Get there on the Blue Ridge Parkway

[osbornk]

If you're coming from the north, you can get on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the top of Afton Mountain at I-64 between Charlottesville and Waynesboro, Virginia. Asheville is 380 miles down the parkway and there is plenty of camping areas along the way. Once you get to the Rally, you can do the rest of the parkway and complete the 469 miles of the parkway. The ride to the Rally can be one of the best experiences of your summer.

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

[MarkF]

I was thinking of Sherando Lake Campground as a night before rally point. It's only a day on the BRP away from Ashville. I know a local BMW club hold an annual rally there.

[AntonLargiader]

I live about 25 minutes from Afton Mountain, and we ride the BRP frequently. Although there have been some crack-downs on speeders, it's still one of my favorite roads and enforcement is usually very light during the week.

We'll be riding down all the way to Asheville, probably staying at Willville for the night (at least one slow bike in our group). There may be an organized "Rolling Rally" like Steve Coburn organized in the past which would be this same route but maybe a day later (if we end up going down a day early; haven't decided yet).

A favorite detour of mine is to take a left at Cannaday's Gap Road (right would be Starbuck Road) at mile 155.3. Take that down to VA40, go right (south) and you have a wonderful twisty section whereas the BRP is rather dull in that area. When you get to Woolwine, go right on VA8 back up to the BRP.

Several BRP-related links at www.blueridgerunners.org including PalmOS versions of the mile-by-mile.

[scbmwrider]

Just to let all who do not know.

A ticket on the parkway is a FEDERAL ticket.

[osbornk]

I live about 25 minutes from Afton Mountain, and we ride the BRP frequently. Although there have been some crack-downs on speeders, it's still one of my favorite roads and enforcement is usually very light during the week.

We'll be riding down all the way to Asheville, probably staying at Willville for the night (at least one slow bike in our group). There may be an organized "Rolling Rally" like Steve Coburn organized in the past which would be this same route but maybe a day later (if we end up going down a day early; haven't decided yet).

A favorite detour of mine is to take a left at Cannaday's Gap Road (right would be Starbuck Road) at mile 155.3. Take that down to VA40, go right (south) and you have a wonderful twisty section whereas the BRP is rather dull in that area. When you get to Woolwine, go right on VA8 back up to the BRP.

Several BRP-related links at www.blueridgerunners.org including PalmOS versions of the mile-by-mile.

To me, the worst part of the parkway is the stretch through Roanoke. The houses and development along there makes it anything but special. I sometimes get off (or on depending on which way I'm going) where the parkway crosses 460 and taking I-81 to route 8 (or the reverse) and get on the parkway near Floyd.

[AntonLargiader]

Federal offense basically means it's cheap and doesn't go on your record.

The road for the Biltmore Estate is about mile 389 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, for those planning trips. A great resource for locations and distances is http://ncnatural.com/Parkway/ and especially the mile-by-mile (http://ncnatural.com/Parkway/MilebyMile.html) listings.

[MarkF]

To me, the worst part of the parkway is the stretch through Roanoke. The houses and development along there makes it anything but special.

How come I don't remember that. I love the mountain section but enjoy the rolling farmland much better.

[osbornk]

How come I don't remember that. I love the mountain section but enjoy the rolling farmland much better.

It's probably just me. I live deep in the mountains that are much like the area surrounding Asheville without the city and the people. I can see another house from my house only in the winter when the leaves are off so seeing a bunch of houses and development in a pristine forest just turns me off.

It snowed enough here yesterday that I had to use four wheel drive to pick up my new to me R1200CL to go with my airhead. LOVE THE MOUNTAINS.

[X-Troller]

I remember when those places first started going up in Va. I was so upset I didn't ride that section for a few years. I wish they could put a stand of trees up between them and the Parkway.

[osbornk]

It's going to get worse around Roanoke near the Parkway. They have an unsuccessful "Explore Park" near the parkway that is being turned over to a private developer to make a "Destination" attraction. He has been very vague on his intentions but it is expected to something along the lines of a Dollywood. If they do that, the people and traffic will make us all bypass that section of the Parkway.

[X-Troller]

That sucks I've been to that explore area not bad. I hope the remoteness makes this outsourced attraction go out of business so they can make it a camp area or just another picinic place where they don't need service people. Kinda sounds like when Disney wanted to to build next to Manassas.Maybe of more riders would join friends of the parkway we could put more pressure on keeping it pristine.

[osbornk]

That sucks I've been to that explore area not bad. I hope the remoteness makes this outsourced attraction go out of business so they can make it a camp area or just another picinic place where they don't need service people. Kinda sounds like when Disney wanted to to build next to Manassas.Maybe of more riders would join friends of the parkway we could put more pressure on keeping it pristine.

I don't think it would do any good. The local governments control the area and they don't care what the common people think. They make you appreciate your local government and it doesn't matter how bad it is. Every once in a while the voters get fed up and vote in the other party but it doesn't matter, nothing changes. There is a reason they have the highest property taxes west of Charlottesville.

[bmwloco]

Speeding on the Blue Ridge Parkway is no longer a slap on the wrist.

First offense: $500

Second: $1000

You can thank a bunch of Porsche idiots for the new fines. They were the last straw. The Park Service got tired of pursuing bikers and sports car "pilots"

It's serious. Your bike will be impounded and you will stand before a Federal Magistrate.

Think I'm kidding? Try it.

[MarkF]

Speeding on the Blue Ridge Parkway is no longer a slap on the wrist.

It's serious. Your bike will be impounded and you will stand before a Federal Magistrate.

Think I'm kidding? Try it.

Any if you are from Canada you might just spend a night in jail.

[WVCajun]

would it be from Fancy Gap down to the Biltmore? I have never been on the BRP so I don't know the mile marker. I'm a Cajun transplanted from south Louisiana to Charleston, WV and I know it is an easy 5 hours from Chas to Asheville via slab. Would it be a hard or easy day if I picked up the BRP at Fancy Gap?

Thanks
wvcajun

[AntonLargiader]

Not bad at all. I forget if I mentioned Willville campground; that's roughly in the same place. Fancy Gap is about mile 198 if memory serves correctly.

Look on the rally site; I think there are some mile markers listed there. It also has a link to the mile-by-mile BRP listing.

No matter what, it's a bit under 200 miles I think.

[Pastor Passum]

would it be from Fancy Gap down to the Biltmore? I have never been on the BRP so I don't know the mile marker. I'm a Cajun transplanted from south Louisiana to Charleston, WV and I know it is an easy 5 hours from Chas to Asheville via slab. Would it be a hard or easy day if I picked up the BRP at Fancy Gap?

Thanks
wvcajun

Easy day ride. Fancy Gap is approximately 200 mile marker and I believe you exit at marker 390 for Biltmore. By far the best way if you've never traveled the parkway. As others have stated, watch your speed, especially in congested areas such as Mabry Mill and the Linn Cove Viaduct areas. Extreme speeding will get you an "extreme" ticket. However if you keep it below 60 (speed limit is 45, some areas 35) you probably won't have any trouble. A friend and I were stopped a year or so ago at close to 70 and just told to cool it. The ranger stated that most rangers will give you up to 60. Of course you may get the one that won't tolerate 50 so...no garrantees. It's a great ride that can be enjoyed at or near the posted limit though. See you there.

Jim

[X-Troller]

I agree it's a pretty ride lay back and enjoy it around 55 I've been doing it since 84 and it gives me piece of mind. Remember you are sharing it with a large number of bicycleists that may be tired and alot of RV's on a narrow twisty road for the first time plus wildlife that doesn't get out of the way (turkeys can do almost as much damage to a bike as a deer can)

[Jim Post / Bones]

Be aware of the Wildlife on the Parkway! I have almost hit Coons, Deer, Turkey, Bear, Possums, Dogs and two legged creatures in the Day light hours.
Nights can be worse!

Also, the are not Mile Markers, they are Kilometer Markers-Km ! An easy mistake.

As mentioned before, tikets are Federal! It use to be that you could not paya ticket, you had to Appear in Federal Court. Not sure if this is still in affect.

Most of the roads off the BRB will give you a fun twisty ride. At Km47 (US-60) 2 miles dow the mountain is Beuna Vista, VA and Glen Mary Park Campground if you have had enough for the day. Stay up the hill past the swimming pool.

Most of all Enjoy the Ride, Jim Post / Bones

[AntonLargiader]

Also, the are not Mile Markers, they are Kilometer Markers-Km ! An easy mistake.
Jim, whatcha smokin'?!?!


As mentioned before, tikets are Federal! It use to be that you could not paya ticket, you had to Appear in Federal Court. Not sure if this is still in affect.
Last I knew, you could mail it in just like anywhere else. This was maybe four years ago?

[bmwloco]

First offense is $500 now. No if, and's or but's.

Speeding on The Blue Ridge Parkway is a bad idea. 50-60 is o.k. but you're pushing it if you meet the wrong Ranger.

So, in the end, YMMV.

[bertbrumfield]

Markers on the parkway are in MILES, not km.

Yea, a ticket on the parkway is a federal offence [federal court, if you want to contest it] BUT, :D
The good part is that they do not notify the states of the offence and you get no points [go figure??]:confused:

[Beemer-me-up]

Thanks for the heads up. I haven't been on the parkway for several years. Maybe this time I will get to enjoy some of the scenery.

[scbmwrider]

For those comming from the NE this is a great ride if time allows!

Exit I81 at I77 south go about 30 miles to Fancy Gap and get on the Parkway MM 199.5. You are about 190 miles and a great ride from the Rally, US 25 exit at MM 388.8.

It's around 5 hrs without stops but a great parkway section.

Also lots of good info at Blue Ridge Parkway.ORG (http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/)

[slashfive]

I will be meeting my brother in Northern Jersey from R.I. and we are looking for a good 2 day route to the rally.

Looks like we can pick up the blue ridge at its northern point.

Any suggestions on routes to that area?

Thanks! This is the first rally for both of us and we are greatly looking forward to the journey!

Eric.

[scbmwrider]

I will be meeting my brother in Northern Jersey from R.I. and we are looking for a good 2 day route to the rally.

Looks like we can pick up the blue ridge at its northern point.

Any suggestions on routes to that area?

Thanks! This is the first rally for both of us and we are greatly looking forward to the journey!

Eric.

If you want to slab it to the BRP it's hard to beat I81 then just a little ease on I64

[bmwloco]

If you hit the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, make sure it's in the morning. It takes a good 8 hours or more (at the posted 45 mph speed limit) to get to Asheville from the Northern Virginia area.

[AntonLargiader]

Slab to VA on I-81?!?! Are you kidding?

From very northern NJ, take 209 south through the park to Stroudsburg, then take I-80 west to I-81 south for about 20 miles to PA61. Go west to Centralia and ride out on the aabandoned road to see the smoke coming out of the ground from the underground coal fires. Then go west to Shamokin and down 125. When you get to a crossroad with SR4011 and 125 goes left, go straight and follow that around to 125 again north of Ravine. 125 south to Pine Grove, 501 south to Lancaster, turns to 272 and then west on 372 across the Susquehanna. Take the Maryland Scenic Routes (there is an excellent MD state website for these) to the vicinity of Frederick, then SR17 south and cross the Potomac at Brunswick. Various roads to Purcellville, Marshall, then 647 to Flint Hill and US522 south to Sperryville. Cross over the mountain on 211 and then turn around and come back. Continue south out of town on 522 and take 231 south to Madison, US29 south for a few miles, 230 south to Stanardsville and 810 south to Crozet.

That was a full day. Maybe you only made it as far as here (Charlottesville) but anyway you now have about 400 miles of BRP to go the next day. It's quite doable but you need to start early. Breakfast at Peaks of Otter (the restaurant at Otter Creek was closed last I knew) or maybe in the Crozet area, then lunch at Meadows of Dan maybe. At the rally in the evening.

Start with fresh tires. :)

I have ridden these roads many times. It's totally doable in two days without sitting on the slab, but you have to get a good start both mornings.

[osbornk]

Start with fresh tires. :)

I have ridden these roads many times. It's totally doable in two days without sitting on the slab, but you have to get a good start both mornings.

You're right about the tires. My first round trip-tip to tip adventure on the Parkway aomost got me in trouble. I thought my rear tire was good for several thousand miles but it was so worn by the time I got home, I thought the cords were going to be showing. The pavement is very hard on tires. I live about 45 or 50 miles from the Parkway and most of the calls we get from folks who call us from the Anonymous book is related to worn tires.

[slashfive]

Thanks! Just what I was looking for!
Will get out the map soon and mark the route, See you all there!!!


Slab to VA on I-81?!?! Are you kidding?

From very northern NJ, take 209 south through the park to Stroudsburg, then take I-80 west to I-81 south for about 20 miles to PA61. Go west to Centralia and ride out on the aabandoned road to see the smoke coming out of the ground from the underground coal fires. Then go west to Shamokin and down 125. When you get to a crossroad with SR4011 and 125 goes left, go straight and follow that around to 125 again north of Ravine. 125 south to Pine Grove, 501 south to Lancaster, turns to 272 and then west on 372 across the Susquehanna. Take the Maryland Scenic Routes (there is an excellent MD state website for these) to the vicinity of Frederick, then SR17 south and cross the Potomac at Brunswick. Various roads to Purcellville, Marshall, then 647 to Flint Hill and US522 south to Sperryville. Cross over the mountain on 211 and then turn around and come back. Continue south out of town on 522 and take 231 south to Madison, US29 south for a few miles, 230 south to Stanardsville and 810 south to Crozet.

That was a full day. Maybe you only made it as far as here (Charlottesville) but anyway you now have about 400 miles of BRP to go the next day. It's quite doable but you need to start early. Breakfast at Peaks of Otter (the restaurant at Otter Creek was closed last I knew) or maybe in the Crozet area, then lunch at Meadows of Dan maybe. At the rally in the evening.

Start with fresh tires. :)

I have ridden these roads many times. It's totally doable in two days without sitting on the slab, but you have to get a good start both mornings.

[scbmwrider]

Slab to VA on I-81?!?! Are you kidding?


I have ridden these roads many times. It's totally doable in two days without sitting on the slab, but you have to get a good start both mornings.

My input is based on 2 things.

I don't know Eastern PA and VA roads and...

Some folks (like us) just don't have the time luxury of taking 2 days for the trip. If they can work it out in one direction or the other from Asheville to Fancy gap is a great section of the parkway.

[AntonLargiader]

Some folks (like us) just don't have the time luxury of taking 2 days for the trip. If they can work it out in one direction or the other from Asheville to Fancy gap is a great section of the parkway.
No prob, but the guy was specifically asking for a two-day route.

I find that each secton of the BRP has its own personality. Afton to Lexington has good views - make that great views - and a nice mix of corners. Lexington down to Roanoke and then Fancy Gap you get a lot of rolling pastureland. It's pretty straight, not much in the way of sweeping vistas, but the rolling hills are nice and for some reason I just like the farmland scenery a lot.

South of that, for the next 100 miles or so it gets more wooded and IMO there really isn't that much of interest until at least Little Switzerland, although some of the side roads are fabulous. Even when you can see the surrounding valleys there isn't anything to see except woods.

But after Little Switzerland it gets steadily better and better. By Asheville, you have real terrain again, some open views, craggy outcroppings, and the road gets curvier and curvier. The last 50 miles are just fantastic. The worst part is that when you get to the end you're in Cherokee. Some of my friends go as far as Cherokee and then turn around and go back towards Maggie Vally so that they can a) do that stretch twice, and b) not have to go through Cherokee on their way south.

[scbmwrider]

The last 50 miles are just fantastic. The worst part is that when you get to the end you're in Cherokee. Some of my friends go as far as Cherokee and then turn around and go back towards Maggie Vally so that they can a) do that stretch twice, and b) not have to go through Cherokee on their way south.

I agree 100%. We made that mistake once. HOT day got to the end of the Parkway and turned left into Cherokee.:mad:

I'm also torn on weather to stay on the parkway or take the 276 to 215 loop.

[bertbrumfield]

I'm also torn on weather to stay on the parkway or take the 276 to 215 loop.


If you have the time definately do the loop and then get back on the parkway, even if you have to double back over some of the same roads. it is worth it.

The 126-126a loop at little switzerland is also a great loop.