Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: OlderSlower on August 20, 2019, 05:10:22 PM
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I have ridden the BRP annually for the past 30 years. Last week when I was there I encountered lots and lots of miles of gravel paving waiting for an oil type spray. Do any locals know what is happening? Are they going to pave over the gravel to make the road smooth?
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I'm not in that area, but is it possible the weather has been too hot or storms?
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I have ridden the BRP annually for the past 30 years. Last week when I was there I encountered lots and lots of miles of gravel paving waiting for an oil type spray. Do any locals know what is happening? Are they going to pave over the gravel to make the road smooth?
I've ridden the BRP for 49 years now, and maintenance is a lot spottier now than it was then. The pavement often stays "scored" or gravelled until they get the crew together to finish the paving. Not good for motorcycles.
The worst part is the loss of overlooks. They've allowed trash trees, not majestic oaks or chestnuts, but just weed trees, to grow up and obscure the nicest views, both from the road and from many overlooks. Much of it is just like riding down a road in thick woods, not taking advantage of the magnificent views.
I hope they get back to managing it properly. A lot of it is very disappointing.
Lannis
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Sad to read this. In 2009 I bicycled the BRPs 465 miles in 5 days. I was younger then. Much of the road had been repaved and all was generally in very good shape. It is a national historic treasure like so many of the CCC projects in the 30’s. I was amazed at the number of motorcycle groups including Europeans that rode the entirety. We should stop giving our money away to tenth rate garbage nations and reinvest in these treasures.
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Just rode about 20 miles of the southern section of the BRP last Sunday. Like many here, I remember when it was pristine pavement. Now I was surprised how worn the road surface was most of the way to Cherokee. In bad need of resurfacing. Hate to get political, but our countries priorities are such that the Pentagon, Social Security and interest on the national debt suck up an ever larger part of the federal budget. Trump's 2020 budget proposal cuts the National Park Service by 16%. Once it gets so bad that the tourists (and tourist dollars) start to go away, maybe then some funds will be found for repairs. But I suspect it will get a lot worse before it gets better. It's no secret that our countrie's infrastructure is falling apart. Third World Nation. (I'll restrain myself before the mod does!!)
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(https://blog.hyland.com/wp-content/uploads/precipice-of-higher-ed-change.png)
careful where you step MM
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Just rode about 20 miles of the southern section of the BRP last Sunday. Like many here, I remember when it was pristine pavement. Now I was surprised how worn the road surface was most of the way to Cherokee. In bad need of resurfacing. Hate to get political, but our countries priorities are such that the Pentagon, Social Security and interest on the national debt suck up an ever larger part of the federal budget. Trump's 2020 budget proposal cuts the National Park Service by 16%. Once it gets so bad that the tourists (and tourist dollars) start to go away, maybe then some funds will be found for repairs. But I suspect it will get a lot worse before it gets better. It's no secret that our countrie's infrastructure is falling apart. Third World Nation. (I'll restrain myself before the mod does!!)
Too bad we live in a world that if we didn't continually improve our defenses it won't matter how well we take care of our roads. I am glad that we have so far maintained superior technical capabilities that keeps more of our military safe compared to 50 years ago. Superior war fighting capability keeps us out of many conflicts.
I found the section between Hwy 215 to a couple miles south of Mount Mitchell to be in fine shape. At the altitudes near Mount Mitchell there was more evidence of frost heave damage.
To the OP, what mile markers are you referring to so I can alert others on the forums I frequent? OK, on the National Park website here is the construction zones and slated to be finished in November.
Work will take place on the following sections of Parkway, and includes the paved road-side pullouts:
Milepost 175 to 217, Mabry Mill to Cumberland Knob area (42 miles)
Milepost 241 to 262, Doughton Park to West Jefferson area (21 miles)
Milepost 292 to 345, Cone Memorial Park to NC Minerals Museum area (53 miles)
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Well, there's always the point of view that roads like the BRP shouldn't even exist. After all, it was a "make-work" project during the Great Depression. If ever there was a road to nowhere, the BRP is it. Complete waste of taxpayers money.
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the deteriorating roads may be one factor in the rise in popularity of the adventure type bikes.
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the deteriorating roads may be one factor in the rise in popularity of the adventure type bikes.
......and SUVs and private toll roads.
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Well, there's always the point of view that roads like the BRP shouldn't even exist. After all, it was a "make-work" project during the Great Depression. If ever there was a road to nowhere, the BRP is it. Complete waste of taxpayers money.
The economic activity spurred by the parkway and the tax collection involved has more than paid for it many times over
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The Parkway is waaaay behind on maintenance... The money to all national parks for maintenance & improvements has simply dried up.
They are now doing some chip-seal type repaving instead of more expensive roadwork to defer maintenance for a few years, but it's a short-term solution.
They are cutting back trees from overlooks this year, but the pace of clearing is still far behind the number of obscured vistas...
This will continue until the government loosens the purse strings a bit.. Sad state of affairs when our parks are allowed to languish like this.
Check out the road surface from Linville Gorge to Mount Mitchell... deplorable.
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https://www.brpfoundation.org/blog/lets-sustain-economic-force-blue-ridge-parkway (https://www.brpfoundation.org/blog/lets-sustain-economic-force-blue-ridge-parkway)
https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2019/03/05/blue-ridge-parkway-loses-visitors-weather-repairs-shutdown/2992924002/ (https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2019/03/05/blue-ridge-parkway-loses-visitors-weather-repairs-shutdown/2992924002/)
https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2019/03/nearly-700-million-spent-deferred-park-maintenance-yet-backlog-still-nearly-12-billion (https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2019/03/nearly-700-million-spent-deferred-park-maintenance-yet-backlog-still-nearly-12-billion)
https://www.wataugademocrat.com/blowingrocket/roundtable-held-to-discuss-blue-ridge-parkway-maintenance-backlog/article_dfd4768c-051c-5ac6-b3f0-49c5d94fa4a0.html (https://www.wataugademocrat.com/blowingrocket/roundtable-held-to-discuss-blue-ridge-parkway-maintenance-backlog/article_dfd4768c-051c-5ac6-b3f0-49c5d94fa4a0.html)
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The big government programs in this country lose more money to waste and corruption in a DAY than would suffice to maintain the Parkway properly for a year. It's just paving and tree-trimming, it's not rocket surgery.
It's a matter of priorities, not "we can't get the money" ...
Lannis
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The big government programs in this country lose more money to waste and corruption in a DAY than would suffice to maintain the Parkway properly for a year. It's just paving and tree-trimming, it's not rocket surgery.
It's a matter of priorities, not "we can't get the money" ...
Lannis
It's a matter of playing politics, not "we can't get the money"... As congress fills with more extremists it is only going to get harder to get anything done. Each side holds hostage items important to the other sides constituents trying to get what is important to their constituents passed.
I am so greatful to the CCC and all the projects they have completed. I have enjoyed many locations because of their work ethic. That is lost on today's society.
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On the southern portion the chip and seal sections that they did last year are better off than the old pavement up around Pisgah. The loose stuff has weathered away and the lanes are marked.
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I figure they are allowing the BRP to degrade a bit because they are paving the way for the Moto Guzzi V85TT riders to have a little more fun, our government is always thinking ahead😂😂😂
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rocket surgery
:grin: nice...
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It's a matter of playing politics, not "we can't get the money"... As congress fills with more extremists it is only going to get harder to get anything done. Each side holds hostage items important to the other sides constituents trying to get what is important to their constituents passed.
I am so greatful to the CCC and all the projects they have completed. I have enjoyed many locations because of their work ethic. That is lost on today's society.
:thumb: to all that. Can you imagine anyone signing up for a program like the CCC today?
Lannis
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The economic activity spurred by the parkway and the tax collection involved has more than paid for it many times over
True. My comment was meant to be satirical in tone, but I realize satire doesn't often translate on the internet well. We should be glad there are not gates at each end of the BRP charging a hefty admission fee! As far as roads to nowhere goes, it (and it's cousen the Natchez Trace) are damn nice ones.
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Well, there's always the point of view that roads like the BRP shouldn't even exist. After all, it was a "make-work" project during the Great Depression. If ever there was a road to nowhere, the BRP is it. Complete waste of taxpayers money.
Especially given the ridiculously low speed limits and enforcement that limits the utility for motorcyclists :evil:
Curvy mountain roads don’t have a lot of utility regardless unless you’re a motorcyclist or want to ski. The best area of roads in the world for riding motorcycles is IMO the Dolomites in northern Italy. Those roads were created largely to allow the Italians and Austrians to lob shells at each other, killing a large number of them. At least in this case there isn’t the kind of draconian enforcement that you see on BRP - the locals by and large welcome the summertime business from motorcyclists.
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#1 on the Dolomites, I've tried to do a ride there every year.
The Europeans have it right. Out in the rural areas and mountain roads they are tolerant of a bit of sporting speed and the locals appreciate the business of the moto types...we always spend $$$.
Not to start a fight but there is a lot of "poor" driving skills in the states.
:-)
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The big government programs in this country lose more money to waste and corruption in a DAY than would suffice to maintain the Parkway properly for a year. It's just paving and tree-trimming, it's not rocket surgery.
It's a matter of priorities, not "we can't get the money" ...
Lannis
I just read here by another right winger that BRP was a wasteful expense by big govt in the first place.
Poor "Big Govt", right wingers hate when Big Govt does something and doesn't do the same thing. :undecided:
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It looks like Dusty has stepped out of the room. :copcar:
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It looks like Dusty has stepped out of the room. :copcar:
It only takes one. Everyone else is discussing the issues; one guy decides to start talking about the other posters because he can't help himself. It's why we can't have nice things.
Lannis
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It only takes one. Everyone else is discussing the issues; one guy decides to start talking about the other posters because he can't help himself. It's why we can't have nice things.
Lannis
Quite the expert. Keep stirring the pot.
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Not to start a fight but there is a lot of "poor" driving skills in the states.
:-)
It's a fact. Just got back from 10 days riding around England on a '58 BSA, wrong side of the road, rain every day, etc, and the normal standard of driving is WAY better than here at home, although the English complain about their own bad drivers. I never saw one, though- they were almost all competent, courteous, and most importantly knew where their own fenders were and knew how to "give and take" on a crowded highway.
It's a pleasure riding over there, even in traffic.
And it's interesting to see that whereas 90% of the bikes I see on our roads here are cruisers ridden by guys with fashion-statement protective clothing (which sometimes means none), 90% of the bikes there are ATGATT competent sport/sport-tourer/ADV riders who look like they mean business as they "filter" through stopped traffic ...
Lannis
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Like most things, driver skills evolve around necessity - you can mostly get away with relatively unskilled driving in the US, try it (for example) in the Alps and you’ll learn or fail. Riding in Europe is fairly obviously more dangerous than riding in the US, not because of driver skills (one way or the other) but because the road system results from 1000 years of mostly unplanned, non-engineered construction.
Watch motorcyclists splitting lanes down the 405 in LA and you’ll have a similar reaction (i.e. “he’s about to die”) but somehow they survive, having learned how through experience borne of necessity.
Same thing with bike selection - for example you actually see plenty of cruisers in Europe, based on observation during my 30 or 40 multi-week Euro riding trips anyway, but not where that kind of bike doesn’t function so well. More often in the flat lands.
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," driver skills evolve around necessity"
There is much more to it than that. In Europe young people have to take real training and have many restrictions before they are able to go solo + it cost about $2K in France typically to get a drivers lic.
In the states you pay a small fee and take a 20 question test that is at least 1/3 about DUI penalties and there is no monitoring or restrictions (in the states where I have lived.)
Even me an old guy ,when I got my FR lic I had to study!! to pass their test although I didn't have to take a drivers test.
I've been riding/driving in Europe for 30 years. (plus MANY other countries on this planet north and south hemisphere. Some places in Asia and India are downright dangerous, but I never found Europe to be dangerous just a challenge where you need to pay attention.
Attitudes are very different (an important factor).
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It's a fact. Just got back from 10 days riding around England on a '58 BSA, wrong side of the road, rain every day, etc, and the normal standard of driving is WAY better than here at home, although the English complain about their own bad drivers. I never saw one, though- they were almost all competent, courteous, and most importantly knew where their own fenders were and knew how to "give and take" on a crowded highway.
It's a pleasure riding over there, even in traffic.
And it's interesting to see that whereas 90% of the bikes I see on our roads here are cruisers ridden by guys with fashion-statement protective clothing (which sometimes means none), 90% of the bikes there are ATGATT competent sport/sport-tourer/ADV riders who look like they mean business as they "filter" through stopped traffic ...
Lannis
I always scratch my head when I see sport bikes in the fly over states. They are so bored they have to make up games on the interstates to get any kind of thrill.
But, if you are looking for a thrill try maneuvering a 900 lb Harley Road Glide around the roads of Tennessee. :laugh: I've had to pass some harley riders in my car, but then again I have had to pass some sport bike riders on my 900 lb Harley. :evil: It is more about the rider than the bike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px4ZZRHM4_Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq-4jrXmnWU
Both of these videos best played with a sub-woofer going. :thumb:
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There is much more to it than that. In Europe young people have to take real training and have many restrictions before they are able to go solo + it cost about $2K in France typically to get a drivers lic.
It’s about $3K in Germany for a car license, then another $3K more for a small motorcycle. It’s a ridiculous system, massive overkill and an administrative CF. Having ridden with a lot of Germans I don’t think it makes a bit of difference, except for mandating reduced risk for the new rider. Regardless of your view on mandating reduced risk, I think it only works for the first 6 months to a year and after that becomes limiting and counterproductive as expanding real world experience becomes more important to learning than doing the same thing over and again.
Attached is a photo the back of a German drivers license showing the seventeen (17) different sub-licenses that require separate testing and endorsement. Jumping through procedural hoops generally becomes more important than learning, but notice on this one the authority made a mistake and endorsed large motorcycles at the same time as initial licensing for small motorcycles, giving both the same date as the initial car license. This saved a rider I know (it’s his license) some time and hassle, notwithstanding the 79.03 and 79.04 notes on the right that limit more details, IIRC in relation to sidecars. When he came to the US I let him ride a bunch of different stuff in the garage on twisty roads to get him useful experience faster, starting with my SV650 and going up from there. He made a lot of progress that otherwise would have been a problem given his 310GS at home and his trepidation in using the larger bike privilege that had been given to him mistakenly! His IDL however reflected his license status the way it was issued... so in the US no worries in learning quicker, no envious frenemies turning him in and so on. He was a lot better rider after a couple of weeks, and competent to ride the bike he had in mind to buy :thumb:
(https://i.ibb.co/jZ6s1pL/F50-AE1-BD-1-E86-49-BE-97-E8-98-DA42387-F84.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jZ6s1pL)
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I always scratch my head when I see sport bikes in the fly over states. They are so bored they have to make up games on the interstates to get any kind of thrill.
........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px4ZZRHM4_Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq-4jrXmnWU
Both of these videos best played with a sub-woofer going. :thumb:
Riding through southern Minnesota and South Dakota last fall, I was surprised to see groups of riders out for a ride (generally cruisers of some kind). The way the roads are there, you go twenty five miles dead straight, make a left turn, go twenty miles dead straight, make a left turn, go twenty five miles dead straight, make a left turn, go twenty miles dead straight, and you're back home for a cup of coffee.
I enjoyed riding through it because I'd never been there before and there were lots of things to see I hadn't seen before [sugar beet harvesting machines, 8000 acre farms for sale ("Bring Your Equipment!"), and little towns consisting of a grain elevator, an equipment dealer, and a cafe]. But as a riding venue? I don't see how they stand it year after year .... ?
Makes me appreciate the Blue Ridge Parkway, even in its current state of deshabille ....
Lannis
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I lived in VA for 18 months. I am really not a "Commonwealth" person. (funny name, sounds like socialism <joke>)
The wife and I took off on the Skyway and perhaps the BRP. 45 MPH! Most boring time I ever had. I will never go back.
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I lived in VA for 18 months. I am really not a "Commonwealth" person. (funny name, sounds like socialism <joke>)
The wife and I took off on the Skyway and perhaps the BRP. 45 MPH! Most boring time I ever had. I will never go back.
From your posts I'm gathering that you're just not a happy person. You find cool mountain air, 468 miles of continuous curvy roads with wonderful vistas boring?
Do you ride 55 mph on 55 mph roads? Do you ride 40 mph on 40 mph roads? You don't find them boring? Or does having to stop at intersections and watch for semi truck decrease the boredom?
If you respond that you ride over the speed limit in those other situations, why would you not do that on the BRP? :rolleyes:
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I'm pretty sure the speed limit on Skyline is 35mph the whole way, and there is A LOT more speed enforcement...
The parkway ranges from 35-45mph limit depending on location, and you can easily run 55-70 on most sections without a worry in the world.
I've been riding on the parkway year-round at least 1-3x a week for the last 8 years, and I have seen LEO/Ranger vehicles (besides at Mt.Mitchell or a ranger station or a construction area) a grand total of 3(!) times.
I've actually seen an LEO parked and checking speed with radar only once! And that was damn near 5yrs ago.
Only place the parkway is 'slow & boring' is the section thru Asheville down to Mt.Pisgah, around Roanoke, and by the Mill/Waterwheel restaurant.... And that's due to traffic, not speed enforcement
Pretty easy to pass anyone driving 10mph under the limit just about anywhere on the parkway as long as you know the road and are smart about it.
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If you respond that you ride over the speed limit in those other situations, why would you not do that on the BRP? :rolleyes:
I can give a potential answer to that. The BRP is a Federal jurisdiction and patrolled by Park Police officers. They only have one road to patrol. The speed limit is 45 MPH.
Any speed violation on the BRP is a $500 fine, and can only be paid IN PERSON at the Federal courthouse in Asheville, NC; no mailing it in.
I've talked to Park police, and their goal is to NOT let the BRP turn into a venue like Deal's Gap where people are trailering in track bikes to set a record or leave a fairing on the Wall of Shame.
So far it seems to be working. It's been a long time since I've been strafed on the BRP by a sport bike with his knee to the pavement ....
Lannis
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I'm pretty sure the speed limit on Skyline is 35mph the whole way, and there is A LOT more speed enforcement...
The parkway ranges from 35-45mph limit depending on location, and you can easily run 55-70 on most sections without a worry in the world.
I've been riding on the parkway year-round at least 1-3x a week for the last 8 years, and I have seen LEO/Ranger vehicles (besides at Mt.Mitchell or a ranger station or a construction area) a grand total of 3(!) times.
I've actually seen an LEO parked and checking speed with radar only once! And that was damn near 5yrs ago.
Only place the parkway is 'slow & boring' is the section thru Asheville down to Mt.Pisgah, around Roanoke, and by the Mill/Waterwheel restaurant.... And that's due to traffic, not speed enforcement
Pretty easy to pass anyone driving 10mph under the limit just about anywhere on the parkway as long as you know the road and are smart about it.
Well, you can take that 70 MPH chance (I'll take a 55 MPH one sometimes) if you like, Asheville courthouse is not that far from where you are, but I see a Park Police vehicle in the Roanoke-to-Meadows of Dan section almost every time I'm on it. Maybe it depends where the headquarters sections are ....
Lannis
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I can give a potential answer to that. The BRP is a Federal jurisdiction and patrolled by Park Police officers. They only have one road to patrol. The speed limit is 45 MPH.
Any speed violation on the BRP is a $500 fine, and can only be paid IN PERSON at the Federal courthouse in Asheville, NC; no mailing it in.
I've talked to Park police, and their goal is to NOT let the BRP turn into a venue like Deal's Gap where people are trailering in track bikes to set a record or leave a fairing on the Wall of Shame.
So far it seems to be working. It's been a long time since I've been strafed on the BRP by a sport bike with his knee to the pavement ....
Lannis
Lannis, I am not taking about 20 mph over the speed limit. I am just pointing out that people like LowRyter will point out the speed limit to say a road is boring when they themselves don't follow the speed limits. My rule of thumb is about 10 percent unless I have a clear view on an empty road. Then I try to stay within 10 over but when I see an approaching or parked vehicle that could possibly be a LEO I slow down. I ride what I consider comfortable speeds for the road, weather, traffic etc. Sometimes that speed is actually slower than the speed limit.
Now, my commute to work in the morning before anyone is awake and out on the roads is about 15 over the limit, but still slow for approaching vehicles or intersections. We all make our choices and assume the risks and I for one don't complain about the money spent if I get caught. I could pretty much teach a defensive driving class because I have taken it a few times over the last 35 years to avoid points on my license.
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Once ya get west of Missouri - it's turnpike.
And, they charge you $$$.
And, you would think that they would take that money and make a nice, smooth road.
And, you would be wrong.
There was a time that is was so bad, that we took the 2-lane roads, instead.
OK, maybe not highway 40 out of Fort Smith. Toll, that is. Still, I always know when I hit the Oklahoma border on hwy 40. Woof.
....and then there's Nebraska 2 out of Nebraska City that cuts diagonally across the state. whack whaCK WHACK WHACK WHACK
They've really really really been busy here - building new bridges on the past couple of years and so there is a lot of crappy pavement because they're tearing it all up.
And Arkansas has devised a special chip & seal that surely must be designed to keep motorcycles away. It's nasty stuff, and they put it on all of my favorite roads.
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The Federal enforcement issue is certainly compelling.
Airline tickets aren’t all that expensive in comparison with $500 fines plus insurance impact. In the Alps, after a lot of miles on similar twisty roads I have no idea of the speed limits. Slow down in the villages and you’re generally good. Good fun.
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Once ya get west of Missouri - it's turnpike.
And, they charge you $$$.
And, you would think that they would take that money and make a nice, smooth road.
And, you would be wrong.
There was a time that is was so bad, that we took the 2-lane roads, instead.
OK, maybe not highway 40 out of Fort Smith. Toll, that is. Still, I always know when I hit the Oklahoma border.
....and then there's Nebraska 2 out of Nebraska City that cuts diagonally across the state. whack whaCK WHACK WHACK WHACK
I remember pulling a travel trailer out west 20 years ago and those interstates had my teeth chattering. I had to stick a wad of gum in my mouth to keep me from chipping a tooth. LOL! In the end it was worth it though.
(https://i.ibb.co/ccw1K06/08290005.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ccw1K06)
(https://i.ibb.co/x72PPL6/09020011.jpg) (https://ibb.co/x72PPL6)
(https://i.ibb.co/sbb5kCy/09110016.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sbb5kCy)
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Once ya get west of Missouri - it's turnpike.
And, they charge you $$$.
And, you would think that they would take that money and make a nice, smooth road.
And, you would be wrong.
There was a time that is was so bad, that we took the 2-lane roads, instead.
OK, maybe not highway 40 out of Fort Smith. Toll, that is. Still, I always know when I hit the Oklahoma border on hwy 40. Woof.
....and then there's Nebraska 2 out of Nebraska City that cuts diagonally across the state. whack whaCK WHACK WHACK WHACK
They've really really really been busy here - building new bridges on the past couple of years and so there is a lot of crappy pavement because they're tearing it all up.
And Arkansas has devised a special chip & seal that surely must be designed to keep motorcycles away. It's nasty stuff, and they put it on all of my favorite roads.
I'm in favor of toll roads in tourist areas. Especially on roads that commuters don't need to take to get where they are going. Let the users pay for the maintenance. I remember when the volusia county beaches decided to start charging a fee to drive on the beach. I switched from riding my motorbike to riding my beach cruiser bicycle the 4 miles to the beach.
When I lived in east TX in the early 90s, everyone that valued their car's paint job had a bra installed. Those that didn't had rock chips through the paint from the chip and seal projects that didn't even bother to steam roll the chips into the tar. They just let the cars do that job.
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The Federal enforcement issue is certainly compelling.
Airline tickets aren’t all that expensive in comparison with $500 fines plus insurance impact. In the Alps, after a lot of miles on similar twisty roads I have no idea of the speed limits. Slow down in the villages and you’re generally good. Good fun.
One benefit of the Federal enforcement.... No points on your license for a speeding ticket on the BRP
Hell, a $500 fine and no points or county court costs probably makes the BRP about the best deal you can get for a speeding ticket!
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I see a Park Police vehicle in the Roanoke-to-Meadows of Dan section almost every time I'm on it. Maybe it depends where the headquarters sections are ....
Lannis
Funny you say that, 2 of the 3 times I've actually encountered an LEO vehicle outside a construction zone, accident scene, etc.... Was in southwest VA
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I will ride it in two weeks for a long weekend and report back. :grin: I've been riding that road once or twice a year for close to 20 years and I find very little fault with it. It's not perfect, but it's much better than what I have to work with around here! What I really like about it is all of the really great roads it leads you to. I can't wait!
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I will ride it in two weeks for a long weekend and report back. :grin: I've been riding that road once or twice a year for close to 20 years and I find very little fault with it. It's not perfect, but it's much better than what I have to work with around here! What I really like about it is all of the really great roads it leads you to. I can't wait!
You really need to ride the 215 / 276 loop. Drop off on 216 east pick up 215 back west/north until it intersects with 276 and head back toward the parkway. If you are camping spend the night at the motorcycle only campground.
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From your posts I'm gathering that you're just not a happy person. You find cool mountain air, 468 miles of continuous curvy roads with wonderful vistas boring?
Do you ride 55 mph on 55 mph roads? Do you ride 40 mph on 40 mph roads? You don't find them boring? Or does having to stop at intersections and watch for semi truck decrease the boredom?
If you respond that you ride over the speed limit in those other situations, why would you not do that on the BRP? :rolleyes:
Happy or not, I was disappointed in the Skyline Dr. Yes.
I won't bother answering the rest of your questions. I am glad that FDR built it and am hopeful that someone maintains it.
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Parkway 215 to 441 at 55mph is NOT boring (at least to me). The rest of is for the scenery.
215 Rosman to 276 is a wonderful motorcycle road. 276 until the Forestry can be good but gets busy.
The Sassafras tower off of 178 is great (I bought my parents a brick so look for it).
All of the above is a day ride from Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground. Book a cabin and come on; you will not be bored!
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Happy or not, I was disappointed in the Skyline Dr. Yes.
I won't bother answering the rest of your questions. I am glad that FDR built it and am hopeful that someone maintains it.
Skyline drive is 35 mph. If you only rode Skyline Drive then you missed out on some great riding in North Carolina. Your loss. Too bad you will never go back and experience this great road.
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Skyline drive is 35 mph. If you only rode Skyline Drive then you missed out on some great riding in North Carolina. Your loss. Too bad you will never go back and experience this great road.
No I don't plan to go back.
You convinced me. Are you a happy guy?
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No I don't plan to go back.
You convinced me. Are you a happy guy?
I'm always happy! Life is much better that way. :laugh:
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My way of looking at the BRP, which is only an hour from where I live, is not intended to be a race track, go to the dragons tail for that. The BRP is a place where the majestic and serene views can only be appreciated at posted speed limit, give or take 5mph. If one wishes to bust @$$ through it, slingshotting the other vehicles, who are obeying the laws there and receive a federal citation just pay the 500.00 and consider it payment for the joy you received.
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When I hear “the speed limit on Skyline or BRP is ONLY 35 or 45 mph”, it says “I’m too good of a bad-ass, boy (old man) racer to waste my time on those beautiful curvy roads”. “I’m soooo skillful, but the man is keeping me down”.
Silly egos, and most often not true.
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I have always loved the mood that the BRP sets for me. It is a relaxing and beautiful road that is just a great motorcycle ride if you are in the mood for that kind of ride. I truly hope that when the work is done that the road is sticky and safe. It's an annual pilgrimage for me and now that I am retired, I am hoping to making it a warm weather monthly ride. Can you locals keep me posted on the conditions, or is there a website that has accurate updates? Thanks to all...
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I'm always happy! Life is much better that way. :laugh:
Then I don't want you to worry about my happiness. Doing so might make you unhappy. :angel:
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my longest stretch of riding on the BRP was about 20 years ago on a 1984 BMW R100RS that was pretty loaded with gear. Same 45 mph, but I managed 50 to 55 and occasionally 60, it was plenty challenging at those speeds. The hardest part was keeping my eyes on the road as the beautiful vistas flew by. In those days, I was much more interested in riding challenges that taking in the beauty. Part of the slower speed may be to simply get people to slow down and enjoy the view. If I rode it again, I think I would content myself to stick closer to the limit. I think the v85 will be the perfect tool for the job given what you all have said about the state of the pavement.
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I rode the BRP from Buchanan to Meadows of Dan (and the reverse on the way home) and other than a few potholes, didn't see anything to complain about. The suspension on my V700 isn't exactly "state of the art" either. The V700 is the best BRP bike I've had - it just loves rumbling along at 50 mph.
A few years back, I rode the section from Buena Vista to MoD on my MZ Silver Star at 87.... kph. :wink:
I do find the Skyline Drive to be boring - it's not so much the 35 mph speed limit as it is the view from the overlooks - seems to be the same from every one. :azn:
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You really need to ride the 215 / 276 loop.
I've been along 276 several times from Waynesville to Brevard and beyond. 215 does not ring a bell, though I see it is just east of Waynesville, which means I've likely been on it. Normally we stay in the Waynesville/Maggie area to better spend some time with family there, but this time we will be staying in Asheville to check out the food/brewery scene after some full days of riding.
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Then I don't want you to worry about my happiness. Doing so might make you unhappy. :angel:
Believe me, worrying is a waste of energy.
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Believe me, worrying is a waste of energy.
so is incessant writing
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I've been along 276 several times from Waynesville to Brevard and beyond. 215 does not ring a bell, though I see it is just east of Waynesville, which means I've likely been on it. Normally we stay in the Waynesville/Maggie area to better spend some time with family there, but this time we will be staying in Asheville to check out the food/brewery scene after some full days of riding.
215 is great, lot less traffic than 276... 276 is usually very busy with lots of cars parked on the side of the road due to Sliding Rock, Looking Glass falls, Pink Beds, and Cradle of Forestry
There's also usually a pretty decent BBQ food truck parked at the outfitters when you come to down off the parkway on 215 on the Rosman end.. Haven't ridden thru there this summer, but they were out every weekend last year
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Let me throw this offer out to you guys. I live an hour from the parkway in Hillsville VA. From there north to Front Royal (skyline dr) or go south all the way up the end or maybe Cherokee NC. Anyone wanting to do the parkway are welcome to start at my house and overnight and next day I can at least ride with you to the Parkway. May save you a few bucks, you know to help pay for that 500 dollar federal speeding ticket this thread evolved to😂😂😂😂
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so is incessant writing
If it is for you, then why do you persist in wasting energy on it? :angel:
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If it is for you, then why do you persist in wasting energy on it? :angel:
Easy, you brought it up. :wink:
Not me.
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There happens to be great riding in flyover country. WV has endless curvy roads, devoid of traffic, Eastern KY, the area around red River gorge, the entire shoreline of the Ohio River is awesome. Divide Ohio using I71. East is great, West is the start of the great corn desert. There is decent riding to be found in Southern IN, and Western IL. Wisconsin has the drift less region, and kettle moraine. Northeast Ia, the sand hills in NE, the black Hills in SD.
All is not forsaken in flyover country.
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There happens to be great riding in flyover country. WV has endless curvy roads, devoid of traffic, Eastern KY, the area around red River gorge, the entire shoreline of the Ohio River is awesome. Divide Ohio using I71. East is great, West is the start of the great corn desert. There is decent riding to be found in Southern IN, and Western IL. Wisconsin has the drift less region, and kettle moraine. Northeast Ia, the sand hills in NE, the black Hills in SD.
All is not forsaken in flyover country.
I guess I was misled on what the flyover states are. I thought they were the huge farm states. Where the farms are measured in square miles and the road are like grids. I would not have though WV or KY would be included in flyover states.
Of course there are small areas of each of those states where they consider the riding supreme. :)
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so is incessant writing
12122 Posts and your complaining of incessant writing :huh: Ride More, Post Less! :grin:
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12122 Posts and your complaining of incessant writing :huh: Ride More, Post Less! :grin:
No complaints from me. I have plenty of time to ride and post, thank you.
Don't think we conversed before, hello Mike. :grin: