The Blue Ridge Parkway from bottom to top! - Page 2

nick_j · 01-04-2009, 07:36 AM

Great show so far - looking forward to some pics of the area I used to ride when I lived in Virginia.

RivahRider · 01-04-2009, 09:25 AM

Thanks for the memories. We made the trip south to the Smokies, planning a different route back north through W. Va.. We loved the BRP so much that we changed our plan and took the parkway back, making it a round trip.

SgtMike · 01-04-2009, 01:22 PM

My BRP tag application has been in for months now, waiting for state approval.
I'm in Charlotte as well, let me know when to meet up.
When the weather clears up we should ride up route 16 into WV.
Let's ride!!!

simpson · 01-04-2009, 03:05 PM

Great pics man. I cant wait for the weather to start warming up and drying up. As soon as it does I plan on doing this as well.

RForestR · 01-04-2009, 05:46 PM

Hey there.
We were at the 'top' on exactly the same day. You guys pulled in just as we were pulling out, got this pic on the other side of the sign that you took your pic on:

I'm ridin the R:

Easy to remember you guys, my wife (she's riding the versys) and I were heading south on that cold foggy day in August. Woulda stopped to say hello but had to roll as we had to make it home to Canada in 2 days from this spot and weren't sure just how much fog we were in for.

Looks like you had a great ride heading north.

Cheers,
Chris

vwone · 01-04-2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RForestR

Hey there.
We were at the 'top' on exactly the same day.

That is crazy after all of this time! I remember you two as well! That was some serious fog that morning, but it cleared up for us just an hour or so after that. It is a small world, this is the second time I have had someone reply to one of my reports that saw me or my bike. I just think it is great to have the two photos on this report! Who knows I might run into you two again, maybe at a BMW rally. Dean

vwone · 01-04-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SgtMike

My BRP tag application has been in for months now, waiting for state approval.
I'm in Charlotte as well, let me know when to meet up.
When the weather clears up we should ride up route 16 into WV.
Let's ride!!!

You got it SgtMike, I am always looking to ride! I will PM you when it looks like I will have some time. Dean

vwone · 01-04-2009, 07:22 PM

For some reason, every time I take a road trip, I end up on a dirt road. As Steve and I were closing in on the end of the BRP, we had to stop for some fuel. We followed the GPS to the nearest fuel station and had a quick snack. Since the road coming in had not been the best, once we got back on the bikes, we decided to try to find another way back onto the Parkway. So the GPS gave us the shortest route, and it was only 4 miles away. Well, as we followed the GPS, the road became narrower. At one point, Steve asked, “Are we still on track?” I looked down and the GPS said right on track. So further up mountain we went. The road continued to worsen, and soon we hit dirt. I try not to take my F800st on dirt roads, but that one did not look too bad. After 3 or 4 switch backs we made it to the top. Here are a couple of pics!

We made it! This was Friday around 2 pm and we had left Thursday morning around 9 am. I really didn’t expect to cover the entire BRP in a day and a half, but it wasn’t hard to do. Next we continued on to Skyline Drive.

After riding half of Skyline Drive, we decided to get off of it and start riding some normal roads. So we stayed the night in VA and Saturday morning we started heading southwest. As we left the hotel, the rain had already started. The F800st shines in that type of weather. With the fairing, heated grips and ABS, the f800st is a pleasure to ride in the rain. Also, my Olympia gear kept me warm and dry the entire morning.

Here we stopped at an overlook in VA, where I decided to take a couple of pics.

We finally make it to my home state of West Virginia! We had run across a road, I think it was RT 250 West, and just decided to take it to see where we ended up. Well I had no idea, but we ran across an old Shay locomotive. What a treat that was! I had seen them run on TV and read about them, but to actually just run across one was almost unbelievable! Also in the area are the satellite dishes the government uses to listen for noises from outer space. These things are huge and can be seen for miles. I had no idea of the size of those monsters! From there on out, the riding in VA and WV was just great. It was so great, in fact, that it got to the point where I stopped taking pictures. The roads were not in great condition in the mountains, but I couldn’t get enough of it! From the curvy roads, small towns and views, it is simply a great place to spend time on two wheels.

Saturday afternoon we decided to stop for a short break and we checked out the New River. What a neat place to stop and take in this very old river.

It was starting to get a little dirty.

This is the last shot! We had stayed in Galax, VA on Saturday night and headed back into NC Sunday morning. This is a pic of a road somewhere in NC.

What a great trip this was! My F800st was just a blast to ride and these tight twisty roads were perfect for it. I could have spent a month on this bike, carving up those roads. It was also nice to spend some seat time on the R1150R, what a great bike that thing is. I also must thank Steve for going on this trip! Once again I learned a few things from him and it was great to have another rider along to compare notes with. I hope you enjoyed the report! -Dean

manganos · 01-04-2009, 07:30 PM

Awesome report. Reminds me of how lucky I am to be within a hour and 45 min away from the BRP. Be careful with the speed. Dem tickets are "FEDERAL" tickets and require you to come to court. I try to stay off the BRP for that reason. There are a bunch of great roads near the BRP and even at the speed limit the BRP can be fun.

nick_j · 01-04-2009, 07:45 PM

Satellite dishes like...this??

WV: One of my favorite states for motorcycling. Sorry if I'm crashing your thread, I'll stop now. I just get excited when I see how close some people on this forum get to my favorite places.

SgtMike · 01-04-2009, 08:33 PM

http://www.brpfoundation.org/end_to_end.php

Go get your certificate!!!! I've only done about half, good onya!

sdmotor · 01-04-2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SgtMike

http://www.brpfoundation.org/end_to_end.php

Go get your certificate!!!! I've only done about half, good onya!

That's pretty cool but there is no requirement of proof you actually completed the BRP end to end. I'm not taking away from the accomplishment but if I wanted one I could just get one. Maybe it's the LD rider in me.

SgtMike · 01-04-2009, 09:06 PM

Honesty - sure it's wide open, but I'd prefer to get it properly like this ADVRider has.

Great ride mate.

3power · 02-12-2009, 07:41 AM

Ok . . I have to take a ride down there this year now.

bobw · 02-12-2009, 01:47 PM

If a guy needed a certificate badly enough that he had to falsify his form it would be too pathetic, but I could still sleep at night. I think it's more for fun and good will that also generates some free adverising when folks may ask about it.

Great ride report. I live off the BRP and can never get enough of it.

Safe travels.

01-04-2009, 07:36 AM	#16
nick_j Adventurer Joined: Aug 2006 Location: Easton, PA Oddometer: 41	Great show so far - looking forward to some pics of the area I used to ride when I lived in Virginia. __________________ Tour me up. nick_j screwed with this post 01-04-2009 at 02:44 PM

01-04-2009, 09:25 AM	#17
RivahRider Windrider Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Lancaster, VA. Oddometer: 176	Thanks for the memories. We made the trip south to the Smokies, planning a different route back north through W. Va.. We loved the BRP so much that we changed our plan and took the parkway back, making it a round trip. __________________ Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing left to add, but only when there is nothing left to eliminate. Speak only if you can improve the silence. You may see me tonight with an illegal smile It don’t cost very much but it lasts a long while Will you please tell the man I didn’t kill any one I’m just tryin’ to have me some fun ~John Prine~ 2007 F650GS 2009 R1200GS

01-04-2009, 01:22 PM	#18
SgtMike facebook.com/mikeraces Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Bainbridge Island Base Camp Oddometer: 1,116	Brilliant! My BRP tag application has been in for months now, waiting for state approval. I'm in Charlotte as well, let me know when to meet up. When the weather clears up we should ride up route 16 into WV. Let's ride!!! __________________ http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=471249

01-04-2009, 05:46 PM	#20
RForestR In the Woods Joined: Jul 2008 Location: Ontairy-airy-airy...oh?? Oddometer: 149	HEEYYY! I Remember you guys! Hey there. We were at the 'top' on exactly the same day. You guys pulled in just as we were pulling out, got this pic on the other side of the sign that you took your pic on: I'm ridin the R: Easy to remember you guys, my wife (she's riding the versys) and I were heading south on that cold foggy day in August. Woulda stopped to say hello but had to roll as we had to make it home to Canada in 2 days from this spot and weren't sure just how much fog we were in for. Looks like you had a great ride heading north. Cheers, Chris

01-04-2009, 07:22 PM	#23
vwone ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Charlotte NC Oddometer: 103	For some reason, every time I take a road trip, I end up on a dirt road. As Steve and I were closing in on the end of the BRP, we had to stop for some fuel. We followed the GPS to the nearest fuel station and had a quick snack. Since the road coming in had not been the best, once we got back on the bikes, we decided to try to find another way back onto the Parkway. So the GPS gave us the shortest route, and it was only 4 miles away. Well, as we followed the GPS, the road became narrower. At one point, Steve asked, “Are we still on track?” I looked down and the GPS said right on track. So further up mountain we went. The road continued to worsen, and soon we hit dirt. I try not to take my F800st on dirt roads, but that one did not look too bad. After 3 or 4 switch backs we made it to the top. Here are a couple of pics! We made it! This was Friday around 2 pm and we had left Thursday morning around 9 am. I really didn’t expect to cover the entire BRP in a day and a half, but it wasn’t hard to do. Next we continued on to Skyline Drive. After riding half of Skyline Drive, we decided to get off of it and start riding some normal roads. So we stayed the night in VA and Saturday morning we started heading southwest. As we left the hotel, the rain had already started. The F800st shines in that type of weather. With the fairing, heated grips and ABS, the f800st is a pleasure to ride in the rain. Also, my Olympia gear kept me warm and dry the entire morning. Here we stopped at an overlook in VA, where I decided to take a couple of pics. We finally make it to my home state of West Virginia! We had run across a road, I think it was RT 250 West, and just decided to take it to see where we ended up. Well I had no idea, but we ran across an old Shay locomotive. What a treat that was! I had seen them run on TV and read about them, but to actually just run across one was almost unbelievable! Also in the area are the satellite dishes the government uses to listen for noises from outer space. These things are huge and can be seen for miles. I had no idea of the size of those monsters! From there on out, the riding in VA and WV was just great. It was so great, in fact, that it got to the point where I stopped taking pictures. The roads were not in great condition in the mountains, but I couldn’t get enough of it! From the curvy roads, small towns and views, it is simply a great place to spend time on two wheels. Saturday afternoon we decided to stop for a short break and we checked out the New River. What a neat place to stop and take in this very old river. It was starting to get a little dirty. This is the last shot! We had stayed in Galax, VA on Saturday night and headed back into NC Sunday morning. This is a pic of a road somewhere in NC. What a great trip this was! My F800st was just a blast to ride and these tight twisty roads were perfect for it. I could have spent a month on this bike, carving up those roads. It was also nice to spend some seat time on the R1150R, what a great bike that thing is. I also must thank Steve for going on this trip! Once again I learned a few things from him and it was great to have another rider along to compare notes with. I hope you enjoyed the report! -Dean __________________ The Blue Ridge Parkway ~ F800st! One day + a rented R1200RT in Las Vegas! My fall BRP ride with my R90/6! Three ABR Riders head west, 5800 miles and 15 states in 11 days! Current(03 R1150R,75 BMW R90/6,08 Buell XB12XT,50 HD WL,75 HD Sportster) vwone screwed with this post 01-04-2009 at 07:29 PM

01-04-2009, 03:05 PM	#19
simpson wild rover of hell Joined: Aug 2008 Location: Fyffe, AL Oddometer: 510	Great pics man. I cant wait for the weather to start warming up and drying up. As soon as it does I plan on doing this as well.

01-04-2009, 07:30 PM	#24
manganos Let me pontificate. Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Dinwiddie, VA Oddometer: 3,059	Awesome report. Reminds me of how lucky I am to be within a hour and 45 min away from the BRP. Be careful with the speed. Dem tickets are "FEDERAL" tickets and require you to come to court. I try to stay off the BRP for that reason. There are a bunch of great roads near the BRP and even at the speed limit the BRP can be fun. __________________ sponsored motorcycle rider

01-04-2009, 07:45 PM	#25
nick_j Adventurer Joined: Aug 2006 Location: Easton, PA Oddometer: 41	Satellite dishes like...this?? WV: One of my favorite states for motorcycling. Sorry if I'm crashing your thread, I'll stop now. I just get excited when I see how close some people on this forum get to my favorite places. __________________ Tour me up.

01-04-2009, 08:33 PM	#26
SgtMike facebook.com/mikeraces Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Bainbridge Island Base Camp Oddometer: 1,116	Get Your Certificate!!!!! http://www.brpfoundation.org/end_to_end.php Go get your certificate!!!! I've only done about half, good onya! __________________ http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=471249

01-04-2009, 09:06 PM	#28
SgtMike facebook.com/mikeraces Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Bainbridge Island Base Camp Oddometer: 1,116	The best policy.... Honesty - sure it's wide open, but I'd prefer to get it properly like this ADVRider has. Great ride mate. __________________ http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=471249

02-12-2009, 07:41 AM	#29
3power Cafe'er Joined: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Oddometer: 1,141	Ok . . I have to take a ride down there this year now.

02-12-2009, 01:47 PM	#30
bobw Harden the phuck up Joined: Nov 2006 Location: God's country, Western North Carolina Oddometer: 662	If a guy needed a certificate badly enough that he had to falsify his form it would be too pathetic, but I could still sleep at night. I think it's more for fun and good will that also generates some free adverising when folks may ask about it. Great ride report. I live off the BRP and can never get enough of it. Safe travels.

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