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Goin' to go riding again... part 2 Fall Colors on the Blue Ridge
I wrote "Goin' to go riding again...." back in Feb. and true to my word, I've been 2 wheelin' it (not exclusively) since early March. I began searching far and wide for the
best roads I could find near my home in Concord NC, plotting out the courses on a topographic map. Several weeks ago I began to pondering a 2 day trip in the western NC
region. I intended to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway somewhere near Asheville, and continue northward as far as time off would allow. I contacted Lloyd Horton of The Floribama
Riders, inquiring if he could add anything to my route. Indeed Lloyd added a couple loops to my planned 2 day journey that truly made the trip complete.
Watching the weather channel I saw a warm window of opportunity open on Oct 20th continuing until late in the week. Not eager to go sit in heavy weekend traffic on the
parkway I decided to leave Monday the 22nd. I was packed and ready to go by 9:00. The weather was great, sunny, clear and already near 60. I began my trek by heading south
on I-85 through Charlotte. Traffic was light, the morning commuters safely off to slave the day away, while the rest of us basked in the warm suns glow.
I was able to rent a cottage for the night in Chimney Rock on the river side of the road. The innkeepers were friendly though they wouldn't divulge how they might rate
Lake Lure as a bass fishing lake. I'm guessing they're afraid the secret might get out. I make a mental note to come try it out in the spring. They inform me theres a fire ring and
benches near the river below the cottages. Firewood may be purchased at the nearby store. Well, times a wasting. I unlash my bag from the tail of my bike and off I go again.
After a burger at Chile's in Asheville I make my way onto the BRP. Traffic isn't bad considering the peak color season. I'm glad it's Monday. I'm sure traffic was slow as
molasses in January over the weekend. But today, auto's desiring a slower pace were courteous and pulled over at look outs to allow others to pass. I would'a thanked them but a
friendly wave would have to suffice.
Past Lake Logan the ride gets a little more interesting. The climb starts carrying you to the
mountain's peak and the turns become more entertaining. I stopped amid the glow of a forest of yellow leaved trees for a Kodak moment and pressed on to the peak. Cresting the
summit I am rewarded by a seemingly endless road of tight to medium speed turns. Kinda like a rollercoaster ride except we're going steadily downhill. After about 20 miles the
rollercoaster yields to Hwy 64. I don't care much for flat highway or interstates unless in an effort to get me there faster but I only need to ride east about 8-10 miles to reach Hwy
276 again. This stint I'm heading north through the picturesque surroundings of the Pisgah National Forests' more developed, tourist oriented region. It's picturesque, though a little
more congested. I come upon Looking Glass Falls in about 5-6 miles.
I can only get a snapshot through the trees. Construction (which is scheduled to be complete by Oct's. end)
on the pedestrian walkway has a clear view blocked. On my way again I finish the loop by riding further north to the summit and rejoin the BRP heading north in search of Hwy
74 back to Chimney Rock. I went in search of a hot meal and on my way back to the cottage grabbed a 6-pack of MGD to enjoy while watching Monday Night Football.
I hope you enjoy the loop I rode. It's scenic, twisty enough to be entertaining, and not too heavily traveled.
Enjoyin' The Ride,
Chuck Z.
 For Information, contact: Muthuh@Muthuh.com
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Turning north onto Hwy 74 the traffic gets lighter yet and the true feel of the trip begins to take hold. With hardly any traffic to contend with, I'm able to gaze around and
take in fall's colors. I take Hwy 221 north thru Rutherfordton to discover this town celebrates the falls coming like most celebrate holidays. The town was decorated with
orange banners with multi-colored leaves embroidered, and every lamp post adorned with life size costumed puppets. Not one to go window gazing, I continued up 221, then took
Hwy 74 west to Lake Lure. The first set of s-curves brought a broad grin upon my face. Because while the trip was somewhat about riding in the best weather and scenic
conditions western NC has to offer, it was MOSTLY about finding the best roads to be ridden. 
The highlight of the afternoon was a loop of highways I rode, bisected by the BRP, smack dab through the middle of the Pisgah National Forest, located about 30 miles
south of Asheville. I exited the Parkway by heading north on Hwy 276. Beginning with a down grade off the mountain, I was welcomed by a couple miles of rather tight twisty
roadway which yielded to some gentler curves not requiring so much brake pressure. Here I could enjoy the countryside. I passed a motorcycle friendly campground on the right
and now wish I'd taken a picture, since I now can't remember the name of it for the life of me. Oh well, I know where it is if I ever need it later. Reaching Hwy 215 I turn left heading
south. The road is mostly flat with med. speed turns (30-40 mph) for several miles. 
Lulled to sleep by the sounds of the rushing river I awoke at a leisurely 9:30. After a quick pack up of all loose items and a shower I was underway again. Today's route
was simple....head north on the BRP until 3:00 pm then turn tail and head home. I stopped for another Kodak moment when I saw the colors surrounding the first of "Twin
Tunnels". Traffic was so light, I had to wait about 15 mins to snap a shot of any motorcycles cruising by. That's ok, like I said "I'm in no hurry, I'm on vacation". But I didn't want
any damn photos of auto's. This is a bike trip.