View Full Version : Blue Ridge Parkway


vthoky
10-09-2006, 08:43 PM
I took a vacation day to get some things done around the house. When the wife left for an overnighter, I had a choice to make: get things done, or have some fun. Guess which I chose.

I left the house at about a quarter 'til four, thinking I could rack up a hundred miles today. It was colder out (particularly in the shady areas) than I thought... and it wasn't getting any warmer by that time of the day. By the time I got to Floyd, I was too stubborn to go back home for an additional shirt.

Today's amazing coincidence: I crossed 599 miles while I was out. http://www.vthoky.com/photogallery/Parkway/5_599miles1.jpg

(Yep, I'm a Hornet Newbie. One of the day's tasks was to pick up the 599 after its first service. Newbie or no, I love this bike. It's good to be on two wheels again -- it had been over ten years since I sold my last one.)

Anyway, after taking the parkway entrance at Tuggle Gap http://www.vthoky.com/photogallery/Parkway/2_TuggleGap1.jpg
I passed over the stone bridge http://www.vthoky.com/photogallery/Parkway/1_TheBridge1.jpg
and caught this view. http://www.vthoky.com/photogallery/Parkway/4_Gap2.jpg
(GPS: N36°49.083', W080°20.745', 3300ft)

I took this shot overlooking Rock Castle Gorge. http://www.vthoky.com/photogallery/Parkway/12_RockCastle8.jpg
I've got four photos panning across that view (without the bike); I'll try to stitch those together later and post 'em as a panoramic.

I think my "glove shot" isn't as good as Alex's.
http://www.vthoky.com/photogallery/Parkway/gloves1.jpg

The leaves here haven't changed colors to the point that most tourists look for (it's not "peak week" yet), but I thought I'd get a few pictures for sharing anyway. And I didn't make my hundred-mile goal, having shorted it by about 25. But I had fun while I was out, and got to experience the fun of fall riding -- chilly air over most of me, and warm engine air across my ankles. Gotta love that!

Alex
10-09-2006, 09:17 PM
Nice! Great story and nice shots. I'll look forward to future pictures when the fall colors are in full swing.

Look at all the grovel on the road! :shock:
http://www.vthoky.com/photogallery/Parkway/1_TheBridge1.jpg

vthoky
10-10-2006, 05:03 AM
I'm sure hoping to get back out there in a week or so. (Today would be a great day in terms of weather.)

The gravel in the bridge shot is the end of a gravel road that goes off to the right. I was a little hesitant about having to turn around there. Outside the shot (to the left, directly across from the gravel road) is the entrance ramp leading to the bridge.

Super Sneaky Steve
10-10-2006, 08:02 AM
What's with the purple scrunchy on your key? Not very manly!

You do have the best looking bike, Better than the 07 for sure.

Your glove shots need some work. I may try my hand at it this week. I bet I can top everyone!

Alex
10-10-2006, 09:32 AM
You're on! :lol:
I may try my hand at it this week. I bet I can top everyone!

mechanic77
10-11-2006, 09:39 PM
Geee one of ur pics looks earily similar to one on this site i found


http://photos.motorcycle-usa.com/IMG_3617web.jpg

vthoky
10-12-2006, 04:47 AM
What's with the purple scrunchy on your key? Not very manly!

You do have the best looking bike, Better than the 07 for sure.

Your glove shots need some work. I may try my hand at it this week. I bet I can top everyone!

Ack! A scrunchy? :P That's no scrunchy, sir! That's a steel cable! (A very small-diameter steel cable, but steel nonetheless. I'll send ya one if you'd like. :D ) Perhaps I should take the black one from the truck keys and put it over on the 599 key?

Yes, my glove shots do need some work. I'm the engineer in the family; the wife is the photographer. She doesn't ride with me, so I'm on my own for photos. And thanks for the compliment on the bike. So far, I like the 06 better too.

vthoky
10-12-2006, 04:51 AM
Geee one of ur pics looks earily similar to one on this site i found


http://photos.motorcycle-usa.com/IMG_3617web.jpg

Gee, Mech. Thanks for pointing that one out. I hadn't seen it before, but it looks good. This guy did a nice job of hiding the kickstand as well, huh?

mechanic77
10-12-2006, 10:16 PM
yep and ur bike is sweet definitely like alot

roost77
02-16-2007, 10:24 PM
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/703/picture005ht9.jpg

roost77
02-16-2007, 10:39 PM
It's a great ride, myself and a couple guys i work with go every May or June. we live in Blount county TN and stay in Ashville, get up and ride to Roanoke, stay the night there, then haul ass back via interstate. It's our yearly pilgramage http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/1402/picture012yz0.jpg http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7281/picture013yv1.jpg I'm the guy standing by the sign with the kool aid smile

vthoky
02-17-2007, 10:36 AM
Sounds like a great ride. Great pics, too.

As it goes, I'm only 45 minutes or so from Roanoke; I hop onto the Parkway over in Floyd.