She: Living near the Appalachian foothills, I have spent a lot of time on and around the Blue Ridge Parkway. My family enjoys the scenery, the hikes, and the other activities the area affords. But when my husband suggested that he and I travel the length of the Parkway on a motorcycle, I had some reservations. Would the weather cooperate? Would it be comfortable? Would it be safe?
He: I’ve grown up riding motorcycles and love the mountain roads and the beautiful views they provide. I thought a trip along the Parkway with the Mrs would be a great way to combine my love of riding and our love of the area. Unfortunately, I don’t have a motorcycle that would comfortably accommodate both of us and the provisions necessary for 4 days on the road. Luckily, there are several operators in the vicinity that offer a wide variety of motorcycles for rent.
She: Once I got child care and other loose ends squared away for being away for several days, we picked up the motorcycle and hit the road. The weather was beautiful and the motorcycle was very comfortable. It didn’t take long to relax and enjoy the scenery. We began our voyage of the BRP at the southern end near Cherokee, NC. The tree lined 2 lane and scenic vistas were just what I needed to take my mind off the hustle and bustle of my typical daily routine.
He: After signing the necessary paperwork and being shown the many features of the motorcycle, we were off. The large Harley is a different experience than what I am used to, but it didn’t take long to become familiar with its personality. There is something uniquely American about having 103 cubic inches of Harley V twin pulsating your posterior. The BRP is the perfect road for a nice relaxing ride. There are no distracting billboards, no frustrating traffic lights interrupting your pace, and minimal cross-traffic which greatly reduces the risk of collision.
She: As the miles ticked by, my comfort level continued to increase. The combination of a comfortable mount, a capable rider at the controls and a smooth, relatively traffic free road allowed me to enjoy the moment and soak up the unique experience. It’s one thing to view the sights through the frame of the windshield of a car, it is something else entirely to immerse yourself in the landscape. Instead of viewing the scene, you truly become a part of it.
He: An important part of long distance motorcycle riding is not to get in a hurry and take breaks when necessary. The BRP is the perfect venue for both. The winding road and the large Harley lends itself to a relaxed pace with ample passing opportunities for those in a bigger hurry. There are numerous overlooks along the length of the BRP’s 469 miles, each with their own distinctive opportunity to enjoy nature.
Both: After 4 days in the saddle, we both agree that it was a unique experience that brought us closer together. With minimal planning and no agenda, we were able to find food, fuel and accommodations all along the BRP. We look forward to our next opportunity to listen to the breeze as we cruise through Appalachia. For those who would also like to experience the BRP on 2 wheels but don’t have the equipment or experience, there are many operators in the area that can provide rider training and rentals. Go become part of the scenery!
