2013 Tour: Blue Ridge or East Coast?

C

Cranky Pete

Well-known member
Hey all! I'm looking for input for a 2013 tour. I'll have 10 days or so, most likely in late May or early June. I have a hankering to see the East Coast; I have a few friends out there, and it would complete my Canadian coast-to-coast riding experience. But other than the Cabot Trail I'm not convinced there's much good riding in the Maritimes. Newfoundland would be awesome but I don't think I'll have the time.

The Skyline/Blue Ridge/Cherohala would offer better roads, better weather and might even be cheaper. Just no friends, no Canadiana and no seafood.

Anyone done both?
 
I've caged it to the East Coast twice, rode, the entire length of the Skyline/BRP, and circumnavigated WV and area. By far, I prefer the ride from Front Royal Virginia to Cherokee (the BRP).

My preference is for mountains and getting off the beaten path which is why I enjoy the Eastern US so much. You'll meet a ton of people down there and, if you use "tent space" on the ADV rider website, be taken for some pretty interesting side trips. No Canadiana but lots of old fashion redneckery that's good for a laugh. I'm not sure about the seafood, I found some down there and you're only a few hours from the Atlantic.
 
I have done both, and You will probably want to. Check previous GTAM posts about Skyline to the Smokeys.

It took 3 days to get to the Cabot Trail and 3 days back, stopping to view a few sights ie: Hopewell Rock Formation, Alma for the best hot cross buns, Shediac for Lobster etc. Going through NY, VT, NH & Maine, coming back through Quebec to add some flavour.

Many people find it difficult to gather a travel group, but you're in the best forum to invite riding companions. Good Luck.
 
I was in Nova Scotia recently, had to get from Halifax to Lunenburg and stumbled upon something called the Lighthouse Route, if I recall correctly. It's a (mostly) coastal road that covers most of the southeast shore, pretty scenic. I definitely want to get back there next summer with the bike to do it
 
homme de fer said:
I've caged it to the East Coast twice, rode, the entire length of the Skyline/BRP, and circumnavigated WV and area. By far, I prefer the ride from Front Royal Virginia to Cherokee (the BRP).

My preference is for mountains and getting off the beaten path which is why I enjoy the Eastern US so much. You'll meet a ton of people down there and, if you use "tent space" on the ADV rider website, be taken for some pretty interesting side trips. No Canadiana but lots of old fashion redneckery that's good for a laugh. I'm not sure about the seafood, I found some down there and you're only a few hours from the Atlantic.
Click to expand...

"Redneckery"-- love it.
 
I think I'm leaning towards Blue Ridge. In addition to the other factors, it's about half as far away. I'm travelling two-up with my better half; too many long days in the saddle and we both start to get grumpy.

Thanks for the input, everyone.
 
Ive been down in the Blue Ridge area many times and Cabot Trail (and Gaspe') once. I loved both, but if you had to choose one I would head south. I wouldn't necessarily stick just to Blue Ridge/Skyline Drive as there are many many nice roads in the area and you can make a real enjoyable ride there and back as well.

..Tom
 
V-Tom said:
Ive been down in the Blue Ridge area many times and Cabot Trail (and Gaspe') once. I loved both, but if you had to choose one I would head south. I wouldn't necessarily stick just to Blue Ridge/Skyline Drive as there are many many nice roads in the area and you can make a real enjoyable ride there and back as well.

..Tom
Click to expand...

Tom, I picked up "Motorcycle Journeys through North America" by Dale Coyner. It outlines a nice return route from the southern tip of the Parkway. (It's a great book, by the way.) If you have any specific recommendations, I'd love to hear them.
 
Done and loved both. Cabot Trail this July was amazing, PEI I actually enjoyed but it was a little subdued (don't want to say boring cause it really wasn't). Gaspé last Sep was also wonderful, maybe on the chilly side but nothing that would keep me away. BRP and Skyline drive are definitely worth the trip. Did those last year and caged it down to Skyline a few weeks ago for some scenery, also wanted to hike on the Appalachian trail.

I agree there are lots of great roads one you get down the BRP, enough to keep you busy for the entire trip.

You can't go wrong either way really. Why not wait till just before you have to leave to see what the weather is doing and decide then.
 
I did all of them on one trip in 12 days!! went from here to Deals Gap (The dragon's Tail), from there I went to Memphis Tennessee to check out graceland, back to Deals Gap and down east to cherahola, Skyline and blue ridge parkway all the way to new York city and back to Canada, to PEI (which I spent 3 days there for Atlanticade) and then back to Toronto .
Total of the trip 12 days, 10,000km
Rode from Moncton to Toronto in 1 shot!!
very tired but the best thing Ive done !!!
 
Cranky Pete said:
Tom, I picked up "Motorcycle Journeys through North America" by Dale Coyner. It outlines a nice return route from the southern tip of the Parkway. (It's a great book, by the way.) If you have any specific recommendations, I'd love to hear them.
Click to expand...

Do you have a GPS? I'll see if I can dig up some of the old routes I used. There might be some stuff in there you can use.

..Tom
 
I've done both, a number of times. I'd take south over East any day. The Cabot Trail is nice, I like the Maritimes, but there no comparison to being in the mountains.
 
V-Tom said:
Do you have a GPS? I'll see if I can dig up some of the old routes I used. There might be some stuff in there you can use.

..Tom
Click to expand...

Don't go to any trouble. I tend to rely on paper maps. I have a new Garmin Oregon, but to be honest I haven't used it that much (yet).
 
TIBURON said:
I did all of them on one trip in 12 days!! went from here to Deals Gap (The dragon's Tail), from there I went to Memphis Tennessee to check out graceland, back to Deals Gap and down east to cherahola, Skyline and blue ridge parkway all the way to new York city and back to Canada, to PEI (which I spent 3 days there for Atlanticade) and then back to Toronto .
Total of the trip 12 days, 10,000km
Rode from Moncton to Toronto in 1 shot!!
very tired but the best thing Ive done !!!
Click to expand...

Wow. Way too much mileage for me, especially with my wife on board. Good for you for doing it!
 
Ok South it is J
And your right….3 days is a long ride 2 up to the Cabot Tail
If you want to slab it you can be in the heart of it in a couple day
Or you can take the 219 if you want to avoid slabing it.
Lots of great places to stay down there.
There isn’t any seafood but there’s enough pulled pork to last you a life time
And there’s north pulled pork and south pulled pork….make sure you try both J
I stayed in Robbinsville at a Microtel for like $75 a night
Also stayed in Maggy Vally at the Inn
The Clarkton is a great mom and pop place.
There’s a long list of things to see and do
 
kiley said:
Ok South it is J
And your right….3 days is a long ride 2 up to the Cabot Tail
If you want to slab it you can be in the heart of it in a couple day
Or you can take the 219 if you want to avoid slabing it.
Lots of great places to stay down there.
There isn’t any seafood but there’s enough pulled pork to last you a life time
And there’s north pulled pork and south pulled pork….make sure you try both J
I stayed in Robbinsville at a Microtel for like $75 a night
Also stayed in Maggy Vally at the Inn
The Clarkton is a great mom and pop place.
There’s a long list of things to see and do
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tips. Two kinds of pulled pork? I'll bring my eatin' pants. :cool:
 
Lightcycle said:
If you're staying in Robbinsville, there's a great breakfast place down the road called Huddle House. We stayed in the area for 5 days and ate there every morning before riding out.
Click to expand...

Ha - I know that place well, I practically lived there when I was staying down the street at the Two Wheeled Inn.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom