Motorcyclists from around the world have come to see the best leaf colors in years on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Blessed with outstanding weather for motorcycle riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains, hardly a day has passed I’ve not made some excuse to get out on the bike. It’s been warm, the sun has been brilliant, and the skies clear and deep cobalt blue. Finally, the leaves at the highest sections have started one of the best fall color shows in years.

I spent Sunday riding the section of  the Blue Ridge Parkway between Waynesville and Maggie Valley admiring the colors. Hundreds of other bikers were out doing the same.

A view of riders enjoying the dramatic scenes below Waterrock Knob near Maggie Valley

I met some riders from Florida at the Mt. Lynn Lowery overlook. I spoke with another couple of travelers from Ontario, Canada a little further up the road. At Waterrock Knob I recognized a dialect I’d last heard in the Czech Republic and stumbled out a greeting in my broken version of Russian with an offer to take a group photo.

Motorcyclists have traveled from around the globe to see this spectacular sight and this year it’s worth the effort, the leaves are exploding with brilliant color.

These riders from Ontario, Canada were loving the spectacular views from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

There’s still time to pack up the bike and make a trip, the colors start at the highest points then creep down the slopes a bit more each day extending the show over several weeks. The lower sections are still green and waiting their turn.

Don’t miss out on one of the best fall seasons in a long time on the nations most popular motorcycle ride.

It’s an easy trip, there a plenty of affordable rooms available, and this year it’s a sight to be seen!

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There are so many great rides out there and sharing these routes is a great way to foster camraderie among the online community. We look forward to getting your submission!

Click here to submit a motorcycle ride for the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Motorcycle Journeys Through the Appalachians

The best motorcycling in the East is tucked away deep in the mid-coast’s Appalachian mountains. Motorcycle Journeys Through the Appalachians will take you to the greatest roads and roadhouses that only the locals, like author Dale Coyner, know about. Packed with colorful photos and maps, tips on places to eat and play, and of course Dale Coyner’s humor.  [ More Info ]

The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Travel

This guide book is perfect for motorcyclists to help prepare for traveling long distances over extended periods of time. Whether you’re getting ready for a weekend trip beyond your home turf, or for a transcontinental odyssey lasting several years, this motorcycle travel guide details the fundamentals for riding in comfort, safety, and convenience.  [ More Info ]

Taking a Break on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Virtual Blue Ridge is announcing the launch of a new website focusing on motorcycling in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Joe Veler, president of Virtual Blue Ridge, said “The launch of the website is perfect timing since May is Motorcycling Safety Awareness Month, and the lack of motorcycling safety tips specific to mountain driving was astonishing – until now.”

BlueRidgeMotorcycling.com features tips for driving in the mountains, an important feature since 27% of motorcycle accidents in 2010 occurred in the mountain region where only 12% of the state’s population resides. “Coordinating with Sgt. Mark L. Brown with the North Carolina Highway Patrol was paramount in getting a lot of this safety information together,” said Veler.

Sgt. Brown, coordinator of BikeSafeNC, says the Highway Patrol is very interested in reducing motorcycle fatalities by partnering an education tool such as www.BikeSafeNC.com with an enforcement element. There is no one better to teach this than the motor officers that do it for a living every day. BikeSafeNC is funded by a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) and partners with local departments to offer courses for motorcyclists. As a joint venture of the GHSP, the Highway Patrol, and local agencies, BikeSafeNC’s common goal is to reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities statewide.

Enjoying a Sunset on a Mountain Ridge

The new site is dedicated to providing information on routes favorable to motorcyclists including scenic features, mile by mile directions and interactive maps, as well as tips to keep them safe.

Motorcycle-friendly businesses are highlighted on the site to provide information so motorcyclists will have an easier time finding the best places to stay, eat, and play.

Future phases of the website will include motorcycling videos, Road Journal posts, guest ride submissions, additional destinations, community interaction, and GPS downloads of the rides. “We know these features will be instrumental in growing an online Blue Ridge Mountain Motorcycling Enthusiast community, and everyone’s feedback will be instrumental in how well the site progresses,” said Veler.

In addition to Sgt. Brown’s contribution of content, other motorcycling enthusiasts have helped to provide valuable content and popular motorcycle routes.

Misty Journey on a Mountain Road

Wayne Busch, cartographer, explorer, and designer, is no stranger to two-wheeled adventures. Owner of AmericaRidesMaps.com, Busch provides insider info to motorcycle rides with interesting twists. He is also prolific in producing point-of-view videos for the enjoyment of all. Busch has been featured in several publications and worked with SpeedTV on the Speed Channel. Every year Busch travels thousands of miles, selects the best rides, and presents them in a series of motorcycle maps.

Dale Coyner is the author of two books geared for motorcyclists. His expertise and sense of humor have made him a popular author with motorcycle enthusiasts. Coyner has been riding and writing since 1989, and has been featured in dozens of publications, including Rider and Motorcycle Consumer News.

Gates will open soon! Recent view at Wagon Road Gap

It won’t be much longer before the gates to the highest sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway open for the season and there are none I’ll be happier to see swing wide than those which have cordoned off the rock slide area near Mt. Pisgah in North Carolina.

At times, one lane was open. Waiting to pass at the Ferrin Knob Tunnel.

More than a year ago about 800 feet of steep hillside broke loose and the section of the Blue Ridge Parkway below was closed. I’d watched it develop in slow motion over the years. The curve bulged outward and subsided a bit. Efforts were made to patch it, the road was moved, but eventually gravity did the job.

Terracing and stabilizing the slope was a massive undertaking

Since, access to a strategic section of the Blue Ridge Parkway has been spotty as a massive effort to stabilize and terrace the hillside progressed.  Over the weekend, the Asheville newspaper reported the job will be completed April 4 so long as the weather cooperates.

Motorcycles pass the work area at the slide.

This section of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina makes the steady climb from the French Broad River in Asheville to the highest points on the road. There are more tunnels on this long ascent than any other segment. The views are great but soon forgotten once you reach Mt. Pisgah and beyond where the long high stretch that continues towards Cherokee yields some of the grandest panoramic vistas you’ll find.

We’re still playing with the occasional snowy blast, but the flowers are budding and the first hints of green are emerging down low. These high parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway will lag by 6 weeks or so, and making the climb is like watching the calendar roll back. Spring is still to come up high, but it is coming. Motorcycles, get ready to ride!

Stopped near Grandfather Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway

 I made my first motorcycle ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway today way earlier than expected. I found the gates open in Blowing Rock and I turned south to enjoy what winter had to show. A few deep snowdrifts still lingered along the road in shady spots, but most of the rest had melted.  It was good to be back on the nations most popular motorcycle ride. I can’t wait for the southern section to open. 

I enjoyed some great views of Grandfather Mountain and the Lynn Cove Viaduct. It was lined with snow and very pretty. The Blue Ridge Parkway is wonderfully free of the gravel and salt that covers nearly every other road in the Smoky Mountains right now, though there were a few spots with some sand on them. There was a high wind advisory in effect today and it was howling up on the ride, but I enjoyed it all the same. No trees had come down (yet), though there were some branches to dodge. Keep your eyes out for rocks in the road with the thaw, and crews are out working on projects. 

The Lynn Cove Viaduct - last section of the parkway, completed in 1983.

My fun was too short as I hit the first road closure south of Grandfather Mountain. I ducked around it with one of my fun little shortcuts, but had to leave Blue Ridge Parkway in Linville. I couldn’t resist making up run up the Diamondback on the way home. It was in pristine shape and I was on the edge of my tires until the last few switchbacks near the top of the mountain. Here I ran into the sand and salt again and wiggled my way to the top as quickly as it would allow. Unfortunately the parkway was closed here at both exits. I’m still thankful for what I got! 

It's no wonder this area is so popular. Lot's of great riding.

It’s still a ways to spring, but let’s enjoy this nice winter weather while it lasts.

Snowman greets Blue Ridge Parkway visitors at Soco Gap

You won’t find any motorcycles on the Blue Ridge Parkway this time of year. Cars either.   The road’s been closed to winter traffic for a while now if it’s on wheels.

That doesn’t mean there is a lack of visitors.  Even when blanketed in snow you’ll find people out enjoying the road. Sledding, skiing, on snowshoes or in winter boots, plenty drive to the nearest cross road and set out to enjoy the seasons scenery and solitude.

At times snow piles deep along the high ridge tops. Icy beards grow on the rocky faces. Every trickling stream is framed with frozen adornments. Clear winter air yields landscapes of hillsides sketched in black, white, gray, and brown. Even the sky pales, never reaching the deepest blues of summer. You can appreciate both the harshness and the softness that winter brings to this exclusive landscape.

Skis or snowshoes - you'll find both enjoying the snow on the Blue Ridge Parkway

I’m grateful to note the days are getting longer. While some of the lower sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will open from time to time, here in western North Carolina there’s nothing but to wait it out and enjoy the road as best you can in the mean time.

Ski it when the snows come. Hike it when it’s clear. Watch for those signs of spring and keep the motorcycle ready to go!

Those of you that have been following Wayne know just what kind of thought, hard work, and expertise has gone into these maps. It’s like having your own personal motorcycle riding tour guide in your back pocket!

Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle Maps

Jackie admires a stunning late fall view of Devil’s Courthouse on an exceptional day

Now that the leaves have dropped, the landscape reveals a more rugged and chiseled character. The vibrant colors of the spring blooms and the fall leaves have had their turn. Now it’s the more muted shades of brown and gray which give contrast to the brilliant blues of the clear winter sky. Uncloaked from the green summer blanket of foliage held aloft by summer branches, the mountains snuggle tight beneath a thick carpet of quiet leaves. The bare trunks and branches of the trees stand naked and stalwart against the coming season exposed and ready to fend for themselves.

The pine, spruce and balsams maintain patches of green on the otherwise muted hillsides. A close look shows the parkway snaking along the ridge tops.

Free of summer haze, the clear skies bring even distant details into sharp focus. While your eyes are drawn afar, the freshly exposed rocky massifs and craggy faces exert a gravity which pulls your attention back and keeps you anchored in the landscape. The world up high seems both larger and more expansive, yet the newly seen details hidden by summers foliage find me scanning the slopes of each ridge and valley to reveal the features so long obscured. The winter season is rarely appreciated by the parkway traveler yet is just as beautiful in manifestation as each of the others.

The best viewpoints were social gatherings spots. It was a day to slow down and savor the experience.

Stops at a few overlooks to admire the views were often longer than planned. At several, people sat quietly in folding chairs just being present in the moment, basking in the experience. As is often the case on nice days, motorcycles outnumbered cars this afternoon. While a few buzzed by enjoying a more spirited engagement with the terrain, most were intent on savoring the day. At each overlook we passed time chatting with other riders and parkway visitors as if everyone was looking for that excuse to spend just a few more minutes enjoying all this exceptional afternoon offered.

In a few short weeks the gate arms will swing shut and the Blue Ridge Parkway will start it’s lonely winter hibernation in the higher sections of the mountains. Beards of ice will grow on the rocky cliff sides as it slumbers, waiting for the longer and warmer days to return. At times the mountains will roar with the passing winds of winter storms, but for the most part it’s a silent and peaceful sleep.

Looking Glass Rock anchors a view that stretches into South Carolina and Georgia.

We’re grateful for each of these late season rides and the memories that will hold us over until the Blue Ridge Parkway reawakens in spring. There’s still time to enjoy them, but not for much longer.

The detail and craftsmanship on this old home in rural Virginia is inspiring

My travels take me up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s the backbone from which I begin my mission to explore the miles and miles of two lane back roads, small towns, and beautiful and historic sights which surround it. As I course through the countryside there are certain sights which I find personally rewarding and tend to appreciate, my sweet spots. One of them is old wooden houses and buildings.

I can’t help but take note when I pass by one of those ramshackle gray dwellings bent and blighted with age and and wonder what was it like to call this place home in its glory days? Who lived and worked there? What did they do? The mountain landscape is dotted with these abandoned and declining homes and businesses which must have stories to tell if only there were someone left to tell them.

1895 General Store stands in Sandy Mush, NC

For me they hold a beauty to appreciate. The craftsmanship, how they fit into the landscape, and the sense that someone of substance once lived in these often large and rambling homes. Broken windows, if not the very frames and sills, the fallen-in roofs and hanging doors, the sparkles of sunlight which burst through the gaps and holes in the walls and twisting vines which embrace these faltering structures are for whatever reason something which gives me great peace and pleasure.

What about you? What are your sweet spots? Is it roadside waterfalls or maybe old barns? Historic churches or steel bridges? Mountainside herds of goats on a sunny afternoon, or clouds gathered in the valleys below as you look down from above? The mountains hold a continuously changing canvas of scenery that never disappoints.

Where’s your sweet spot?

Wayne Busch looks forward to year-round riding in the Smokies

It may seem an odd time to start blogging about motorcycling the Blue Ridge Parkway. Leaf season has pretty much run it’s course. Parkway concessionaires have their eyes on shutting things down. The first of the winter Blue Ridge Parkway closings has occurred at the rock slide repair site near Mt. Pisgah. Before long the weather will dictate the seasonal barricades to the higher sections of the nation’s most popular motorcycle ride. Not much story left to tell, see you next spring? Hardly.

While most motorcyclists are starting think about clearing out that corner of the garage where the bike will hibernate through the winter months, I’m putting the new tires on that will carry me through the coming cold season. Even though the Blue Ridge Parkway is practically in my back yard, its closing won’t mean an end to my riding, it just means I’ll go another way.

There’s always another way waiting. The Smoky Mountains are laced with enchanting two lane back roads that twist and wind throughout them. Few rise to the regal heights of that 469 mile long king of the roads, but each of these byways which intersect or lie adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway has something to offer. The lordly views from mountaintop parkway are but one perspective.

A fall day on the Blue Ridge Parkway

I believe the NPS chose the right name for those scenic points along the road – Blue Ridge Parkway “overlooks”. As grand as they are, few recognize they are “overlooking” some really fabulous motorcycle riding. Few ever discover but a fraction of the great motorcycle riding that makes the Smoky Mountains one the top riding areas in the world. The mountaintop is but one perspective. The climbs to reach it, the rides through the narrow valleys, and the ancient paths which follow the riversides open a richness of experiences that are lost up high.

While I wait for the parkway to reopen, I’ll have plenty to share about the world of great motorcycle riding in the Smoky Mountains that remains largely undiscovered. I’ll have no shortage of things to share with you, things you can plan to include on your next motorcycle vacation visit. Let’s turn a two dimensional Blue Ridge Parkway ride into a 3D world of interconnected motorcycle riding fun and adventure.

Motorcycle Warning Sign

The Blue Ridge Parkway has consistently been described in motorcycle media as one of the best rides in the country if not the world.  Although not a motorcyclist myself, I do not doubt this judgment for the views, lack of large commercial trucks, and interesting curves are not to be found anywhere else.

Unfortunately the increase in motorcycle traffic is accompanied by a significant number of serious motorcycle crashes.  A number of years ago Park Rangers became concerned about the significant increase in motorcycle crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities.  Statistical research of crash scenes and drivers was conducted and several theories were developed as to the causes. 

One consistent condition was found to be a factor in many crashes.  They were occurring in areas where the Parkway had been engineered with descending radius curves.  When the Blue Ridge Parkway was designed the purpose was to adhere it to the land providing for the least destruction of the landscape while providing for the best views.   The 1930’s and 40’s were not times when motorcycles or motor homes were commonly used by the visiting public.  Very few if any roadways in the United States today have descending radius curves and consequently most motorcyclists have never driven through these types of challenges.

A traffic safety program was designed to step up traffic regulation enforcement, educate the public, and to place more aggressive signing at locations of repeated wrecks.  Through these efforts the number of motorcycle crashes sharply decreased.  In the District where I worked in we had a curve that had seen eight motorcycle wrecks in one year.  Once the warning signs were put in place the follow year there were zero wrecks.  However, other duties and constraints of budgets have made the park staff step back from these programs.

Curve Warning Sign

Ultimately it is the operator of a motor vehicle that is responsible for their own safety.  If you operate a motorcycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway, observe the following safety tips:

• Observe the speed limits that are posted.  In most areas it is 45mph.  In some developed areas it will drop to 35mph.
• Watch for curve warning signs and take them seriously.  They are few and far between, but mark the most dangerous areas.
• Be aware that even though you may have years of experience operating a motorcycle, you will encounter curves and road surface elevations that you have not experienced before.
• Maintain full attention to your driving at all times.  Many instances in the past operators have been distracted by the view and just that split second of inattention has gotten them in trouble.
• Watch for wildlife in the road.  You are in their neighborhood and they are in the road often.
• Do not pass on the double yellow lines.  There are many blind curves on the Parkway that come up fast.  You never know what is beyond your view; a motor home, a deer, or a car full of kids.

Remember as the Blue Ridge Parkway Traffic Safety Program says:

    ENJOY THE VIEW – WATCH THE ROAD

Dan Propst with his new tag!

We began our trip at Front Royal, VA and ended in Cherokee, NC. The entire trip was outstanding. We camped both nights and had beautiful weather. Our traveling companions were Phil and Diane Gnapt. We were riding our 1994 Honda Goldwing pulling our custom made trailer designed as a 1955 Chevrolet Nomad.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is our favorite road.

We have one of the first BRP license tags on our Goldwing! — #0046BP

Chris White of Kernersville sent us the first photo of this historic occasion ...

We have received reports of their receipt in the mails today. The first twenty-five people who send to us their pictures with you, your bike, and your tag will receive a free T-shirt.

Please include your shirt size and mailing address!

Houck Medford
hmedford@brpfoundation.org

A real red letter day!

I remarked in one of my last columns that I almost hate to hear the phone ring.

The Foundation is perennially the bearer of good news; please consider what follows next as nothing but good news.

Our design team received new color proofs from the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles on Friday afternoon, March 20; the team called us this morning with their “final selection” on the correct color and we share the event with you today, Monday, March 23. They are now on their way back to Raleigh to get the presses rolling.

This many-month process has all been accomplished without medication prescribed for my pain. Thank every one of you for your patience and understanding!

Parkway Foundation contract designers have made selection from sample run by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Today is Tuesday, February 26. For the last two weeks, any time the phone has rung, I have winced … for we have been flooded by calls … where’s our tag?

Expectations of the state we don’t take seriously but we did receive today a color proof demonstrating the State of North Carolina’s new flat-plate printing process which will be used for all new motorcycle specialty tags and some automobile specialty tags. When our designers saw our company car tag printed with the same new process, they said ‘this needs to be better.” I agreed, but having never plowed the ground before with North Carolina DMV by asking the question, “Can you do better?”

We supplied DMV with a color test mockup file three weeks ago which they printed and finally returned to us in the mail today. It was obvious that there were some color preferences which our keen-eye designers have selected. These will be communicated to Raleigh tomorrow on the opening of their business day.

We expect DMV to provide us a timeline and you will be first to know. It will be posted on all of our social network sites simultaneously so you can bookmark your favorite.

Here are the links to our other social sites: Twitter, MySpace, Facebook Address1, Facebook Address2, Facebook Address3.

After this is all over, I will buy a round a beers at Tuggle’s Gap Restaurant at Milepost 165.2

Count on me! I have already told Cheri we are coming!

Typing that number just now it sort of feels like such a miniscule number, and doesn’t even come close to reflecting the major efforts put forth by individuals, businesses, and good old fashioned “word of mouth” news that there was major interest from motorcyclists to display their support of the Blue Ridge Parkway with motorcycle tags.

“It is all in their hands now,” said Bob Henard, one of the tag’s volunteer champions, with a sigh of relief. Foundation executive director Houck Medford and Bob Henard presented a full three-ring binder and a check for more than $11,000 to Kay Hatcher, head of the specialty license tag unit at the North Carolina DMV office in Raleigh last week.

So now we wait . . . let’s just hope we can get the tags in time for some spring rides!

From Gary and Debra Laney

We enjoyed the entire Parkway but our favorite section is between Mt. Pisgah and Balsam Gap. We are fortunate to live close enough to spend a lot of time on our motorcycle riding the most beautiful road in the world.

From Eddie and Wanda Laney

I really enjoyed the music center and the views were spectacular. We rode the whole Parkway on the motorcycle with a group of friends and had a wonderful time.

Randall Dezarn completes entire Parkway ...

Also rode the Skyline Drive and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Riding during the week is great because there is far less traffic, but be on the lookout for more animals on the road!

L-R; Mark Faust and ....the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway motor road at Richland Balsam, between Mt. Pisgah and Waterrock Knob

Our first day on the northern section down to Roanoke, VA was beautiful. We could not have asked for better conditions or more picturesque scenery. The sun was out, the road was dry, temperatures cool, and being away from work was great! We spent quite a bit of time exploring Mabry Mill and before the weather turned rain and fog. This did not stop us from visiting Mt. Mitchell, the highest point on the Parkway or reaching the final marker. Overall, it was experience.

Bob Henard working the show ...

I am convinced that if the Lord was remaking this man’s blood today, he would replace his hemoglobin with the Blue Ridge Parkway. The oxygen molecule would be substitued for a Parkway view.

Bob live’s in Raleigh and of the thousands of miles that were put on his Goldwing last year, most of them were accumulated driving from Raleigh to the Blue Ridge Parkway and back home. “Once I am on the Parkway, I feel like I am at home.”

Bob’s wants his Parkway motorcycle license tag in the worse way but also in the best way – he volunteered to man a booth for the entire weekend of the Goldwing Regional Rally this past weekend in Asheville. I would check in with him by cell to see “how he was doing.”

I arrived in the late afternoon of the last day to pick up our gear and supportive accoutrements that kept Bob happy and hydrated for three days. I overheard him give the presentation to the couple in the photograph. It could not have been better presented.

Thank you, Bob, for the 18 new tag applications and the ones that dribbled into the office over the weekend bringing our total to 258 of the needed 300.

Anyone else want to man a booth at your favorite rally? We will do what we did for Bob — pay for your room and gas.

On any given day on the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially during nice weather, there are often more motorcycles than there are automobiles. My wife and I are frequently talking to these folks in overlooks and after we tell them who we are and ask them if we can share any information with them, they are full of non-stop questions. This simply means they do not have the answers nor do not know where to go to find them.

One entrepreneur who I met this past weekend is making the most of this opportunity as he and his wife, Kim, have all the answers and are having fun sharing them – Mike and Kim tours between Blowing Rock and Gatlinburg. Mike is 60 or thereabout, was successful in the construction industry in Florida, sold out because he was “tired of making money” and traded it in for “a new quality of life.” He told me this weekend at the Quotations Coffee House in Brevard. “People love the opportunity to have a diverse experience which includes the ride, a tour, great food and even a raft trip down the Nantahala if you want and Mike will go with you!

No one else in western North Carolina is offering this service. Our Virginia neighbors have devoted a whole division of their tourism department to motorcycling, but North Carolina still remains asleep. The fruit is ripe!

If you are a do-it-your-selfer, there are excellent motorcycle guidebooks available. But if you enjoy the camaraderie of others, great food, stellar rides, and a personable and enthusiastic tour leader, Mike and Kim are highly recommended.

Share the Journey!

Dan Ermis at Mile Post Zero

Spent the night at the Best Western in Cherokee and got up early and rode my 1988 Honda Goldwing with my brother-in-law on his 2002 Honda Goldwing. Temperature was mid 60’s to 70’s, clear blue beautiful sky and we got a lot of great photos. Plan to go again soon!

We enjoy riding over to Mt. Airy and eat at Snappy Lunch. The owner started working there in 1943 and bought it in 1960 and he is still there today. While in Mt. Airy we like to visit North Carolina Granite Corp. to see the World’s Largest Open-face Granite Mine In The World. This year we visited Pilot Mt. State Park. There is an incredible 360 deg view from the top of the mountain.

We also enjoyed stopping a couple of years ago to see the D-Day Memorial in Bedford Va. There are so many great things around the Parkway to see that it would take a long time to see all of them. That’s not counting all of the sights on the Parkway itself. I feel fortunate that I live close enough to get up on the Parkway within 1hr and 45 minutes. Even when its real hot in Gray TN, it’s almost always very pleasant up on the Parkway. I’ve got lots of great pictures of my time on the Parkway and I plan on getting many more. Thanks.

We completed “enders” in ‘05 and ‘06.!

Pamela Bowden's first Parkway adventure was at the age of 8; now since her two children are grown, she travels the Parkway via motorcycle with her husband, Danny. (1984)

Pamela: My parents made the trip almost every year camping along the way. I loved it so much once I was married, Danny and I made the same trip camping with our children. Our youngest child was in diapers when he made the first trip. Once our children left home, we have made the trip every year on a motorcycle. The first five or six years we carried a tent and sleeping bags to camp. Now we stay in the wonderful lodges along the way. To us, traveling the length of the Parkway is a legacy.

Authors Darrell (kneeling by the stop sign) and Gina King (standing by the stop sign).

Our most recent trip was just a week ago with some PA friends — priceless!

(l to r) Harvey Server, Web, Ed Taylor, Melvin Hogge

Cleanest best manicured stretch of blacktop I’ve ever been on, and although a little foggy, a beautiful ride! The inns I stayed in were awesome! Rode with 72 year old brother-in-law on a Road King, me on my BMW R1200C, Web on his C/C, C-liner on his 12C and a few others from the “Chromeheads” forum. Great Ride! Total of 3200 + miles on this trip for me.

Tom and Joanne on the Skyline Drive. How do we know this is the Skyline Drive and not the Blue Ridge Parkway? There are no lines on the side of the road on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We were traveling on our 1984 Honda Goldwing along with another couple. This was our first time on the Blue Ridge. On a bike, the tight curves were very enjoyable. The smells of the flowers, the forest when it rained, the pine trees and the site of the deer were incredible experiences. The overlooks all have big areas in which to pull over and park. The tunnels also were fun. Our first experience leaves us with lasting memories and we will return someday for another adventure.

To be at a high overlook after a night rain and the day dawns crisp and clear, you gaze over the mountains high, you realize that you’re about as close to God as you can ever be!

The Wades at Mabry Mill

We rode our motorcycle the entire length with the exception of where the Parkway was closed near Boone, NC and also near Mt. Mitchell. We enjoyed the higher mountains in North Carolina. Our overnight stays were in Mt. Airy and Asheville. We visited Mabry Mill, Grandfather Mountain and the Music Center. A very pleasant and relaxing trip!

Under the banner of Cruis’in the Blues, Richard McDevitt of Charlotte and Ray Mayeu of Asheville have provided the leadership for a very small scale event when they ride from one end of the Parkway to the other — sometimes, north; sometimes, south but always staying in the best that the Parkway has to offer — Peaks of Otter Lodge, Doughton Park, and the Pisgah Inn. I have accused them of riding, eating, and sleeping; riding,eating, and sleeping; riding, eating, sleeping. They do not deny the accusation and I witnessed the same when after what I consider a very full meal at Tuggles Gap Restaurant, deserts were ordered almost all the way around.

Their perennial grins are what bring me back every year to offer my encouragement; to congratulate them on their accomplishment and endearing enthusiasm for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The check that they present to us every year for the “money raised” pales to their sincere patronage that is genuinely portrayed in the expressions on their faces.

We thank them for sharing in the journey of the Blue Ridge Parkway which connects, as they have discovered, a lifetime of enriching memories.

Jim Davidson returns each year from Australia to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The most magnificent road that I have ever been on. As far as I am concerned, that is God’s own country. I have been back every year since my first visit in 2004 and have driven various parts each time to get to know it properly. Will be back again in October, 2008. You can quote me on anything you like and I have thousands of photos if you wish to see any. God bless America!

(L-R) John Sprouse, Travis Sprouse, David Terry, Larry Bethea, Larry O'Byrne, Carlton Ballowe

On June 19th, 2008 six motorcycle riders started at Milepost 0. It was 5:45 am and we traveled end-to-end in one day. We arrived at Milepost 469 at 8:39 pm.

With the early start, we woke up the forrest and chased deer, turkey, and song birds off the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Every rider thought the last 100 miles were the toughest, with a setting sun in our faces along with curved tunnels and energy stores near zero, when we arrived in Cherokee, the motel beds never felt so good.

Enjoy the View but Watch the Road

We recently collected an end-to-ender story where a group of friends who are all motorcycle buddies did the whole Parkway in a day!

Whew!

We do not recommend this, simply from the safety issue and the overwhelming physical exertion. I know! There is something called the iron butt club but this not the way TO SEE the Parkway.

For anyone that is seriously considering this, I will buy you dinner to try and talk you out of it.

“Enjoy the View but Watch the Road”. You can’t do both when you are tired.

Gary Conlan, Jim Conlan, Bill Bushong, John Harkness

My three friends and I have ridden the Blue Ridge Parkway from end to end the last three years on our motorcycles. We will be doing a fourth year this coming June when we will also include the Skyline Drive. Our names are Gary Conlan; my son, Jim Conlan, Bill Bushong, and John Harkness.

We absolutely love riding the Parkway on motorcycles and begin planning the following year’s ride immediately after the current ride.

General Riding the Blue Ridge Parkway

In 2005, I purchased a very small dog (a Papillion) with the intentions that he would ride the motorcycle with me. I named him “General” and he was born 1-8-2005 (Elvis’s 70th birthday). In 2006, we started at Rockfish Gap and rode the entire length of the Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is my “Heaven on Earth”.

I know of no other place that is so beautiful with no stop signs, no stoplights, no commercial signage, no commercial vehicles for 469 miles (Nirvana!). It is my intention to ride the full length with “General” along every even year until I am physically unable to. I have a Parkway map laminated and hanging in my cubicle here at work. I will get a calendar each year to keep me company for the in between years. I tell every motorcycle rider that I meet that they have to ride the Parkway at least once before leaving this world.

This year (2008) “General” and I will be a part of the RFTW (Run for the Wall) in May to Washington, D.C,. on May 25th. We will leave Washington, D.C. from Front Royal and then onto the Parkway for my 3rd, “General’s” second full length trip. We will end up in Gatlinburg and ride some roads in that area.

I wish that I could personally thank President Roosevelt and all the many workers for creating such a beautiful, peaceful, and heavenly experience. The people of the area all along the Parkway experience are magnificent and wonderfully friendly true Americans.

This year’s trip I will explore Little Switzerland, Linville Falls, and make a stop in Mt. Airy to visit my favorite TV show’s home town. “General” and I will be traveling on our new motorcycle this time (2007 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic).

To the Parkway Foundation keep up the good work and thank you for creating the End to Ender program. I will proudly display my certificates at work and always tell all that I meet about the Blue Ridge Parkway.

“The Blue Ridge Parkway is as good as it gets in America.”

— Michael E. Jones

The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles has favored the three number position with the suffix BR. Tags would be numbered like 123BR.

Four positions allows more options for vanity combinations. A copy of the letter will be posted as soon as it is available. We will meet with DMV soon to get their commitment to the design.

This decision will be important to the success of the program.

More later … we are appreciative of your patience.

Carolina BMW of Greensboro has promoted the tag from the very beginning, and if you happen to be in the area this Saturday, March 8 — stop in because they are having one of their famous open-houses which features great BBQ and rides of their new machines.

Ride safe!

One of the more common questions we get, is “How can I help?”. Right now, there are 3 main ways you can help:

1.) If you’re a North Carolina resident, and you own a motorcycle, THEN BUY THE TAG! You can get an application on the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s web site. Simply download the application now and send it in.

2.) Spread the Word! The main way we will get enough tag registrants to get this specialty tag approved is to let others know about it. We put our heads together and then asked our friends at Virtual Blue Ridge if they could help us develop something for getting the word out on the Internet. They came back with some good ideas. One of those is a “thermometer” that you can place on your web site or blog. You can see it to your right in this blog post. It’s just a few lines of code you can easily add to your site, and it links right to this page. To install the “thermometer” on your site, simply copy the code below and put it in the HTML source of your web site or blog:

<a href=”http://www.blueridgeparkwayblog.com/15-how-can-i-help/“><img src=”http://www.blueridgeparkwayblog.com/scripts/thermometer-new.php” alt=”Blue Ridge Parkway Specialty Motorcycle License Plate” width=”120″ height=”301″ border=”0″></a>

3.) Give us more ideas. So far, we have received some great ideas and we’re continuing to get more. Don’t be afraid to post your comments on this blog. We’re checking them daily and your thoughts can help inspire someone else to even greater thoughts. Comments on the blog are the easiest way to share your ideas with us!

We all look forward to see this great license plate on North Carolina motorcycles next year and your help is what will allow us to do that.

For more information on the specialty tag program, view the press release on the Foundation’s web site.

Our moto friends protesting encroaching development in the Roanoke Valley.

• Senator Joe Sam Queen who introduced this legislation will be having conversations with NCDMV soon about finalizing the design to include 4 number / letter options. This will allow us to produce a promotional counter card similar to the one for the automobile.
• Grandfather Mountain will put this in the hands of every motorcycle that comes through its gates (warmer weather coming!)
• GWRRA – this opportunity is being worked on a number of levels with straegically placed notices from the NC district representative.
• Concourse Owners Group (COG) – we have looked at their website and will look for a point of entry and opportunity.
• Motor Maids – same as COG
• Honda Sport Touring Association (HSTA) – same as COG
• Road Runner Magazine – eventhough this is published in our community, it is a national magazine. Jim Parks, their director of public relations has offered to place their eNEWS. Most all of these groups have discussion forums which have varying degrees of particpation. It will take a little time to figure all of that out.
• Rider Magazine – again, a national publication but we will look for an “in”
• Wing World – the monthly magazine of GWRRA, we just found out about that one to day.
• Roy’s Folks – travel show of WGHP in High Point, one of the editors is a rider and has done stories for us before.
• Raleigh News and Observer – we learned today that one of their editors is a rider and would be in a position to do a story
• Ralph Knox, director of photography, for Main Street teleproductions has offered to produce a 30 second PSA for us that can be used in numerous application.

Thank you! We will be giving updating comments on our pursuits. If any of you have already existing relationships with these opportunities, please let us know. We could use some help without having to start cold.

Houck

Houck and K.B. Medford are motorefs with the United States Cycling Federation

Legislation was passed last summer authorizing this license tag, but the program could not be rolled out until the fall. Cold weather came, and you know what happens to our bikes and our minds when cold weather sets in. They get parked and we go numb!

We (the Foundation and National Park Service) issued independent press releases to all our media outlets, ran three ads and supporting articles in Full Throttle Magazine, sent press releases and applications to all their advertisers which included biker bars, tattoo parlors, and dealerships and have published the story in all Foundation related materials.

As of today (February 4), we have 121 of the 300 applications that we need to put this tag in production. When we introduced the automobile tag program in 2001, we had 400 applications in 4 months.

We know that this program will fly and with warm weather and new options for promotion, we know we will get there and we are anxious to see these on the road.

Please send us your ideas! We will pursue each one with earnest.

Ride safe!

Houck Medford
Executive Director