This Bike Nite Will Be Hard To Top!

Posted on by
1

Photo – Bikes at the Mountaineer Restaurant / Riders Roost

Wow! Joanne at the Mountaineer / Riders Roost in Maggie Valley pulled out all the stops. What started as a social ride turned out more social than ride, but what a party! Only a handful of us enjoyed a fabulous cruise in the evening sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkwayjust up the hill. The action kept most at the restaurant.Photo – Bikers Always Welcome at The Mountaineer / Riders Roost

The handful of riders expected turned into a crowd of 50 or more. The place was full and lively. There was mountain music to liven things up. Some of the crew from Ghost Town in the Sky came down in full costume. Joanne had extra staff on hand to handle the crowd. Food, drink, music, entertainment, it was not surprising most stayed put.

We’re off to a good start. It’s going to be tough to top this show, and quite honestly, I’m happy just to make the rides. The timing is ideal. It’s cooling off, the sun is low and golden, the day traffic is gone, it’s a perfect time to be out for a spin.

Photo – Live Mountain Music Entertained The Crowd


It’s nice to be off to a great start. These Wednesday evening rides are open to all. I can’t promise we’ll always throw a party this good, but we’ve got some talented and resourceful people involved. If you’re in town or nearby please come by and get to know the people in Maggie Valley who really welcome and appreciate the motorcycle tourist as much as the local. We’ve got some special deals for you, discount cards to help your dollar go farther while your here, and information on the best rides in the area.

Photo – Happy Diners At The Mountaineer

Look for the flyers, ask at the visitors center, e-mail me, or visit All Roads Lead To Maggie.com to find out what’s happening each week. There is a group of people, growing and expanding, that are working overtime to insure you have the best affordable motorcyle vacation found anywhere. We’ve built all inclusive packages that include, meals, lodging, tours, discounts, entertainment at prices you won’t find elsewhere. It’s all possible because we are surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of miles of the best motorcyling roads found anywhere, more than you can see in one, two, even three trips. You never run out of great riding.

Every day is a motorcycle rally in Maggie Valley. The only thing missing are the noisy crowds. They’re too busy spending evenings on the porch in a rocking chair. Ride all day. Kick back in the evening. Now that’s a vacation.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com

Good Day, Good Motorcycle Tour, Great Guests!

Posted on by
16

Carolyn and Larry G. from Granger, IN., enjoy one of my secret waterfalls

Paperwork is all done, bikes in the barn, time to crack open a cold one. A good time was had by all, especially me, but that’s not hard when you’re out riding in the mountains. Thanks to Carolyn and Larry for treating me to breakfast and dinner – somehow we were having so much fun we missed lunch. My fault, I didn’t know it was some kind of secret Latin holiday and all the Mexican restaurants on the route would be closed today. The pizza was good enough.

Most guides or tour companies won’t mess with just one bike or day tours. It’s the same amount of paperwork, liability, wear and tear on the bikes, and us guides don’t work cheap. The more sensible thing to do is run groups, preferably on multi-day trips. But then most companies have to cover hundreds of miles to get enough quality sights and scenery to make a trip rewarding. Not so here. As soon as you leave the barn you’re in the heart of it.

As should be the case things ran like clockwork. I waved at Larry as he was picking up his rental Harley from Gryphon Bikes in Maggie Valley. They met me for breakfast exactly on time at the Mountaineer Restaurant. I’d urged them to take their time and not leave too early so the mountains would clear of morning clouds. The last vapors were dissipating from the high spots at Waterrock Knob when we arrived – right on time.

That hearty breakfast from the Mountaineer stayed with us and we chose to skip the lunch stop at the Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Not accustomed to a Harley, the parkway was the ideal place to get a feel for the bike on the comfortable curves. By the time we were ready to go in search of waterfalls he was ready to tackle the twisties.

As the day evolved we progressed from the easy roads and waterfalls to those more challenging and off the beaten path. Though the first couple times the floorboards scraped on the sharper turns were unnerving for a flat-lander, I assured Larry the rental agency would consider this “normal wear and tear” for our mountain territory (it is). I saved the best for last with a collection of my “secret” waterfalls, a few I don’t reveal on my maps.

The weather was pleasant, just cool enough and a little breezy up high. It was hot but not stifling down in the valleys. The clouds threatened just enough to heighten awareness of the good fortune we had with no rain. Even the bathrooms appeared at just the right times. We ended the day by returning the rental Harley with 25 minutes to spare, bellies full, and all ready to spend some quality time riding the rocking chairs on the porch. Nothing like a good tour.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com

Virginia Maps Are Coming

Posted on by
Reply

Photo – Jackie enjoys the country roads of Virginia

You know the story – excuses, excuses. Where the heck are the Virginia maps? I’ve got them started. Two scouting trips have narrowed the focus. They are not going to be ready as soon as I’d wished, but that’s usually the way it goes. Business has been booming and it’s been difficult to get away. Lots of activity, particulalry related to Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

I do have a new map about to be released of the 5 most popular rides surrounding Maggie Valley. It was supposed to be a custom job, but you know, it’s turning out so nice I may just make it public. It includes Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon, Thunder Road, The Blue Ridge Parkway, Hot Springs, and the Devil’s Triangle. All of these rides are fairly well known. All of them are classics. Some take just a few hours, others are an all day excursion. It’s easily enough to give you a ride a day for a 5 day visit.

Unlike my other maps, this map is exclusive to just these 5 rides. None of the hundreds of miles of great surrounding roads are included. The usual mileage, gas stations, and a few of the most obvious points of interest are included, but to get the full detail and all the best surrounding roads you’ll need to get one of my normal detailed maps.

We’ll see how it goes. I like it so far. I’ll put it out for testing and review. Let’s see what others think and maybe, I’ll have a new map availabe within a week.

Report on Blue Ridge Parkway Construction

Posted on by
Reply

I’ve been curious about the construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway since the road reopened north of Asheville, NC. This section of the parkway has been closed for more than a year due to a landslide. The detour around it took more than an hour and access to the highest mountain in the east, Mt. Mitchell, was limited. It reopened May 15, though there are still delays. It’s not so bad after all.

Now that I’m on the road again, I checked things out. The parkway advisory makes it appear much worse than it is – at least when I was there. 16 miles of the parkway are being resurfaced. It definately needs it. The road has deteriorated from Mt. Mitchell south. The southbound lane is in worse shape than the northbound lane. Expect some rough roads in this area if you’re headed south. North is much better, though there are a few places most easily described as “potholes” that are really spots where the road has subsided in large deep dips. Be alert, they are marked with orange paint, and you’ll avoid them.

The actual construction area is quite short though you may encounter construction vehicles and activities through the area. They appear to be doing it in small sections so the really bad stuff is limited to very short portions of the road. You may want to snap a photo (as
I did) of the rare appearance of traffic lights on the parkway. Delays are relatively short, you’ll cross a section of unpaved road, then all is well again.

Honestly the detours to the north around Boone, Blowing Rock, and into Virginia are much more inconvenient. There are a couple of bridges being repleced in these sections and the detours route you close enough into the cities to experience some traffic.

I expect to be in the area again soon and am confident there are better detours than the Park Service provides. Once I discover them I will map them out and offer them as free printable downloads at my America Rides Maps.com web site as I did last year.

In the mean time, be sure to include Mt. Mitchell as a stop on your parkway ride. The new observation platform is completed so you can enjoy the views if you’re willing to take a short hike up the trail. Don’t forget there is also the opportuntiy to eat at the highest restaraunt in the east just a mile or so down the road in Mt. Mitchell State Park.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com

Roads In Bad Shape After Rains

Posted on by
Reply

After nearly a month of rain over the mountains of North Carolina we can now be thankful the long period of drought is behind us though some of our roads are suffering damage. The rain is good news and is welcome to a region which had been parched dry along with much of the southeast United States. The bad news is the heavy rainfall has been taking it’s toll on the roads.Thin soil on steep slopes is prone to slide when accumulated water adds weight and lubrication to the mix and reports of road damage is widespread. Minor flooding has occurred periodically in low lying areas while several small slides have occured around Asheville, Cashiers, and Brevard. Numerous trees have fallen causing temporary road closures throughout the region.

While I’ve heard of no major incidents, I urge visitors to be aware of the situation and exercise caution while riding through the area. Watch for gravel and sand, particularly in turns, rocks fallen into the roads, and debris washed down steep driveways and side roads. You may also expect repair crews on the roads as things are put back in order.

On the up side, there’s no better time to take a tour of the waterfalls!

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com

Motorcycle Waterfall Tour

Posted on by
Reply

[

]

This video shows a dozen or so of the roadside waterfalls included on America Rides Maps “The Best Roads South of Great Smoky Mountains National Park – EAST“.

When combined with the companion map “The Best Roads South of Great Smoky Mountains National Park – WEST“, nearly 20 roadside waterfalls can be enjoyed on your rides through the mountains of North Carolina.

Neither of these maps is purposely designed to focus on waterfalls, rather they guide you to the most exciting and beautiful undiscovered back roads which wind throughout the wild woods of the mountains just south of our nations most popular national park. There are plenty of other spectacular sights to see. Visit America Rides Maps to discover thousands of miles of two lane mountain roads packed with scenery, devoid of traffic, and more!

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com

Blue Ridge Parkway – Closed Section to Open on Schedule

Posted on by
Reply

The section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the highest mountain east of the Mississippi which has been closed for nearly 1 1/2 years due to a slide is set to open on Friday, May 15. Located about 20 miles north of Asheville, NC, near milepost 367, the visitor center at Craggy Gardens will also re-open Friday afternoon.

Alternating one lane traffic will be controlled by flaggers or temporary traffic lights with a timed system used after dark. Repaving is occurring from milepost 359 (about 5 miles north of Craggy Gardens) to milepost 374 just north of Ox Creek Road. Visitors are cautioned to use extreme caution through this section of the Parkway as there will be loose gravel and rough pavement through the 16 mile stretch.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com/

Mountain Riding Tips #6 – Weather or Not?

Posted on by
Reply

Did you get any rain? What’s it doing over there? It’s blowing like a hurricane over here, what’s it like at your house? So begin many phone conversations amongst friends and family – in town. There are times when the weather is similar everywhere. When a major rainy front moves across the country or a cold spell comes through or the rare heat wave everybody shares in it. Most times though, the weather is far more localized, and we rarely share it equally.

Each cove and hollow has its own little weather system. Each town is different. As the weather moves across the mountains, it seems to get hung up on some, can’t climb over others, and funnels through some places more than others. Yesterday was a prime example. I’m waiting to do some filming south of me. With afternoon thunderstorms predicted, I knew better than to go over the mountain. Through the day we watched the clouds build to the south, billowing up higher and higher growing dark and angry. Resigned to doing yard work, I could hear the occasional rumble of thunder in the distance. Today I’m nursing a sun burn. The weather couldn’t make the climb over the hills.

So what’s a rider to do? Nearly every day through the summer there’s some chance of showers predicted. Do we believe the weather report or go out on our ride? Honestly, there is no way to know for sure. It’s always a gamble. But there are a few tips which will help you avoid a good soaking or skirt around areas where rain is more predominant.

First of all, the closer you are to the clouds the more you will find yourself in them and the wetness they hold. It is far more likely to rain at the higher elevations and rain harder. When the weather looks gloomy, avoid the high places. Sometimes the rain never makes it to the ground in the lower elevations. More than once, I’ve left the Blue Ridge Parkway onto one of the many great side roads only to ride out of the rain and even hit the sunshine leaving the storm behind me.

Another tip for summer riding is to take your time getting started in the morning if you want to get those long range views from the high places. With the cooler temperatures of night, the clouds come down and settle in the coves and valleys. As the sun comes up, it warms them and they rise out of the valleys and climb up the mountainsides. If you get up high too early in the morning, you’ll catch up to them before they’ve cleared the mountaintops and your long range views will be obscured by the gray-white mists. Take your time and enjoy a nice breakfast.

Some places get more rain than others. The mountains often provide a barrier that either prevents the weather from climbing over them or funnels it along them raining on one side but not the other. You are more likely to experience showers if you are on the north or south side of the higher elevations. Brevard, 20 miles south of me sees more rain than I do as it sometimes can’t climb over the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll see stronger storms on the Tennessee side of the mountains when it can’t make the climb over the Smokies to come south. Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain in the east, sees a lot of rain. I’d avoid it when the weather is iffy.

You can’t always avoid the rain, but often you can ride out of it and plan your rides around the places where it most likely. There’s no better feeling than to crest that ridge and see clear blue skies on the other side. It’s all part of riding in the mountains.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com/

Mountain Riding Tips #5 – Mastering the Curves – See Your Future

Posted on by
Reply

A few times each year I read about a motorcycle wreck nearby on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a small town so details travel fast, often not reported in the newspaper. The story is typical – somebody hit a guardrail in a turn and either them or both they and the bike went over it. The rail usually stops the bike. Most times, the accident is not related to excess speed. While not reported, the cause is pretty well understood – target fixation. Too much time looking at the view and not enough attention to the road.

We’ve all experienced it. We’ve seen that pothole, or road kill, or stick in the road, focused on it in an effort to avoid it only to run right over it despite our intentions. Or maybe you’ve looked down at the side of the road whizzing by only to find yourself drifting towards it. Or maybe you’ve had the parkway experience – focused a little too long on the view only to find your motorcycle has been magnetically attracted to it when you glance back at the road and that curve is suddenly upon you. What you see is what you get.

One of the tricks to mastering the curves is to learn to keep your eyes moving. Another is to look through the curve. Wherever your eyes go, your motorcycle goes. Always look as deep into the turn as you can, seeking the path you want your motorcycle to follow and exit. Scan well ahead of the bike looking for problems. When you see that patch of gravel, note it, then immediately look for your path around it, where you want to be to avoid it and once you’re beyond it. Look beyond the hazard.

Keep your eyes moving, darting from the obstruction to the path ahead. As it comes closer, train your focus at where you want to be, do not focus on the obstruction. The more you look at it the more likely you will hit it. Force yourself to keep your eyes down the road. Your peripheral vision will take care of the rest.

The views from the Blue Ridge Parkway are what make it what it is. So are the sweeping curves that follow the rise and fall of the ridgelines. Beware when the two cross paths. As you are clipping along enjoying the rock and roll of the woods flanked in green and you come around that curve and a vast and panoramic view explodes before you, plan to appreciate it from the side of the road instead of the saddle. Zip into the nearest overlook and take a break to enjoy it. If there’s no overlook, find the next one and swing around to go back and appreciate it by pausing at the side of the road. Snap some photos to share.

Enjoy the road. Enjoy the views. Beware of mixing the two.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com/

Sights From The Road – The Lynn Cove Viaduct

Posted on by
Reply

The Lynn Cove Viaduct is located at milepost 304.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway where it skirts Grandfather Mountain at an elevation of 4100 feet. It’s just outside the town of Banner Elk, NC. and not far from Boone, NC., convenient midway stopping points for a cruise down our nations longest National Park.

Completed in 1983, this was the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway linking the northern parts through the highlands of Virginia with the southern section through the highest mountains in the east. Too long for a tunnel, the Lynn Cove Viaduct provides an elevated bridge across a section of mountain too steep, rocky, and unstable for a roadway. While it is one of the most photographed features of the parkway with it’s dramatic “S” curving platform, those photos you may come across are from a vantage point not easily reached from the road. Fact is, you may not recognize you crossed it while cruising along the parkway unless you’re looking for it and know where it’s found.

For a better view of it, exit the parkway and ride a few miles down NC 221, one of the best roads recommended on America Rides Maps NC008 – “Great Roads Near Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock“. Pass the entrance to Grandfather Mountain, continue through a few of the wonderful curves that skirt the mountain below the parkway and look for a turn with a large gravel pull out. That’s where I got this picture, good enough to be used as the cover photo for the map.

For too many travelers, this area around Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock is overlooked. It’s a great stopping off point to pass a night, and you can see a few of the attractions with short rides between the towns. My explorations discovered a wealth of great backroads in the area with rides that extend acorss the borders into Tennessee and Virgina, enough to make a stay of a few days a rewarding expereince. The map lays out three recommened rides, and tempts you with more roads waiting your discovery.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go to America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com/