The Cultivated Biker

R.I.P. Fabio - You Are Missed

2009-11-05T08:50:00.007-05:00

I was away on a mapping trip cataloguing the last of the great motorcyle rides near the north end of the Blue Ridge Parkway when Fabio slinked out the door one evening to go about his night time chores - ridding the homestead of vermin and various other small and tasty creatures. That was three weeks ago to the day and he never reappeared. We are resigned to the fact Fabio will not be coming home.

Fabio was my cat, if there is such a thing amongst cats who are generally aloof individualists. I'm pretty much a dog person, just ask my two shadows Ajax, and newly adopted Sophie, who are my constant companions and partners. Fabio did his best to be "one of the dogs" and followed me around like the rest of the pack. He was fearless amongst other animals walking right up to those which roam the cove and touching noses with them. That was probably his undoing. Early on, he tried to befriend a skunk one night, and wore the residue of that encounter for weeks.

Little fazed him and I don't think he ever met another creature he didn't try to accept and learn to live with no matter how disagreeable they were at first excepting our original cat, Bella. Bella and Fabio never did come to an understanding, rather their relationship deteriorated into "kitty wars" which leads me to suspect Bella had something to do with his disappearance. More agile and lithe, Bella could always find refuge in the rafters of the car port where Fabio was unable to reach.

He was a rescued cat, saved from impending destruction at the local animal shelter. Though we had him for such a short time he always imposed his presence and had to be involved, sometimes to the point of annoyance. Whatever you were doing, he was there to help in his own feline fashion. The photo shows him "helping me" while working, chasing the cursor all about the screen to the point it impeded my efforts. He would stretch out on the desk next to me knocking everything in his way on the floor. He liked to lay behind the desk and chew through the cords and cables of the phones. And he could eat maps. He'd work his way into the cardboard boxes I store them in and chew and shred them into bits if I wasn't vigilant.

Despite his annoying habits, he was still endearing and demanded attention and adoration. In the evening, he'd curl up on me and sleep while I watched TV, nibbling at my fingers when he wanted his head scratched and stroked. Like any cat he spent most of the daylight sleeping though it was always within sight of me.

Bella has finally been able to relax and her world is back in order. I guess that's the way things are meant to be for now. But the rest of us are missing Fabio, he was a good cat. Rest in peace, Fabio. The office is not the same without you. Ciao.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

Press Release: New Blue Ridge Parkway Series of Maps Released

2009-10-30T14:30:00.009-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

New Blue Ridge Parkway Series of Maps Released

America Rides Maps has just released a new series of motorcycle pocket maps based on the Blue Ridge Parkway which expand the great mountain riding to more than 3000 miles.

Waynesville, North Carolina, USA - October 30, 2009

America Rides Maps now has complete end-to-end coverage of the 469 mile long Blue Ridge Parkway and every great mountain ride in the surroundings! More than 3 years of research and exploration and tens of thousands of miles spent on the motorcycle personally riding, selecting, judging, and cataloging every paved road which connects to and is adjacent to the nations favorite scenic ride are now available in a 7 map package. Designed and created for and by motorcyclists, field tested and proven, these pocket maps are unlike anything else available and are an unparalleled bargain at the $30.00 package price.

Each year millions make the ride down the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway which traces the highest mountain ridges in Virginia and North Carolina from it's starting point near Shenandoah National Park just outside Waynesboro, Virginia, to it's southern end at Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina. Along the way are spectacular views from high mountain overlooks, historic sites, and rugged natural beauty that has endeared the Blue Ridge Parkway as a national treasure.

America Rides Maps expands this 469 mile park ride to encompass the surrounding mountains highlighting more than 3000 miles of the most enjoyable paved two lane mountain back roads in the country. Designed to be accessible and easy to read, the maps fold simply, fit in a pocket, and highlight the kinds of information motorcyclists desire which other parkway-specific maps lack. They overlap and connect, are numbered in sequence from north to south, and provide such important features as the locations of reliable gas stations, distances between roads and exits, locations of significant attractions as well as all other connecting roads, cities, parks, and items of note to the traveling motorcyclist.

As nice as the ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway is, it provides only a fraction of the wealth of scenic, historic, and rewarding sights found in the surrounding rural mountains. With at least a dozen additional roads on each of the 7 maps selected for their challenge, beauty, and enjoyment, America Rides Maps reveals one of the best kept secrets - there is no greater concentration of fabulous motorcycle rides anywhere else in the nation.

"I'd been coming here for more than 20 years and thought I knew of the best roads. It was only after I moved here and spent a few years in the area I realized how little I had discovered" says Wayne Busch, owner and creator of America Rides Maps.

Wayne lives only minutes from one of the most scenic sections of the parkway in Waynesville, North Carolina. A lifelong motorcyclist, he was always enamored with the great ride through the linear park and made frequent trips north from Florida to enjoy it and the surrounding mountains. Once he relocated to the mountains of western North Carolina, he discovered the parkway barely scratched the surface of the depth of great two lane mountain back roads found in the Smoky Mountains.

"I met too many people, like me, who thought they knew the area. I'd mention my favorite roads only to find they'd never heard of them or had been driving right past them for years" he reports. In response, heI began making local maps to help people find them.

"I'd take the occasional job leading tours to help make ends meet, and they always went well - I knew the roads so I could tailor the rides as we went to just what my clients were looking for. It confirmed I knew what people liked". Eventually, he decided to focus all his efforts on producing maps.

"I know what I don't like about maps, and I am determined to make mine useful" says Busch. "I tried a bunch of sizes before settling on pocket maps. Bigger maps are too hard to fold, tough to use in wind, it seems what you want is always on the other side, and they are never handy. They end up in the saddlebag which means you rarely use them. I designed my maps so you can whip them out at a stop sign, quickly find what you need, slip them back in your pocket, and keep moving. That's the way I ride."

It seems America Rides Maps is onto something. With a dozen maps in production and thousands sold through their on line store, business is growing while other map makers struggle in an age of GPS and the Internet. They don't just show you where the roads are, any map does that. America Rides Maps shows you where the RIGHT roads are and highlights them from all the others. Just because it's a squiggly line on a map doesn't mean it's a great ride. You never know until you actually ride it, and that's what they do. There's nothing else like them.

America Rides Maps
http://americaridesmaps.com/
706 Underwood Cove Road
Waynesville, North Carolina 28786
(828) 734-2164
Fax: 828-456-5243

Contact:
Wayne Busch / America Rides Maps
America Rides Maps
http://americaridesmaps.com/

wayne@americaridesmaps.com
706 Underwood Cove Road
Waynesville, North Carolina 28786
(828) 734-2164
Fax: 828-456-5243

###

Toothless in North Carolina

2009-10-29T18:28:00.004-04:00

I'm doing the best I can hopped up on the generic version of "hillbilly heroin". The new map is ready to go. I've got the brand new Blue Ridge Parkway Series of maps which give full coverage to the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway ready to launch. I just can't focus well enough to get my act together today and get the web site updated to post it on line. It all started with a visit to my dentist.

I went in for a cleaning Monday and he discovered a small cavity on a tooth which had been crowned 30 or more years ago. While unusual for me, it was still nothing major. I don't fit the dentist's nightmare that typifies many of my hillbilly compatriots in the mountains. First cavity I've had since childhood, a novelty for me.

I could tell by the glances back and forth between Dr. Yerko and his assistant things were not going as expected. As he drilled away at removing the infested portion of tooth near the edge of the crown, it came off. Then the filling and post from the root canal came out. At that point it was time for an x-ray and a little patient input.

Having spent many years in the medical profession, I have a good familiarity with reading X-rays. What I saw was not pretty. The tooth was cracked in a couple places. The damage from the cavity which had hidden beneath the crown was extensive. For the first time in my life, I was looking at having a tooth removed. Shame really, as I still have every one of them, even my wisdom teeth. So, it was an easy decisions, it had to go.

I'm pretty casual about such things and looked on the impending experience as something I would not otherwise know about personally. You only live once, so anytime anything new comes along, embrace it and get that under your belt. Looking back, it's an experience I will avoid in the future.

For an hour or so they set about removing that molar. It was coming out in pieces. After 2 1/2 hours in the dentist chair, they took a break. On return, Dr. Yerko informed me he was sending me to an oral surgeon down the road. His tools were not long enough to reach the pieces needed, and it would take a surgeon to cut into the gums and do what needed to be done.

Oh, boy, might as well get the most out of this experience. Off to the the surgeon and another hour in the chair. He went at it with much more vigor and enthusiasm but then I suppose that's what it takes. A few stitches, prescriptions for pain killers and antibiotics, a mouth full of gauze, and I was done.

I stopped by the pharmacy on the way home and dropped off the antibiotic prescription. Figured I wouldn't need the pain killers, I'm pretty tough that way. How wrong can you be? As soon as the anesthetic started wearing off, I headed to the medicine cabinet. Wholly cow, it hurts!

Now I'm washing them down with rum to make it tolerable. Figure I'd better get this posted before I hit the floor. I'm down to 31 teeth now. It's time to find a comfortable place to bed down, not too far from the bar. I've finally got a hillbilly smile (and the drool to go with it). I'll get the web site done tomorrow. It's the best I can do.

PS - no photos this time.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

Last Motorcycle Map of Blue Ridge Parkway Ride Done

2009-10-25T07:54:00.017-04:00

711.5 miles. New one day record for a mapping expedition. A good chunk of that was on the Interstate though, so it doesn't really count. Still, that's a pretty good haul for the shorter days of the fall season when I typically average less than 500 miles per day evaluating two lane mountain back roads to find the best ones for my maps.

It had been raining since first light though never heavy enough to penetrate my gear and soak me through. Although the weather was fairly warm, my electric heated gear helped dry out any seepage. It was an effective tactic which helped keep me toasty warm even with a little dampness. Must give a plug to Gerbing heated motorcycle gear and Fieldshear outwear. 16 hours in the rain and I remained warm, dry, and comfortable.

As darkness came over me and the last of the two lane roads I wanted to explore passed beneath my wheels, I couldn't justify another night in a motel at peak season prices. Within reach of Roanoke , I-81 was calling me. The daylight was spent making a huge arc from Staunton, east to the Blue Ridge Parkway, south to the outskirts of Lynchburg, and then west across the West Virginia state line on what were mostly disappointing roads. The least likely prospects are left to wrap up the end of a trip, though some jewels were discovered.

Rolling out onto the dark highway the torrents came in waves and any thought of wet clothing was overshadowed by simply trying to see through the squalls kicked up by semi trucks and a smokey visor better suited to bright sunlight than night cruising. At times the best course was to simply lock on the glowing red pair of taillights ahead and follow them wherever they went as the road disappeared in the glare of headlights reflecting on the rain-fogged helmet shield, playing havoc with any detail of lane lines or signage. The worst of it was crossing the mile high mountain pass from Tennessee into North Carolina when the winds kicked up and the midnight darkness was illuminated only once by the flashing blue lights of a string of troopers gathered to work an accident. Without a car to follow I could have easily driven up one of those runaway truck ramps in the blackness of the storm.

So what did I discover? Fewer great roads than expected. It had been a while since I last came this far north on the Blue Ridge Parkway, all the way to it's end. I did hit it at pretty much the peak of color, and the days prior had been clear and sunny so I could fully enjoy the fall splendor. The trees were putting on a great show, but I am a harsh judge, spoiled by living near the best section of the 469 mile national roadway.

There are a wealth of rocky outcroppings and the occasional long range view. To the east, you are often treated to views looking out over the vast expanse of the Piedmont stretching to the horizon. To the west, you overlook the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley. The mountains here are distinctly separated by broad valleys which make them stand out in contrast to the flatter portions between them. Elevations are lower than near my home base, and the foliage reflects that. More oak and scrub which tends to turn yellow-orange-gold then quickly brown. Occasional bursts of red, but lacking the evergreens, birch, dogwood, and beech, found at higher altitudes to give a full rainbow of hues. Much or the roadway is through forested patches and the overlooks are less dramatic - they frequently highlight streams which course close to the road instead of the more impressive scenery found south. It's not that it's not a worthy ride and full of enjoyment, just not as eye-catching as what I am used to seeing. There's no place like home.

The really dramatic views are found off the parkway, often to the west as the mountains rise again into West Virginia. The roads through the valleys do have an appeal. Rural, farms and dairy pastures, and lots of historic tiny towns, their relevance lost to time. For those with an historic bent, viewing them is rewarding. I appreciate old homes, and they are found in both pristine preservation and admirable depreciation. In general though, these valley roads offer nothing special, though I did find a few exceptions.

Roads connecting to the Blue Ridge Parkway, typically a good location to find great rides, are disappointingly short due to the lower altitudes. Once the descent is made they either empty into towns or connect to unremarkable valley byways. Again, I noted the best of these.

The most interesting areas are found west where the mountains start to rise again. There are still valleys between them, but roads which cross the ridges can be fantastic. The closer you draw to the West Virginia state border, the more likely you'll find enjoyable riding. It confirms my desire to expand my travels into West Virginia and explore the border area in more depth.

This trip provides the information to complete the last map in the Blue Ridge Parkway series which means I now offer full coverage of every great ride adjacent to the park from end to end, locations of reliable gas stations, and suggestions to make a trip down that roadway a lot more interesting and enjoyable. It shouldn't take long to put it together as much of the work was completed before I left. First, a day of rest. Expect the newest America Rides Map this week.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com/

First Snow - Blue Ridge Parkway Closes

2009-10-19T08:44:00.005-04:00

As if to emphasize the clock is ticking on my efforts to complete the last Blue Ridge Parkway series motorcycle map, the first snow of the season has blanketed the Blue Ridge. It's not all that unusual, we were due for a good cold snap. Here today, gone tomorrow. Temperatures will soon be back in the 70's. The inch or so that fell around these parts will be gone by this afternoon.

It probably thrilled the throngs of leaf peepers in the area from parts south who stormed the shops for gloves, scarves, and warm coats. For them, this is just what was needed to make the colors pop and by the end of the week the show should be spectacular. In the mean time they can amuse themselves with a quick trip to Cataloochee Ski area which opens this morning (and will probably close again tomorrow) or visit the elk at Cataloochee who are in full amorous frenzy. No shortage of things to do and see this season.

I read this morning a car slid off the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday, possibly due to snow and ice, and find the gates closed when I went up to check the conditions. The white stuff won't last even at the highest elevations and it will be open again shortly.

In the mean time I've been diligently progressing on the new map and am right on schedule for a Wednesday departure. The next couple days will be spent laying out the routes, trying to devise the best strategy to cover more than a thousand miles of two lane mountain back roads that surround the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway in as short a time as possible. I'll be straying across the border into West Virginia which clips the corner of this map and scoping out what will most likely be the next state I explore. Time is short, but I'm going to get it done.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

NEW MAP! - The Roads of Roanoke and Beyond

2009-10-13T16:47:00.006-04:00

I've just finished the latest map, The Roads of Roanoke and Beyond. It's the second of the three map Blue Ridge Parkway - Virginia Series and catalogs 90 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway as well as more than 2 dozen great roads in the surrounding area. There are also more than 20 good "connector roads" which give you shortcuts or the best routes to reach my top rated rides.

It was an exciting moment when I transferred the overlapping data from this newest map to the raw data file of the last map in the series. I'll be completing it as quickly as I'm able. Once done, America Rides Maps will offer the most comprehensive collection of great rides along the entire 469 mile length of the Blue Ridge Parkway and enough great riding to give you years of motorcycle touring pleasure.

The race is on as fall weather closes in on us. There's a lot of preparation before I load up and motor north to begin the reconnaisance. Shorter days mean less miles covered and cooler weather will also bring it's challenges. I need to locate a new base to work out of. There will be challenges, but I'm looking forward to them.

Little time to take a breath or relax, got to keep pushing to get it done. For now, another milestone has been passed.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

More Motorcyle Fall Color

2009-10-12T10:51:00.006-04:00

Rain. Sun. Rain. Rain. Sun. Rain.

The weather has been wetter than usual lately so you grab your fun rides when you can. After playing hooky on Thursday, I've had to make up for the lost time in the office and the rainy days make that much more tolerable. When the weather broke on Sunday and beautiful blue skies set the emerging fall leaves against a nice backdrop we had to get out for a quick ride to enjoy them.

No agenda, no destination, we just tooled around on some of the local roads close to home. One hand on the throttle, the other holding the camera, I snapped a few photos as we went.

With each passing day the leaves move further towards their final demise with the explosion of color that signals fall is upon us. You can see the changes from day to day. We've yet to have any really chilly weather though it's sure to come soon. In the mean time it's grab-it-while-it's-good.

Blah, blah, blah, this is all just filler to give the photos something to hang on to. The pictures are from the lower elevations near Waynesville, Bethel, and Canton and you'll still note a lot of green on the trees. That won't last much longer. Even today the understory is far more pronounced with reds and oranges coming on strong to join the yellows and purples that came out a little earlier.

And so the show goes on and we hope for drier weather so we can get out more often and enjoy it. In the mean time, the view from the office windows and the porches will do quite nicely when too wet for casual riding.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

A Fall Color Motorcycle Tour

2009-10-09T09:43:00.014-04:00

It was a good day to play hooky and who wouldn't have done the same given the opportunity. When a college buddy called to let me know he was in the area and had brought his motorcycle along with him, I needed little more to tempt me into getting out of the office for a day and enjoying fall as it nears it's peak of glory. It was a truly great day to be riding though what day isn't?

George is new to motorcycling and from Florida. Either of those two factors means mountain curves are intimidating. When combined, I was assured this wouldn't be a day spent testing the edges of the tires and sane riding technique. That's a good thing really as I'm still riding out the years probation I'm under for abusing my privilege to stay within the DOT's suggested speed recommendations on our wonderful roads. His choice of rides, a Honda Pacific Coast, also did not lend itself to carving up the corners. It's one of those giant scooter-looking things, and while it has 800cc's of grunt, it lacks the attitude to apply it - it's more of a rolling tupperware party with barely a hint of metal meanness showing anywhere. No problem. With a spanking new tire on the front of my bike, an easy ride to scrub it in would be just the ticket before I put it to proper use another day.

I'd been looking for an excuse to revisit Hot Springs, one of the classic rides in the area. It was fall cool this morning and I threw the heated gear on just in case, though I never needed to plug it in. A quick breakfast at Duval's in Waynesville, then out NC 209 into the countryside. Blue skies, crystal clear air, and clean roads welcomed us to one of the nicest close-in rides found around here.

We wound through the gentle curves of the pastoral valleys then climbed into the serpentine course through the higher passes. Were it one of my regular rides it could have been a morning of frustration. First a delay due to road work, then mowing, then a farm tractor, then a heavy truck easing down a grade in low gear as we worked our way north. Today these delays simply allowed more time to soak in the surroundings and gave George a chance to get accommodated to the roads without having to maintain a constant push to the edge of his comfort zone.

We paused in Hot Springs and I took a few minutes to explore the town anew. It was once one of my favorite local runs as it is a great ride to get there, and is surrounded by a wealth of fantastic two lane back roads. I'd make the hour trip out, amuse myself with loops through the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, then circle back into town for a beer and buffalo burger at the Paddler's Pub. The pub was always filled with bikers and the parking lot was a showcase of machines from near and far. It burned down last winter and has yet to be rebuilt, though I was encouraged to see piles of new cinder block stacked where it once stood.

I've yet to try any of the other small cafés that inhabit the tiny town, and this morning it was too early to give any a test run. The Iron Horse Station looks promising. I told George some of the history and errata of the place. There really are natural hot mineral springs here you can visit and soak in. It was a refuge in early days for those who came to enjoy them for "health" reasons, but the grand old spa resort had also succumbed to fire years ago. The town had served as an internment camp for German prisoners during WWII. The Appalachian Trail, that 2000 mile long footpath that stretches from Georgia to Maine, passes right through the heart of it to cross on the bridge over the French Broad River. It's a popular place for whitewater rafters who come to ride the challenges of the rapids found on river. The surrounding national forests are full of hiking trails. That's an awful lot of attractions for a town so small it doesn't even have a traffic light.

We continued north along beautiful NC 212 as it traces the river where fly fisherman often outnumber the trout, then I detoured off on one of my secret little back roads to head into Tennessee. Climbing, dipping and carving through the hillsides, George convinced me this road was so good I had to add it to my Hot Springs map. I suppose he's right, I'll revisit that map and beef it up with a few more of roads I'd kept to myself up until now.

From Rocky Fork, Tennessee, we turned south to return to North Carolina and lunch called for a stop in Mars Hill. We landed at the El Dorado Latin Grill to satisfy my craving for a Cuban sandwich, though George's chicken thighs with blueberry chipoltle sauce was the special of the day and he reported it was excellent.

I-26 filled the short gap between Mars Hill and Weaverville where George had stayed with relatives. I wanted to show him a good road right in town then get up on the Blue Ridge Parkway to give him the full monty on our one day tour. You can tell leaf peeping season is upon us as soon as you hit the parkway.

We plodded along through the boring section of the Blue Ridge Parkway that encircles Asheville. The road declines from the higher mountains north to reach a low point south of the city as it fords the French Broad River on an elevated causeway. From there it becomes far more interesting as you climb to it's highest and most scenic section. As we gained altitude the turning of the leaves played out in colorful splendor.

If you know just where to look, you can get an awesome view of the Biltmore Mansion sitting castle-like amongst the surrounding forests, though I didn't stop to share the view. We passed through tunnel after tunnel each time bursting out into the bright sunlight and just a little more color on the trees as we climbed higher and higher to reach Mt. Pisgah. I paused at selected overlooks to enjoy the panoramic views which stretched far into the hills of South Carolina and Great Smokey Mountains National Park to the north. The Pisgah Inn, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Rock, and The Devil's Courthouse all had full parking areas as we stopped to enjoy them. Already at the higher elevations the peak of the color may have passed. Graveyard fields was a spectacular red and brown, though looking down on the ridges below showed much of the seasonal rainbow was yet to appear in the forests. Only the tips of the ridges had been touched by the paint brush of autumn and plenty of yet green leaves wait for their final curtain call.

Completing our loop we left the parkway at NC 215 wanting to share my wife's favorite local road with my good friend and rolled through the never-ending curves of color that led us back to Waynesville and then my home. Jackie was home from work and we enjoyed the premier local past time of sitting on the porch reveling in a good days travels and the tales that go with them.

As he prepared to leave George thanked me for the days tour. "You know, the Blue Ridge Parkway was really nice, I've seen it before from a car and it's a whole new experience on a motorcycle. But those little back roads you took me on were what really made the day, I've never done anything like that, it was the best experience I've ever had on a motorcycle, I enjoyed them more than anything else."

Safe travels George. Good to see you again and even better to spend a day riding with you. You know we've always got a room ready for you when you get the chance to come back.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

Quick Update - Printer Back In Service

2009-10-07T10:00:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Joe from Mountaintop Printer Repairs, the laser map printer is back on line. Quality had been deteriorating and I finally reached a point where professional attention was needed. The usual maintenance fixes were not doing the trick. We're back on line and 90% fixed, quality is back to great and I can resume printing. New parts are on the way that will bring us up to 100%. They should arrive just in time to produce the newest Virginia map in full vivid color and crystal clarity. Thanks Joe!

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com/

You Never Know Until You Ride It

2009-10-05T10:27:00.018-04:00

I'm back from my most recent trip mapping Virginia. It was one heck of an expedition averaging more than 500 miles per day on my motorcycle, mostly on two lane back roads. Areas I thought would be really good turned out to have little appeal. The area I thought would largely be a waste of time turned out to be one of the best. You never know until you ride it, that's why I do what I do.

I revisited some sections on the last map which overlap into this one which revealed previous roads connected to fabulous new roads. I'll be making some minor changes to "North Carolina / Virginia Border Rides" to reflect these new discoveries. There are some outstanding rides you really shouldn't miss which cross the borders of these two maps.

The central point of this second Virginia map is the city of Roanoke. The Blue Ridge Parkway cuts through the heart of the map touching on the very edges of the city. I explored a few roads close in to the city. While most of us don't get on the bike to ride the urban landscape, should you be staying near, there are a couple rides in close you may want to do to catch a nice view or a sunset from up high. Surprisingly few paved roads connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway on this map, so knowing where they are and which way the closest gas station is will be helpful.

The highest ridges of the mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway run in close to the city. The character of them changes as you move north leaving the rolling hills of southern Virginia behind to enter the more mountainous and scenic peaks north of the city. Roads to the south side quickly entered rolling but relatively flat country and while there are more roads, I found fewer and fewer of them engaging me and making me want to come back and ride them again. I have a lot to eliminate based on this reconnaissance.

On the other hand, north of the city is the place I enjoyed most. Here the various mountain ranges are distinct, separated by long valleys. The roads which run through these long vallies are far more curvy than they appear on a map and some of the views are wonderful. Be warned though, I'm going to try to describe some of these roads as "adventure" roads. Some will like them better than others.

As I ripped along them on a bike built for this kind of terrain, bouncy, tight, sometimes technical in demeanor, I thought about what it would be like riding shotgun on a big cruiser, fully loaded, doing more hanging on than enjoying the beautiful scenery. I think your passenger might find the experience a bit demanding if done at a hurried pace. I'll try to identify these roads for you. On the other hand, at a relaxed pace and with the camera handy, I felt like I was riding through a national park at times. I can't help but recommend them.

There's one more map to go in this series to fully cover the entire range of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding areas. I'll do my best to crank this one out by the end of the week. For the first time this year I plugged in my heated gear and really needed it as I climbed the high passes from Tennessee into North Carolina on the midnight ride home. It's going to be regular kit from now on. I have once again paused on the West Virginia border and stared into what looks like the promised land. I'm pretty sure I know where the sequel to these maps will lie.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

Broke My Motorcycle - Again

2009-09-26T11:18:00.007-04:00

The Triumph Tiger 1050 is often referred to as an "adventure bike" - a motorcycle that does most things very well and will go almost anywhere though in it's most recent iteration it is far more biased towards the road than previous incarnations. I have taken that "adventure" heritage to extremes - I've laid it down at highway speeds on the Interstate, ridden it through deserts, floods, and snow, and once completely submerged it in a river. All these things it has shaken off like a wet dog after a cold swim, though it has accumulated a collection of scrapes, scratches, and minor blemishes that tell the story of it's travels. Only a close inspection reveals them and amazingly few parts have ever broken. They are proudly worn like badges of honor boasting the invincibility built into this machine.

Well, I've broken it again, and it looks like I may have to pay the dues for exploring the boundaries of good sense. This time, it was mapping Virginia that led to the minor calamity. My stubborn intensity to actually ride and explore every potential road in an area to often leads me to places no reasonable person would consider, and this was another one of those foolhardy ventures.

I'd already lost more than an hour due to blinding rain and fog so thick you couldn't see across a two lane road. First sipping coffe in an empty greasy spoon, then near the parking lot sitting on a wet rock waiting for the ability to make out where I was going. When I could finally see the repair shop across the street, I set out.

The detour and road closed signs should have put me off. Still, I pressed onward, determined to discover if this was a temporary situation that required monitoring or something more permanent. While this road did not show much promise from the research, it did have a section that looked interesting and I leave no stone unturned. Nor did I want to retrace my route. The road was leading into the area I'd be working that day and in the interest of saving time I was determined to ride through whatever to get there and maximize my efficiency.

I should have turned back when I reached the bridge. Blocked with huge concrete barriers and orange warning signs, it spanned a deep gulch over a railroad track. I stopped to ponder the situation closer to discover a narrow pathway weaving between the barriers. I walked out on the bridge, the pavement and concrete irregular and broken, and jumped up and down vigorously to test it's soundness. The road on the far side led out into the farmlands. I could do this.

I returned to the bike, mounted, and quietly motored towards the slot skirting the very edge of the drop into the gulch. Approaching with cautious hesitation through the tall wet weeds, the bike suddenly lurched to a stop as the front wheel found an unseen mound of pavement hidden in the greenery and began to topple. With all my strength I wrestled it away from the drop and eased back. A timid approach was not going to get the job done.

I took a moment to summon my resolve, studied the line I would follow, focused on the point I would emerge, and released the clutch with a measured amount of throttle open. The front wheel rushed forward, bounded over the obstacle, and passed through the gap dead center just as planned. Unfortunately, the rear wheel was not quite on the same path and as it encountered the hump it slipped and skirted violently towards the slope. As momentum carried me trough, a loud SNAP occurred and while I slowed to a stop half way across the bridge my left luggage case spun along on the pavement beside me. When the bike leaned, it had caught on the edge of a barrier and broken off.

I parked the bike and retrieved the case as well as the bits of broken mounting brackets. Designed to quickly attach and detach with a simple key lock, most of these clamps were now broken. Still, one was intact and I remounted it on the bike and locked it in place. Somehow, there was enough left to hold it there, though it was anything but secure.

I carefully threaded through the barriers on the far side of the bridge and kept one hand reaching back to insure the case was still there as I proceeded down the road. As expected, this next section of road was uninteresting but the promising part lay ahead. The case stayed in place as I crossed the countryside. I watched the GPS as the curvy parts drew ever closer. My heart sank as I reached it passing a sign that indicated unpaved road ahead.

The next 12 miles or so was a bumpy gravel forest road, steep and twisty as it threaded through the trees and rocks of some obscure Virginia hilltop. My hand kept flashing back to confirm the case was still attached with every rough climb or big rock crossed. Were it to come off here, it would tumble down some steep slope and both the case and contents would likely be lost. It was still there as I emerged on the back side of a bleak and impoverished factory town, the umber brick relics of long abandoned mills and plants overgrown with weeds and rust, windows broken, once bustling factories now silent and abandoned to time.

Things did improve, and I covered a lot of miles through the rest of the day. Periodically, I put my hand behind me to feel the case still loose, but in place, and it remained there until I got home. I'd hoped to somehow drill, screw, and glue things back together, but it's hopeless. I'm going to need to buy a new side case. For the first time, I returned to my maps and completely removed any trace of that road. I don't want any chance you'll follow in my tire tracks. There are far better roads to ride.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

Hardtails Saloon, Maggie Valley - Hog Wings Anyone?

2009-09-24T15:59:00.007-04:00

Ah, blessed sunshine. After all the rain lately it felt good to get out on the road. Time to make the rounds and check in with everyone. Same story everywhere, sorry about the rain with the Fall Rally in the Valley, but we all made do as best we could.

I was working my way down the mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway into Maggie Valley when the sky opened up again. I made a quick stop at the Mountaineer Restaurant to do an interview with a reporter from the Smoky Mountain News (seems I'm doing a lot of interviews lately), and ducked out of the worst of the deluge. Or so I thought. Further down the mountain I drove back into it again, and ducked into the first friendly looking place, The Hardtails Saloon.

I'd not been here yet. The Hardtails Saloon opened in June and I just haven't had the opportunity to check it out. Last time I tried, it was during a rally and the place was jammed, so I moved along. This was early afternoon and with the rain things hadn't picked up yet for the day. Fran, the owner was sitting at the counter and invited me to join her.

"You've got to try the Hog Wings" she insisted. They're like chicken wings, only pork. Always one to go with a recommendation, I agreed to test drive them. Within a few minutes a hot basket of sweet tiny pork ribs arrived and they were like candy! OMG good. Sweet, tender, cooked just right, I have to pass this on.

Add The Hardtails Saloon to your list of pit stops. Great place to cool your heels , have a cold brew, and chow down on some hot hog wings.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

> > Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

The 2009 Fall Rally in the Rain

2009-09-20T11:42:00.008-04:00

Photo: We had it all - Daisy the Pig, Hank the Bear, Moonshiners, Biker Girls ...

I suppose it's my fault for posting that TV Pilot video from a couple years ago that showed the best we could do during the rains of the 2007 Fall Rally in the Valley in Maggie Valley, NC. It must have reminded someone to open the faucets again. At times, I should have had a boat, not a booth.

Still, the crowds came out. Not as many as we would have liked, and I can't blame those who bailed on the event, though at times a little help bailing from those who didn't would have been appreciated. The rain started days before the event and grew progressively worse. By the time Friday rolled around, we were already pretty saturated. There were breaks in the weather, and when they came we were busy and tried to put on a good show.

I think we represented Maggie Valley well. A last minute effort from the lodgers and merchants of AllRoadsLeadToMaggie.com, we pooled our resources to purchase a vendor spot at the event. We passed out a good bit of literature from the Haywood County TDA and visitor guides from the Maggie Valley Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, raffled off a 3 day, 2 night, food / lodging / guided tour package, sold a good bit of Popcorn Sutton Moonshiner memorabilia, guided a lot of visitors to some great local rides, and I sold a lot of maps.

Daisy the pig (shown in the photo) was a big hit, as was 7 year old Ellie in her black leather chaps and pink Harley-Davidson gear. While she tore up the dance floor in the evening, she was too shy to get on stage, though the crowd urged her repeatedly. Hank the Bear got a much needed bath. I got a tremendous amount of support and volunteer help from Joanne at the Mountaineer Restaurant, Gabie and Rob at the A Holiday Motel insured I was fed, Phil and Tammy from the Clarketon Motel made sure I didn't waste any time making trips to the beer tent, and numerous other All Roads Lead To Maggie.com people who came out and volunteered their support and assistance. I even made freinds with the fine ladies at Biker Bettys Apparel and Accessories next door who were so impressed with my maps they've offered to take them on the road with them.

Thanks to all who braved the weather to travel to the mountains and spend much of their weekend riding in the rain. I hope I've helped make your trip worthwhile and opened your eyes to the vast number of undiscovered roads that lace the surrounding mountains. When you come back, be sure to visit allroadsleadtomaggie.com to get the best vacation packages and room deals for your next visit. The best of our riding season is just starting.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com/

Video - America Rides TV Pilot

2009-09-15T10:20:00.005-04:00

America Rides - Maggie Valley

A long lost project has been resurrected!

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

Sights From The Road - Backbone Rock, TN

2009-09-13T18:16:00.006-04:00

I went back to Virginia this weekend to revisit and explore some of the sights I'd passed while mapping the area. I'm pretty much all business when mapping - I only stop for three things; gas, to take notes, and when "nature" forces me to do so. Eating is a luxury typically left for the evening to make the most of the time on the road. This trip was to go back and savor some of the gems I'd just blown by previously.

One of my favorite loop rides is found near the point where North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee meet, a 103 mile jaunt that takes you on some of the twistiest and most scenic roads. It's listed on America Rides Map "Great Roads Near Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock". Heading south from Damascus, Virginia, on SR 133, you soon enter the National Forest in Tennessee and signs for Backbone Rock Park start appearing along the road. Round a curve and you find yourself zipping through the quick yet dramatic tunnel through Backbone Rock. I stopped in to investigate.

The Empire Mining Company blasted through Backbone Rock in 1901 to lay train tracks for the Tennessee Lumber Company. Long gone, the rail bed became the roadbed which continues on towards Mountain City. The ridge is about 75 feet high and 20 feet thick, though it narrows near the top. There is a steep trail from the parking area on the right just after you pass through the rock, though if you have any aversion to heights and walking near the edge of a cliff, you'll never make it to the section of rock which straddles the road.

There are several hiking trails, picnic tables and campsites, a waterfall is about 0.4 miles on a foot trail. The area is popular for fishing and kayaking.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

"Safety Improvements" coming to NC 215? I wonder.

2009-09-10T08:52:00.006-04:00

Photo - Enjoying a ride on NC 215

Thanks to federal stimulus funds, NC 215 in Transylvania County, NC, will be receiving $2.3 million in "safety improvements" in the form of 17 miles of new guardrail. The new guardrail will run from the the intersection with US 64 in Rosman to the Haywood County line near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Work is scheduled to begin September 28, 2009, and be completed by August 1, 2010.

Whether or not guardrails are "safety improvements" is controversial for me. They may be "safer" for cars, though I'm not so sure guardrails add any safety for motorcycles. In fact, I think they may be more dangerous. They are designed for cars, not motorcycles, and hitting one on a bike can be catastrophic. A friend hit one and it tore a chunk out of his leg so large he died. I'd prefer to take my chances going over an embankment into the trees. From what I've seen of accidents on the Blue Ridge Parkway, they may stop the bike - the rider goes over them (if he's lucky).

NC 215 is one of the premier roads in the Western North Carolina mountains, one of the local classics, one leg of a ride known as "The Devil's Triangle" on America Rides Maps "5 Classic Rides Around Maggie Valley, NC" as well as "The Best Rides South of Great Smoky Mountains National Park - EAST". Few other roads not only intersect the Blue Ridge Parkway, but offer the long range views, the quality, challenge, and an hour of uninterrupted blissful riding. I hate to see it changed.

In addition, there have also been rumors of plans to "improve" the twistier sections of the road, plans which would widen and straighten the curves and remove the landmark "Alligator Rock". It doesn't seem sensible to put in guardrails now, only to come back later with improvements which will require they be moved to accommodate them. Wouldn't it be more appropriate to do it all at once, if and when it happens? Hate to see a great road "improved".

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

The Most Dangerous Road

2009-09-07T18:22:00.011-04:00

Photo - The sign reflects the challenge to come

"That's the most dangerous road we ride" my wife commented after a recent morning outing.

"It's my favorite road!", I responded.

"I know, but it's still dangerous" she reiterated.

We talked a bit more about it and the things she finds most dangerous are the things I enjoy as an added challenge.

"I still like it, it's just a dangerous road" says Jackie.

Jackie's no lightweight. We rode dual-purpose bikes all over the country years ago, she can throw a motorcycle around. Now, astride her Beemer, she often gives the boys a run for their money on the twisty roads. She can handle herself and I enjoy watching her flow through the curves. And no, we're not talking about the infamous "Tail of the Dragon". That's just another ride for us compared to this.

Photo - Wayne prepares to get some lean on in a curve on Charlie's Creek Road

What makes Charlies Creek Road a challenge is it's unpredictability. You just never know what it's going to throw at you next, and it throws everything in the book along it's 10.1 mile length making it seem a whole lot longer. Mixed pavement, potholes, bumpy repairs, loose gravel, climbs, descents, first gear hairpins interspersed with sections of relatively straight road that lure you to roll on the throttle then snare unsuspecting riders with turns which shut down on them the deeper in you get. Cresting a rise you never know what lies on the other side, which way it will dive. Is there a patch of loose gravel in the next corner, a flock of turkeys in the road, will the tires maintain their grip on that concrete bridge littered with sand and rocks, what's with this freakin turn, it's getting tighter? How many seasons before some bear hunter discovers my rusted bike and bleached bones if I lose it out here in the middle of nowhere?

It's a handful it you approach it cautiously. Come at it with vigor, and it will test everything you've got. My kind of road. Beware of Charlies Creek Road, it's the most dangerous road we ride. It's also my favorite and I do it as often as I can. Just don't try to keep up with me. I know it pretty darn well. Respect it or it will eat you.

Note - Charlies Creek Road runs between NC 215 and NC 107. It's found on America Rides Maps "The Best Roads South of Great Smoky Mountains - EAST".

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

New Features From America Rides Maps

2009-09-04T06:17:00.003-04:00

I've added two new features to America Rides Maps to give you better service.

The first is a subscription newsletter. If you're like me, you inbox is overfilled with unsolicited postings. You know the routine - open the mailbox then go down the list - delete, delete, delete, sifting through for something relevant. It gets old. While that kind of promotion may work for some, I really don't want to be part of it. Still, I have info I think you need and will find useful and beneficial, not to mention I'm offering bonuses and discounts to subscribers. Your time is worth something.

I've chosen to use a subscription newsletter where you sign up if you're interested and you can opt out if it doesn't suit you. Receive occasional updates that let you know when new maps are released, changes or upgrades are made to current maps, receive subscriber discounts, inform you of road closures and other pertinent travel info, and receive a brief newsletter (more or less monthly) that keeps you informed of what's happening in the mountains.

The first newsletter went out September 1. It included news of the release of my newest map, North Carolina / Virginia Border Rides, a blurb about the prior release of 5 Classic Rides Around Maggie Valley, updates to a couple of other maps, news of a great new road that was recently paved and another that is currently being improved, first hand reports of the repairs on the Blue Ridge Parkway, an update on the work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, several articles on The Tail of the Dragon, a discount coupon for subscribers, and more. Click here to sign up for your copy!

The second feature I've just added is a Forum. While I enjoy chatting with you on the phone and corresponding via email, I believe I may be able to save you some time (and a phone call) by posting information you need online. The America Rides Maps Forum is located at http://americaridesmaps.eamped.com/ I'm just one guy, and I'm not always available by phone (I don't answer it when I'm on the bike). This gives you the opportunity to not only post questions, but get input from others who may have pertinent information that can make your trip better. It's also a chance for you to post info, share photos, tell of your travels, and learn from others who have been places you may not have visited.

The America Rides Maps Forum is brand spanking new, I'm still getting it set up - determining the categories and such. Some of that will be sorted according to the types of postings that come in. At the moment, I am the sole and lonely member, but that will change shortly. This is your invitation to join the discussions.

I expect these new services will help you get more out of your next visit to enjoy the thousands of miles of fabulous undiscovered two lane back roads that America Rides Maps will lead you to. Please take a moment to look at them. I think it's worth your time.

Thanks,

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

New Map - North Carolina / Viginia Border Rides

2009-08-31T18:04:00.009-04:00

It's finally ready! Thousands of miles of road work, hundreds of hours, the first of the Virginia series of maps, North Carolina / Virginia Border Rides is now completed.

It's been a long journey to reach this point. I never expected to be including so much of North Carolina in this map, but that's the way the mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway run. As you approach the border between the states, the mountains make a lateral jog east-west before resuming their regular diagonal parallel to the coastline.

The Appalachians are comprised of more than a dozen different mountain ranges. While the tallest ones to the south start to play out here, those more west begin to grow. What this area lacks in height, it makes up for in breadth. The steepest flanks are along the eastern edge descending from the highest ridges towards North Carolina. The west is characterized more by rolling hills, sometimes quite impressive, but lacking the grandeur of the regions south.

The cities, all of them relatively small, and the towns, lie in the valleys between the mountains. Most of the major roads run though these valleys connecting the towns. Roads perpendicular to these vallies traverse gaps in the ridge lines. It's a hilly and rolling country regardless, much of it rural and pastoral, and you will be rewarded with views of the extensive ranges of low mountains from almost every high vantage point.

Most notable to me was the large number of roads that are found here. I suspect this is due to the fact the mountains are not as high as to the south, so there are less impediments to travelling through them. Where dramatic rock outcroppings erupt, state parks sequester the areas for all to enjoy and preserve.

The other thing I enjoyed was discovering some of the hidden historic sights on many of the rides. More accessible, this area was probably settled much earlier than the higher areas of North Carolina. I came across old abandoned mills, country stores, barns, farms, and other relics that tell of a historical past worth delving in to and I took more than a few photos for my collection.

I must confess, this central portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway tends to lull me to sleep. Urban encroachment is far more evident, and challenging sections of roadway give way to gently rocking, almost monotonous curves. There are points of historic interest, but I suspect many just motor through seeking the more dramatic views to the north and south. This map reveals there is far more here than meets the eye.

Check out the new map, North Carolina / Virginia Border Rides here.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

Add Another Great Road to The NC list

2009-08-30T16:46:00.004-04:00

Photo - Jackie (my wife) on the newly completed section of NC 281

I've been watching this road for a while. When my friend at Gryphon Bikes informed it the he'd ridden it the other day, I had to go check it out for myself. NC 281 from the junction at US 64 near Lake Toxaway northwards is now completed to the point I'm adding it to the list of great rides.

I discovered NC 281 years ago. This portion of NC 281 runs between US 64 near Cashiers, north until it joins with NC 107 at Tuckasegee. The section around the hoity-toity community of Lake Toxaway has been paved and in use for years. The other end of the road, near Tuckasegee, was improved and widened years ago. It makes a climb through a series of high speed sweeping turns that's a lot of fun. Once you finish the climb, it starts to descend passing though the tiny mountain town of Wolf Mountain.

From there, the road enters a series of very tight corners, one after another that keep you on the edge of your tires for several miles. Round a curve, climb a bit, crest a hill, and suddenly the pavement ends and you are on a graded forest road, rutted and loose, bumpy, steep, and a challenge on road tires. So it used to be.

A couple years ago, the DOT started improving the road. More and more of it got paved, but one last section remained. It required a small bridge be built to cross a stream and that took forever to complete. When I last passed through, it was so close to being paved I predicted and included that on the map "The Best Rides South of Great Smokey Mountains - EAST". While the road is still getting some work, the paving is done and it's rideable, just in time for fall. I'll be updating that map to reflect the change.

The completion of this road is significant in that it opens up a wealth of loop rides with the surrounding roads in the area. In fact, this may now be one section of my new favorite loop ride which I'll describe in another post. It's not for the faint hearted, and if you're a mid-western cruiser guy who's gonna freak if the floorboards scrape, this may not be the route for you. However, if you're looking for something challenging, or confident enough to ride within your limits, add this road to your list of fall rides. You'll be rewarded with pockets of fall leaf color that are truly spectacular in addition to a ride you'll remember.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

Update on the Blue Ridge Parkway Repairs

2009-08-27T21:25:00.005-04:00

Photo - Waiting to pass a construction zone

Somehow I must have set the GPS to "find the most traffic" and it was working fabulously. I suppose everyone else had done the same as I hit one logjam after another on my way home from Virginia earlier this week. Still, as I left Banner Elk, I though it might be a while before I passed this way again and I was curious to see how the construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway was progressing.

I'd already bypassed the detour near Boone and Blowing Rock. No need to visit that section anyway. They are replacing a section of roadbed and there's no way to get a close look at what's going on, nor did I want to take the time to ride up and see how the bridge work was coming to the north. The big project however was more or less on my route home - at least it was now. Anything to get off the clogged roads and unwind.

The section I was interested in lies between Mt. Mitchell State Park and Asheville. This section of the parkway was closed all of last year when a piece slid off the mountainside. That portion has been rebuilt and the project has now shifted to repairing the adjacent areas of road which had deteriorated badly. Layers of pavement had peeled away like old paint and there were some areas where small sinkholes had left huge dips in the roadway. Honestly, it was getting pretty rough and it's nice to see it receiving the attention it needs.

I was initially under the impression the job was mostly just resurfacing. This visit revealed there are many areas where the entire roadbed is being rebuilt. It's being done in a piecemeal fashion, probably the worst sections getting attention first. Cruising down the southbound lane, the worst of the two, I was pleased to hit gloriously smooth portions that had already been repaired. These would be followed by others which had yet to see attention and still more which would probably not require much of anything. Sporadically, I came to construction areas, most of which were flanked by idled equipment this late into the evening. A few of the overlooks had been resurfaced along the drive.

It was pretty easy going until I passed Craggy Gardens. The last of the crews was still going full steam on a good sized section of road and I found myself pulling up to a line of stopped traffic waiting for the pilot vehicle to take them through the single open lane. It was just a few minutes until it came by with a long line of cars in tow. I waited my turn then fell into the queue behind our chaperon. As we passed, the opposite lane was being filled with fresh subsoil as the road was rebuilt from the very base. Work this extensive should endure. I doubt this will be anywhere close to finished until next spring season.

I left the Parkway near Asheville only to get caught up in another traffic jam on the south side of the city. Didn't matter much anymore. I'd been on the bike since 4 AM and I could see the familiar mountains of home on the horizon. I'd get there soon enough.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

Freakin' Rain

2009-08-20T08:02:00.008-04:00

Lubed up, oiled up, aired up, filled up, loaded up, new tire, new brakes, new plans, the bike sits aimed towards the horizon in the driveway poised and eager to depart, a mere key turn from hundreds of miles of open road adventure. I am so ready to go - nowhere.

"You're not really going tomorrow are you?" my mother queried incredulously when I called her to babysit my pooch. "Have you seen the forecast?"

"Looked at it a few days ago" I answered. "Thursday appeared to be the best of the week."

"Let me check the Weather Channel again", she replied, " I'll call you back".

My wife, just home from work, overheard the conversation. A few minutes later she commented with cautious hesitation, "You'd better take a look at the weather". I shuffled the newspaper around on the kitchen table looking for the forecast. "ON THE COMPUTER", she urged with more authority.

"I can handle a little rain, it's got to be better than the last trip", came my retort, tinged with some irritation that my well laid scheme may be going awry. "I've got to get this map done!"

She walked over to her desk and woke up her laptop.

"What cities do you check?", she asked from the other room.

"Pull up here, and Roanoke, Virginia", I called out in reply. I tried to ignore the potential disappointment that was theatening to intrude into my private universe and challenge my intentions.

"You'd better come look at this", she called out a few minutes later.

I went into the den and sat on the couch where I could look over her shoulder. She had the Weather Channel pulled up and started the video of the forecast. I listened and watched as the commentator confirmed just how screwed I was. Rain covering much of the eastern United States. The moisture from the storm in Florida had been caught between two cold fronts bringing still more rain and storms. Dry and clear weather moving in from the west in a few days.

Expletives were muttered with the usual eyebrows raised in response. Not one to give up gracefully, I constructed a male ego preserving response to reinforce what I tough guy I really am.

"If I didn't need a photo for the map cover, I'd still go" I said with irritated bluster. "I can handle a little rain. Still don't have a good shot that represents the area well, though. Can't get that picture if the weather is bad". Culpable excuse ticked off the disappointment list.

"You can go over the weekend once the weather clears" my wife stated with female reason and clarity. "It's just a couple of days". I'll never know what it's like to live without testosterone. How does anything get done?

Mom called back. "You'd better look at the weather again"

"I know, I know, you don't need to watch the dog tomorrow" I informed, "Looks like another day of doing chores here. I'll go in a couple days".

Freakin' rain. Better get outside before it comes full on and get something manly done.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com - http://americaridesmaps.com

Found Some New Maps - Why Mine Are Better!

2009-08-18T07:06:00.007-04:00

We celebrated my wife's birthday last night with dinner at the Pisgah Inn a few miles south of Asheville, NC., up on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I know better than to reveal the details of which birthday this was, but I will disclose the meal was excellent, as good as the views from 5000 feet.

As we were leaving, I ducked into the gift shop and spied a series of maps I didn't have. I use every possible resource when planning my routes, so I shelled out $10 each plus tax for 3 maps which covered the Blue Ridge Parkway and the areas surrounding it. These are nice maps, but I wondered, were they better than mine? Had I been outclassed by the competition? I think not.

These probably wont end up in my saddlebags. The fact that that's where I'd choose to keep them is the first problem. They are just plain too big to toss in a pocket, too bulky. On looking at them I feel compelled to lay them out on a table. That's hardly useful on the road. It's hell if there's a breeze. You could fit two or three of my maps in your pocket. A map in the saddlebag is a pain in the ass. You've got to stop, get off the bike, open the saddle bag, fish around to find it, unfold it, figure out which side of the map you're supposed to be studying, find where you are, refold it, put it back in the saddlebag, yadda, yadda. I'll take a manageable pocket map, thank you.

They are pretty maps to look at with all the topographic relief and subtle shading of greens and blues and browns. The major roads and highways are fairly easy to identify, though these are the roads I avoid. There's little enjoyment in cruising down the Interstate or traversing the great four lane highways. Those little back roads that hold all the hidden secrets and great riding are just thin black lines lost in the shading and relief that adds to the artistic composition of the overall product. Like any great work of art, the devil is in the details and you really need to make the effort to pull it out. That's not very useful on the road.

Still, if you spend the time studying it, you can pull out the back roads. But which ones are the good ones? Which ones should I link together to get from A to B? There are lots of squiggly lines on the map if you search for them. On my maps, the great rides stand out. Take this one, which leads to that one, and then follow this next one to get to where you're going enjoying the best of them along the way. My maps tell you it's 6.5 miles to the next road, it will take 19 minutes or so to do the ride, then 14.3 miles and 26 minutes on the next leg. You'll know when you'll be arriving at the restaurant I recommended on the map or pulling into the town where you plan to spend the night or arriving at the park or scenic overlook that's worth your time to stop and see.

The most important info though, is something I strive to include on all my maps. Where are those out of the way gas stations? Let's face it, some of you are looking at the big "E" after just a hundred miles or so. You could plan your rides hopping from town to town, any town of size has a gas station. Me, I prefer to just keep on rolling, avoiding the traffic lights, congestion, and speed traps that come with towns. You'd be a lot more adventurous if you didn't have to worry about the dwindling petrol in your tank and have a lot more fun. I make sure to identify those backwoods oasis's that keep you motoring along as well as those which flank the Blue Ridge Parkway and free you from that long fuel hose that tethers you to the main roads.

I bought some nice maps, a little better than the free versions you can pick up along the Blue Ridge Parkway or download from the Internet. These however, will go into the reference file with many, many others. I'll pull them out to confirm locations of various points of interest and such. As a fellow cartographer, I can appreciate the effort. Yet when I head out, it will be my maps which I slip into a pocket, not a saddlebag, and whip out at a stop sign or overlook to go tearing off down some great ride through the mountains. I see things differently from a saddle with two wheels beneath me. I'm looking both for something more and something less. Just give me what I need, save the fluff for the cagers. I'll be using America Rides Maps.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

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Good Rain, Bad Rain

2009-08-11T20:01:00.006-04:00

Photo - One of the few bright moments

Had I known the weather forecast I probably would have gone regardless. My mind was made up and this was the time. Looking back, maybe I should have payed it more attention.

On a positive note, I covered a little more than 500 miles before I bailed on today's reconnaissance. I knocked off a significant unexplored portion of the first Virginia map. What was left to be done is primarily re-riding roads I've been on before for comparison purposes, to judge them against those discovered since. If my earlier notes are sufficient, I may have all I need to complete the map. Gosh I hope so, it's been one heck of an effort to reach this point.

I left before sunrise, crossing the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee in patches of fog and darkness so thick at times it slowed traffic. I was prepared for this, such is the norm recently. I wore my cool and wet weather gear. My expectation was that as the day progressed, the recently oppressive heat would come on and I'd change into my mesh gear to make the remainder of the day tolerable. I expected a "chance of afternoon showers". No big deal. Just a little rain. Been there before, it doesn't slow me down much.

I paused at the border passing into Virginia as the sun was now up and I could see to review my notes and maps before I left the highway. Already, the clouds were evident, those tall thunderheads that foretell an ominous future. I hoped it would hold off until the afternoon, and the emerging sun reinforced my wishful thinking. Reaching Marion, I turned north towards West Virginia.

No sooner was I off the Interstate than the wet roads spoke that rain had already been through. It was a good road, even a great one, though the long range views that should have been making it even that much more enjoyable were lost in the gray mists of the low cloud that engulfed the mountain passage. The tight turns, often requiring a drop into first gear, were strewn with heavy patches of large gravel and slippery mud that had been washed over them by what must have been epic storms yesterday. This was a great road and I hope I will return to it one day and ride it when it can really be ridden. Today was not the day though, and I turned about once I left the border of the map instead of exploring the terrain that lays across the border of the state. West Virginia holds such promise.

Within just a few minutes the first heavy drops clacked on my helmet. It grew into a deluge that rarely abated coming in growing wave after wave of torrent and fury. My gear is typically dry in light to moderate downpours, but this was rain of a biblical scope. I pressed on. Brief forays back onto the interstate found the traffic plodding along at less than 50 mph in the blinding downpours. When the first trickle of cold seeped onto the family jewels and spread across my skivvies then down the backs of my thighs, I cringed. Hate that. Expecting heat, I wore only a light T-shirt. A chill set in that would stay with me until I got home.

I stuck with it until about 2 PM. I just couldn't get the job done any longer. There was no visibility and I couldn't really get a feel for the character of the surroundings. I was shivering and tensed up with cold which was sapping my concentration and focus. I couldn't see the tar patches, gravel, or muddy spots on the road, and too often there was enough water cascading across them to lose traction in the curves. I had survived enough close calls and slips on the hidden hazards. It was too dangerous to continue like this. I turned back towards the highway and made the cold slog homeward.

Unpacking the bike, I was taken back when I glanced at my rear tire. There is a white stripe down the center of it. I'd worn it clear down to the chords and was lucky to have made it home at all. I don't even trust it to ride to the shop for a new one, it's going on the trailer. Had I stayed out much longer, the day could have ended far more tragically. That rain may have saved my life. I supposed it was a good rain after all.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

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My First Triathalon - Harder Than It Looks

2009-08-02T14:28:00.005-04:00

Photo - Wayne, Jackie, Karen, and Chris before the race

I was goaded into this by my wife who was goaded into this by friends. Check one more thing off the bucket list, I've done a triathalon. Having previously experienced both a full and half marathon, I had no burning desire to revisit the experience. Still, it seemed like the thing to do at the time, and now I can say I've done it, and I actually didn't do all that badly after all. I can now put the Lake Logan Triathalon behind me.

My wife chose to do this event about six weeks ago after our freinds, Chris and Karen, talked her into to trying it. I resisted at first, though I joined her on her training runs, rides, and swims acting as her coach. I did no real coaching outside of providing motivation and instigating heading for the bike or the pool when her willpower faultered. As the event drew close, I figured why not give it a go, I've been along for the training though I felt woefully unprepared to be a serious contender by any means. She didn't find out I was joining her until the day before the event.

Fortunately enough, we did the "sprint" triathalon. At less than half the distance of the full monty, we'd at least have a chance of finishing. Going the whole deal is a far more serious commitment and they probably would have fished me out of the lake before I got very far into it. 500 meter swim, 12 miles on the bike, then a 5 K run. Taken individually, each of those events is not too far out of my comfort zone. Stacked back to back, it takes its toll. On top of that, we were up at 5 AM to prepare for the early 8 AM start while the moring chill was at it's lowest point. Hardly the ideal time for a dip in the lake.

The most challenging section was the swim. The idea of plunging into the cold waters of Lake Logan was something reserved for emergencies only in my prior thoughts. While wet suits were allowed for the event, I neither had one nor did I wish to go through the bother of renting one. We all decided to tough it out. It was far more difficult than swimming in a warm indoor pool and all of us found our breath taken away by the cold water which affected us way more than expected. In this event, the competitors set off in massive waves and you found yourself amongst others also flailing about, running into one another, trying to pass or be passed. Getting kicked (hard) soon became just part of the game. To reach the finish, you had to leave the cold waters of the lake, swim under the road and head upstream in the frigid river which feeds it. The change in temperature as you approached the exit plummeted significantly just when you least needed more of a challenge.

I was so stunned after the swim, I walked instead of running to the transition area to get on the bike. I threw on my shoes and helmet, and half walked and ran the bike out to the road, pausing to put on my riding gloves like I was on a casual outing. As soon as I set off, my breakfast tried to beat me to the finish line and I coughed, sputtered and gagged for the first mile or so as I chugged through the hilly section and kept it in check. Just to make things more interesting, the instant I clipped my shoes into the pedals the skies opened up and we did the entire bike leg in a blinding downpour. Between my dark sunglasses covered in water and the sweat from my helmet washing into my eyes I could barely see for the entire race. It was particulalry problematic as we rolled through downhill curvy sections at speeds approaching 40 mph.

I managed to half run my bike back to the transition area, swap out my wet bike shoes for my water filled running shoes, wring out then throw on my wet t-shirt for the run, and try to make it appear I was actually running for the last 5 K, though I doubt it looked very pretty and the pace made calling it running quite an exageration of the term.

When all was said and very done, I finished in 86th postion amoungst hundreds of competitors, the vast majority much younger and more studly than me, and I was within 1 second or so of taking third place for my geriatric age group.

I'll be feeling this for a couple days at least and our freinds are telling us now that we are experts we should try the Lake Lure Triathalon next. At least the water is warmer. For today, that's not something I'm ready to consider.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

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