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June/July 2010
OK, so it's not quite on schedule -
If you're like me you get a bunch of newsletters at the start of each month. I rarely have time to read them all. I've held off on this one until there was something significant to tell - your time is valuable, isn't it? I won't waste it with fluff.
Smoky Mountain Road Report
Parkway Open! - At least one lane
Blue Ridge Parkway
As of June 30, the Blue Ridge Parkway is open from end to end along it 469 mile length for the first time in more than 18 months albeit one lane only in a short section south of Asheville near Mt. Pisgah. Work on clearing the rock slide continues in this area and it will be September before both lanes are fully repaired. Presently, temporary traffic lights alternate passage and you may expect congestion in this area particularly on high traffic days. (More photos and info here).
Clean up and road work continues from north of Asheville to the Mt. Mitchell State Park area. Both paving and guardrail replacement is being done at various points. Most of the southbound lane has been completed and the quality of the new pavement is outstanding. The remaining section near Craggy Gardens has been top scraped and you'll hit some rough road until you approach Asheville. The north bound lane has been scraped and some of the potholes filled, but it still has a way to go and the rough section is more extensive. Expect some delays and overlooks north of Asheville near Craggy Gardens are closing sporadically for re paving.
Traction on the rough sections of road is not much of an issue, it's pretty obvious where you need to pay attention and you can see the small patches of gravel. Be wary though near the guardrail replacement work. The sand that gets dragged onto the road must be high in mica or gypsum as it's very slippery. While they do sweep it off, there are occasional patches where it's thick enough to be an issue. Watch this video to see the hazards.
US 129 at Deals Gap (the Dragon)
It could be any day now as the crews race to beat the deadline and complete the work early to secure a bonus. As of today, the rock slide on US 129 still blocks the road near the Foothills Parkway on the north end of the Dragon. 
Things were going well ahead of schedule until another small slide occurred. I've not got any inside info on how much this may have set them back, though I've not heard it was very significant. I would plan on an early opening.
TDOT's Live Rockslide Cam:
http://earthcam.com/clients/tennessseedot/
NC 215
Guardrail replacement was scheduled on NC 215 south of the Blue Ridge Parkway to US 64 and it is progressing. I was surprised to see the DOT is also doing some much needed paving. Unfortunately, the section that really needs attention, north of the Blue Ridge Parkway remains in rough shape and as it's in another county, I don't expect the work to cross over.
The fully paved sections are a great improvement. Partial patching is being done at the road margins and while it's an improvement, be wary of the fresher sections of asphalt. Then tend to be greasy on hot days and you'll want to avoid the sliding that can occur in the sharp curves. Use caution particularly when coming downhill.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
US 441 is open through the park, though paving may cause lane closures from time to time between the park boundary at Cherokee and the Collins Creek Picnic area. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is still closed for construction beyond the scheduled opening date - no news about when it will reopen. Go To
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm
- for the most recent updates.
NC 226
Construction continues on NC 226 south of the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 336). The majority of the local traffic still uses it, as does most of the large commercial trucks, motor homes, and the uninformed Parkway visitor. Expect delays, sometimes significant. Fortunately for motorcyclists, NC 226A a.k.a. the Diamondback offers a great alternative (see Switzerland Inn and the Diamondback article). Use the exit at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 334 to save a little time.
Fontana Dam
The Fontana Dam Access Road has been closed to vehicles but is open to pedestrian traffic. There are two roads here, the one across the top of the dam is closed, though you can still reach the visitors center. You can also still get to the bottom of the dam.
"I took a small leap of faith and bought the complete Blue Ridge Parkway set, plus three other area maps, based solely on your website info. It turned out to be a great investment. My wife and I spent last week in Little Switzerland, NC. Using your maps as our guide, we rambled all over western NC, NE Tennessee and southern Virginia. What fun we had. We never felt lost and always felt sure of our whereabouts, even though we had not ridden this area before. The "red" roads were awesome, the "blue" roads were pretty sweet, too. Mileage markers are very accurate. I bought the waterproof versions but (fortunately) didn't get to test this feature. All in all, this is an excellent product and a great value."
Best Regards,
L. McKenzie
Cumming, GA
Hey there. Just wanted to email and say thank you so much for the fabulous bike ride maps. My husband and I have lived in the Asheville area all our lives but your maps have helped us find places we never knew existed! We just got back from Blowing Rock where we rode Buffalo Cove off #268. It was peaceful and just really a great ride. We're headed to northeast Georgia soon to try out the rides there too. Hope
you keep updating the maps!! :)
Thanks!!!
Carol and Bill B.
America Rides Maps is Closing -
(for a few days) No shipping July 6 - 9
Jackie and I will be heading out on the road for a few days to do some exploring, mapping, and visit some new sights and places. I'll be in contact via e-mail and phone, though there won't be anyone here to ship orders while we're gone. With luck I'll have all accumulated orders shipped on Saturday, July 10.
Don't worry - SHIPPING IS ALWAYS FREE.
Want more frequent and detailed news?
The Smoky Mountain Rider Blog
I'm spending more and more time on the road and the newsletters which I try to get out near the middle of the month are getting pushed back.
If you'd like more updated and current info, more photos, video, places to see and stay, the Smoky Mountain Rider Blog is the place to find it.
Motorcycle friendly lodging and eateries, local info, ride reports, reviews, and much, much more. Frequently updated, easy to search for the info you need.
You can also follow America Rides Maps on Facebook as well as 20 other social networking sites. I pay most attention to Facebook so it's the first one to check.
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Millions and Millions of Motorcycles!
Motorcycles Now Outnumber Cars on the Blue Ridge Parkway
I suppose we won't have an "official" count until the year ends, but the statistic now floating around for America's most popular national park is 60 - 65% motorcycle traffic vs. all other traffic. While it's long been known as America's most popular motorcycle ride, this is a significant jump from the previous 25% numbers of years past. When you consider the scenic road gets between 17 -18 million visitors each year, that's one heck of a lot of bikers, possibly approaching 10 MILLION!
I long doubted the 25% figure from my own experience. On the southern section near where I live, it's always been closer to 50%. It now seems the overall numbers are eclipsing that.
This statistic has not gone unnoticed. It's one of the reasons the Asheville Bikefest found it's new venue near our favorite national roadway. Major online players like Virtual Blue Ridge are planning much more motorcycle coverage. Motorcycle friendly locations are blooming throughout the Smoky Mountains. More and more riders are discovering not only our nations favorite 469 mile long motorcycle ride, but the amazing number of rides in the surrounding area. I know, I've mapped thousands of miles of these great roads and continue to add more and more.
I've long said "there is more great motorcycle riding to be found in the Smoky Mountains than anywhere else on earth". The popularity with European visitors bears that out, it's a top destination for them as well. Don't be surprised to hear some exotic accents at those overlooks. It's not just the parkway that draws them, but the quality of those adjacent roads and the scenery of the rides. Compared to Europe, we know best how to build great roads and maintain them to high standards. You can get off the parkway and explore with confidence and safety assured you'll discover wonderful sights and find all you need.
What a great celebration of the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th anniversary. Who knew they were building the #1 motorcycle road in the world. It well deserves the reputation and I look forward to giving you "the wave" when we pass.
America Rides Maps Now Sold at the 3 Most popular North Carolina Riding Destinations
The Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort at the Dragon
Not only are America Rides Maps now available at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort at the Dragon, but I've created a brand new map specific for that location! 12 Classic Deals Gap Motorcycle Rides was designed for riders who come to experience the challenge of the 318 curves on the 11 mile stretch of US 129 at the southwest corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This map describes a dozen of the most popular and scenic motorcycle rides in the region sampling from 5 different America Rides Maps and 6 great loop rides to help you get the most out of your visit to Deals Gap. It covers more area than any other America Rides Map to include the approach routes from all the surrounding Interstate highways and major cities and towns. It's the only map you'll need for a short visit to one of the nations most popular motorcycle destinations. If you can find your way to an Interstate in the surrounding area, this map will do the rest.
Because of the scope of the area covered, it's a general visitors map featuring the dozen roads and six loops described and lacks enough detail to cover EVERY great ride in the region - you'll still want to get one of my more detailed maps to focus in on specific riding areas if you have the time to explore all those other great roads, though for many making a first trip or with limited time 12 Classic Deals Gap Motorcycle Ridesis the perfect map for you.
Same low price, $5, at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort or online.
Shady Valley Country Store at The Snake
After the Dragon, The Snake is probably the next most sought after ride by motorcyclists visiting the Smoky Mountains and it should be. Located at the crossroads of US 421, VA/TN 133, and and TN 91, the Shady Valley Country Store sits at the hub of some superb riding that touches three southern states. Rural, seemingly remote and isolated, riding through the twists and turns in this beautifully scenic area is pure bliss, yet it's less than an hour from major interstates and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Where the Dragon refers to a single stretch of road, the Snake motorcycle ride encompasses a series of roads which can be linked to make one big loop with two long tails. Coiled as the serpent it's named for, all of these roads are both challenging and filled with scenic beauty, and like the Dragon, it's not the only game in town - there are numerous other great rides nearby.
The Shady Valley Country Store is the hub of this activity where you can purchase Snake memorabilia, videos, t-shirts, pins, and patches, fuel up with "Snake Venom", and enjoy a generously portioned Snake Burger to fortify you for the miles and miles of enjoyment in the surrounding area (be sure to try the sweet potato fries - yummy!).
The Snake is located on America Rides Map NC008 - Great Roads near Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock which is currently under revision. It's literally changing every few days as I revisit this area and add more and more roads thanks to my new software (see article below). For the most recent version, order online, this map is growing fast.
The Switzerland Inn at the Diamondback
The Diamondback is North Carolina's newest "officially named road". It describes the 12 mile+ descent from the Blue Ridge Parkway on NC 226A, and it's definitely worth your time to make the detour off the parkway for a not so quick run of this challenging stretch of pavement. If the gentle curves of the Blue Ridge Parkway are lulling you to sleep, this road will wake you up again.
L
ocated at the Blue Ridge Parkway exit at milepost 334 just a few miles south of the junction with NC 226 in Little Switzerland, the Switzerland Inn offers some of the nicest motorcycle friendly accommodations on the parkway as well as some excellent riding nearby. Whether you want a deluxe resort room or more inexpensive accomodations in the Diamondback Motorcycle Lodge, it's worth a visit for the excellent food and a very welcoming pub. At least stop in for an ice cream and enjoy the fabulous view as it overlooks the valley below.
There are a number of additional roads which intersect at this parkway exit that are worth your time to explore, but the Diamondback is the prime draw. It makes a 1500 foot climb as it veers away from NC 226 onto NC226A that will treat you to some excellent curves and twists. A first time ride is probably best done uphill from the bottom, though if you're looking for the thrill ride it downhill.
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If you have more time to explore, take a ride on the Lake James Loop which intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway again at the junction with NC 181 to the north. You'll find the Diamondback, the Lake James Loop, and a wealth of other great rides on America Rides Map NC008 - Great Roads near Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock as well as America Rides Map NC005 - The Best rides North and South of Asheville, NC.
A free postcard map of the Diamondback and the Lake James Loop ships with every online order.
The Mountaineer Restaurant at Soco Gap
America Rides Maps are also available at the Mountaineer Restaurant near Soco Gap at milepost 456 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just up the hill from Maggie Valley. A convenient stop along the scenic road, you'll find better food than is offered in Cherokee at the southern endpoint and motorcycle friendly service.
A Holiday Motel in Maggie Valley
America Rides Maps are also available at the A Holiday Motel in the heart of Maggie Valley, NC. You'll find affordable and motorcycle friendly accommodations at this convenient location, a great place to base out of for your riding through this region.
Q: Why can't I find America Rides Maps at more locations?
A: I can't keep vendors stocked with up to date versions fast enough, the maps change so frequently. I only deal with those places that see so much motorcycle traffic the maps turn over quickly enough to remain up to date. Read article below for more detail;
Your Maps Are Outdated
At least some of them are, more will be soon -
I'
ve started the revisions of all my maps for 2010 using my new software and am working my way though the list to get you a better product. It's slow, painstaking, and time consuming work, but the results are outstanding. The first to be completed was 12 Classic Deals Gap Motorcycle Rides- while it doesn't exactly replace the current map of that area, NC004 - Maggie Valley to Deals Gap and the Cherohala Skyway, it's a more appropriate map for the first time or short term visitor who is focusing on riding the Dragon. At least for now the Maggie Valley centered map will remain part of the Complete Blue Ridge Parkway Series, the Southern Appalachian Package, and the Blue Ridge Parkway - North Carolina Bundle. If you'd like to substitute, just ask.
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The new software is allowing me to produce maps with much more detail and a more standardized appearance. This will make navigation from adjoining maps easier. It's also allowing me to include more great motorcycle rides and the coverage is expanding to roads I couldn't squeeze in previously. These are not simple updates - I'm re-riding the routes, adding new ones, and can now include more features like gas stations, sights, and locations of interest.
The map presently being revised is NC008 - Great Roads Near Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock. I expect it will expand coverage by at least 100 miles of fabulous two lane (and even a few single lane) back roads with much of it already completed - I won't know until I've re-ridden them all and explored the new ones. It's changing for the better every few days and I'm out on the road exploring and verifying the updates firsthand.
While I am working through the list with the total upgrades, I continue to add to the current maps bit by bit until they all get the new makeover. Even so, one of the things that makes America Rides Maps so great is they are constantly being improved - the maps you bought last year have probably been updated, some significantly. New maps now contain a version number in the lower left hand corner of the map so I can let you know if an upgrade is warranted.
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL - As I'm approaching 200,000 duty cycles on the old printer it's reaching the end of it's life. A new higher resolution printer is on order and I hope to have it online in about a week. I can't wait to see the improvement. AND - the new software is allowing me to work in new formats. I'm exploring options to move to a larger size map that will still fold easily and fit in your pocket. I'll keep you updated.
Better Credit Card Processing -
The new credit card processing system has been updated and streamlined to make ordering easier and quicker, no more bypassing the Pay Pal system to use your credit card. Pay Pal remains intact as an option and is the easiest way to pay for your order.
Pass it on!
Please forward the newsletter to everyone who might be interested. The more that subscribe, the more deals I can offer! Here's the link to the online edition;