MAGGIE VALLEY AND THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

As indicated in the previous post, it was a strong and good ride to Maggie Valley.  Hot yes, but enjoyable.  Encounted some good high speed sweepers.  Love the cruise control.  Just overall a great ride. 

​Opped for  the BBQ Pork, Beans and unlimited lemonaide.  Life is good!

​
Arrived late afternoon and was looking for diner and a large cold drink. ​ Rode up through town and saw this sign and lots of cars parked about.  Figured it must be good.  

Interior is pleasent and overlooks the creek.

Topped off with homemade Blackberry Cobbler

​Unfortunately I did not take into consideration the dates of travel - July 4th weekend.  Lodging was not a problem, traffic was not a problem; but I was under orders to be home not later then the 3rd!  

Yes dear!

Maggie Valley and the riding in the area is wonderful.  If you are into the twisties continue through town and pop up and over the mountain to Cherokee. Be advised this is somewhat trecherous and often there are acciedents.  Still a fun ride.  Below is a video of the Chambers site.  You can see lots of activities in the area no matter the season.

Lots of motels in the area.  I choose a delightful one on the south of the town,  JOHNATHAN  CREEK INN & VILLAS  Very pleasent.  My upstairs room had a private deck and view of the creek.  Do to the temperature still a bit warm and humid - it was raining. I did not leave the door open at the back of the room.  Had I, could have had a lulliby of the creek to put me to sleep.

 Unfortueate that I had the restraints of time and the weather.  This would be a great place to stay.
After the ride relax on the deck.
​
Oh, I should mention the INN has a box of cleaning rags to wipe down your bike.  

I awoke to off and on light rain and theatening skies.   It was time for breakfast anyway.  Perhaps it would let up.  Right across the street from JOHNATHAN CREEK INN is a great palce for breakfast with a wonderful menu.

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE as you can see has been the place to go since 1966.  Now under new owners, Roy and Sandra Milling, it still maintains the excellent reputation.  Better get there early because it is only open for breakfast closing at noon.  Additionally there can be a wait line - it is that good!

  
At the left is the TUSCAN OMELETTE, Italian Sausage, Chesse, Mushrooms, Red and Green Peppers and their special Hashbrowns - Chesse and Onion. That and a good cup of coffee I was ready to take on The Blue Ridge Parkway.

---

THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, billed as "Americas favoriate highway."   Certainly one  of the best and gets the ribbon for the longest at 468 miles;  but don't pass up Highway One from San Simion to Carmel, CA,  The Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton, Colorado, or Going To The Sun at Glacier NP.
Oh, but if you have the time to drive another "must do" is the ALCAN HIGHWAY.  If you d this I would recommend drive it one direction and take the ALASKAN INSIDE PASSAGE the other.

But back to this ride.  I have done Northern part of The Blue Ridge and was looking forward to this section; however the weather was not to coopororate.  Most of the ride was in  light rain or low clouds.  Still a great ride.

---

Nice thing about the overcast is it was a comfortable day with temperatue in the seventies.  Nice relaxing ride.  You are pressed to find a straight section more then a few hunered yards long; mostly nice sweapers.  A great motorcycle road!  Heed the warning about "gas Stations"  because you will not find any on the "Parkway"  Top off at the start and be aware were you can find a town closeby.

Although there were breaks in the cloud cover, most of the ride was in the overcast.  Find the beauty
​close up. 

​A few miles south of Boone, I had hit the first 500 miles on the bike and time to head to the dealer located in Bristol, TN for the service.  Another great dealer  FRIENDSHIP MOTORSPORTS  should you need  while on the road. 

                  

They had me on the road by 10 AM and off I went for a full day on the road.  Got home at 8PM.

So, as of this writting all the problems with Indian and Hannigan have been addressed.  Both have
stepped up and are, or will shortly fix the issues.  My love for the rig is slowing returning

​See You Down The Road