| With summer here there is the feeling of wanting | | | | hiking trails. These trails are lined with dogwood |
| to break free, get on the motorcycle and take | | | | and tulip trees, and red maples, with the beautiful |
| off. Time to get away from work, routine, and | | | | Appalachians as the backdrop. The things to see |
| the have to's in life. Across the United States | | | | on this motorcycle road trip are Grandfather |
| there are mountain passes, desert land, ocean | | | | Mountain; a United Nations designated International |
| highways, vast farmland and more all waiting to | | | | Biosphere Reserve, and the gardens and winery |
| be experienced and discovered. | | | | of the amazing Biltmore Estate. This is a 19th |
| One of these places is the Blue Ridge Parkway | | | | century Vanderbilt Chateau near Ashville. Most |
| that stretches 469 miles along the southern | | | | people do this trip in the spring for the wild |
| Appalachian Mountains. This parkway links two | | | | flowers, and in the fall for the foliage. The |
| national parks, Virginia's Shenandoah and North | | | | summer though has fewer visitors and cars and it |
| Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains. There are | | | | has breezy near perfect dry weather. |
| many songs and stories that have immortalized | | | | Always remember to get your motorcycle road |
| Appalachia, with its rolling hills and wildflowers. If | | | | trip ready. This is something a biker can do |
| you have time it is worth it to drive the entire | | | | themselves with a check off list, or they can take |
| length of the 469 miles. It is to be experienced at | | | | their motorcycle to a trusted mechanic to check |
| a slower pace. The speed limit is 45 mph in most | | | | it out for them. Also remember to have all of the |
| parts. If you don't have the time for the whole | | | | appropriated protective riding gear, such as a |
| trip, a shorter version would be to start out in | | | | leather jacket, chaps and gloves and a helmet. |
| Asheville North Carolina. Follow the parkway north | | | | Whatever road trip a biker chooses to take, |
| for about 2 hours to Boone. Not a single | | | | remember to fill up the gas tank often so you will |
| interstate crosses the parkway. Instead of gas | | | | not be caught on a long stretch of road with not |
| stations and motels it is lined with picnic areas and | | | | gas stations and an empty tank. Ride safe. |
