A cool brew at the pub at the Switzerland Inn last night. It was not the last of them.
We’re back from our brief three day trip north on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a semi-working trip in that Jackie tagged along. That changes the focus and the daily plans dramatically from my usual road-warrior approach. Even so, we accomplished a lot and I have a ton of new information to pass along.
I’ll get to it little by little as I now must catch up on the things left unattended. We added almost 50 miles of new roads to one of the maps (and I still have a few new motorcycle rides to go back and check into). I got a firsthand look at the construction and cleanup work on the Blue Ridge Parkway through North Carolina and Virginia and there’s some great news to relate. We found a wonderful place to stay in Virginia, the Hotel Floyd. I picked up a lot of new info to add to the maps. We found ourselves at the Switzerland Inn more than once and loved every minute of it. I shot a load of video to go through.
We braved the heat, wore out a tire, fought with the electronics, lost a headlight, dealt with a minor crisis at home, and generally had a great adventure. It will be the last with Jackie for a while as she returns to start a new job. I returned home to find the new printer on a pallet in the back of my truck (thanks Mom). It’s larger than expected and I’m not sure I can lift it. Office redesign and build new furniture ASAP.
So many things to do I’m making a list to prioritize. #1, take a few hours down time.
– Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here – AmericaRidesMaps.com
Once a steep hillside giving way, the rock slide is now being reshaped into a more gradual slope near milepost 400 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
My July 4th holiday was one of those exquisite weekends with ideal weather, clear skies, and lots of time on the motorcycles. I managed to hit four states, rode several of the most notable routes, discovered some new rides, and treated my riding partners to at least one America Rides Maps road they’d never seen before that they will surely remember. While I touched the Blue Ridge Parkwayseveral times, the holiday traffic took much of the fun out of it for me and I stuck mostly the little known hidden two lane mountain back roads I know so well. Finally, Monday evening, I rode up to view the newly opened section at the rock slide south of Asheville.
Waiting to go at Ferrin Knob Tunnel #1 south of the work area - A set of temporary traffic lights control passage through the single lane open at the site of the rock slide cleanup.
One lane is open at the Blue Ridge Parkway section near milepost 400 between Asheville and Mt. Pisgah. Passage is controlled by a set of temporary traffic lights on either side of the work area. They are programed to change about every 5 minutes so delays are tolerable though I’m sure the lines got pretty long during the peak of the weekend. Concrete barriers and a chain fence separate the tourists from the workers and prevent too many boulders from tumbling down onto the road.
A concrete barrier and high fence help protect from boulders and debris which might come down from above. It's a short ride past.
They’ve removed one heck of a lot of rock from up high on what was previously a pretty vertical section of hillside. It now slopes more gradually, though there’s enough loose rock and soil above to make one hesitant to linger below. There’s still quite a bit to haul out and stabilize before the second lane is opened in September, but it will come.
Another set of traffic lights is being used near work on the Buck Springs Tunnel just north of the Pisgah Inn.
There is a second work area at the Spring Gap Tunnel near milepost 408 just north of the Pisgah Inn. A set of temporary traffic lights also does duty here as the tunnel work progresses. It doesn’t appear to be too extensive and I wouldn’t think it will last long, but count on another delay.
This is great news, and I’m glad to see it finally come to pass. For the first time in more than 18 months the Parkway is open from end to 469 mile long end. Enjoy!
Blue Ridge Parkway barricade at NC 151 on the south side of the closed area.
For the first time in 18 months or more the entire 469 miles length of America’s favorite motorcycle ride, the Blue Ridge Parkway, will be open for travel. I’ve patiently watched and waited for this day, trying to sneak peeks at the progress on clearing the slide area near milepost 400 without success. Despite a grueling bicycle ride to make first hand observations, I was put off by the high fence and $5000 fine for trespassing, and have had to simply wait for the announcement. Work is still being done and there will be temporary traffic lights to manage traffic at a nearby tunnel.
I was put off by the high fence and $5000 trespassing fine from getting a first hand look at the progress.
Work continues elsewhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway clearing the damage from one of the most severe winters on record. One of the worst hit areas near Linnville is now pristine again, an amazing job considering how badly it was affected. Ice and wind storms had covered the road with fallen trees and debris. Riding through now, you’d have to know what to look for to see evidence of the devastation now hidden by fresh summer greenery.
View of Blue Ridge Parkway with trees down from ice in February
Paving continues between Mt. Mitchell State Park and Asheville, most concentrated near the Craggy Gardens area. The southbound lane is nearly completed and the quality of the new roadway is outstanding. You’ll hit a few delays and a mile or so of road that has been top-scraped in preparation for new asphalt. There are some rough sections and pot holes. The north bound lane still has a way to go and while the killer pot holes have been filled, the road is rough for many miles. It has also been prepped, but the pot holes are more numerous and it’s a bumpy ride.
The volume of trees down on the section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linnville was amazing. You wouldn't know it looked like this riding through now.
A recent hazard to be aware of is near Mt. Mitchell State Park where guardrail replacement is being done. A very slick sand is found in places near this work and motorcyclists should be vigilant and exercise caution. This video shows what to watch out for.
If you miss the tower at the Shady Valley Country Store you've been riding way too long. Time to stop for a rest.
I passed through Shady Valley, Tennessee on my motorcycle earlier this week and finally took the time to stop in at the The Shady Valley Country Store , see the place, and meet Kimberly and David Dail.
Just look for all the motorcycles at the Shady Valley Country Store. Everyone stops here, it's the best place for miles and miles.
Don’t worry about having difficulty finding the Shady Valley Country Storewhile you’re out motorcycle touring. If you miss the tower in the parking lot at the crossroads of US 421, TN 133, and TN 91, your probably fixin’ to die in some horrible accident, you’ve been out in the sun too long.
Three bites wide and thick as your thumb, a Snake Burger will satisfy. It was really good.
Come inside the spacious building, find a table, and get Kimberly or Dave to fix you up with something to cool your brain. While you’re at it, try a Snake Burger. They’re huge, they’re good, or you might want to try a heaping fried bologna sandwich instead. David’s not stingy when it comes to portions, you get your monies worth.
Plenty of room, lots of tables, good food, a great place to either cool off or warm up inside the Shady Valley Country Store.
I filled the tank with Snake Venom at the pump outside, then headed back to finish my motorcycle ride home. I shot a little video of the section of US 421 between Mountain City and The Shady Valley Country Store to give you a taste of the kind of motorcycle riding you’ll experience on The Snake. There are some better videos at the store as well as T-shirts and other Snake charms to help you remember your visit.
– Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here – AmericaRidesMaps.com
Having completed a series of motorcycle ride mapscovering the full scope of the Blue Ridge Parkway from end to end describing more than 3000 miles of the most outstanding motorcycle rides along its entire length, I’ve now been commissioned to produce the ultimate and best map available for the motorcycle rider planning a motorcycle vacation trip to Deals Gap, home of the infamous “Dragon” motorcycle ride.
Due to the success of the Blue Ridge Parkway motorcycle ride maps as well as others which expand the areas covered into Georgia and South Carolina, I invested in new hardware and software to take America Rides Maps to the next level. This new Deals Gap map will be the first to take full advantage of the improvements and I am impressed with the output to date.
Maintaining the handy pocket map size which makes the maps easy to use and conveniently accessible, as well as the most affordable motorcycle ride maps available at the ridiculously low price of $5 each, this latest America Rides map will guide the Dragon rider to a dozen or more additional great motorcycle rides in the surrounding area including the best section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as the most notable rides in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina and touching on north Georgia and South Carolina.
The scope of the map covers the largest area yet tackled to include approach routes to Deals Gap from all points of the compass making navigation to reach the Dragon easy. Once there, it leads you to enough additional good motorcycle rides to fill a week of vacation time or more. The back side of the map will describe the various routes as well as give details about riding them.
The Ultimate Deals Gap Map Nears Completion
As I wrap this project up, now is the time for your input as to which features are most important to you. I typically include out of the way reliable gas stations, notable attractions, and a handful of selected eateries, campgrounds, and motorcycle dealers and repair shops. Unlike my other maps which are only available online, this Deals Gap map will be provided by vendors in the area. As such, the frequent updates I normally provide to the maps will not be as easy to accomplish and I want to get this first edition as complete as possible as once maps are distributed they will not be updated as frequently.
Send your suggestions to info@americaridesmaps.com . If your suggestion is incorporated into this new map, I’ll send you a copy in appreciation. It should be wrapped up in about a week, so if you’ve got a great idea shoot it to me immediately. I’ve got to get this done, the open road beckons and I’m itching to get away from my office and ride.
A sunny day, blue skies, balmy temps, what a great day for a spin on the motorcycle. We all revel in such opportunities, but when it comes to motorcycle vacation plans, your schedule does not always fall on those perfect days. All too often the weather is questionable, and with limited time you set off to make the most of it come what may.
Don't let a rain storm ruin your travels. With the right gear, you just keep on going.
I’ve given up on counting on the predictions. There are days when I must ride regardless. With most of my time spent in the Smoky Mountains, you can rarely trust a forecast or plan with certainty on what’s happening over the next hill or ridge top. Best to adapt the Boy Scout attitude of “Always be prepared”. Leathers and chaps have long been retired. Nor can I be burdened with always packing a decent rain suit. A good one is not only bulky but costly. You have to stop and put it on, stow it when wet, I can’t be bothered. I have embraced synthetics and come to value the gear produced by Fieldsheer.
Case in point, a situation I see repeated all too often. I got a call last week that some magazine writers from Florida were in town and wanted someone to show them some great rides. I knocked off for the day, and headed over to meet them. Who can’t use a little more publicity. The storm clouds were gathering and there was obvious rain to the southwest. No problem, we’ll head for the blue skies to the northeast and skirt around it.
By the time we saddled up and got ready to leave, the first wave of rain had hit up high near the Blue Ridge Parkway where they were waiting. It was still sunny a few miles down the road and I knew we could pass through the shower and get ahead of the storm which would hang to the south. Dressed in blue jeans, T-shirts, and skid lids, they were not only saturated by the time we reached the bottom of the hill but couldn’t see where they were going with their open faced helmets. I lost them at the first gas station as they sought shelter. I circled back, and we waited for the shower to let up to return them to the motel. Their day was ruined. I headed out, rode for a bit, and returned home bone dry in my synthetic gear. How many have wasted their valuable motorcycle vacation time waiting in shelter or cutting things short when they become wet, cold, and miserable from a brief shower? Don’t let it happen to you, plan ahead and be prepared.
An hour wasted at a gas station that could have been better spent for proper gear.
I’m long acquainted with Fieldsheer motorcycle gear. It’s my everyday year-round riding apparel. My jacket, now 4 years old or more is still waterproof, and the ballistic cloth has survived going down at highway speeds without significant damage, the protective armor built in insuring I walk away from spills with little more than my ego impacted. After three years I’d done enough to my old pants to warrant a replacement. The occasional knee down and a spill or two had loosened the stitching in the crotch and I had a minor leak. Santa blessed me with a new pair of Mercury 2.0 pants, and after six months, I can give them a preliminary rating – stellar.
The quilted lining served me well through the winter. Comfortable and warm, it has been removed now that the summer heat is here. I really appreciate the small zipper controlled thigh vents that are easily opened while riding. Full side zippers insure that should the temps really climb, I can add even more ventilation. With repeated forays through some heavy downpours I can attest to their being waterproof. Sizing runs a bit large, though that probably contributes to comfort – plenty of room to move around without restriction. The velcro waist bands make for quick cinching when I make those trips into the weeds to commune with nature. The fly is so well gusseted as to be useless as an avenue for quick relief, but in exchange water tight.
Available in black or silver, Fieldsheer Mercury 2.0 pants are versatile and practically indestructible while offering comfort and function..
You can find FIELDSHEER MERCURY 2.0 PANTS online for under $150.00. They’ll serve my purpose for 95% of the riding I do, with a set of mesh pants as back up should I decide to head for more tropical climes (not likely). I no longer plan around weather, waste time parked under overpasses or sit out storms slurping endless cups of bitter truck stop coffee. They also come in silver, and womens versions.
Rain is temporary. Good gear endures and keeps you riding and should be part of your motorcycle touring kit. If that’s important to you, I highly recommend these pants.
– Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here – AmericaRidesMaps.com
Droning west on the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway this morning, my mind tends to wander. The greatest challenge of the highway is simply maintaining the legal limit leaving plenty of brain cells free to engage in other things. My wife rides alongside on her Beemer so I have something to look at every once and a while and count my blessings of how fortunate I am to have someone like her to come along with me today. The thought that comes to the forefront is “Just how many motorcycles are there on the road?”
It was far easier to snap a photo on the rare straight stretches - overall the roads were wonderfully curvy.
As the main artery between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Dragon at Deals Gap, it’s no wonder there are a lot of motorcycle riders on this stretch of highway 23 / 74. Both the Parkway and the Dragon draw millions of two wheeled vacationers to the area every year. Still, we’re a good bit east of Cherokee, the southern endpoint of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and within minutes we’ve passed scores of bikes headed in the opposite direction.
The roads we explored followed winding streams and creeks through rolling farm lands in a broad mountain valley. Plenty of great long range views.
We’re only going as far as NC 28 south today, about 45 minutes ride time to reach Lauada, and early on I wonder if we’ll pass 100 riders. I start to keep a loose count, but within 20 minutes or so it’s obvious the number will easily exceed that, and question answered, my mind drifts to other things. Turning off the highway onto two lane NC 28 we plunge south into the twisties and the bikes keep sweeping past us in the other direction.
The pavement is generally excellent for back roads, and you can enjoy the ride with gusto. Just be wary for a little gravel now and then.
I’m following up on a tip from Brad at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. I spent some time with him Friday and he suggested I revisit an area I’d previously sketched over. I knew there were a couple of nice rides hidden away around Franklin, but he hinted they could be linked together to make a nice route. I’d done some scouting on the way home that day, and I saw promise. Today was the day we’d put it all together and see if it added up to getting a place on my America Rides Maps.
The only traffic we found was when we approached the main road. If you stick to the perimeter route you'll see very little if any and it's more curvy and fun.
It took about four hours for a thorough assessment. We checked out every one of the roads in the area, confirmed the unpaved areas remained so (I only focus on paved roads), the dead ends were still dead, and the links that joined the roads together followed a more or less natural flow or the turn points were easy enough to locate. When we completed our task, I had assembled an outstanding ride that will certainly be the next addition to America Rides Maps. I’ll add it tomorrow morning.
I highly recommend NC 28. These roads make it even better. Great to know when there's traffic. You can jump off and enjoy the ride again.
I make a claim to know almost every great motorcycle ride from North Georgia to North Virginia. While I can’t claim I know them all, I’ve just learned another, and we saw only one other bike the whole time we were exploring the area. Now that’s what I’m looking for.
The big log building in the background was the headquarters for the event - as Route Master I rarely left it.
From before the gates opened to well after they closed, I spent the last four days at the Asheville Bikefest and yet I never really saw it. As Route Master for the event I was stationed in the luxurious air conditioned headquarters building and tasked with helping folks get out and ride the fantastic motorcycle roads in the surrounding area. I rarely stepped outside nor ventured far from my post.
A printer, 30 routes, and me at work helping you find the best rides and routes.
Flanked by two long tables stacked with 30 motorcycle ride routes for people to choose from, I spent much of my time running back and forth to the printer to maintain the supply. There were great motorcycle rides in most every point of the compass, up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway, and to several of my personal favorite motorcycle roads. It kept me busy. When my wife came down Saturday to help me out, I urged her to take a few minutes and grab some photos. She probably saw more of the event than I did.
A vintage Triumph Bonneville parked right out front - I rode one of those back in the day and find myself back on a Triumph today. Great bikes!
I met folks from as far away as Maine, New York, Florida, and a whole lot from South Carolina and Virginia. Considering the remnants of the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally were going on simultaneously, it was encouraging to see so many who had chosen to come here instead, a sure sign that beach venue has lost it’s luster. Most who came seemed to be local. It was a surprising turnout considering all the competing events in the region and up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Yamaha / Star / Boss Hoss and other big rigs set up in one corner. There was a steady stream of demo rides the whole time.
I expect more photos soon. I saw some wild ones from The Anti Team Stunt Show with the bikes in flames. When I caught the last of them on Sunday, they were pulling out all the stops and those boys went home with some painful souvenirs.
Three stunt shows each day from the Anti Team kept getting better and better. They kept finding more stuff to blow up or burn, sometimes themselves.
I was there, but I can’t tell you much about it. I was too busy. I’ll post more as it comes in. If you made it, let me know what you thought and I’ll try to do even better next year. Unlike others, this event is all about the great motorcycle riding and should be one you add to your motorcycle vacation plans.
While the Smoky Mountains are laced with great motorcycle rides, only a few get known well enough to get a name attached to them. The Snake is one such road. Tucked away in the corner where the states of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia come together, this stretch of US 421 north of Mountain City boast 489 curves within a 33 mile stretch. Sections of this road are tighter than the infamous Dragon at Deals Gap and it deserves more attention than it gets. The Iron Mountain Inn B&B is seeking to change that.
Scenes nearby - Watauga Lake
The Snake does not stand alone. When you see references to Shady Valley, the junction where TN 133 and 91 junction with US 421, it characterizes a surrounding area ripe with great roads, nice scenery, and miles and miles of fun. As you traverse the borders of the three states, then continue on up into Virginia, you enter a region full of so many good motorcycle roads it will fill days and days of riding. Surprisingly undiscovered, dotted with small rural towns and cities, the majority of the roads are empty of all but local traffic.
To the south lies Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock, the convenient jumping off point from the Blue Ridge Parkway and home to Grandfather Mountain and its mile high swinging bridge, and Watauga Lake. Bristol Motor Speedway and the city from which it is named is at the west end of US 421. North brings you to Damascus with the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. To the east miles and miles of largely undiscovered two lane roads wind and twist through the hillsides waiting for your motorcycle tour.
Iron Mountain Inn B&B Creekside Chalet
Based out of Butler, Tennessee, the Iron Mountain Inn B&B offers a variety of settings in addition to the Inn itself – a lake house, a chalet, and a cottage. Choose your level of privacy, amenities, and setting. Wether you’re looking for the convenience of meals served on sight, a private hot tub under the stars, or a house pre-stocked with you dining choices, they will cater to your needs. Should you choose to have someone show you the area on your motorcycle vacation, day tours are available highlighting both the roads and nearby attractions which can include:
A visit to the Ashe County Cheese Factory
Visit Grandfather Mountain, a globally recognized nature preserve with the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge
A trip back in time at the Todd General Store
A picnic beside Watauga Lake
The Butler Museum to learn the story of “the town that wouldn’t drown
Festivals throughout the spring, summer and fall throughout the region
Taking a pontoon boat for an afternoon or evening spin around Watauga Lake
A hike to Laurel Falls – part of the Appalachian Trail
Depending on the season a visit to the Rhododendrons at Roan Mountain State Park
Visit the Grey Fossil site to learn about rhinoceros which once roamed these hills
Visit Bristol Motor Speedway – take the tour and see what the banked track is really like!
A side trip to Mt. Jefferson where you can hike to the top for a magnificent view!
The view from the deck.
Come, share the magic of the mountains where every season has a reason to visit us at either:
Sorry there are no great shots of bikes tearing it up on this great motorcycle ride, but it was early in the morning and I was alone. I missed the couple bikes that did pass and fortunately the early morning turkeys strolling up the road.
While you’ve already hit some curvy sections on NC 226, once you get on the Diamondback NC 226A, the traffic disappears. The sign hints at what’s ahead.
The photo (above) gives you an idea of where you start from relative to where you are going – up on those smoky mountains in the background. There’s a good trout stream along this section if you’re packing the fly rod, and some nice places to stop and cool your feet in the frigid waters.
Once you start climbing, the road begins a series of turns and switchbacks that grow tighter as you gain height.
This ride will appeal to both the cruiser and the sports bike rider. You can take a leisurely approach and simply enjoy it, or you can attack it with vigor and challenge yourself. There are a few short and relatively straight sections between the curves, but they are not long enough to get you into too much trouble if you keep a lid on your enthusiasm.
As you get higher and higher, the road looks more and more like this. One curve after another, the occasional hairpin switchback to keep you on your toes.
Once you reach the highest sections, you’ll want to be wary. No guardrails, the terrain drops off precipitously and going off the road is going to guarantee you some air time followed by a very nasty landing from which only the luckiest will walk away.
The great ride ends at the intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway at Little Switzerland. While Nc 226 is more direct, and still very curvy, as it’s the shorter route it gets all the traffic.
As you approach the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Diamondback runs parallel to it for a stretch. You’ll pass through Little Switzerland, though it’s hardly noticeable. The Switzerland Inn lies sandwiched between the two roads.
The Switzerland Inn is sandwiched between the Diamondback and the Blue Ridge Parkway near the top of the ride.
It’s unusual to find such a nice resort that actually invites and enjoys motorcycle travelers. You can live it up and get some fancy accommodations or get an affordable room in the Diamondback Lodge bunkhouse. Don’t be fooled by the lower prices, it’s still really nice and you can access the bars and restaurants to enjoy the full experience of the Switzerland Inn. The views are free to all and they are priceless.
