[ted clement]

Yesterday after breakfast three of us on 400's, accompanied by an assortment of five Gold Wings and one BMW, rode north towards Mt. Airy and then west to meander on many little winding backroads in the general direction of the mountains, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge.

One road must have crossed this small river of clear water at least half a dozen times on one lane bridges until we stopped at a large gate house that protects the Reynold hide-a-way...previously owned by RJ of tobacco fame. 10,000 acres originally, but now divided in several parcels owned by various rich. Part of it is still in the hands of a Reynold...man and wife, each with their own home. No prenups, I understand, so they go that route instead of giving up any personal loot.

After that we hit the Blue Ridge Parkway for a ways, saw a small flock of wild turkeys at the edge of the road, then got off north of Mt. Airy and stopped for lunch just over the line in Va. We then headed down Rt. 52, scattering in different directions for home. I put about 225 miles on, but over a period of 6 hours. Lots of stopping, looking, eating, telling lies. Weather was sunny, warm, in mid-50's.

 

[Pete]

Great Post! I am itching to do a longer-ish ride like that! Sounded like a great day!

 

[JD]

Thanks for sharing, it sure sounds like fun.

 

[Wasquid]

Sounds like a nice ride.

 

[madonna]

Ted,

I've read that sizeable parts of the parkway in NC are closed due to land slides. Milepost markers for your entrance and exit?? I'm looking forward to the spring. Will definitely ride in the general area (Galax, Mt. Rogers, etc.) during my visits to family. (I grew up in Marion, VA)

Hubby and I are visiting Great Smoky Mt. NP in early May (7-14, I think). He doesn't like to ride much, but really want to take my Burgman along. Just so much more fun to share the ride, ya know?!

Great sounding ride you had. 6 inches of snow and counting makes riding seem so far away!

Madonna

 

[ted clement]

Madonna, we got on somewhere before mile marker 214 as I remember seeing that one...down around Lowgap...and rode for awhile till we got off at Fancy Gap in Va. Earlier over in Lowgap area we were on rt 89 which, had we stayed on it, would have taken us up to Galax. Only saw one vehicle while we were on the Parkway. Its pretty quiet up there this time of year, especially during the week. Actually I liked it better than in the spring or summer because with the leaves off the trees the views are better. Was plenty of long needle pine and mt. lauren greenery to give a little color. Lots of little farms in view right off the parkway. Just so darn peaceful.

 

[Randy]

Ted,
You have some beautiful country up there, You can ride all day and still feel like riding when the sun goes down.
My favorite season up there is still Autumn (as short as it is)