Motorcycling in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina

(Note:  Those who know this Rambling RV Rat personally know I spend more of my time having fun rather than writing about it.  This results in my blogs ALWAYS being backlogged.  Hence, this blog represents Ashville and the surrounding areas pre-Hurricane Helene.  It is hard to fathom that the places we visited/roads upon which we traveled in early September in the Ashville area would become unrecognizable just a few weeks later.  Our hearts go out to those whose lives have been shattered by this disaster.)

 

We travelled along US-25 and I-26, passing Traveler’s Rest.  Once upon a time, this town was the first big stop along a wagon train road leading from Greenville, South Carolina to Ashville, North Carolina.  The roads, adorned with gorgeous wildflowers in full bloom, also offered majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 

Not the best photo, but it gives you an idea of the spectacular array of wildflowers.

We arrived at Bear Creek RV Park in Ashville, North Carolina.  It is an older, decently-maintained park that offered us easy access and a humongous full-hook-up RV site.  It has a pool, laundry room, free WI-FI/cable, and, most importantly for us, panoramic views—all for $60/night.  We found it more appealing than staying at the KOA (which to me is an acronym for Kids, Overpriced, and Amenities We Will Not Use).

This area provides some great motorcycling adventures, with riders negotiating the hairpin turns and switchbacks of the mountain roads known as Devil’s Whip (12 miles along NC-80 with 160 curves and a 2,000-foot elevation change) and Diamondback (12 miles along NC-226A with 190 curves and a 2,100-foot elevation change).   We did these roads on a prior visit, but that was before Dad had his Road King Classic converted to a 3-wheeler.  While Mom can ride her own motorcycle, she chickens out on what she considers more stressful riding situations.  So, much to my dismay, she doubled up with Dad.  Hence, I lost my comfy seat, and I got relegated to sitting on top of the trike’s trunk!

We had a safe and enjoyable ride.  Afterwards, we visited Little Switzerland to devour a tasty vegan/vegetarian meal and to do our requisite shopping for shirts and other accessories touting the completion of these adventures.

 

While in Ashville, we met up with Robert/Sherry, two fellow DRV Mobile Suites owners.  Our first encounter with them was in 2020 along US-90, when we all waved to each other as they were leaving the Big Bend area and we were on our way in.  From there, we became Facebook friends and learned we shared many hobbies, interests, and principles.  So, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet them in person for the first time.  And what a great time we had, made even better by the fact we broke bread at 828 Family Pizza—on National Cheese Pizza Day to boot!

 

Speaking of get-togethers, we were so blessed for a visit with Nancy/Jerry, friends from our days of working with Amazon Camper Force in 2015/2016.  They were working at the Ashville East KOA (which sadly, has been obliterated by the floods/Hurricane Helene.  We thank God for answering our prayers: Nancy/Jerry and their fur babies were uninjured, their rig was damaged but salvageable/repairable, though they lost their golf cart, e-bikes, and other personal property.  The level of stress and emotional trauma they experienced is simply incomprehensible.)

Hard to believe these peaceful and serene waters...

...became the cause of so much death and destruction just a few weeks later.

 

On another day, we rode along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  (Shortly after our visit, much of the Parkway in North Carolina was damaged by Hurricane Helene/flooding as well.  Some of the sections will remain closed through Dec 2025!)  This 469-mile picturesque roadway connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks and contains 151 bridges and 26 tunnels.   Parkway construction started in the 1930s, a byproduct of bad economic times and massive unemployment.  I am amazed at all the wonderful projects completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during The Great Depression from which subsequent generations have benefitted immensely.

Laurel Knob Overlook.

Curtis Valley Overlook.

 

Black Mountain Overlook.

Lane Pinnacle.

Tanbark Ridge.

We hiked a variety of trails along the Parkway, including Craggy Gardens and portions of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail.   It was so cool to watch the fog roll in at a 5,000+ elevation while the perky Black-Eyed Susan blooms swayed in the gentle breeze, stretching to soak up some of the rays of sunshine peeking through the clouds.  We also made the mandatory stop at the Visitor Center for me to get sworn in as a Junior Ranger, having completed my entire Ranger booklet.

Loved watching the Black-eyed Susans slow dance in the gentle breeze.

Craggy Gardens Shelter, built by the industrious CCC!

Along the Parkway, we visited the Folk Art Center, admiring exquisite works of art.  These talented artisans and craftsmen from the Southern Highlands offer unique and creative designs—from furniture to paintings, from sculptures to jewelry.  Good thing we no longer own a sticks/bricks—Mom (who isn’t a frivolous shopper) saw so many gorgeous things she would have bought in a heartbeat. Oh, the woes of a minimalist lifestyle.  We appeased ourselves by hiking some of the quiet trails surrounding the property.

 

Wow!  This rat has rambled on for way too long, so I’ll sign off now.  But I’ll talk to you again soon!