Meet in Bryson City: Welcome Dinner

Welcome gathering and walk to dinner.

Overnight in Sevierville, TN

On our first day riding is an exciting one. The day is packed with the back to back delights of the Cherohala Skyway and the Tail of the Dragon. The ground pounders in the group can also swing by the impressive Fontana Dam and meet up with the group for lunch in Deal’s Gap. With a good portion of our day spent in the Nantahala National Forest,  every rider’s curve quotient will be satisfied when we end our day in Tennessee.

Overnight in Pineville, KY

Today we head north and east and continue riding the twisty, terrific mountain roads that teh Appalachian region is so famous for.

Overnight in Marion, VA at the 1920’s historic General Francis Marion Hotel

Knob, Crummies and Cranks are on the agenda today (which are names of towns we travel through), as we wind our way through Kentucky and over to the “Back of the Dragon”. The curves continue all day, and eventually we cross over into Virginia and over by Hungry Mother State Park, with Marion being our town tonight. Hailed as “America’s Coolest Hometown”, Marion is one of a few towns to be designated as both an official Virginia Main Street Community as well as a National Main Street Community.

Overnight at the fabulous Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA

Today we explore Virginia, following the long and meandering Claytor Lake and skirting the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. We ride into Southern Virginia in the afternoon following roads such as Farris Mines Road, Peppers Ferry Road and Prices Fork Road, keeping to the twisty two-lane byways. Virginia is for lovers, and today we find out why at the incomparable Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.

Second Night at the fabulous Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA

Choices, choices today. Take a falconry class, head out for a hike at the Cascades Gorge, go horseback riding, fly fishing, or swap to a different form of two wheels and take a Segway tour in the area. You can also sign up for a spa service and soak the day away at Omni Homestead Resort. The options don’t end there because there’s more fabulous riding around the resort. Head out with your newly made gal pals and head out to see the Natural Bridge or ride through the Shenandoah National Park. Stay out late and ride until the last bit of light if you want; dinner is on your own tonight it’s up to you what you decide to do.

Overnight in West Jefferson, NC

Today we meander down the Blue Ridge Parkway stopping to take plenty of pictures and soak up the views. We hop on and off the Parkway as we like for coffees and local cakes, passing through Galax, Virginia as we head back down into North Carolina. It’s a moderate pace today, and you can ride with a guide or not today as it’s a straight shot down to West Jefferson. Tonight we take over an iconic Parkway hotel and eatery that caters to motorcycles.

Overnight in Little Switzerland, NC

Chances are you’ve probably heard of the Switzerland Inn & Diamondback Motorcycle Lodge where we’re headed tonight. Today we ride through Boone, Blowing Rock and to Grandfather Mountain, whose the Mile High Swinging Bridge welcomes visitors to admire 360-degree panoramic views. We’ll head to the motorcycle lodge and mingle with other riders in this breathtaking location just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Second night in Little Switzerland, NC

On this, our last day riding together, we’ll continue the twisty road tradition and head over to Chimney Rock State Park. Featuring some of North Carolina’s most dramatic mountain views overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. (If you’re a Daniel Day-Lewis fan then you’ll be happy to know that this is where The Last of the Mohicans (1992) was filmed.) After summiting the 315-foot spire (optional climb – fingers crossed for the elevator to be working by then), we’ll ride a big circle through the Pisgah National Forest back to the Switzerland Inn for our last evening together and our farewell dinner.

Breakfast – then Goodbye

We start the day with a great breakfast, then we all head home, remembering all the fabulous roads we’ve ridden, our newly formed friendships cemented on the tour, and the magnificent scenery of the awesome Appalachian region. [Note that ending point is a mere 53 miles from Asheville, NC and 115 miles from Bryson City, where we started the tour.]