About Wayne Busch

Wayne Busch has introduced thousands of motorcyclists to the best two lane mountain roads in the US helping them get the most enjoyment and adventure out of their travels. His easy to use pocket maps focus on the most exciting and memorable rides. Maximize your valuable time and expand your experiences. There are thousands of miles of undiscovered two lane treasures. Wayne searches them out and gathers them in a format that is comprehensive, easy to use, and inexpensive. His maps include the best rides near the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Georgia, the Smokies, West Virginia, and beyond. Wayne has been featured in Western North Carolina Magazine, the Smoky Mountain News, Full Throttle Magazine, and worked with Speed TV / Speed Channel, promoting the great riding found in the mountains. He’s your online resource helping you get the most out of your precious travel time and find what others miss.

Sights from the Ride – The Ocoee River Rise

A motorcycle ride through the scenic Ocoee River Gorge in northeast Georgia takes you on a winding road with views of the lakes and the rushing river which cascades into it.

A series of dams control the flow on the river. During the daytime the dams increase the water released and the river rises allowing rafters and kayakers time to enjoy the whitewater rapids. When the floodgates open the boaters will ride along on the wave of water that pours down the canyon.

One of the best places to see this dramatic event is from a footbridge spanning the river above the Ocoee Whitewater Center where Olympic competitions were once held. we stopped one morning on our motorcycle travels to watch.

You’ll find the Ocoee River Gorge and the Whitewater Center on America Rides Maps –

#9 The Best Rides in the North Georgia Mountains

100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Southern Blue Ridge

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPSPosted by Wayne Busch, America Rides Maps

America Rides Maps cover hundreds of great motorcycle rides in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can order them at America Rides Maps



Ulanzi V2 Vlogging Case for GoPro

How many times have you suffered through a GoPro video online that’s overwhelmed with loud and distracting wind noise? They are really hard to watch.

You can turn off the audio on your GoPro when recording or mute the audio from the captured video, but you really lose the feel for the experience, the sounds of the bike engine, the sense of movement, the atmosphere that makes for a good video. You’ve probably also enjoyed videos narrated from the bike while riding. Again, you can dub in narration later but you lose the spontaneity of the experience, the live response to what’s happening, and it sounds artificial.

Basic VLOG Gear

Basic VLOGGING Gear with GoPro

The answer to these problems is a Vlogging setup. You need three main components – the camera, a microphone, a microphone adapter for the camera, and of course a variety of mounts to position the camera correctly on your helmet (how to do that will be covered in another article). The video quality of the newer GoPro cameras is quite an improvement over the earlier ones, I’m using a GoPro 7. You will need to remove the little door over the microphone / power sockets on the camera, it can be reinstalled later if the camera is needed for other uses. You don’t need a high quality microphone. I use very inexpensive Chinese flexible boom mics that come in packs of 3, 10, etc. It’s no big deal when I lose one or it succumbs to the environment, I carry spares and just pop on another. The rub is the microphone adapter for later model GoPros – you can’t plug a microphone directly into the camera. The adapter is big and unwieldy, they cost $50 or more, you don’t want one of those going missing.

Using Rubber Bands to Mount the Microphone Adapter

The crux of this article is how to deal with that bulky GoPro microphone adapter. Until recently the simplest solution I found was to use rubber bands to strap it to the back of the camera. While it works, it’s an awkward remedy.

GoPro Microphone Adapter mounted with rubber bands covers the rear touch screen

Mounted with rubber bands the adapter covers the view screen on the rear of the camera, you can’t see it. That makes it tough to insure the camera angle is correct or access the touchscreen camera functions. You can’t see if the camera is turned on. The rubber bands don’t last long out in the weather, they are prone to fail, hence I use two and replace them frequently. Rubber bands also look ugly and cheap.

Ulanzi V2 Vlogging Case for Gopro Cameras

Ulanzi V2 Vlogging Case for Gopro Cameras

The Ulanzi V2 Vlogging case for Gopro cameras solves this problem. 

Standard GoPro case / Ulanzi Case

Standard GoPro case / Ulanzi Case

The Ulanzi case replaces your standard GoPro housing. There is a slot under the case for the microphone adapter, it slides in snug and secure. Pass the cable through and it is easy to plug it into the camera port. The other end of the slot is open so the microphone plugs right in.

Ulanzi GoPro case on the helmet

The Ulanzi case is taller due to the added adapter slot. In my case it raised the camera case away from the helmet which gives more more flexibility and range of movement for positioning the camera. This is a much cleaner, more secure, professional look.

Ulanzi Gopro Case rear view

The new case also brings the rear camera screen more into my line of sight which is helpful. There is a removable shoe atop the case for mounting a microphone or other accessories, I leave that home. The rear door of the Ulanzi case slides on with a simple click lock instead of the hinged door of the standard case.

I’m pretty happy with this Ulanzi V2 Gopro Case. I found it online from Walmart for about $15 though the link below has it listed on Amazon for $9.95. Ulanzi also makes the V3 housing which is aluminum and has more features for about $45. https://www.ulanzi.com/products/v2-protective-housing-case-ulanzi 

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch

Posted by Wayne Busch, America Rides Maps
See examples of Vlogging at http://Youtube.com/americaridesmaps

Find America Rides Maps motorcycle ride maps at AmericaRidesMaps.com 

Big Updates to Motorcycle Ride Maps 2019

2019 brings big changes to America Rides Maps motorcycle maps of the southern Appalachians – more area, more detail, and new maps!

View of Map 11The desire to expand the areas covered by America Rides Maps into the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia required a lot more work than expected. Since the maps connect and overlap, existing maps needed to be updated. I took this opportunity to include the most current data available and employ new skills learned since the last updates improving the detail and readability of what we currently had.

Wayne-with-mapWhen I began there were 13 pocket maps available. Now there are 16 motorcycle ride maps which cover the great motorcycle roads found in the southeast mountains. 5 existing maps were reworked and three new ones introduced. In addition, one of the two large format maps was completely overhauled in the process.

The first step was updating the 3 maps which cover Virginia – Map #1, Map #2, and Map #3.
For each of these maps we spent weeks on the road riding the old routes and scouting new ones, updating the information from direct experience and observation, visiting the sights, staying in the hotels and lodges, exploring and recording the new roads.

Map #1 – Great Rides Near the Start of the Blue Ridge Parkway Map 1 - Great Rides Near the Start of the Blue Ridge Parkway
This map was expanded to cover a larger area including more of the border with West Virginia. The previous map cut off before it reached Marlinton, WV, it now extends further west. It also extends further south clipping more of Lynchburg. The old map did a good job covering the main roads, the new map focuses on including more of the smaller side roads which stem from them, we found a lot worth adding.

Map #2 The Roads Of Roanoke and BeyondThe Roads Of Roanoke and Beyond
Map #2 got a significant shift to the west. The previous version covered more area east of Roanoke but there were few good roads there. The good riding is west of Roanoke so the focus shifted. Map #2 now extends well across the Virginia border into West Virginia adding a lot of new roads in a really beautiful riding area. We have some new favorite rides and places to visit and stay thanks to these explorations.

Map #3 North Carolina / Virginia Border RidesNorth Carolina / Virginia Border Rides
Map #3 was quite a challenge. It was expanded to cover more area both in Virginia and North Carolina. It was enlarged to include Pilot Mountain State Park & Hanging Rock State Park, a large section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and get in the full run of VA 16 – “The Back of the Dragon”. This is one of our favorite areas to ride in and it is better represented and easier to understand than it was on the previous two overlapping maps.

Once the Virginia maps were ready we moved on to the new West Virginia maps which overlap and connect to them on the border.
Exploring West Virginia was a lot of work with a lot of rewards. I’ve not found such a variety of roads anywhere in the US. This first taste of it has us yearning to expand our coverage.

Map #10 West Virginia Border Rides – New River AreaWest Virginia Border Rides - New River Area
This new map covers the New River Gorge area and extends east to Snowshoe, West Virginia. The city of Beckley anchors the bottom left corner of the area shown. While compared to other maps there are not a lot of paved roads in large sections, more than 50 roads are featured and described and they are great rides. There are some outstanding scenic areas, lots of historic sights, and a handful of great little backroads for the adventurous rider to explore.

Map #11 West Virginia Border Rides – Coal CountryWest Virginia Border Rides - Coal Country
The highlight of this map is the region southwest of Beckley, West Virginia, where you find yourself riding in historic coal country. Numerous roads extend back through the mountains to reach the mines, a few of which are right on the roadway. It also covers the New River area south of Beckley and the scenic roads which wind along broad rivers through historic towns. It picks up VA 16 at the Tazwell end of The Back of the Dragon which continues as a great curvy ride into the city. More than 100 roads are highlighted and described.

Next, it was time to update one of the big maps.
Too much has changed over the last few years, the update was needed. The new maps looked so good I wanted to apply the new techniques so I rebuilt 100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smokies from scratch.

100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky MountainsPremium Map 100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky Mountains is my best work and best selling map. It was last updated in 2017. Nothing is as comprehensive or as detailed as this motorcycle ride map of the areas surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park but I knew I could do it better and I did. I had to add the new “missing link” section fo the Tennessee Foothills Scenic Parkway which was still in limbo at the last printing. Several motorcycle friendly locations on the previous version had gone out of business and there were new ones to be added. I wanted to push the limits and expand the map to include some really great roads not covered on any other map. Mission accomplished.

With the big map done, I used the data to expand another one of the pocket maps –

Map #8 – The Best Motorcycle Rides Near Smoky Park – NORTHBest Rides NORTH of Smoky Park
Once again I pushed to expand the map and add more roads. I also updated the points of interest and added a lot of new ones, several more waterfalls, motorcycle friendly stops, it’s a significant upgrade to this map of the area north of the park.

Finally, my attentions turn to the mountains of Northeast Georgia –

Map OR4 – The Best UNPAVED Roads in Northeast GeorgiaThe Best UNPAVED Roads in Northeast Georgia
With 3 maps of the unpaved roads in the Smoky Mountains already completed, I set my sights on Northeast Georgia more than a year ago. Frustrated with the limitations of Forest Service maps of this rich off pavement riding area I knew I could do better. It took way too long to poke my wheels down every back road and trail I could find then sort them out, many adventures ensued. You won’t find a better dual sport map of this wonderful area.

Map #9 – The Best Rides in the North Georgia MountainsThe Best Rides in the North Georgia Mountains
As I’d already built the base maps for the unpaved roads in NE Georgia, and discovered new stuff while exploring, it made sense to update the paved roads map as well. Expanded, more points of interest, more motorcycle friendly locations, etc. It really turned out nice.

I finished it all up as the winter weather arrived here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With short days and freezing weather upon us I will now return to working on the digital versions of the maps and laying out the new explorations for the spring. It was a busy year. I hope the next one brings more road time. Don’t we all.

You can see the maps and order them online at AmericaRidesMaps.com

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS
Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Printed in the USA on the highest quality waterproof and durable materials, these maps are specifically designed for the motorcycle traveler.

Pocket maps are easy to fold, fit in your pocket so they are always handy.

Order Online at
AmericaRidesMaps.com

Sights from the Road – Bible Covered Bridge in East Tennessee

  • 10/30/2019

Easy-to-see Bible Covered Bridge near Greeneville is a good stop on your motorcycle ride in East Tennessee.

Bible Covered Bridge, east Tennessee

Bible Covered Bridge, east Tennessee

When your motorcycle finds Warrensburg Road (TN 349) in East Tennessee you’re in for an enjoyable ride. The road is big and in good shape, a little hilly, and has some nice twisty sections along the creek.  It’s a pleasant way to pass through the are near Greeneville avoiding the traffic on the more prominent roads.

Bible Covered Bridge, east Tennessee

Bible Covered Bridge, east Tennessee

Along the way you’ll pass the easy-to-spot Bible Covered Bridge where Bible Branch Road turns off from TN 349. Once you cross the creek a gravel parking lot connects to that road. The covered bridge spans the creek.

Bible Covered Bridge, east Tennessee

Bible Covered Bridge, east Tennessee

The Bible Covered Bridge straddles Little Chuckey Creek connecting the Bible farm with Warrensburg Road. In 1923, the E.A. Bible family hired A.A. McLean to build this bridge to improve access to the main road from their farm. At the time, it had no side windows. In 1940, Greene County purchased it for $750. The Greene County Heritage Trust rehabilitated it, including a new exterior covering with three pedimented windows on each side, also roof bracings and a shingle roof. in 1975 it became a historical structure.  Restoration of the bridge was completed in the fall of 2004 by the Greene County Highway Department with the help of a grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The bridge retains the original wooden and steel truss members from 1923, the original concrete substructure, the original floor. Sources: https://bridgehunter.com/tn/greene/bible-covered/ , https://www.tnvacation.com/local/greeneville-bible-covered-bridge

Bible Covered Bridge, east Tennessee

Bible Covered Bridge, east Tennessee

This area of East Tennessee is 15 minutes north of the mountains found along the border with North Carolina. It’s not a highly scenic area, there are not a lot of reasons to stop your motorcycle ride. The Bible Covered Bridge is one of them. You can’t ride across the bridge, but it is an easy place to visit, close to parking, perfect for a short break and some photos of a historic sight.

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Article by Wayne Busch, America Rides Maps

We produce detailed maps of the best roads to enjoy on your motorcycle travels in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains.

Get the maps at AmericaRidesMaps.com
Source: America Rides Maps Blog on Miles-by-Motorcycle.com

Motorcycle Rides – Sights from the Road – Georgia

  • 9/30/2019

The road narrows to cut through this historic farm in Dial, Georgia.

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

Hearing a car approaching I’d stepped to the grass to let it pass. Though I’d been through several times before, something today made me appreciate this spot along the Toccoa River where the road narrowed to thread through the old wooden buildings of the homestead. The approaching car slowed then stopped, the window down.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” came a voice from the driver.

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

“I used to manage this farm” the woman in the car said to me. Her broad smile conveyed her pride.

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

“Yes, it is beautiful, I just had to stop and take a few shots” I said, resisting the urge to snap a candid photo of her. It just didn’t seem polite.

She nodded acceptingly then added – “Watch out, there’s some crazy folks on this road”.

I smiled and added “I’m probably one of them”.

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

She laughed then continued on her way.

One of the most enjoyable things about cruising the backroads on your motorcycle are the wonderful sights and beautiful views you come across. The hundreds of roads that weave through the southern Blue Ridge Mountains hold many secrets. There are little spots here and there that touch us in special ways, appeal to things deep within us, reward us with emotions of appreciation and admiration. Don’t let them all pass by, savor the good ones.

Dial Road Interactive Map

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Article by Wayne Busch, America Rides Maps

We produce detailed maps of the best roads to enjoy on your motorcycle travels in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Get the maps at America Rides Maps.com
Source: America Rides Maps Blog

An Iconic Wayah Road Motorcycle Stop Reopens –

  • 9/28/2019

Located at the corner of Wayah Road and Old Murphy Road just west of Franklin, Loafer’s Glory is back.

Loafer's Glory

Loafer’s Glory

In an area with such notable motorcycle rides as the The Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway, Wayah Road ranks highly as another curvy cruise. It climbs from the upstream end of scenic Nantahala Gorge along the whitewater river to reach alpine Nantahala Lake which feeds the flow. The ride then crosses Wayah Bald for several miles before it plunges down the east side of the mountain through a series of winding switchbacks. When the 30 mile ride ends, Loafer’s Glory sits on the corner, a convenient spot for a break.

Junction Wayah Rd and Old Murphy Rd

Junction Wayah Rd and Old Murphy Rd

Loafer’s Glory was once a popular stop for the kayakers, rafters, hikers, and of course the riders that enjoy this beautiful area of the Nantahala National Forest. It closed for a while, then reopened only to close again. Now, it gets another start. The gas pumps remain idle but the store provides cold drinks, ice cream, and snacks. Riders can get a T-shirt or a sticker as a souvenir of their Wayah ride.

Loafer's Glory

Loafer’s Glory

While there’s not much to it, Loafer’s Glory makes a good rest stop, a place to savor the ride and make strategy for the next. Glad to see it back.

Loafer's Glory decals

Loafer’s Glory

See Interactive Map

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Article by Wayne Busch, America Rides Maps

We produce detailed maps of the best roads to enjoy on your motorcycle travels in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Get the maps at America Rides Maps.com
Source: America Rides Maps Blog

An Overlooked Attraction in Highlands for your Motorcycle Ride

  • 9/2/2019

An easily overlooked spot in Highlands, NC – The Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge at the Bascom Art Center makes a great stop on your motorcycle ride to see the waterfalls.

Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge at the Bascom Art Center

Stevens Covered Bridge

Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge – Highlands, NC

We’ve ridden past this roadside attraction for years yet it never registered as a place to stop on our motorcycle rides to see the fabulous waterfalls in the Cullasaja River Gorge. I suppose it’s because I’m so eager to get out of the congestion in Highlands, NC. The roads surrounding the upscale town are outstanding but traffic crawls through the popular picturesque community. Reaching the edge of town the twists and turns ahead are so tempting yet a stop at the Bascom is time well spent and adds to the ride.

As you head west from Highlands towards the Cullasja Gorge to see the 4 big roadside waterfalls on NC 28 / US 64 you’ll find the Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge on the right. The road it covers leads to the Bascom Art Center, a collection of historic restored horse farm buildings which house the art and museum. It’s a one-way ride entering through the bridge, a short paved road loops you back to US 64 from the parking area at the museum.

Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge - Highlands, NC

Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge – Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center – Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center - Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center – Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center - Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center – Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center - Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center – Highlands, NC

The covered bridge is exquisite, worth the stop to see. It’s not original, the timbers were brought from New Hampshire then reconstructed at the site from a bridge dating from 1807. The beams are secured with hammered wooden pegs, it’s truly a work of lost craftsmanship. You’ll find an appreciation for historic preservation throughout the Bascom Art Center in the barns and stables now hosting the artists and their work.

Bascom Art Center - Pottery

Bascom Art Center – Pottery

Bascom Art Center - Taking some home(

Bascom Art Center – Taking some home(

Bascom Art Center - Gallery

Bascom Art Center – Gallery

Bascom Art Center - Gallery

Bascom Art Center – Gallery

The Bascom Art Center is worth the time for a visit. You’ll find artists in residence producing  beautiful pottery and crafts and a gift shop if any catch your eye. The three story museum in the largest building features collections from historic South Carolina, Japanese calligraphy, woodworks, and other eclectic exhibits. A short walking trail loops from the gallery through the grounds.

Bascom Art Center - exhibits

Bascom Art Center – exhibits

Bascom Art Center - exhibits

Bascom Art Center – exhibits

Bascom Art Center - exhibits

Bascom Art Center – exhibits

Bascom Art Center - exhibits

Bascom Art Center – exhibits

Bascom Art Center - exhibits

Bascom Art Center – exhibits

The Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge & Bascom Art Center make a nice addition to your waterfall ride passing through Highlands, NC. Be it a quick stop to snap some photos or a more extended visit to the art center, this is a nice scenic addition to your motorcycle adventures. Explore the map below to discover more and download a GPS track of the loop ride.

The Easy Waterfall Ride (https://miles-by-motorcycle.com/51999/maps/52025/the-easy-waterfall-ride)

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Article by Wayne Busch, America Rides Maps

We produce detailed maps of the best roads to enjoy on your motorcycle travels in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Get the maps at AmericaRidesMaps.com
Source: America Rides Maps Blog

A Motorcycle Ride in Coal Country, WV

  • 11/12/2019

Our motorcycle trip to West Virginia to explore the mountain back roads. The focus was on the south tip of the state – Coal Country.

Who: Jackie Busch, Wayne Busch, Yermo Lamers
What: Motorcycle Trip
When: October 20 – 23, 2018
Where: Glade Springs, WV, Blowing Rock, NC, Waynesville, NC
Why: Explore Roads in Southern West Virginia

Jackie and Yermo

Jackie and Yermo


Saturday, October 20 – started with cold showers in the NC mountains. 

Jackie on I-26

Jackie on I-26

Morning found Jackie and I droning along I-40 under grey skies and a pelting of rain that came and went in soft waves. Warm and dry with our heated gear, we had a lot of miles to cover. Tonight and tomorrow night we’ll be staying at the The Resort at Glade Springs south of Beckly, WV.  First to Asheville, NC, then north on I-77 to Johnson City, TN, then northeast on I-81 to Bristol, VA. We stopped north of Bristol to top up the tanks and get some hot coffee at a Dunkin’ Doughnuts then peeled off the Interstate through Marion, VA to start our ride north on the mountain back roads.

Tazwell, VA

Tazwell, VA

VA 16 is familiar turf“The Back of the Dragon”. The well promoted road winds through rocky cuts and long stretches of tight curves north to Tazwell, VA. We’ve done it before, it’s a fun motorcycle ride, one of the classics. The rain tapered off as went entered the hills and it was a decent ride at a wet-road pace.

VA 16 - Back of the Dragon

VA 16 – Back of the Dragon

Reaching Tazwell, VA, we needed to arc north to Beckley, WV. VA 16  becomes WV 16  and leads to Beckley – it was the obvious route. We enjoyed nearly every mile of it. While the southern portion in VA gets all the attention, this extensive section north is better. WV 16 winds its way through long wooded valleys and twisty passes between roadside coal towns. It’s mostly a wide two lane road with good pavement, generously curvy. The mountains and valleys are seriously rugged, the scenery stunning, especially with the bright fall color that was now lighting up as the sun burned off the clouds. Passing lanes on grades are common letting you leapfrog the industrial traffic this road was built for.

Following Jackie on WV 16

Following Jackie on WV 16

WV 16 is one of the best rides in southern WV. It’s a major road, you can make decent time on it. The experience is a good introduction to the area with coal mines, small mining towns, and miles and miles of dramatic rugged mountains. Near the middle of our ride, we dodge off WV 16 onto WV 97 for a while before returning to WV 16 again, a really sweet long stretch of curves we liked best. It’s common to find the road on one side of a river with railroad tracks running on the parallel shore, long trains of gray rail cars topped in black gold slinking along. Rows of aging roadside company houses cluster near mines and at cross roads. The are few amenities like fast food, motels, stores and shops. Small roadside businesses take care of local needs. Larger towns host the vacant buildings of past industrial prosperity. Traffic is as likely commercial as not, trucks and trailers of equipment moving between sites. You my hit the occasional snag but the chance to pass is usually coming up soon. The interstate highway will take you from Marion to Beckley in less time but it’s a longer distance on the main roads. This ride is so good the extra time it takes is worth it to get off the four lane highway and frolic in the turns.

While the coal industry chugs along, one new business is surprisingly widespread – ATV rentals, tours, and facilities. We started seeing signs for the extensive Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems and passing through ATV friendly towns where unlicensed vehicles roam the public roads unhindered. We passed businesses with fleets of the 4 wheeled toys, trucks with trailer loads of them, and witnessed several large groups of riders gathered at trailheads or emerging covered in gray muck. The bulk of the motorcycles I saw were light weight trail bikes, the machines you want for the more extreme trails, but they were vastly outnumbered by the 4 wheeled crowds. What little I saw of the trails was impressive – steep, wet, rocky climbs up from the road, or winding muddy roads full of big puddles. It looks like serious territory.

The Resort at Glade Springs

The Resort at Glade Springs

The sun grew low as we cut across a web of GPS led roads to The Resort at Glade Springs. It’s a golf resort south of Beckley which also caters to the public with a restaurant and events on the grounds. Currently, there was a Halloween attraction that was drawing visitors. We got the required passes at the gate then rode a mile or so to check in at the main lodge. It was not quite what I’d expected.

Our Executive Suite

Our Executive Suite

I was expecting an all-in-one-place, a room with a walk to dining and a bar. Instead, facilities were spread across the large property. The layout resembled a college campus. Breakfast was in the lodge. Our rooms were in a group of small 4 room buildings a short drive away. The bar and restaurant were a half-mile walk and it was getting cold. We got our exercise staying here. Yermo arrived not long after we did and we walked to the pub to top the evening.


Sunday, October 21 – Snow.

A dusting of snow

A dusting of snow

A strong front moved through overnight. We later learned 60,00 in the area lost power. Breakfast dragged on deciding how to play this day we’d been dealt. Even with heated gear it was pretty darned cold and there was concern for ice. Ultimately we chose to make a visit to a demonstration coal mine in Beckley and take a tour underground.

Inside a coal mine

Inside a coal mine

It took a frustrating hour to get a ramshackle cab then another half hour to get to the mine. It was a great experience. The tour starts at the museum and gift shop. We piled into mine cars fitted with seats and the engine drove us into the mine 1500 ft under ground. The train stopped periodically as our tour guide explained the equipment, history, and life of a coal miner along the way. We all enjoyed the experience and came away with a deeper appreciation of the area we were riding through.

Mountview Rd, WV

Mountview Rd, WV

Returning to the resort with a couple hours of daylight left we suited up and plugged in.

Ellison Ridge Rd - Ducking tree suspended by power lines

Ellison Ridge Rd – Ducking tree suspended by power lines

Heading south I first led the crew out a road our driver had mentioned as pretty, Mountview Road. It was OK, not a bad way to traverse between larger roads, but not exceptional. We got on VA 3 continuing south. Mountview Road had taken us a dozen or so miles east, I was looking for a way to loop us back west.

Ellison Ridge Rd, WV

Ellison Ridge Rd, WV

Coming into Nimitz I spied a small side road and I instinctively I cut right. Chances were high Ellison Ridge Road would be a waste of time, a long run to a dead end, but I went on and so did the single lane country road. It was paved though there were times it was hard to tell. Mile after mile we rode deeper into the hills passing farms and forest always expecting the end of the pavement around the next blind curve. The road was littered with blowdown from the night before, wash from the roadside, and wet areas. We passed under a fallen tree held aloft only by power lines. Crossing a small river the road climbed an endless steep and dirty grade, then coasted gradually down to meet the main road we sought. Ellison Ridge Road was 27 miles of adventure, what a ride!

Yermo, Jackie, Wayne

Yermo, Jackie, Wayne

Heading back, we made a short detour to see the local “ski slopes”. Nothing but a muddy mess today, then returned to haunt the pub another night.


Monday, October 22 – Destination Blowing Rock, NC

We packed up, bundled up, and plugged in on another chilly morning. Our rooms are waiting tonight at the Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC a few hours south. The bulk of our day is for exploring more of WV, then a run to Blowing Rock passing through Damascus, VA. We turned south for several miles to reach our first new WV back road – Odd Road.

WV 10 - Gas Stop below Matoaka

WV 10 – Gas Stop below Matoaka

Odd Road was a great start. It quickly turned into a tight and twisty romp passing through the town of Odd then rolled on to meet WV 16. It was a lot of fun. We then followed WV 16 to WV 10 diving south to Matoaka. WV 10 is a larger two lane road with generally easy curves. There is a 6 mile section in the middle that is just wonderful, a beautiful section of tight curves and exposed rock walls. Needing gas, we continued on WV 10 for quite a stretch to reach a station. The gas break turned into an entertaining coffee break as 3 locals stopped to talk bikes with us. All had fondly owned BMWs at some point. The sun was out and the day warming.

WV Odd Rd

WV Odd Rd

Tanks topped, I led the way back to Matoaka then veered west onto WV 71 – Lorton Lick Road. A small tight winding two lane road, WV 71 was beautiful and an adventure. We passed through a small settlement of close houses then rolled high on a bluff above a small river before we entered a long wooded stretch. The sunshine ignited the fall leaves and they blazed in color above us. We emerged onto US 52.

WV - US 52

WV – US 52

US 52 is a major road and not especially scenic overall. We used it to jump to WV 161.  A broad road with no centerline, two white lines mark the edges. It started with nice hairpins, then got slick and wet from the coal trucks from a couple mines along this route. We managed to skirt around one truck but not a second. It wasn’t long before it turned off and the rest of the ride was good. WV 161 is a useful road and a decent rides taking the coal trucks into account. One coal road leads to another, WV 161 intersected WV 103 and we turned north again. A bigger road, WV 103 – Riverside Drive carries more traffic.  It traces one side of a river with the railroad on the other passing a couple mines on the way to Welch.

WV 638 - Dismal River Rd

WV 638 – Dismal River Rd

US 52 came in handy again taking us west to meet WV 80. This section of the main road is more wooded with nice flowing curves. It was well into the afternoon when we turned south on WV 80 for the twisty run flowing into WV 83. When 83 turned west I hopped onto WV 635 to continue due south. WV 635 was a nice road for a while then veered off as a smaller unmarked road. It seemed to be petering out. We passed ATV trails and signs ATV’s used these roads. Sure enough, miles out in the boondocks the pavement ended. Consulting the GPS I found a possible alternate route and we started backtracking to reach it.

WV 7

WV 7

WV 636 didn’t look much better than WV 635 but it did point in the right direction so off we went. Tiny, twisty, technical and fun, the pavement continued on a true adventure road. WV 636 flowed into slightly larger WV 67 and as we reached Virginia it was time to head for the rooms.

TN US 421 - The Snake

TN US 421 – The Snake

We worked our way south crossing the interstate then on to Damascus, Virginia. Shadows were getting long now and it was time to plug the heated gear in again as we whipped south into Tennessee on TN 133. At Shady Valley we turned east on US 421 to enjoy an evening ride on The Snake. It was a nice run, the golden sunlight of the evening making the trees glow. The road was nearly empty this late in the day. Leaving the Snake we passed through Mountain City then entered North Carolina. The congested main roads took us around Boone and on to Blowing Rock.

Chetola Lodge, Blowing Rock, NC

Chetola Lodge, Blowing Rock, NC

Rolling up to the Chetola Resort I was pleased to find just what I was looking for. It was a beautiful setting, the buildings posh, the warm glow from the pub windows beckoned as we checked in. Just what I wanted after a good day on the road.


Tuesday, October 23 – The Parkway of course!

You could tell early on it was going to be a nice day and we got off to a good start riding US 221 from Boone to Grandfather Mountain. This section of US 221 clings to the slopes below the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a fun and technical ride freshly paved in places. We paused for the photo below the Linn Cove Viaduct then enjoyed the rest of US 221 into Linville for fuel.

US 221 -Below the Linn Cove Viaduct

US 221 -Below the Linn Cove Viaduct

I handed Yermo my keys and we switched bikes. It was quite a transition getting on his BMW 1190 R after spending the last few days on my new BMW 1200 GSA. Linking to the Blue Ridge Parkway via tricky little Roseboro Road was a challenge on the unfamiliar ride, but after 20 minutes on the parkway I’d started to get more comfortable with the bike. The fall color was gorgeous as the day warmed. We flicked our way south through the bends enjoying the light mid-week traffic. After an hour or so we stopped and switched bikes again – I stayed on the 1190, Jackie got on my GSA 1200 and Yermo hopped on her 2017 BMW 1200 RT.

Jackie shows Yermo the controls.

Jackie shows Yermo the controls.

The day just got better and better. The fall leaves were at peak in places. The air was so clear, you could see forever. We passed up early chances to head for home to keep enjoying the high road and hit all the classic stops.

We left the Parkway  at US 19. It took us through Maggie Valley and home to Waynesville.


Impressions from this trip:

Our previous explorations in West Virginia have been in the hills and valleys west of the Shenandoah area. The southern tip of the state is more rugged and mountainous. The northern areas are more agricultural and pastoral, this region is both more industrial and and more rural. Coal mining dominates, there is little else. I’d expected to see vast extractive wastelands, and while there are roadside mines, most are out of sight. Instead, the mountains and valleys are ruggedly beautiful, winding rivers link gritty towns, forests dominate.

WV 103

WV 103

What a variety of roads! The riding here is outstanding. You’ll find few sections of four lane, two lane roads of various sizes dominate. The bulk of the roads are in excellent shape, seemingly built to accommodate the commercial traffic to and from the mines. There are many good single lane roads and we strayed on to a few “adventure roads” – paved, but just barely. Off road adventure looks to be the growing industry.

Ellison Ridge Rd, WV

Ellison Ridge Rd, WV

The challenge I see in this area is the lack of amenities. Towns are small and there is little in them. Next task is to look for the good spots, food, gas stations, and lodging, then explore the roads that link them.


Wayne BuschAmerica Rides Maps

Wayne Busch searches out the most entertaining roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains then records them on a series of maps which span the Southern Mountains.

There are more great motorcycle roads in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains than anywhere else. I highlight the best roads then show you the best ways to connect them together into rides. More than a decade of searching has discovered more than 1000 good roads to enjoy. We continue to search so you may enjoy.

Review the maps, order online hereAmericaRidesMaps.com

Source: America Rides Maps Blog @ Miles-by-Motorcycle.com

https://miles-by-motorcycle.com/51999/blog/65203/a-motorcycle-ride-in-coal-country–west-virginia

RAM Finger Grip Mount for Motorcycles

  • 10/30/2018

Looking for a more permanent mount for my phone on my new motorcycle I came across the RAM Finger Grip mount. It’s a simple clamp to install on the bars and holds the phone securely on all 4 sides. The RAM ball mounts make it easy to reposition it just right.

RAM Finger Mount

The trickiest part is custom fitting the phone to the mount, made a little more difficult as there were no instructions in the kit. It was easy to find a diagram online.

RAM Finger Grip Mount with phone

The kit comes with two sizes of top / bottom mounts, and 3 sizes of side clips so you can custom fit it to your device. It’s a matter of trial and error to find the correct location so the clips do not fall on buttons on the side of the phone. For my iPhone 8S in an Otter case it took the larger top / bottom clamps and the middle sized side clips.

RAM Finger Grip Mount position

The mount seems very secure, the spring clips are quite robust and have vinyl covers to protect the device. It’s solid when clamped in. There are no screw clamps to deal with so it’s easy to pop the phone in and out of the mount to take photos.

RAM Finger Grip Mount with phone

As this mount moved the phone closer in I was able to use existing wire harness clamps to run the accessory USB port so not zip ties were needed – nice and clean. A 6 inch phone cord makes the link to power.

Amazon.com: RAM MOUNTS (RAM-B-174-UN4U Combination Brake/Clutch Reservoir U-Bolt Mount with Universal Finger-Grip Holder: Automotive(http://miles-by-motorcycle.com/51999/links/64822/amazon-com–ram-mounts–ram-b-174-un4u-combination-brake-clutch-reservoir-u-bolt-mount-with-universal-finger-grip-holder–automotive)


Wayne BuschAmerica Rides Maps

Wayne Busch searches out the most entertaining roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains then records them on a series of maps which span the Southern Mountains.

There are more great motorcycle roads in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains than anywhere else. I highlight the best roads then show you the best ways to connect them together into rides. More than a decade of searching has discovered more than 1000 good roads to enjoy. We continue to search so you may enjoy.

Review the maps, order online hereAmericaRidesMaps.com

Source: America Rides Maps Blog @ Miles-by-Motorcycle.com
https://miles-by-motorcycle.com/51999/blog/64817/ram-finger-grip-mount-for-motorcyces

Book – The Art of Riding Smooth

  • 10/12/2018

The Art of Riding Smooth
by Jim Ford

Get this new book!

Book - The Art of Riding Smooth, by Jim Ford

The Art of Riding Smooth by Jim Ford is simply the best work on the techniques of riding in the mountains well. It’s an easy and fun read with simple to understand methods you can learn to become a safer and more confident rider. For more than a decade Jim has been teaching riders the advanced and unique techniques needed to master the challenges Appalachian mountain riding throws at you. He enthusiastically shares some of his best hidden roads and a wealth of info on historic sights, restaurants, favorite places to stay, and little known attractions. This is a great book, you should have it!

Get the book here –

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Riding-Smooth-Best-Miles-ebook/dp/B073D251MC

Jim Ford has been teaching mountain riding through The Riders Workshop for more than a decade. Learn more here –

http://ridersworkshop.com


Wayne BuschAmerica Rides Maps

Wayne Busch searches out the most entertaining roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains then records them on a series of maps which span the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There are more great motorcycle roads in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains than anywhere else. I highlight the best roads then show you the best ways to connect them together into rides. More than a decade of searching has discovered more than 1000 good roads to enjoy. We continue to search so you may enjoy.

Review the maps, order online hereAmericaRidesMaps.com

Source: America Rides Maps Blog @ Miles-by-Motorcycle.com
(http://miles-by-motorcycle.com/51999/photos/52118/untitled/63712/the-art-of-riding-smooth)