2 Responses to “Traveling to Asheville”

1. Doug Smith Says:
   May 5th, 2008 at 2:25 pm

   Traveling via Motorcycle to, from, and around Asheville is simply spectacular. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through Asheville, providing a legendary riding venue for all types of riders.

   Several high points to mention:
   1) Plenty of opportunity to ride roads that are equal to, or even better than the (im)famous “Tail of the Dragon.” The Dragon is a nice place to go, and a very interesting place to people-watch, but I don’t plan to risk my life anytime soon from all of the unskilled motorists and bikers who frequent that stretch. The roads all around Asheville, including Hwy 9, 74a, etc. provide great locations to test your cornering ability – many are blind corners, and some have gravel – so always ride within your limits.
   2) Beautiful riding conditions – low humidity and pleasant temperatures abound. Mount Mitchell, at nearly 7k feet elevation is often high in the 60′s in the middle of Summer. Not all places are quite so cool – but there’s plenty of cool, or warm here if you plan your trip right (at the right elevations).
   3) Great pavement – we don’t get much in the way of hard freezes – the asphalt is smooth, no frost heaves, few potholes, and just a bit of gravel here and there. For the dual-sport/adventure crowd, there’s tons of forest service roads all through the Blue Ridge and Smoky mountain national parks – you’ll get tired of riding trails here!
   4) Biker-friendly attitudes – folks here like and respect motorcyclists. While the “loud-pipe crowd” isn’t always as well-received, drivers are considerate, often yielding right-of-way to allow easy passes and local shop-owners and restaurateurs all enjoy the business.

   You can spend weeks just riding around the Asheville area – this has to be one of the finest and relatively little-known motorcycling destinations in the country.

2. Gretchen Howard Says:
   May 31st, 2008 at 10:06 am

   The stretch of Highway 9 South between Black Mountain and Lake Lure is one of our favorite places to take a motorcylce or car ride. It’s about a 30 minute stretch, and there’s always something fun to do or see in both Black Mountain and the Lake Lure/ Chimney Rock area. There’s rolling countryside and scenic mountain views… plus there are great neighborhoods- both old and new- along the stretch if you are looking for real estate. Check out the Settings, High Rock Acres, Creston and Catawba Falls.

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