Route suggestions, stops? - Page 4

 

On 3/16/2010 10:45 AM, Steve Paul wrote:

My experience with the BRP is, it gets old quick. Not the scenery or the
road, but the idiots who stop every at every turn like they've never
seen a tree before.

A little goes a long way.  There are other roads that give as good
motorcycle without the drawbacks.

 



The Cherohala Parkway isn't that long, so you don't make a huge investment
of time there.  Besides, if you get bored with it you can just turn around.
Personally, I'd recommend it.  But the one you absolutely don't want to pass
up is the Blue Ridge Parkway between Cherokee and Asheville.  It's the
prettiest part of the parkway and doesn't disappoint regardless of weather.
The ideal way to do it is to get on at Cherokee and just ride north until
you get tired of the scenery.

I'm sure you've heard of US129 though Deal's gap near Robbinsville- AKA the
Dragon?  As long as you're in the neighborhood it would be a shame to miss
that one.  And then there's the ride from Cherokee to Gatlinburg through the
middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park- breathtaking.  Say, how
much time will you have down there anyway?  It's the best riding east of the
Mississippi-good pavement, no straight roads.  Just don't cross the yellow
line as you come around blind corners.

You say you'll be riding through the area in May?  If it's early in the
month it may be a bit too early for everything to be in full bloom and
completely leafed out.  The altitude is fairly high, so spring comes late-
about the same as it does here in New Jersey.

Have fun.

Al

 


I've done all three multiple times,   Definitely worth it; that said,
not planning to do any of them again on this trip.   Looking more for
the small town, short side trips. Mom-n-Pop diner scene, and maybe
some U.S. Route 11 history stops thrown in for good measure.

Tim

 



wrote:

:Anyone familiar with some or all of that trip who might suggest
:interesting side roads, stops, (bbq joints and covered bridges being
:among my favorite places to stop) etc?
:
Take a couple of hours and sample the dueling raw bars of Acme
Oyster House and Felix's, both on Iberville right next to Bourbon
St.

Try the turtle soup at Desire on Bourbon St. It is on the right,
about 3 blocks in from Canal St.

If you get to the Warehouse district, stop at Emeril's bar and have
a slice of his Banana Cream pie. You will thank me for years to
come.

I assume you have been there before, but if not, biegnets at the
Cafe du Monde is a must and then go across the street to Central
Grocery and buy a Muffelata. You will thank me for years to come
(while you are dieting to recover).
___
Cogito Ergo Spam - I think therefore I ham

 

On Mar 14, 9:27 am, "Tim M. (tomor...@erols.com)"

 Tim, I don't know much about the roads west of NC or E. Tn. but the
Natchez Trace Pky has been on my short list for a few years. From
everything I heard it is a real pretty ride.

Now once you get over into my part of the country there are a bunch of
good riding roads. You can ride the Blue Ridge Pky and don't be afraid
to jump off on almost any roads that cross it. You will usually find
some great riding and little towns with good eating places and some
good bed and breakfast type lodging.

 Grandfather Mountain and Mt Mitchell are the highest mtns east of the
Miss. river and the views are really pretty. I've always wanted to do
the Pky end to end but every time I've started I end up taking a side
trip.

 Deals Gap is highly over rated and is a real pain in the ass. There
are a bunch of roads a stone throw from it that don't have near the
traffic.

When you get ready for you trip check for road closures, we have had a
bunch of slides this year.

 When you get in the area drop me a line, my be able to sneak of for
awhile.

Mike
caspr