Got up Monday October 26, 2009 to a cold and overcast day. What was going to be a five person ride, turned into a two person ride; Steve and I headed out on the bikes to Blowing Rock, NC. Due to the road construction on NC-321 (our favorite route) we got on NC-115 and then took NC-421 to Blowing Rock. Photo at left (indeed all of these) were taken at "Grandview Overlook" on the amazing Blue Ridge Parkway. We went with a forecast of WSOC Channel 9 that rain chances were zero, was ugly looking all day long, but they were dead on with the forecast, it was perfect. As for the cold (temps in the 50's all day) being from the great midwest I was dressed for it; thats the key to a successful fall/winter ride.
We stopped at the Daniel Boone Inn for lunch, but was packed, so went back to Blowing Rock to The Canyons and ate (its right at the top of NC-321. It has great views and the prices were really great. Most mountain places to eat like to charge an arm and a leg, but they don't. I went by there on a previous visit, but did not eat, glad I got to this time...I will be back! Time was a factor this trip, so did not get to make a ride into downtown Blowing Rock itself, but did get out on the parkway. Colors were probably a bit past peak; not a lot of yellows, mostly some brown and red remaining, and a few bare trees too. One thing I like about weekday rides...light traffic.
We did see a few motorcycles (and some cars) but not the bumper to bumper weekend traffic. We also rode through Boone; another beautiful area. I was also very impressed (though a quick view) of ASU, looks like a fine school (and they normally have a kickass football team). Nice ride back to Concord, and got home near 5pm (we met up at 10am at the Texaco on Popular Tent Road). One bad deal, bike kickstand in the garage came up, and the bike went over. I caught it, but did a bit of damage to the floorboard bracket on the bike (luckily nothing else hit). Looks like Kawasaki saw that coming; looks easy to replace (though sure the price will give me pause). Still things happen, and could have been worse. Still rideable, but like to get that fixed. All else well, hope you all have safe rides; and bundle up guys!
Got up Monday October 26, 2009 to a cold and overcast day. What was going to be a five person ride, turned into a two person ride; Steve and I headed out on the bikes to Blowing Rock, NC. Due to the road construction on NC-321 (our favorite route) we got on NC-115 and then took NC-421 to Blowing Rock. Photo at left (indeed all of these) were taken at "Grandview Overlook" on the amazing Blue Ridge Parkway. We went with a forecast of WSOC Channel 9 that rain chances were zero, was ugly looking all day long, but they were dead on with the forecast, it was perfect. As for the cold (temps in the 50's all day) being from the great midwest I was dressed for it; thats the key to a successful fall/winter ride. 
We stopped at the Daniel Boone Inn for lunch, but was packed, so went back to Blowing Rock to The Canyons and ate (its right at the top of NC-321. It has great views and the prices were really great. Most mountain places to eat like to charge an arm and a leg, but they don't. I went by there on a previous visit, but did not eat, glad I got to this time...I will be back! Time was a factor this trip, so did not get to make a ride into downtown Blowing Rock itself, but did get out on the parkway. Colors were probably a bit past peak; not a lot of yellows, mostly some brown and red remaining, and a few bare trees too. One thing I like about weekday rides...light traffic.
We did see a few motorcycles (and some cars) but not the bumper to bumper weekend traffic. We also rode through Boone; another beautiful area. I was also very impressed (though a quick view) of ASU, looks like a fine school (and they normally have a kickass football team). Nice ride back to Concord, and got home near 5pm (we met up at 10am at the Texaco on Popular Tent Road). One bad deal, bike kickstand in the garage came up, and the bike went over. I caught it, but did a bit of damage to the floorboard bracket on the bike (luckily nothing else hit). Looks like Kawasaki saw that coming; looks easy to replace (though sure the price will give me pause). Still things happen, and could have been worse. Still rideable, but like to get that fixed. All else well, hope you all have safe rides; and bundle up guys!
No comments:
Post a Comment