[Rex]

The wife and I got back this past weekend from a very nice 7 day ride. We started out just south of Baltimore, Maryland and did all of the blue Ridge Parkway and then over into the Smokey Mountains. A total of 1,918 miles with stops at interesting places like the "Biltmore" in Ashville, North Carolina.
There were a ton of Bikes on the Parkway and not very many cars. I guess the planning worked out well. We departed after Labor Day on 12 September and not so many people on the road.
I have only had my Gold Wing since June 10th of this year but it sure does perform well for a big bike. It takes the turns a lot better than other bikes I have owned.
The Parkway was a very nice casual 40-45 mph ride. I had the cruise control set on 40 mph most of the time.
We will be taking it again next year on the way to Wing Ding in July.
I recommend the Parkway to any one wanting a nice casual ride with a view.
Unfortunately, we did not take any pictures (forgot the camera).
Everyone "Ride Safe" out there and watch out for the Cagers.
Cheers,
Rex

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

I've done the BRP in bits and pieces over the years. Last October I did Skyline Dr. and the BRP for the first 255 miles then I ran out of time. I hope to get back and finish the last 150+ miles again. Glad you had a good time. Ride safe...

 

[Rex]

It is a Great ride. I will do it again. Enjoy yourselves and be careful. You will find it cooler up there on the mountains. Mid 50's in the early morning and 64-70 at lunch time.

Two Wheel Wing, I hope you get a chance to finish it. It is a nice ride all the way to Cherokee. The last 100 miles has some spectacular views and the highest point at over 6000 feet.

 

[Chopin]

I'm working hard on plans to do the Wing-Ding next year, very hard. I know if Vickie and I get there we will at least come back with intercom headsets.

 

[Rex]

Chopin114, I hope you make it. The ride down on the Parkway is worth it. At the end of the Parkway, you only have 74 miles to the Wing Ding. It will be the first Wing Ding for Carol and I. She is a little worried about it being really hot in July. It is always cooler up on the Parkway, but you do have to come down off of it eventually. Already looking forward to seeing about putting more stuff on the bike; better windshield, better seat, etc... this is almost as bad as owning a boat.

 

[Chopin]

Chopin114, I hope you make it. The ride down on the Parkway is worth it. At the end of the Parkway, you only have 74 miles to the Wing Ding. It will be the first Wing Ding for Carol and I. She is a little worried about it being really hot in July. It is always cooler up on the Parkway, but you do have to come down off of it eventually. Already looking forward to seeing about putting more stuff on the bike; better windshield, better seat, etc... this is almost as bad as owning a boat.

If I make it I won't be going as a lone bike, right ???? A Goldwing is two patches of rubber on the ground fill with chrome plastic.

 

[MarkH]

Sounds like you had a great time....I will be doing a part of the BRP the week of Oct 18th and look forward to it.....for the first time...

Safe ride

 

[L2R]

Those of us in the area are blessed to be here.

 

[L2R]

My wife and I are riding the Blue Ridge Parkway on Thursday this week on the way down to "Wings Over the Smokies" in Fletcher, NC. She on her GL1200 and me on my GL1800. We have ridden the BRP before, but I always enjoy the ride.

We will be there either Friday or Sat. Most likely Friday.
If you have done this before, any suggestions on which day or what to do?

 

[Rex]

If you get a chance to go through The Biltmore, it is worth it. A Little pricy at $60 bucks a ticket and $10 for the audio. If you do it, spend the $10 for the audio you won't be disappointed. Gets cool up on the BRP. Some morning in the low 60's. Had the linner in the jacket every morning.

 

[Coach Sal]

Front Royal to Cherokee

Some friends and I rode the entire BRP from Front Royal Va. to Cherokee North Carolina stopping at Granfather Mountain (near Asheville) on the way after which we continued on to Smokey Mountains National Park. We rode the Dragon, Moonshiner, Devil's Triangle, and Cherhola Skyway in addition to some other scintillating rides in that area 3200 miles in all. This is a must visit for any avid rider but keep in mind that it is not for the faint of heart. There are tons of up and down hill switchbacks coupled with winding mountain roads that will keep you busy behind the bars. If you can get away for about ten days it's a must ride!

 

[fxrshog]

Those of us in the area are blessed to be here.

Amen!!!

 

[lakecharles]

...Already looking forward to seeing about putting more stuff on the bike; better windshield, better seat, etc... this is almost as bad as owning a boat....

Hey Rex, your comment pricks my interest and poses this question: If you see something at a rally and change it out... what does one do with the other item... say a windshield; is there provisions made at the rally for services to mail the other one home? For instance, I thought if we attended the rally this summer and I bought a new seat or put on a new windshield I would like to have the old one to put back on the motorcycle if and when I sold it... if that item fit on the new one for instance. Just curious. Thanks.

 

[Rex]

You mail the old item home. UPS or FedEx. A lot of times the vendor will do it for you. If not, it is pretty easy to do it yourself. I am not a big fan of trying to strap it on the bike and taking it home myself, unless it is something small like floor boards, mirrors, etc... that will fit in the saddlebags.

 

[budoka]

You guys are so lucky. The BRP and Deals Gap and those things you rave about are 2000 miles away from here. Not likely I'll ever get there, so I'll (and most of us out in these parts) have to ride them vicariously through all of you. Sigh.

 

[Rex]

budoka, all you have to do is plan a trip and come see it. 4000 to 5000 mile is like 2 weeks or 285 to 357 miles a day. Piece of cake on the Wing. One of these days I would like to ride up into Canada and spend a week ot two traveling around. On the bucket list !

 

[budoka]

So much to do so little time....

 

[Rex]

so true !!

 

[Chopin]

No one lives where they really want to live and ride, but everyone else does.

 

[Rex]

I am OK. Headed out to the Wing now to go home from work. Gerbings heated clothing is the way to go. I ride all year, except in the snow and ice. It was 21F when I left the house this morning and no problem.