Today is the day we go and get ride #20, the Back of the Dragon (BOTD). We wake up to damp, misty morning which later on turned into a light drizzle. By about 8ish it stops drizzling and by 9 when we leave it is just damp and the storm we though we would be dealing with, is now heading south and the day sounds promising for us weather wise.
We take off and the roads are damp, and you occasionally feel a drop or two on your face as we leave the small town of Laurel Springs NC. We have about an hour ride north till we get to one of the south end of BOTD in Marion VA. I don’t mind too much riding in these conditions. It gives you a different perspective. Less people are out, the air is clear and smell clean and we notice the payment is slowly drying out as you see some dry patches and the damp road. You just go a bit slower and take it easy.
The rides to the rides are sometimes more enjoyable than the actual ride. We have been going through some beautiful countryside. An hour later we are in Marion. We fill our tanks, obtain our gas receipts for proof, and then take our pictures to show we are in Marion VA with our bikes.
The BOTD was still wet as we climbed. Both Rick and I have done the Tail of the Dragon in TN, and this was different. The Tail didn’t climb much and had a lot of curves, but there was a certain rhythm to the road. The back climbs, snakes, switchbacks, has its constant curves and is not as commercialized. This road does keep you on your toes!!!
32 miles and an hour later we enter the town of Tazewell where there is a microbrewery/Coffee roasting place that see all kinds of goodies. After we do our mandatory documentation, I get my mandatory coffee at that place. We take a break where we shop a bit and relax before heading back the same way we came. A logo on one of the shirts disses the Tail of the dragon by saying “11, try 32” where the Tail ride is only 11 miles compared to the Back being 32. The return trip was more relaxing as the sun was out, pavement was dry and we had already rode it once.
It feels like home as we return as we now know the help and some of the people staying here, where they are all so friendly was were are all traveling. A chat it up with my neighbors who pulled in that had ridden from Quebec were riding the BRP and were eventually heading to Nashville for country music. Friday night was steak night and the place next door along with an apple empanada with ice cream for dessert. Tomorrow we say goodbye to Freeborne’s and finish the northern end of the BRP
Wow, I’ve never seen such a place as the BRP. It seems to be filled with endless curves, elevation, and miles of gorgeous vistas. The smaller motels and food stops look fun, and that camper idea is brilliant!
That’s great you picked up a passenger! The back seat of the bike looks like a nice Lazy Boy, armrests, and looks comfy. Definitely the BEST way to experience the BRP!! Keep on rolling, it’s fantastic!!
Wow! Another great day! Lots of ups & downs & twisty, turny. And you’ve definitely adapted to the slower southern pace. Can’t wait to see the rest of the BRP.