination is do able and should put you into Asheville just before dark.

If the weather were to turn nasty or things took longer than planned there are several places where you can exit and make your way to I-40. The last one is NC 80 @ MM 344.

[Woton]

Good posts about the BRP - a road that our visitors to NC will hopefully find time to enjoy at least a part of during Inzane should they so choose.

The speed limit is 45 mph, and while one doesn't see it very often the road is patrolled.  Besides, it's too darned pretty a road to hurry through.  And, indeed, the Cherokee to Asheville run is arguably more scenic than the lower portions to the north.

Don't know what organized rides are planned at Inzane - but long rides on the BRP or, say, to the Dragon and back would take some time.  These destinations aren't "You can't get there from here" kind of rides from Ground Zero, but they are curvy mountain roads that will need your attention as a rider.

Just don't overplan your outing distances and you'll love the rides.   

[Jess from VA]

Thanks Mike Mark.  (apologies, that's only about the fifth time I've done that.)

Back to the maps.

When I was looking at maps yesterday, it did not look like there was an exit off/on 77 to BRP/Fancy Gap. 148E to 52S to BRP?

[..]

Thanks Mike.   

Back to the maps.

When I was looking at maps yesterday, it did not look like there was an exit off/on 77 to BRP/Fancy Gap. 148E to 52S to BRP?

That's correct

[andym]

Thanks guys for all the feedback
Jess - You have done this road at least a few times and Im  BRP virgin, so in the end I will go with yuor recommendation.
Im sure Ill get some interesting comments on this email with some words I chose here