Welcome to the First Annual Blueridge Run. Take a look around. You will see posts detailing everything you need to know about the run for our CCW, Tha Riders, brothers and sisters and all of our friends. I will keep the posts short and to the point, trying not to go off on too many tangents. In addition, there will be posts looking for your feedback. Please don't hesitate to post your thoughts, comments, ideas...whatever. I want to have as much fun as possible, so all suggestions will be happily added to the mix!
If you think there is anything missing, please let me know, this is the first time I have done anything like this, so don't hesitate to put me straight.
Let the games begin...
1/25/13
What is the Blueridge Parkway?
Since the idea came to me of getting Tha Riders up to the mountains of NC, I have been searching the internet for weeks now looking at how folks go about setting up a successful motorcycle run. Since this is the "First Annual Blueridge Run" for us Riders and friends, I figured why re-create the wheel when there have been so many smart folks to do it for us?
A quick overview looks like this. So basically, there are two types of runs going on out there. First, you have the hardcore riders that squeeze in as many miles as they can in an allotted time, basically only stopping for gas, food and sleep. Then you have the slower paced runs that take it down a notch, enjoy the scenery, stop for long lunches and cut the miles back to the 150 to 200 mile a day range. Since we will be on the Blueridge Parkway that has a top speed of 45 mph, by default, I personally think the slower paced run would work best for us Riders, specifically since there are a lot of new Riders breaking in their bikes and skills on this trip. Not to mention, that the whole point is to see something, why kill ourselves?
The Blueridge Parkway is 469 miles from end to end, starting in Cherokee, NC and ending in Waynesboro, VA. This highway does not allow commercial traffic, has a 45 mph speed limit, no stop lights and has been said to contain some of the most beautiful scenery on the east coast. From the part I have been on, I would completely agree. I think this blurb says it all...
From the February, 2009 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser
It doesn't get much better than this. There just isn't a road as smoothly paved and beautifully shouldered as the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). There isn't a highway that snakes and tunnels quite so brilliantly anywhere. It's a 469-mile Kodak moment. No commercial vehicles, no billboards, no stoplights.
Read more: Entire article
Here is what it looks like on the map from one end to the other. Due to time constraints, we are going to do a shorter loop covering half the Parkway on our Run. See the Route page for details.
A quick overview looks like this. So basically, there are two types of runs going on out there. First, you have the hardcore riders that squeeze in as many miles as they can in an allotted time, basically only stopping for gas, food and sleep. Then you have the slower paced runs that take it down a notch, enjoy the scenery, stop for long lunches and cut the miles back to the 150 to 200 mile a day range. Since we will be on the Blueridge Parkway that has a top speed of 45 mph, by default, I personally think the slower paced run would work best for us Riders, specifically since there are a lot of new Riders breaking in their bikes and skills on this trip. Not to mention, that the whole point is to see something, why kill ourselves?
The Blueridge Parkway is 469 miles from end to end, starting in Cherokee, NC and ending in Waynesboro, VA. This highway does not allow commercial traffic, has a 45 mph speed limit, no stop lights and has been said to contain some of the most beautiful scenery on the east coast. From the part I have been on, I would completely agree. I think this blurb says it all...
From the February, 2009 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser
It doesn't get much better than this. There just isn't a road as smoothly paved and beautifully shouldered as the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). There isn't a highway that snakes and tunnels quite so brilliantly anywhere. It's a 469-mile Kodak moment. No commercial vehicles, no billboards, no stoplights.
Read more: Entire article
Here is what it looks like on the map from one end to the other. Due to time constraints, we are going to do a shorter loop covering half the Parkway on our Run. See the Route page for details.
1/24/13
The Route and Schedule
Spent a lot of time thinking about the route and the logistics behind it. After speaking with a few of the interested Riders, it seems as if there will be quite a few people coming to NC with their bikes in tow. We are spread out all of the country, so I think that is a safe assumption. Because of this and the fact that we all have jobs, families, etc., I felt that stretching this past 3 days would be too much for most folks. And actually, that doesn't include the travel in day prior to the start. So the bottom line, we will be doing a little less than half the Blueridge Parkway on this run. PLEASE feel free to chime in and let me know what you think.
Planned route and schedule for the First Annual The Riders Blueridge Run.
Thursday
Meet in Asheville NC whenever you get here. (I have plenty of room on the property if you would like to camp or, there is a brand new Comfort Inn less than 2 miles up the block. Depending on how many folks come, you can leave your car here or a safe place near by)
Barbecue and Beers when everyone arrives
Bon Fire
Live Music (at least for some of the night)
Raffle
Friday
Kick-stands up after breakfast
Gas up
Head north on the parkway for a 150 mile run to Sparta, NC
Stop for lunch along the way, most liekly here Switzerland Cafe
Camp-out and party at Wild Woody's Campground
Dinner and beers at Freeborne's Eatery and Lodge
Raffle
Saturday (Updated)
Kick-stands up after breakfast
Head south on the parkway for a 174 mile run to Cruso, NC
Stop for lunch along the way
Camp-out and party at the Blueridge Motorcycle Camp
Dinner and Beverages (The food at the Campground was fantastic)
Raffle
Sunday (Updated)
Kick-stands up after breakfast
Head over to the Wheels Through Time Museum, about 20 miles. You will love this.
Return to BMC and pack up. Head north on the parkway for a quick 50 miles back to Asheville (If you have a long drive back home, please feel free to skip the museum and head back early. Should be about an hour back to the start and your car from the campgrounds)
Planned route and schedule for the First Annual The Riders Blueridge Run.
Thursday
Meet in Asheville NC whenever you get here. (I have plenty of room on the property if you would like to camp or, there is a brand new Comfort Inn less than 2 miles up the block. Depending on how many folks come, you can leave your car here or a safe place near by)
Barbecue and Beers when everyone arrives
Bon Fire
Live Music (at least for some of the night)
Raffle
Friday
Kick-stands up after breakfast
Gas up
Head north on the parkway for a 150 mile run to Sparta, NC
Stop for lunch along the way, most liekly here Switzerland Cafe
Camp-out and party at Wild Woody's Campground
Dinner and beers at Freeborne's Eatery and Lodge
Raffle
Saturday (Updated)
Kick-stands up after breakfast
Head south on the parkway for a 174 mile run to Cruso, NC
Stop for lunch along the way
Camp-out and party at the Blueridge Motorcycle Camp
Dinner and Beverages (The food at the Campground was fantastic)
Raffle
Sunday (Updated)
Kick-stands up after breakfast
Head over to the Wheels Through Time Museum, about 20 miles. You will love this.
Return to BMC and pack up. Head north on the parkway for a quick 50 miles back to Asheville (If you have a long drive back home, please feel free to skip the museum and head back early. Should be about an hour back to the start and your car from the campgrounds)
1/23/13
Who Should Come?
Generally? Everyone. As long as you have your shit together, enjoy being around like minded folks and want to ride.
Specifically, all "Riders," friends and family that want to ride some of the nicest roads in the country. All bikes and bikers welcome!
Specifically, all "Riders," friends and family that want to ride some of the nicest roads in the country. All bikes and bikers welcome!
1/22/13
The Dates and Details
The Dates - September 19-22, 2013
This is a tough one. It's never easy to get a group of people in one place at the same time. The only way to do it is to set a date far enough in advance so people can plan accordingly. So let try this and see what sticks. PLEASE chime in on the dates if you have a conflict, maybe the dates you want works for everyone else. Once these dates are decided through, we will try to keep them the same time each year.
Things You Need to Know (Updated)
This is a tough one. It's never easy to get a group of people in one place at the same time. The only way to do it is to set a date far enough in advance so people can plan accordingly. So let try this and see what sticks. PLEASE chime in on the dates if you have a conflict, maybe the dates you want works for everyone else. Once these dates are decided through, we will try to keep them the same time each year.
Things You Need to Know (Updated)
- There is no registration although a general count would be good. If you are bringing others besides yourself, please let me know how many
- Depending on sponsors (nothing yet...come on folks, sponsor Beer for the Night and we will all stand in a circle and tell you how great you are:), you will need to cover the cost of the Run yourself. Since we don't need reservations for the campgrounds, I don't really see any need to collect money up front. I will host the Thursday night festivities, but the rest you can pay as we go. Just make sure you have a few dollars to put in the chase van fuel fund or your ass is on it's own. :)
Here are costs that we know...The Blueridge Motorcycle Campsite-$15 a person, Wild Woody's- $10 a person, Wheels Through Time Museum-$12 a person. Plan to cover fuel for your bike, all other meals and beer. If you have questions, just ask. - Maps will be online before the run
- Run books (maps and info) will be at the Pre Party
- No one is going to hold your hand. Have your shit together
- Ride with your head. Find a pace you are comfortable with. It is not a race
- We will be camping the two nights on the road
- There will be a chase truck that will carry tools and our camping gear. Please pack as lite as possible
- Clean up after yourself at the campsites
- Make sure your brake light works and your go over your bike well before the Run
- Bring rain gear
- Have fun
1/21/13
Sponsors
If you know a company or individual who would like to sponsor this event either with cash or swag, let us know.
Some of the costs around the run include: Campsite fees, food and beverages, van rental (if anyone is bringing a van and wouldn't mind lending it to us for a chase vehicle, that would be great)
Thanks in advance!
Well, there you go, we have our first sponsor. Precision Motorsports, the dealership where I bought my Heist, has generously offered some sort of sponsorship (We will work out the details later. :) Thanks to the owner David for being first to the plate. I have a feeling we will be seeing him on the ride for sure. By the way, he has a few Heists in stock at his shop right now. If you are in NC, you have to check it out...
Some of the costs around the run include: Campsite fees, food and beverages, van rental (if anyone is bringing a van and wouldn't mind lending it to us for a chase vehicle, that would be great)
Thanks in advance!
Well, there you go, we have our first sponsor. Precision Motorsports, the dealership where I bought my Heist, has generously offered some sort of sponsorship (We will work out the details later. :) Thanks to the owner David for being first to the plate. I have a feeling we will be seeing him on the ride for sure. By the way, he has a few Heists in stock at his shop right now. If you are in NC, you have to check it out...
1/20/13
Your Bike in the Shitter? Rentals are Available
1/11/13
Questions, Concerns or Comments?
Have a question, issue or want to make a suggestion, feel free to do it here. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Thanks
Thanks
1/10/13
Gas Along the Parkway
North Carolina Parkway Milepost Gas and Food Exits
US 21 – MP 229.7
NC 18 – MP 248.1
NC 16 – MP 261.2
US 421 – MP 276.4
US 321 – MP 291.9
US 221 – MP 305
NC 181 – MP 312
US 221 – MP 317.5
NC 226 – MP 330.9
NC 226A – MP 334
US 70 – MP 382.4
US 74A – MP 384.7
US 25 – MP 388.1
NC 191 – MP 393.6
US 276 – MP 411.9
US 74/23 – MP 443.1
US 19 – MP 445.7
US 441 – MP 469
US 21 – MP 229.7
NC 18 – MP 248.1
NC 16 – MP 261.2
US 421 – MP 276.4
US 321 – MP 291.9
US 221 – MP 305
NC 181 – MP 312
US 221 – MP 317.5
NC 226 – MP 330.9
NC 226A – MP 334
US 70 – MP 382.4
US 74A – MP 384.7
US 25 – MP 388.1
NC 191 – MP 393.6
US 276 – MP 411.9
US 74/23 – MP 443.1
US 19 – MP 445.7
US 441 – MP 469
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