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September 2010
There was no August newsletter -
You didn't miss it, I've been out on the road mapping. There just wasn't enough going on to take time from making your maps better -
Smoky Mountain Road Report
Blue Ridge Parkway
Parkway open, but sporadic closures are still occurring.
It was just last week I made an end-to-end ride of the 469 mile length Blue Ridge Parkway in one day to observe the status. If you missed it, here's a recap of and photos from the experience from my Smoky Mountain Rider Blog - http://smokymountainrider.com/?p=954
You can still expect to run into delays and even road closures from time to time. Road work, tree clearing, guardrail replacement, and general maintenance continues, but the situation is getting better and better.
Things are best at the north end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You won't run into anything until you're at least half way through Virginia. Most of the Virginia paving work seems to be completed. There is still some tree clearing and cleanup going on, but the delays are handled in much better ways than further south.
As you enter North Carolina, most of the paving work is done and it is wonderful! I saw some tree cleanup work that hadn't been tackled yet north and south of Boone.
The worst delays are found as you approach Asheville. There is still roadwork in that area. Tree clearing continues, in fact the section south of US 276 to the Graveyard Fields overlook is closed presently and requires a detour. The tree crews in North Carolina typically require long delays, I've waited as much as half an hour.
The rock slide near Mt. Pisgah is gradually being resolved, though only one lane is open. There's a temporary traffic light on a 5 minute timer here. Just beyond, tunnel work near Mt. Pisgah has closed one lane and another temporary traffic light guides traffic through it.
The last 50 miles or so into Great Smoky Mountains National Park are pretty much easy riding. Too soon to see if the tree crews will move into that section.
Interstate 40
Delays continue
The rock slide which closed I-40 near the Tennessee - North Carolina state borders has yet to be completely resolved. Lane closures continue to cause significant traffic delays during heavy travel times, particularly on weekends.
Consider these delays when planning your vacation and recognize you're going to have to deal with them if you stay on the north side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville.
US 129 at Deals Gap (the Dragon)
It's all good
The rock slide on US 129 near the Foothills Parkway on the north end of the Dragon is all but forgotten. The only reminder at the south end is the fence and gates tha
t were used to close the road at night. The site of the rock slide along the lake is obvious and there a large pull off where you and see it up close and get your photos.
Of course, increased access not only allows for more motorcycle traffic, but now the Tennessee State troopers , sheriff, and the lone motorcycle cop who are there to enforce the laws can approach from either end.
NC 215
No changes
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
Better overall
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. Cades Cove loop road is wonderfully paved and open. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is still closed for construction which will continue into October. Go To
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm
- for the most recent updates.
NC 226
Use the Diamondback instead
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.
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New Water / Tear Resistant Maps a
Big Hit
And they should be!
I'm all about giving you the best value. I've now started producing a third variety of maps in addition to the standard paper versions and heavy duty waterproof versions. For just 99 cents you can upgrade your map to a Water and Tear Resistant Version.
While I can't claim the new material is fully waterproof (since the manufacturer doesn't do so), testing makes me wonder why it's not labeled as such. It seems impervious to water. They are also really tough. It's a good value.
Water and tear resistant maps as well as heavy duty waterproof versions are only available online. You can find standard paper versions both online and at selected outlets.
TIPS ARE APPRECIATED
Here are some for you;
Blue Ridge Parkway Riding Tips
Here are a few things to know about riding the Blue Ridge Parkway
There are no signs:
Other than telling you which exit / road you are crossing, and identifying sights, features, and overlooks, you'll find no signage which indicates what lies adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are no hints at gas stations, lodging, or eateries nearby. The impression the Park Service wishes to convey is one of isolation and rugged serenity. Some times it 's accurate, other times it's a well concealed illusion.
Plan on it taking longer than you thought:
Don't simply look at the mileage, figure the speed of travel, then calculate your arrival. Although the average speed on the Blue Ridge Parkway is 45 mph, there are significant sections where it is 35 mph. In congested areas, it can drop as low as 20 mph.
Budget extra time, particularly in the best sections. Don't rush by the overlooks. Keep the camera handy. It's a National Park, enjoy it.
Expect traffic delays. While no commercial traffic is permitted, don't be surprised to find yourself behind a dump truck doing construction, a delivery vehicle servicing the facilities, a tow truck on a rescue mission, and delays for road work and maintenance.
Some overlooks are better than others:
There was a lot of chatter about this being the year many of the overlooks would receive the tree trimming that had been neglected over time. This winters storm damage was so severe they haven't finished cleaning it up yet, let alone get to the growth at the vistas. When you find a good overlook, appreciate it.
Be kind to other traffic, but don't expect it in return:
If on your travels, someone comes up from behind, it's because they are traveling faster than you. While they may be speeding, it's not up to you to play traffic cop. Safe places to pass are rare, and the frustrated follower may make an unsafe maneuver to get around you. The resulting accident could involve you.
The simple and courteous strategy is to use one of the overlooks to let them pass. You needn't stop. Signal you are exiting the road, then slow to pass through the overlook while they speed on by.
If you are in a stretch where there are no overlooks, wave to let them know you are aware of them, then put on your blinker and slow while pulling as far to the right as you can when you feel safe doing so. You usually get a wave of thanks in return instead of the fickle finger.
If you come up on someone, riding their tail is rarely effective. Use your blinker to indicate you wish to pass and hope for the best. If they are kind enough to let you pass, return the kindness as do it as quietly and smoothly as you can. Some folks are oblivious, you're going to have to deal with it. In worse case situations, I find an overlook and take a good long break.
Gas is always further away than you wish:
While you may find food on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you won't find gas. The only really obvious gas station / restaurant is at Orchard Gap. As the parkway sits on ridge tops, you'll typically have to climb down through the twisty roads several miles to reach the town with a gas station. Don't push it to the last drop.
Taming the Dragon
Rule #1 - Don't make it any harder than it is
There's no arguing US 129 at Deals Gap a.k.a. the Dragon is a technically challenging road, but it is just another public road. It's riders expectations and the behavior that follows that makes it a dangerous road. For most, it's a challenge at the posted speed (30 mph). It takes a pretty good rider on a proper motorcycle to maintain the posted speed through it's curves. It's not the place to see how good you are and push beyond your limits unless you are willing to suffer the consequences.
Rule #2 - You are in the way
There is almost always someone who is faster than you, on a more nimble bike, doesn't care about the ticket, or just plain lunatic. This place draws them like flies. There are numerous paved pull offs where you can let them pass.
Rule #3 - You're not alone
Count the cops as you pass through. There's one waiting for you. They are always there. Even when you don't see them, there may be a "bear" in the woods with a video camera (for evidence) and a radio to let them know who to collect at the end.
Rule #4 - There's something worse than speeding
At least as far as the cops are concerned - crossing the yellow line. Nothing gets them madder. Nothing causes more accidents. Maybe it's because a speeding ticket is 2 points and crossing the line is 4, but it's more likely due to it's just plain dangerous. Cross the line, pay the fine - if you don't get killed first.
Rule #5 - Don't get suckered by the straights
There are some sections of relatively straight road. Watch your speed and be aware the turns at the end are super tight and the one which follows is often tighter. Come in too fast, and if the first turn doesn't get you, the second might.
Finally a Dragon tip -
If you pass a rider going in the opposite direction and he's patting the top of his helmet with his hand, he's not doing some sort of Monty Python routine, admiring your lid, or trying to cure an ice cream headache - it's a signal there is a cop ahead. You may also pass riders waving you to slow down - same reason. Be kind and return the favor.
Group Riding Tips
Improve your safety and look good doing it
Ride in staggered formation on major roads
Riding in formation improves your visibility and presence on the road. It makes you more visible and predictable to other drivers. Still, I too rarely see it practiced. Instead of riding spread out in single file, the first bike always rides to the left side of the lane. The second rides to the right with 1 second of distance between them. Third rider rides to the left leaving one second between the rider ahead on the right, 2 seconds behind the rider ahead on the left. Fourth rider on the right, continue staggering on down the line.
This formation closes up the group into a moving unit, while allowing 2 seconds between the bike ahead.
Rider on the left always moves first
When the group closes up and gets side by side at a traffic light or in slow moving traffic, the bike at front on the left moves first. The bike on the right at front moves next, then left, then right. It keeps the group together in hopes you'll all make the light.
Put the slower or less experienced riders up front.
You'll probably want to put one of your experienced riders in the lead, at least the guy who knows the route. To keep the group from getting strung out, put the slower riders behind him/her. They will have a better ride as they can ride at their comfortable pace instead of always trying to catch up or push faster than they are comfortable with.
Put one of your most experienced riders to ride as tail - drag bike.
The drag bike - tail rider should observe the group and monitor how things are working and communicate any suggestions to the leader at stops. If someone should drop out with a problem, the tail rider drops to assist.
If the tail rider is approached from behind by overtaking traffic, he will signal the bike ahead with his horn to alert him to the situation. The signal will be passed along until the lead rider is aware of the situation and indicates the action to be taken.
Universal 'Caution/Warning/Danger' Signal
Whenever a rider observes a potential threat, or wants to announce that he may need to change speeds quickly, that rider is obliged to tap his front brake lever twice in rapid succession. Any rider following that bike needs to do two things when he observes that signal:
- slow down in order to widen his following distance
- repeat the signal to insure that bikes following receive the warning
In the event that no emergency or rapid speed change is needed or occurs within a minute or so of seeing that signal then all bikers can assume the potential emergency has passed and can resume normal speeds and spacing.
Agree on some hand signals and pass them along:
The two most important hand signals are:
- Pointing to an obstacle in the road
- Pointing to the tank indicating a need for a stop as soon as possible. If a convenient place is available, the Lead Bike may orchestrate a stop by the whole group. If not, the affected bike can count on the Drag Bike to stop with him to try to help him.
Other hand signals:
- Back off -- Palm of left hand shown to group, pushing motion toward rear of bike
- Ready to ride – “Thumbs up” high enough in air to be visible to Lead Bike
- Single-file formation -- One finger points to the sky on top of the helmet (sometimes entire flat hand at 90 degrees to top of helmet)
- Slow down -- Left arm is held out straight, then goes up and down
- Smoky alert (police or emergency vehicles) -- Hand taps top of helmet several times
- Speed up or close ranks in formation -- Left arm makes “windmill” sign
- Staggered formation -- First finger and little finger point to the sky on top of the helmet (“Hook ‘em, Horns” sign)
- U-turn -- Left hand makes circle in air over head
Tap your horn if you need to pass a message forward to alert the rider ahead of you.
Be Smooth
Accelerate gradually and smoothly to avoid the group becoming stretched out. Avoid harsh movements or rapid stops when possible. If a sudden hazard appears, signal the bike behind by rapidly tapping your brake to flash your tail light.
Overtaking Vehicles
The lead rider may decide to either have the group pull off the road, change lanes, or have everyone slow and move to the right to allow traffic to pass.
Passing Vehicles
If a situation arises where the group must pass a slow moving vehicle, the leader will have the group close ranks, then move single file around the vehicle when it is safe to pass. The choice to pass lies with each individual rider. If you do not feel safe passing, do not pass. The leader will have the group pull off at the first convenient area to allow you to catch up.
Group Stops
When stopping at a red light or stop sign, position side by side and close up the group into a tight formation. Keep your bike in first gear, ready to pull out quickly and smoothly when the light changes.
When the group approaches a pull off, the lead rider will indicate with his turn signal and indicate with his left arm going up and down for the group to slow. All members in the group should use there turn signal and if safe, indicate with the hand signal to the rider behind. Exit the road smoothly and completely. Follow the group leader who will pull into the parking area, then position his bike so that it is pointed in a convenient direction for exit. Pull up and park close to the leader with your bike pointed in the same direction when parked. When able, back your bike into the parking space. Done correctly, group parking is a beautiful thing to watch and indicates your proficiency as a good rider.
Group Starts
Group starts are one of trickiest maneuvers to pull off well. ALWAYS check for oncoming traffic before you pull out. If you do not feel safe pulling out, wait for the traffic to pass then resume the maneuver when you are comfortable with the situation.
When the leader indicates it is time to depart, make yourself ready. Be sure helmet straps are fastened, pocket zippers are closed, saddlebags are secured. Start your bike, raise the kickstand, and make ready to depart. When the group leader observes that all appear ready, he will give the ready to ride signal by holding his arm up pointing his thumb in the air. If you are ready to depart, return the signal. Once all riders have returned the signal, the leader will watch for an opening in traffic and pull out.
As soon as the bike ahead of you starts to pull out, follow. ALWAYS check for oncoming traffic before pulling out. The lead rider will ride slowly after a pull out to allow the group to reform. Once the group has formed, the leader will increase speed appropriate to the situation.
Your goal is to pull out quickly and smoothly to keep the group from becoming stretched out and resume formation.
Separation
At times the group may become separated or fragmented. Do not feel a need to race to catch up or be reckless. The leader will look for a convenient place to allow the group to reform or allow traffic to pass.
Lost
If you become lost, retrace you steps until you reach a road sign. Stop and wait in one spot. The leader should try to contact you via cell phone when reception is available.
Accidents or spills
In the event of an accident or spill during a ride – DO NOT slam on your brakes and stop. One accident is enough – do not contribute to another. The leader should lead the group to the first safe pull off and provide you with instructions. The tail rider should stop as close to the victim as safely possible and render aid. Keep the group will stay together and wait for further instruction.
Pass it on!
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