Blue Ridge Parkway: need daily mileage advice

[Juju]

After the rally, the Chief and I are going to extend our trip for a ride on up the Blue Ridge Parkway. We’ve been planning this for a while now, but we disagree on the daily mileage we should plan for. I’m thinking no more than 200, allowing for the slower speeds on the twisty BRP and my wish not to whiz past everything in a blur, as well as fitting in an occasional sightseeing/photography stop, rest stops, etc. The Chief, being a man , says we can do much more.

Any advice from any of you who have lots of BRP rides under your belt?
Thanks!

 

[Juju]

BTW, I believe that we CAN do more miles per day, I don't know that I WANT to. Everybody's got an opinion--chime in with yours!

 

[skuuter]

In my humble opinion, about 100 to 140 per day. The Blue Ridge Parkway is around 470 miles long. There are several places that You need to get off and "visit" while there. The Area up around Boone, NC needs to be "savored" though. It includes Grandfather Mountain, Hwy 421 "The Snake", and a host of other Roads, Places, and Things that need to be seen. Easily two days worth of riding there even if rushed. Comparison: The Dragon-318 curves in 11 miles, The Snake-411 curves in 12 miles...You get the idea.....ThumbUp...How many Days to You have to Ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, and get Home after the RALLY.....?

 

[Juju]

Thanks, Skuuter--your input means a lot, since I know that is your "'hood."

We actually have the whole week, if we want it, for our trip, but we want to be back in Chattanooga by the 1st of July. Also, we probably won't do the entire BRP, but thinking about a turnaround point just past the Virginia state line (Fancy Gap?). Maybe come back by way of Cherokee--Earl has a free night at Harrah's (which means he gambles too much!)

 

[skuuter]

Thanks, Skuuter--your input means a lot, since I know that is your "'hood."

We actually have the whole week, if we want it, for our trip, but we want to be back in Chattanooga by the 1st of July. Also, we probably won't do the entire BRP, but thinking about a turnaround point just past the Virginia state line (Fancy Gap?). Maybe come back by way of Cherokee--Earl has a free night at Harrah's (which means he gambles too much!)

Virginia does end it........by then You have ridden almost all of it....

 

[Geeville]

Did the Blue Ridge last year just after converting to trike. Went with 2 bikers who been there a few times before. To me the scenery is so spectacular it's almost like religious experience. I wanted to stop at every view spot and they wanted to keep moving. If we stopped, they wanted to get going and I was reluctant to leave as quickly. Sometimes I would just let them go and catch up with them down the road. One time when we stopped a guy came by who was walking the trail. He had 2 dogs with him that were carrying back packs. He looked like he had all the time in the world. I told my friends that next time I come there I will be doing the trip at a pace like him and leave them at home. I love the twistys like anybody else, but I will never get enough of the beautifull views. So if I was doing it my way and could get away with it I would not limit myself to
any schedule. Yet, few of us ever have that luxury.

 

[Blondie Gal]

Juju, if you have the time (and the inclination), stop at Big Meadows, VA - it's a wonderland all by itself . . . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Meadows

 

[Gorilla]

Juju I would work backwords on your planning. Start with what day you have to be home then how many days to get there from the end of your ride. Use the rest wisely because you do not have enough time to take it all in. It is such a great ride. Also go to their web site and see if there are any detours. There were 3 when when rode on it 3 years ago.

 

[Lucky]

IMO if you ride over 150 max.you are going to ride by a lotta stuff.Just depends on how much time you want to spend.RIDE SAFE

 

[Southern Man]

Juju, my wife and I are from south Georgia, perhaps we will meet up somewhere on the parkway. We are getting on just south of Boone,NC and ridding it and the skyline drive all the way to Pa. leavin south Ga on the 11th with destination Gettysberg on the 16th. and returning south on the 19th

We agreed on 250 miles off the parkway and 175-200 on it for daily limits, we are also returning the same route so we can see all the hills from both sides, getting off in Boone and taking the lake road over to Elizabeton, Tn and then south back to the parkway at Little Swiss.

 

[Blondie Gal]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Southern Man</strong>
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<div class="message">Juju, my wife and I are from south Georgia, perhaps we will meet up somewhere on the parkway. We are getting on just south of Boone,NC and ridding it and the skyline drive all the way to Pa. leavin south Ga on the 11th with destination Gettysberg on the 16th. and returning south on the 19th<br />
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We agreed on 250 miles off the parkway and 175-200 on it for daily limits, we are also returning the same route so we can see all the hills from both sides, getting off in Boone and taking the lake road over to Elizabeton, Tn and then south back to the parkway at Little Swiss.</div>

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</div>Makin' me homesick, Southern Man! "Home" is Johnson City, TN, about 20 miles from Elizabethton - be back there right after the Rally in the Valley! Can't wait!!!

 

[Juju]

Thanks for the input, everyone! You all are mainly confirming what I thought--that we don't want to plan to do too many miles per day, so we can have to time to stop and explore some of the interesting sites along the BRP.

I've planned stops at the North Carolina Folk Arts Center, the Pisgah Inn (we love this mountaintop restaurant--not too far from Maggie, so probably first day's lunch will be there), Little Switzerland (overnight), and Grandfather Mountain/Boone area. Will check out some of the other suggestions you've made.

 

[Juju]

Juju, my wife and I are from south Georgia, perhaps we will meet up somewhere on the parkway. We are getting on just south of Boone,NC and ridding it and the skyline drive all the way to Pa. leavin south Ga on the 11th with destination Gettysberg on the 16th. and returning south on the 19th

We agreed on 250 miles off the parkway and 175-200 on it for daily limits, we are also returning the same route so we can see all the hills from both sides, getting off in Boone and taking the lake road over to Elizabeton, Tn and then south back to the parkway at Little Swiss.

Sounds like a great trip, Southern Man! We're also planning to turn around at some point--probably Fancy Gap or Meadows of Dan in VA--and ride back down the BRP, maybe jump off at some point to make it back to Cherokee, where we'll spend a couple of nights at Harrah's. The Chief loves to gamble--hey, he married me, didn't he? :laugh:

 

[Nana]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Juju</strong>
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<div class="message">Sounds like a great trip, Southern Man! We're also planning to turn around at some point--probably Fancy Gap or Meadows of Dan in VA--and ride back down the BRP, maybe jump off at some point to make it back to Cherokee, where we'll spend a couple of nights at Harrah's. <b>The Chief loves to gamble--hey, he married me, didn't he?</b> <img src="images/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" /><img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" /><img src="images/smilies/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Laugh" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>I'd say that was a sure bet! He knew quality when he saw it <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />

 

[docred49]

Just for your info the BRP is closed between NC hwy 18 and NC hwy 21
because of replaceing the rock walls along the hwy.

docred49

 

[Juju]

Aww, Nana--it's so nice to have a cheering section!

 

[Juju]

Just for your info the BRP is closed between NC hwy 18 and NC hwy 21
because of replaceing the rock walls along the hwy.

docred49

Thanks, doc!

 

[skuuter]

Sounds like a great trip, Southern Man! We're also planning to turn around at some point--probably Fancy Gap or Meadows of Dan in VA--and ride back down the BRP, maybe jump off at some point to make it back to Cherokee, where we'll spend a couple of nights at Harrah's. The Chief loves to gamble--hey, he married me, didn't he? :laugh:

Deck was stacked in His favor...... ThumbUp

 

[Juju]

Deck was stacked in His favor...... ThumbUp

You guys are the best!

Hey, new idea! I've noticed that not far off the BRP, up toward the NC/VA state line, is the Yadkin Valley--a place known for its . . . vineyards! Am I the last person in the known universe to hear about this? North Carolina wineries--who knew? Well, apparently everyone but me!

So my plan now is to make our last stop on one afternoon at Shelton Vineyards, with a handy nearby motel, so we can "taste" wine to our hearts' content!

Triking, mountain roads, and wine-tasting: I can hardly wait! :beerchug:

 

[Nana]

Dang! This is going to be fun!

 

[oldman]

About 2 weeks ago a friend of mine and I rode the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville down to Cherokee which is roughly 80 miles. We took our time and viewed the sights on the way down. It took us right at 6 hours but was one of the most enjoyable rides I've ever had because of the beautiful scenery. We made stops all the way down whenever we saw something interesting.JuJu, I hope this will help you in making your decision in riding the BRP.

 

[Juju]

Thanks, oldman! Yes, your input is very helpful--I appreciate any input I can get.

You know how it is when you're just planning a trip and you get stars in your eyes regarding how far you can go and how much you can do, and sometimes what you're seeing is more imagination than reality? That's me all over. :wow::wow::wow: :laugh:

So it helps to come here and get a big dose of reality from all my TT friends!

 

[Southern Man]

Here are a couple of links that I am using in the planning.

BIg map.
http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/upload/blrimap-2.pdf

INteractive map that showes lodging, bed and breakfast etc.
Blue Ridge Parkway - Interactive Map

Sykline drive map
Shenandoah National Park - Area Maps - Visitshenandoah.com

 

[Greydog]

I was looking at the first two links for about an hour this morning. We're trying to plan a trip on the BRP for a weekend in June if it ever quits raining!! I've got cataract surgery scheduled for the 31st of May on my right eye and after that I'm good to go if we can find a dog sitter. Thinking about running I-77 down to Fancy Gap and riding the BRP from there to Cherokee. Hoping to make it happen at the same time as the Rally so we can meet some of the fine folks here!!

 

[Juju]

I was looking at the first two links for about an hour this morning. We're trying to plan a trip on the BRP for a weekend in June if it ever quits raining!! I've got cataract surgery scheduled for the 31st of May on my right eye and after that I'm good to go if we can find a dog sitter. Thinking about running I-77 down to Fancy Gap and riding the BRP from there to Cherokee. Hoping to make it happen at the same time as the Rally so we can meet some of the fine folks here!!

You should definitely try to schedule your trip for the time of the rally, Greydog. It just gets better every year. We're riding up to Maggie Valley for the rally, then starting our trip up the BRP right from there. Hope to see you in Maggie!

 

[Nordic Valk]

If your going north check out a great little "Motorcycle Inn" called Station's Inn at exit 248 on the parkway. We stayed there a few years back and had a great time. Nice food and full of memorabilia in the restaurant, the owner is a real bike nut so take a look and stay a night. Very low rates and nice but small period perfect rooms from the 50's decor. We liked it . Another fav. spot was the co-op on the parkway it was beautiful and soooooo many great gifts available most hand made in the area. We are also coming back the entire length of the blue ridge and skyline drive on the way home. I'm staying unit the Wednesday after the rally and then taking my time going north back to Delaware. I don't have to be back until the 5th of July. Look me up at the rally Green and silver Valkyrie Interstate two wheel not yet triked. She says Teddy Bear on the trunk. I'm 6'6" and bald as a new babies arse. LOL If ya want call me when ya get in we will be there from the 20th on , we rented a house. 1-302-750-3139 cell #.
Nordic Valk "Mark"

 

[Juju]

If your going north check out a great little "Motorcycle Inn" called Station's Inn at exit 248 on the parkway. We stayed there a few years back and had a great time. Nice food and full of memorabilia in the restaurant, the owner is a real bike nut so take a look and stay a night. Very low rates and nice but small period perfect rooms from the 50's decor. We liked it . Another fav. spot was the co-op on the parkway it was beautiful and soooooo many great gifts available most hand made in the area. We are also coming back the entire length of the blue ridge and skyline drive on the way home. I'm staying unit the Wednesday after the rally and then taking my time going north back to Delaware. I don't have to be back until the 5th of July. Look me up at the rally Green and silver Valkyrie Interstate two wheel not yet triked. She says Teddy Bear on the trunk. I'm 6'6" and bald as a new babies arse. LOL If ya want call me when ya get in we will be there from the 20th on , we rented a house. 1-302-750-3139 cell #.
Nordic Valk "Mark"

Thanks, Mark! We will most def. look you up.
Won't be long now! Woo hoo!!!!