My Bike trip

[Road King Cole]

Got back last week from our trip to deals gap. I had worked out some great roads through NJ. However, on the first day of our trip there was a massive front coming through when we hit NY\NJ :( so all the plans of nice roads through NJ were lost as we thought it was best to stay on the interstate (87 to 287 to 78). It came down in buckets and was relentless for a long time. Made it to a few exits before Harrisburg PA that day. Stopped at a great old tavern and then decided it was time to rest. The next day we went through Harrisburg and then did the 15 29 to 340 route and made it to the Blue Ridge Parkway.





A few hours more and we were at the Otter Peaks hotel, which I think is the only hotel "on" the BRP. I heard the other was closed, and this one is up for sale.







We stayed on the BRP the next day and stayed in Little Switzerland. Beautiful place, wish I had known there was a famous road there (the Diamond Back) I would have stayed there another day. The wife did talk me into seeing the nearby "Emerald City Mine", it was OK and didn't take long.















Then after the mine, BRP to the very end and made it to the hotel. The last few hours on the BRP was outstanding.






We had booked a "king room w fireplace" thinking it was going to be nice... well no coffeemaker, no fridge, no coffeemaker and it was noisy. I was disappointed, so went to the front desk and changed to a "cabin" for the same price. It was really a trailer, but it has a coffeemaker, fridge, kitchen and was more private and quiet.









During our first breakfast at the village, we overheard a local saying that severe thunderstorms were arriving about 3pm. Being a little apprehensive about traveling far away on unknown mountain roads in downpours, we decided to just take a little bike ride to deals gap and into town and relax in the pool\lazy river. When I stuck my head under the "water mushroom" I had an immediate flashback to the downpour in NJ....Turned out to be a beautiful day, that was the last time we hesitated due to forecasts.





I think it was the next day we did the dragon\cherohala loop. With all the stories about the dragon, I admit I was a little apprehensive at first. Actually it was a nice and fun road, I just didn't like the thought of someone else coming around a corner and wiping us out. Only slowed down to let a mini cooper pass us. Then sure enough in looking at the pictures on one of the sites, I saw that mini going way over the lines around the corner.












Another day we met up with a new friend and wife for a ride to Gatlenburg.





(photo courtesy of G-Man)

(photo courtesy of G-Man)


The wife loved Gatlingburg so we made the trip again and some other rides:







Here is a video of following that larkspur blue bike on rt 441 from Gatlinburg.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzMR2rWJbk8

We made plans to meet our new friends again and see the wheels through time museum and some more riding.





Here is a video of our ***8220;normal***8221; ride of some of the dragon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rin92g0E_c


Well riding back home was not all that much fun. It had just rained, so the roads were soaked and we did see a bike in the ditch on moonshiner 28 (cops and tow truck already there). The wife saw the info on Old Salem in Winston-Salem so we headed there on our first day ride home. I was not impressed, especially when the Tavern was closed.



Next day we figured if we made it to Harrisburg via rt 81, we could be home the day after. However, another strong front 2 hours before Harrisburg stopped us for that day. When we pulled under the overhang of the hotel, soon there were 5 other bikes. However, making it a 3 day return rather than 2 gave us the opportunity to ride those roads in NJ. So we went up 611 to rt 80, then over to 94 to 521. That was a wonderful break from rt 81 which I was warned ***8220;sucked***8221;. In the middle of the trip we were proud that we were able to do this and were thinking of other long trips in the future (this was actually our fist ***8220;long ride***8221; outside of the New England area). But after hours on 81 going 80 and fighting with trucks, my arthritic back and my wife***8217;s hip were starting to bother us. We were glad to get home!

Overall, I was most impressed with the blue ridge parkway and it was great that we made new friends!

rkc

[Stinky_Hooker]

Man what scenery!! One day!!


Thanks!

[Blue_Runner]

I work in downtown Winston-Salem!

Hey man, thanks for all the pics and descriptions....felt just like I was there! That was an awesome trip.

[Road King Cole]

Originally Posted by Blue_Runner

I work in downtown Winston-Salem!

Hey man, thanks for all the pics and descriptions....felt just like I was there! That was an awesome trip.

I should also mention that we stayed at a great hotel there, Brookstone Inn? AND had some great beers at a brew pub down the street.

rkc

[Destroyer]

Awesome, simply awesome.. Thank you RKC for a great break from the hum-drum

[RidgeRunner]

Ditto those thoughts Destroyer. Nice pics, great ride, looks like fun. Thanks for sharing.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Amazing snenery Thanks for the post RKC.

[willy]

RK next time you come thru Jersey give me a shout, you drove down 78 which is ten minutes from my house.
I have done that trip down 81 to the Blue Ridge etc. many times with my wife on a bike and mostly in a car or van with my whole family. Love it and by the way great shots, well done.
And I know all about the long ride sore butt etc. And the rain.

[Redneck]

When one turely lives thanks for all the pictures

[Pipe_Dream]

Great post and pics. I've not been to the upper portion of the Parkway, so it was good to see. If you ever come farther down, into NC and past Asheville you'll come into the Pisgah National Forest, and there is a wonderful place called the Pisgah Inn right on the Parkway. Every room has a view, and their restaurant serves all day. Great hiking trails. They book up early.
http://pisgahinn.com/