Blue Ridge Parkway One More Time

 

Dates for our trip May 21-27, 2022

Planning Stages

Like most trips, this one was born out of a conversation around a meal with UTR members.  It was said “I’d like to ride the Blue Ridge one more time before I get too old” and my quick response was let’s do it.  I had planned to follow Bill and Sandra Venable, but he had other plans.  I was to plan the trip and lead it.  Ok just four of us.  We agreed on the dates in May.  Last time we did this trip we took 14 days; this time we are planning to do it in seven.  Since we have toured most tourist stops on the ridge this should be doable.  More and more people said they wanted to go so we are at about 14 people (8 or 9 bikes).  I really don’t know who is going; guess I should ask soon.  I found hotels, mapped the route, located mile posts with gas.  Don will not be able to go with us this time due to health issues.  My first trip to tow the trailer without him to help me hook it up but there will be no reason to unhook it once he helps me here at home.  Fifty days to go and I’ve reviewed the mileage charts, mapped out the route, checked and double checked the hotels reservations and made the packing lists. 

April 21, 2022 – 27 days to go and I’m still checking the route.  I wish the detour was fixed; I hate getting off in Roanoke and then finding our way back on.  But with such an active park the detour should be well marked.  Still not sure who is going on this ride.

May 15, 2022 – 5 days to finish getting ready.  Don has decided he will go with us but in the van.  Makes packing a little easier for me and no need to pull the trailer.  The price of gas is climbing every day so that is going to take a huge chunk in the budget.  Zoey is going with us so she can ride in the van or on the bike whichever is her choice.  I’m betting the van most of the time. Had to change all my hotel reservations from king bed to 2 queen beds but that’s not a problem.  Got snacks and water cereal and plan to make hardboiled eggs.  Not sure how Zoey will manage to eat since she is so difficult.  But she has never seen the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee, Virginia Beach or the Bridge Tunnel so I want to share these experiences with her.  I’ve got to get cash and pack, packing in 3 all suitcases on wheels because Don cannot lift much and neither can I; Don’s made ice and he will pack the cooler and the snacks.  This will be 1400 miles round trip, riding every day.  With my back and bad hip, I’m afraid this will be my last long trip of this type.  Oh well, at 74 it’s not bad!