state of the parkway
04-20-09 | 12:07 PM
#1
Thread Starter
car dodger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,446
Likes: 152
From: garner/raleigh nc
state of the parkway
up at craggy gardens:
the good news is you can ride through, carefully.
they said they will finish work in ~mid summer.
the good news is you can ride through, carefully.
they said they will finish work in ~mid summer.
__________________
1989 Schwinn Paramount OS
1980 Mclean/Silk Hope Sport Touring
1983 Bianchi pista
1976 Fuji Feather track
1979 raleigh track
"I've consulted my sources and I'm pretty sure your derailleur does not exist"
1989 Schwinn Paramount OS
1980 Mclean/Silk Hope Sport Touring
1983 Bianchi pista
1976 Fuji Feather track
1979 raleigh track
"I've consulted my sources and I'm pretty sure your derailleur does not exist"
04-20-09 | 01:14 PM
#2
Rawwrrrrrrrrr!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,730
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From: Clayton, NC
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Ruby Sworks SL w/SRAM Red; 2006 Fuji Team RC; 2008 Felt F1x; 1980's Lotus Excelle; Mangusta FG/SS; Rossin (yet to be built up)
wow. i did not realize it was this bad!
04-20-09 | 02:33 PM
#3
Climbing Above It All
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,146
Likes: 3
From: Basking in the Sun.
I'm not sure a ranger would have the same opinion about riding through since the road is officially closed to all. I would say you take your chances riding through there and if caught by a ranger expect to get a ticket.
04-20-09 | 06:08 PM
#4
Thread Starter
car dodger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,446
Likes: 152
From: garner/raleigh nc
Maybe so but based on the number of riders and hikers I saw going through in an hour or so, they would have their hands full.
Of course they could camp out at the road gate and turn away all, but I expect they have other things to do.
Of course they could camp out at the road gate and turn away all, but I expect they have other things to do.
__________________
1989 Schwinn Paramount OS
1980 Mclean/Silk Hope Sport Touring
1983 Bianchi pista
1976 Fuji Feather track
1979 raleigh track
"I've consulted my sources and I'm pretty sure your derailleur does not exist"
1989 Schwinn Paramount OS
1980 Mclean/Silk Hope Sport Touring
1983 Bianchi pista
1976 Fuji Feather track
1979 raleigh track
"I've consulted my sources and I'm pretty sure your derailleur does not exist"
05-10-09 | 07:40 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Omnipresent
Bikes: a celeste green one; 5.5 Madone
According to the BRP's website, the alternate detour is a rather lengthy one, and not exactly conducive to a cycling commute through the area. Not when they tell you to get on "I-40".
I suppose there are other bicycle navigable detour routes, but I think I'll probably take my chances on getting the ticket, just the same.Does anyone out there have any info on the other two listed sections of the BRP closures? I hate detours.
from the BRP website:
Milepost 269.8 - 280.9 - Blowing Rock Area
Roadway fill repair at Milepost 270.3 will close the Parkway until November, 2009.
For southbound traffic, exit the Parkway at Phillips Gap (Milepost 269.8) to Phillips Gap Road (NC 1168) to Idlewild Road (NC 1003) to US 221 south to US 421 south back to the Parkway at Deep Gap (Milepost 276.4).
For northbound traffic, exit the Parkway at Parkway School (Milepost 280.9) to Old US 421 south to New US 421 south to US 221 north to Idlewild Road (NC 1003) to Phillips Gap Road (NC 1168) back to the Parkway at Phillips Gap (Milepost 269.8).
Milepost 285.5 to 291.8 – Blowing Rock Area
Goshen Creek Bridge repair has closed the Parkway between US Route 421 east of Boone, NC and US Route 321 south of Boone. The detour will begin for visitors traveling south at milepost 285.5, Bamboo Gap. Visitors will follow state road (SR) 1514 Bamboo Road to Deerfield Road, following the detour signs along US Route 321 south of Boone then connecting back to the Parkway at milepost 291.8.
Visitors traveling north will begin the detour at milepost 291.8, intersection US Route 321; follow the detour signs along US321 to state route 1514 Deerfield Road to Bamboo Road which will bring them back to the Parkway at milepost 285.5. The total detour is estimated to be approximately 8 miles. Bridge repair is anticipated to be complete by late spring 2009.
Milepost 367.6 to 355.3 – Asheville Area
A rockslide and roadway failure has closed the Parkway to all activities including foot traffic and bicycling between the entrance to Craggy Gardens Picnic Area and the entrance to Mt. Mitchell State Park. The picnic area is accessible driving north from the Asheville area and the state park is accessible via the NC Highway 80 entrance to the Parkway.
For northbound travelers, exit the Parkway at US 70 East in Asheville, follow to the intersection with I-40 East, and at Exit 86, follow NC 226 back to the Parkway near Spruce Pine.
For southbound travelers, exit the Parkway at NC 226 (Milepost 330.9), follow to I-40 West, and at Exit 55, follow US 70 West back to the Parkway.
The detour is approximately 45 miles in length. This road closure will remain in effect until late spring 2009.
Roadway fill repair at Milepost 270.3 will close the Parkway until November, 2009.
For southbound traffic, exit the Parkway at Phillips Gap (Milepost 269.8) to Phillips Gap Road (NC 1168) to Idlewild Road (NC 1003) to US 221 south to US 421 south back to the Parkway at Deep Gap (Milepost 276.4).
For northbound traffic, exit the Parkway at Parkway School (Milepost 280.9) to Old US 421 south to New US 421 south to US 221 north to Idlewild Road (NC 1003) to Phillips Gap Road (NC 1168) back to the Parkway at Phillips Gap (Milepost 269.8).
Milepost 285.5 to 291.8 – Blowing Rock Area
Goshen Creek Bridge repair has closed the Parkway between US Route 421 east of Boone, NC and US Route 321 south of Boone. The detour will begin for visitors traveling south at milepost 285.5, Bamboo Gap. Visitors will follow state road (SR) 1514 Bamboo Road to Deerfield Road, following the detour signs along US Route 321 south of Boone then connecting back to the Parkway at milepost 291.8.
Visitors traveling north will begin the detour at milepost 291.8, intersection US Route 321; follow the detour signs along US321 to state route 1514 Deerfield Road to Bamboo Road which will bring them back to the Parkway at milepost 285.5. The total detour is estimated to be approximately 8 miles. Bridge repair is anticipated to be complete by late spring 2009.
Milepost 367.6 to 355.3 – Asheville Area
A rockslide and roadway failure has closed the Parkway to all activities including foot traffic and bicycling between the entrance to Craggy Gardens Picnic Area and the entrance to Mt. Mitchell State Park. The picnic area is accessible driving north from the Asheville area and the state park is accessible via the NC Highway 80 entrance to the Parkway.
For northbound travelers, exit the Parkway at US 70 East in Asheville, follow to the intersection with I-40 East, and at Exit 86, follow NC 226 back to the Parkway near Spruce Pine.
For southbound travelers, exit the Parkway at NC 226 (Milepost 330.9), follow to I-40 West, and at Exit 55, follow US 70 West back to the Parkway.
The detour is approximately 45 miles in length. This road closure will remain in effect until late spring 2009.
05-10-09 | 10:11 AM
#8
Rawwrrrrrrrrr!
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Clayton, NC
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Ruby Sworks SL w/SRAM Red; 2006 Fuji Team RC; 2008 Felt F1x; 1980's Lotus Excelle; Mangusta FG/SS; Rossin (yet to be built up)
some kind of slide/failure at the craggy gardens area.
05-10-09 | 10:22 AM
#9
VFL For Life
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Knoxville, TN
Bikes: Velo Volmobile
05-10-09 | 10:32 AM
#10
Rawwrrrrrrrrr!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 3
From: Clayton, NC
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Ruby Sworks SL w/SRAM Red; 2006 Fuji Team RC; 2008 Felt F1x; 1980's Lotus Excelle; Mangusta FG/SS; Rossin (yet to be built up)
yea, that would be a good ride...start at the Folk Art Center and ride up to MM.....
05-12-09 | 05:19 AM
#12
Rawwrrrrrrrrr!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 3
From: Clayton, NC
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Ruby Sworks SL w/SRAM Red; 2006 Fuji Team RC; 2008 Felt F1x; 1980's Lotus Excelle; Mangusta FG/SS; Rossin (yet to be built up)
hey! wait a sec!! when did i volunteer??? 
05-12-09 | 05:47 AM
#13
Thanks for the info. I was thinking of riding from Boone in a few weeks, and never thought to check for road closings.
Here's the BRP Road Closures link.
I had a nice ride on a closed section of the BRP near the 225 mile marker a few years ago. I took a chance that I could get through, and the bridge repair was rideable, so I had 4 or 5 miles of the BRP all to myself.
Here's the BRP Road Closures link.
I had a nice ride on a closed section of the BRP near the 225 mile marker a few years ago. I took a chance that I could get through, and the bridge repair was rideable, so I had 4 or 5 miles of the BRP all to myself.
Last edited by rm -rf; 05-12-09 at 05:54 AM.
05-12-09 | 10:19 AM
#14
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From: Omnipresent
Bikes: a celeste green one; 5.5 Madone
Thanks for the info. I was thinking of riding from Boone in a few weeks, and never thought to check for road closings.
Here's the BRP Road Closures link.
I had a nice ride on a closed section of the BRP near the 225 mile marker a few years ago. I took a chance that I could get through, and the bridge repair was rideable, so I had 4 or 5 miles of the BRP all to myself.
Here's the BRP Road Closures link.
I had a nice ride on a closed section of the BRP near the 225 mile marker a few years ago. I took a chance that I could get through, and the bridge repair was rideable, so I had 4 or 5 miles of the BRP all to myself.
If anyone out there know's anything about these three closed areas, and the liklihood of my being able to bike-through them (or NOT!) during the Memorial Day weekend, feel free to share with the class.
Also, if anyone can reccomend any cheap motels that are very close to the Pkwy, that would be swell. At the moment, I have absolutely no idea where I'm going to bed down each night, I just know that I deffinitely won't be camping.
Wish me luck.
Nota
05-12-09 | 10:24 AM
#15
Wannabe commuter & tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 61
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From: Weaverville, NC
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport
05-12-09 | 10:34 AM
#16
Senior Member
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From: Omnipresent
Bikes: a celeste green one; 5.5 Madone
05-13-09 | 01:07 PM
#17
Wannabe commuter & tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 61
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From: Weaverville, NC
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport
05-13-09 | 01:09 PM
#18
Rawwrrrrrrrrr!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 3
From: Clayton, NC
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Ruby Sworks SL w/SRAM Red; 2006 Fuji Team RC; 2008 Felt F1x; 1980's Lotus Excelle; Mangusta FG/SS; Rossin (yet to be built up)
Nota - color me jealous!!!!! i want to do this also, ride the whole BRP - most likely next May. are you carrying everything with you, will you have some sort of SAG for the ride? PM me with details!!!
05-15-09 | 05:12 AM
#20
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From: Omnipresent
Bikes: a celeste green one; 5.5 Madone
Thanks, VV. I'll probably need it!
Well, I just booked me a room for my first night, just off the Pkwy in Roanoke, so I guess I'm committed, now. Whether I feel up to it or not, I'll need to cover 121miles for my first day. There's no sag support on this ride. And if the first day doesn't kill me -- from all the hill climbing, as I know I can handle the mileage, I hope to make it down to where Hwy 16 intersects the BRP, just outside Wilkesboro. That'll be the stopping point for day two.
My biggest dilema now, is to try and find a motel that's as close to Mt. Mitchell as possible. I really don't want to waste all that energy, and time, going over to Burnsville for a room; not if I don't have to. Anyone know of any motels (or B&B's), that are close to Mt. Mitchell?
If all goes well, I'll head out at first light on Sunday morning and ride to the top of Mt. Mitchell -- and after that, it's all down hill. Yeahhhh...riiiight. The last strecth, down to Cherokee, is laced with serious hill climbs, or so I have read.
I'll try to take lots of pictures, so I can post some of them here after I get back.
Cheers,
Nota
Well, I just booked me a room for my first night, just off the Pkwy in Roanoke, so I guess I'm committed, now. Whether I feel up to it or not, I'll need to cover 121miles for my first day. There's no sag support on this ride. And if the first day doesn't kill me -- from all the hill climbing, as I know I can handle the mileage, I hope to make it down to where Hwy 16 intersects the BRP, just outside Wilkesboro. That'll be the stopping point for day two.
My biggest dilema now, is to try and find a motel that's as close to Mt. Mitchell as possible. I really don't want to waste all that energy, and time, going over to Burnsville for a room; not if I don't have to. Anyone know of any motels (or B&B's), that are close to Mt. Mitchell?
If all goes well, I'll head out at first light on Sunday morning and ride to the top of Mt. Mitchell -- and after that, it's all down hill. Yeahhhh...riiiight. The last strecth, down to Cherokee, is laced with serious hill climbs, or so I have read.
I'll try to take lots of pictures, so I can post some of them here after I get back.
Cheers,
Nota
05-15-09 | 05:24 AM
#21
Rawwrrrrrrrrr!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 3
From: Clayton, NC
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Ruby Sworks SL w/SRAM Red; 2006 Fuji Team RC; 2008 Felt F1x; 1980's Lotus Excelle; Mangusta FG/SS; Rossin (yet to be built up)
good luck! can't wait to read your report. looking forward to my own brp tour, either this fall or next may!
05-15-09 | 05:59 AM
#22
Thread Starter
car dodger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,446
Likes: 152
From: garner/raleigh nc
There is a motel and (probably) restaurant on the parkway in little switzerland, about 20 miles north of the mount mitchell park entrance.
__________________
1989 Schwinn Paramount OS
1980 Mclean/Silk Hope Sport Touring
1983 Bianchi pista
1976 Fuji Feather track
1979 raleigh track
"I've consulted my sources and I'm pretty sure your derailleur does not exist"
1989 Schwinn Paramount OS
1980 Mclean/Silk Hope Sport Touring
1983 Bianchi pista
1976 Fuji Feather track
1979 raleigh track
"I've consulted my sources and I'm pretty sure your derailleur does not exist"
05-16-09 | 08:12 PM
#24
Senior Member
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From: Omnipresent
Bikes: a celeste green one; 5.5 Madone
They reccomended me to CFOB, instead, on account me being such a crazy f'ker. 
The fall would certainly be a nice time to do it; particularly if you could take in some spectacular fall foliage. Doing the "camping thing" would go well with the cooler fall temps. It certainly makes the nightly campfires more inviting and cozy. I can't see doing it in the middle of the summer, though. Trying to sleep in a fartsack, inside a tent, when it's 80 degrees out, is not my idea of cozy.
05-16-09 | 08:36 PM
#25
Senior Member
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From: Omnipresent
Bikes: a celeste green one; 5.5 Madone
I did a bunch of google searches on motels in (or near): Mt. Mitchell, Little Switzerland, and Burnsville, but didn't find a whole lot; certainly not anything I would call "close by". The only things I could find were some "dude ranch", and the Celo Inn.
I called the Celo Inn, and wound up talking to some gent (the proprietor I suppose - I didn't ask or get his name) who turned out to be a fellow cyclist, one who has himself biked the entire BRP before. He told me he was completely booked up, but said that if I got down in the area, after biking all day from the Millers Creek area, and couldn't find anything - to give him a call, and he'd come pick me up. I would hope to not have to need to take him up on the offer, but I thought it nice gesture - one fellow cyclist reaching out to another.
Anyway, he said there was another place in the area, one that was even closer to Mt. Mitchell than his plae - Albert's Motel, so I booked me a room there for the night. The rate was reasonable, and it's not far off the Parkway, and not too far from Mt. Mitchell.