Mostly Buncombe and Madison County here in WNC.
Got a quick ride in today. Only 95 miles, but I was playing dodge the rain clouds and staying local since my gambles on weather the past few times turned out with me soaked and freezing.
In the beginning, in the slightly ghetto parts of downtown Asheville I find some nice graffiti. Asheville has not shortage of great graffiti too. Always some artwork to look at.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0109-1024_zpsff841a3a.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0108-1024_zpsa52d54fa.jpg)
Stitched into a panorama:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/GraffitiPan001-1200_zps45eba700.jpg)
There's also some non-graffiti artwork that is great. This is in the River Art District at "Cotton Mill Studios" in a reclaimed cotton mill that was restored and put into service as an art studio and gallery. This started the River Arts District movement.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0106-1024_zpsdbfc821b.jpg)
Out of downtown Asheville, I pick up NC251. NC251 connects Asheville and Marshall NC. An interesting spot is the old and abandoned Craggy Prison. It's slowly falling in and rotting. It was replaced with a new facility a few miles up the road.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0118-1024_zpsb8f0e669.jpg)
Across the road is an old baggage car that was marked with Craggy Mountain Line Railroad. This line was absorbed into Southern Railroad in the 1920s and this area of track has been abandoned since the 1970s.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0111-1024_zpsf51ed583.jpg)
Another side look. Note the springs, rail cars haven't had that type of suspension in decades prior to even the 1970s.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0113-1024_zps679cf937.jpg)
Further up NC251 I found a cupola caboose that hasn't seen service in many years. A little research on the origin of the caboose led me to Virginia. This seems to be from the Richmond, Fredrickson & Patamoc Railroad that consolidated in the 1920s
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0120-1024_zps7b7c8b83.jpg)
A really old switch for the siding the caboose rests on. Not the weighted handle to help with moving the geared switch mechanism.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0119-1024_zpsa93df639.jpg)
NC251 is a very scenic road that basically follows the French Broad River from Asheville to Marshall. The current CSX railroad is on the opposite side of the river all along the river. It crosses over near Marshall and goes right through the historic town of Marshall.
Some shots of NC251:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0121-1024_zpsfbc24d93.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0122-1024_zps36a64310.jpg)
The river at a pulloff:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0123-1024_zps094af0af.jpg)
Once I got into Marshall, I picked up Bailey's Branch Rd (Crosses the river in the middle of Marshall, can't miss it, its the only bridge in Marshall) to head toward Leicester, NC and NC63.
Marshall as seen from Bailey's Branch leaving town:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0124-1024_zps0252633a.jpg)
Bailey's Branch turns into Meadow Town Rd where it meets Bear Creek Rd. Meadows Town Rd takes you to NC63. When you reach a stop sign on Meadow Town Rd, a LEFT takes you to Patton Ave in Asheville and a RIGHT takes you to Dogget Mountain. I went right for some twisties. There are some great empty straights too for some fairly antics if you're so inclined.
Dogget is tight and technical but loads of fun. It can be dangerous if you let your guard down though.
Hairpin on Dogget:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0126-1024_zps0cc7b2d4.jpg)
Looking UP from hairpin, you can see the road above if you look carefully. Taken from opposite side of road as previous pic.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0129-1024_zps0a2c487a.jpg)
Another look at Dogget:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0127-1024_zps02ac96a5.jpg)
The view from near the top of Dogget, looking toward Asheville:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0131-1024_zps97a0fcd8.jpg)
NC63 terminates on NC209 in Trust, NC. North takes you into Hot Springs and back toward Marshall. South takes you back toward Interstate 40. Just past where NC63 and NC209 meet is a gas station, a GRITS restaurant and a cool feature.
The Bridge of Madison County. Not related to the book/movie of similar nature.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0133-1024_zps60b3b372.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/Ride%201-13-13/DSC_0135-1024_zpsde085d41.jpg)
Had a good day!
JM
Thanks! You have given me a new road to ride. I have never been to Marshall.
I always enjoy your rider reports, JM. Thanks for sharing. [beer]
Quote from: Dry Martini on January 13, 2013, 03:03:54 PM
Thanks! You have given me a new road to ride. I have never been to Marshall.
Lots of good roads near Marshall. Where are you located in relation to Marshall? There are lots of good rides and roads nearby. NC251 is more scenic than twisty, but a nice ride for the scenery alone.
JM
Quote from: Buckethead on January 13, 2013, 03:17:16 PM
I always enjoy your rider reports, JM. Thanks for sharing. [beer]
+1 [thumbsup]
My father is retiring in 1.5 years and Asheville is one of the three places he's considering. If he does end up there, looks like I'll need to keep a bike at his place so I can ride those roads. Great post!
very nice.
i have friends in nc (salisbury) who i am going to visit that spring and i already have let them know that i would like to go back to the mountains, unfortunately probably by car...it is just beautiful there.
thanks
klaus
Quote from: the_Journeyman on January 13, 2013, 04:45:10 PM
Lots of good roads near Marshall. Where are you located in relation to Marshall? There are lots of good rides and roads nearby. NC251 is more scenic than twisty, but a nice ride for the scenery alone.
JM
I live in columbia SC, but was born in western NC. I still have my father's boyhood home in Hendersonville and we stay there as often as possible. I am about 20 mins from the Pisgah Nat. Forest, so I spend a lot of time on the BRP and surrounding roads.
that looks just like katy caboose (who got loose).
Martiti - I'm not even an hour from Hendersonville. Some great roads in the area for sure. Pisgah has plenty, and roads from here and there between the main roads are awesome. If you happen to be up on the bike, feel free to give me a heads up and we can ride some twisties to find a great small town lunch!
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on January 14, 2013, 02:39:51 PM
Martiti - I'm not even an hour from Hendersonville. Some great roads in the area for sure. Pisgah has plenty, and roads from here and there between the main roads are awesome. If you happen to be up on the bike, feel free to give me a heads up and we can ride some twisties to find a great small town lunch!
JM
Sounds like a plan. Now to find some free time...
Enjoyable as usual - Thanks for the travelogue
Thanks for showing me around again JM [thumbsup]
Keep 'em coming mate, keep 'em coming!
Glad you enjoyed Ung. One of these days I hope to make it back to Australia, I like seeing what you post too. I spent nearly a month there back in 2001.
JM
Quote from: 1.21GW on January 13, 2013, 09:14:03 PM
+1 [thumbsup]
My father is retiring in 1.5 years and Asheville is one of the three places he's considering. If he does end up there, looks like I'll need to keep a bike at his place so I can ride those roads. Great post!
Retiring from where and considering where else besides Asheville? I'm fond enough of Asheville but require a bit more civilization periodically. I'm 30 miles west of Richmond, VA but roads like this are abundant and relatively empty during the week and the VA roads which parallel the BRP are often better and much faster than the Parkway itself.
If you consult a map, south of Charlottesville basically all the backroads between U.S. 29 and I-81 are similar and mostly smoothly paved. Decent breweries for pit stops too! 8)
Quote from: Curmudgeon on January 24, 2013, 07:24:04 PM
Retiring from where and considering where else besides Asheville? I'm fond enough of Asheville but require a bit more civilization periodically. I'm 30 miles west of Richmond, VA but roads like this are abundant and relatively empty during the week and the VA roads which parallel the BRP are often better and much faster than the Parkway itself.
If you consult a map, south of Charlottesville basically all the backroads between U.S. 29 and I-81 are similar and mostly smoothly paved. Decent breweries for pit stops too! 8)
Don't compare all of the BRP to the part in VA. There are far more curves in the NC portion and the speed limit is 45 mph for most of it. When you include the Pisgah Natl. Forest that connects to the BRP, what other road can you ride continuously for over 100 miles with little LEO presence and very few side roads ( for people to pull out from)?
Oh and the BRP is not the only road in Asheville. Just sayin.
Quote from: Buckethead on January 13, 2013, 03:17:16 PM
I always enjoy your rider reports, JM. Thanks for sharing. [beer]
+ a lot
and your pics - + 11tyB!
Quote from: Dry Martini on January 25, 2013, 04:50:25 AM
Don't compare all of the BRP to the part in VA. There are far more curves in the NC portion and the speed limit is 45 mph for most of it. When you include the Pisgah Natl. Forest that connects to the BRP, what other road can you ride continuously for over 100 miles with little LEO presence and very few side roads ( for people to pull out from)?
Oh and the BRP is not the only road in Asheville. Just sayin.
Hmmm... Think you must have missread something I wrote above? As a veteran of many end-to-end rides of the BRP, possibly before you were born... 8) (?), I'll give you that my favorite
scenery is from Mt. Mitchell to Mt. Pisgah. There are vastly more rangers on the BRP than there were 20 - 30 years ago when you could cook along with impunity. My 796 prefers 75 MPH to 45 MPH in general as did my old BMW RS's. VA has few cops mid-week in the area I mentioned, or even cars, except in obvious built-up stretches. No biggie really.
Here's a sample of smooth road near a favorite lunch stop and tons more where this came from. Unbroken pavement too compared to the BRP in the last 4 - 5 years. http://binged.it/YtTByO (http://binged.it/YtTByO)
Quote from: Curmudgeon on January 25, 2013, 09:06:31 PM
Hmmm... Think you must have missread something I wrote above? As a veteran of many end-to-end rides of the BRP, possibly before you were born... 8) (?), I'll give you that my favorite scenery is from Mt. Mitchell to Mt. Pisgah. There are vastly more rangers on the BRP than there were 20 - 30 years ago when you could cook along with impunity. My 796 prefers 75 MPH to 45 MPH in general as did my old BMW RS's. VA has few cops mid-week in the area I mentioned, or even cars, except in obvious built-up stretches. No biggie really.
Here's a sample of smooth road near a favorite lunch stop and tons more where this came from. Unbroken pavement too compared to the BRP in the last 4 - 5 years. http://binged.it/YtTByO (http://binged.it/YtTByO)
I don't know about "before I was born", I am 50. As for broken pavement on the BRP, I did not notice much. Nor do I even worry about a few cracks I the road surface.
The park rangers are few and spread thin covering the NC portion, and they are usually concentrated in high foot traffic areas, not in the more remote and more fun parts of the BRP.
I see very few on weekends and even less during the week days, which is the time I prefer to ride.
Oh and in said the speed limit was 45. You are free to go faster... :D
Very nice little report JM. Nice looking Monster too.
My riding group is doing a trip down this summer staying in Boone.
Looking forward to exploring your beautiful roads.
Quote from: Dry Martini on January 26, 2013, 04:35:49 AM
I don't know about "before I was born", I am 50. As for broken pavement on the BRP, I did not notice much. Nor do I even worry about a few cracks I the road surface.
The park rangers are few and spread thin covering the NC portion, and they are usually concentrated in high foot traffic areas, not in the more remote and more fun parts of the BRP.
I see very few on weekends and even less during the week days, which is the time I prefer to ride.
Oh and in said the speed limit was 45. You are free to go faster... :D
Guys over 50 say, "just sayin"?! ;) Agreed, while I might have ridden that stretch on my R26 when I was 17, I've got Halfheimers and can't remember! Official residence was GA though until I was ~ 19, so not unlikely as that was always a favorite long ride.
Good to hear that there are still few rangers in NC. They've gotten fairly thick from Mile 0 to Mile 70 for no good reason I can think of..., and that's a fairly unpopulated region too. I've got some credentials in my pocket which have proven to work well with state and local, and even some European cops, but might not want to test them vs a Federal ticket! [leo]
Wasn't talking about cracks on the BRP. More like wash-outs and deep pot holes. They've started to resurface a few short stretches in the first 30 miles recently. Nothing like the glass it was in years prior. I guess windmills take priority these days. :'(
Initially I mentioned my area only because the I-64 corridor from Williamsburg to Charlottesville offers a retiree just about anything you could find in NY/NJ/CT Metro, all within an hour drive, but MUCH friendlier natives! ;) Asheville for me remains a nice place to spend a week, but somewhat limited as a year round environment. VA is super MC-friendly too, BTW, although HAWGS predominate. At least they're friendly!
Quote from: seevtsaab on January 26, 2013, 06:46:25 AM
Very nice little report JM. Nice looking Monster too.
My riding group is doing a trip down this summer staying in Boone.
Looking forward to exploring your beautiful roads.
Thanks!
Awesome area to base out of for your group ride! Not only are right in some good riding, but you can hit some great riding in VA, WV, and east TN, all within a short (and fun) ride from Boone!
JM
Great pics, JM. Thanks for posting
Quote from: the_Journeyman on January 22, 2013, 01:58:02 PM
Glad you enjoyed Ung. One of these days I hope to make it back to Australia, I like seeing what you post too. I spent nearly a month there back in 2001.
JM
And when you get here, there's beer in the fridge and a second bike in the garage (not necessarily in that order ;)).
;D