Today was a short day – only 80 or so mile to Asheville, but it was the start of our trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). The reason for only 80 miles at this point was Rick was having Sheryl fly out for riding along the BRP and her flight was into Asheville for late Wednesday night.
It was a beautiful morning in Cherokee as we said good bye to the Casino and left with money in our pockets (from not gambling!). We gassed up, received our gas receipts in Cherokee as this was the start of the BRP from the southern end. Just a mile or so from town was the start and it is immediately obvious on the beauty of the road. Smooth payment, lush greenery on either side, grand vista, and not much traffic, if any, on this southern end. Knowing we had a snall day, we enjoyed every inch of this road today as we arrived in Asheville around 1pm to check into our hotel at by the airport.
Gave us an opportunity to wash the bikes at a car wash and relax and have lunch. I reached out to my cousin Pete from my mom’s side who lives out here and hooked up for about 4 hours to catch up over dinner.
This looks stunning!! Thanks for sharing, it brightens the day!
I guess the difference of being in a car or on a motorcycle… in the car we see a road. You actually see and feel every inch of the pavement. We see the trees, you experience the canopy of leaves. As it was said, some people see a beach, you see the grains of sand.
So beautiful! Makes me want to visit all these places – but true, it wouldn’t be as amazing driving in a car as it is for you guys riding out in the open, feeling and smelling everything as it swirls and rushes by you. What a great adventure!
I’ve never actually been to the Smokies, but I think a drive through the BRP is on my bucket list. Perhaps in the fall…when it may be busier, though. At any rate, your ride looks beautiful and relaxing. Loved all the scenic outlooks, especially Rough Butt. Bald. It was also amusing to see your top speed of 62 and average 31!