My wife and I just got back from an outstanding 11 day trip from Montreal, to Deals Gap via the Skyline Dr, and BRP and every back road in between. 3400 miles.
Much of the success of the trip was due to suggestions from people on this forum, or by just reading others experiences.
We tried to stay off the highways, and enjoyed back roads and small towns. While Deals Gap was no big deal, we rode much better many times over. The BRP roads were always interesting even at 45 mph, and they are continually improving them. Only a couple of minor delays for paving etc. Staying in the mountains made for much cooler riding, with quite cool temperatures in the early morning. Just the way us Canadian like our weather.
Took too much cloths! Especially the Wife.
We stuck to Days Inn, EconoLodge, Comfort Inn, etc, that were less than $80.00 / night with continental Breakfast. On the rode by 8:00 am, off by 5:00 pm. Enjoyed Maggie Valley, Cherokee, Blowing Rock (village Inn), excellent value. Stayed in Lake George, NY on way back. Over priced, for everything. Noisy Bikes!
Hit two half days of light rain, but had riding suits (Waterproof), so kept on riding. Some of the southern part of the Parkway was in cloud, so had to ride those portions again on the return trip to see what we missed.
GW (2008) ran flawlessly, exceptional gas mileage running at 45-50 mph. Made over 250 miles on a tank a few times.
I'm sorry it's over, but I would do it again next year.
Much of the success of the trip was due to suggestions from people on this forum, or by just reading others experiences.
We tried to stay off the highways, and enjoyed back roads and small towns. While Deals Gap was no big deal, we rode much better many times over. The BRP roads were always interesting even at 45 mph, and they are continually improving them. Only a couple of minor delays for paving etc. Staying in the mountains made for much cooler riding, with quite cool temperatures in the early morning. Just the way us Canadian like our weather.
Took too much cloths! Especially the Wife.
We stuck to Days Inn, EconoLodge, Comfort Inn, etc, that were less than $80.00 / night with continental Breakfast. On the rode by 8:00 am, off by 5:00 pm. Enjoyed Maggie Valley, Cherokee, Blowing Rock (village Inn), excellent value. Stayed in Lake George, NY on way back. Over priced, for everything. Noisy Bikes!
Hit two half days of light rain, but had riding suits (Waterproof), so kept on riding. Some of the southern part of the Parkway was in cloud, so had to ride those portions again on the return trip to see what we missed.
GW (2008) ran flawlessly, exceptional gas mileage running at 45-50 mph. Made over 250 miles on a tank a few times.
I'm sorry it's over, but I would do it again next year.