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Select link below for:
May 4-13, 2008 southbound BRP
trip
(photos, schedule, and more)
May 8-18, 2007 Natchez Trace trip
(detailed schedule and more)
May 13-20, 2006 southbound BRP trip
(photos, schedule, and more)
May 14-22, 2005 northbound BRP trip
(photos, schedule and more)
August 4-14, 2004 southbound BRP trip
(photos, schedule, and more)
Elevation charts
Climbing Tables
Gear (my suggestions on what to
bring)
Training (my suggestions)
Average cycling speed on the parkway
Miscellaneous
Links to other related sites
Cycling
in Hampton Roads
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The Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) is one of the
most beautiful roads in the country and there is nothing like seeing it
on a bicycle! This 469 mile parkway stretches along the top of
the Blue Ridge Mountains from Waynesboro,
VA, to Cherokee,
NC. The parkway is ideal for cycling as it is lightly traveled
and no commercial vehicles are allowed. Cyclists are treated to
one stunning view after another. There are more than 200
overlooks, 27 tunnels, numerous visitor centers, incredible vegetation
and wildlife, and much more. Most people on the parkway are
vacationing and are generally very friendly to cyclists. Of
course, cycling the Blue
Ridge Parkway is also very difficult
physically. It is the hardest thing that I have ever done.
The parkway includes over 48,000 feet of uphill climbs in either
direction, so serious training for such a ride is essential.
Hitting a 15 mile uphill at a 5-6% grade carrying 40 lb of gear is a
tough challenge even for a good cyclist. On the other hand, the
breathtaking views and the fantastic downhills make it all worth while!
2004 BRP trip: I
had the adventure of a lifetime in August 2004 as I biked all 469 miles
solo (going south) in 8 days (about 60-65 miles/day). I camped
mostly in national park campgrounds that are right on the
parkway. I carried 40 lb of gear (plus water) and used a small
stove to cook most breakfasts and dinners. I ate in restaurants
about 25% of the time and stayed in motels a couple of times during bad
weather.
2005 BRP trip: In
May 2005 I decided to cycle the Blue Ridge Parkway again (going
north this time), but wanted to organize a group rather than bike it
solo. I put an ad in Adventure Cycling and set up
this web page. It was a tremendous success. I was contacted
by dozens of cyclists interested in the trip. We emailed each
other regularly and you could definitely sense the excitement building
as the trip got closer. We ended up with a great group of 6
cyclists that were well prepared for the trip and had an incredible
time.
May 2006 BRP trip:
In May 2006 I advertised another trip to cycle the parkway southbound
and was delighted at the number of cyclists that were interested in
joining me. We ended up with 14 cyclists (from ME, MI, TN, NC,
and VA). Some of the cyclists only joined us for part of the
trip, but we had between 8 and 11 cyclists on any day of the
trip. Pick the link to the left for many photos with captions
that give lots of details about the trip.
May 2007 Natchez Trace trip:
In May 2007 I joined 5 other cyclists (many from past BRP
trips) in cycling the Natchez Trace. The 450-mile Natchez Trace
is a National Parks highway somewhat like the Blue Ridge Parkway except it is
much flatter. We included some side trips and covered 700 miles
in 9 days and had a great time.
Upcoming May 2008 Skyline Drive/BRP
trip I am again advertising the ride in Adventure
Cycling magazine and hope to have a group of cyclists to share
this great adventure. We will plan to cycle about 65 miles/day
for 10 days with an average of 6000 ft of vertical climbs daily.
Perhaps you would like to join us? If you do, you may count it as
one of the greatest experiences of your life!
Feel free to send me an email if you would like any further information.
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