Blue Ridge Parkway Maintenance

[Tusayan]

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 

[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. 

........

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.   

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

[LowRyter]

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.

[twowheeladdict]

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?   

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

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.

[Lannis]

If you respond that you ride over the speed limit in those other situations, why would you not do that on the BRP?   

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'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

[twowheeladdict]

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. 

[kballowe]

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.

[Tusayan]

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.

[twowheeladdict]

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.

[twowheeladdict]

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. 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

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!

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

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

[BrotherJim]

I will ride it in two weeks for a long weekend and report back. 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! 

[twowheeladdict]

I will ride it in two weeks for a long weekend and report back. 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. 

[LowRyter]

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?   

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. 

[Dilliw]

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!

[twowheeladdict]

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. 

[LowRyter]

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?

[twowheeladdict]

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.   

[Ncdan]

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.

[Cam3512]

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.

[OlderSlower]

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...

[LowRyter]

I'm always happy!  Life is much better that way.   

Then I don't want you to worry about my happiness.  Doing so might make you unhappy.   

[blu guzz]

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.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

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. 

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. 

[BrotherJim]

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.   

[twowheeladdict]

Then I don't want you to worry about my happiness.  Doing so might make you unhappy.   

Believe me, worrying is a waste of energy.

[LowRyter]

Believe me, worrying is a waste of energy.

so is incessant writing