Hi, we are riding the BRP in the second and third weeks of october - picking up the bike in DC and eventually giving it back in Nashville.

We got some great advice about places to see at the southern end, Maggie Valley and thereabouts. Anyone have a suggestion just at the beginning of the BRP (north) or in the Shenandoah?

Also, here in the Uk all credit cards are chip and pin. Is it the same over there or will I just sign to authorise. Haven't used the thing for an age and I can't get a new pin in the time I have and i am wondering if its a problem or not.

Thanks

 

Anywhere along the skyline dr, or the blue ridge will be great. Just get out and cruise around, sticking to secondary roads, you should have some great riding and scenery.

I have no idea about the "chip and pin" thing. Just choose "credit" when ya swipe your card, and you should be good to go.

 

If you're following Skyline and the BRP just about anywhere you choose to stop and come down from the mountains you'll find restaurants and hotels. (Avoid the Tuggles Gap Inn, don't ask me why.)

 

Word to the wise... it can get pretty cold up top the BRP. Wise to prepare for winter riding. If you get poured on while up in cool temps, it will become miserable real quicklike. That said, I hope you have nothing but sunshine!

Be sure to hit http://www.romanticasheville.com/mtmitchell.htm . I rolled the BRP on my week trip recently and proposed to my Lady atop Mount MItchell, it's beautiful up there. Enjoy!

 

+1 on it getting cold. Labor Day I was up there in mid 40's weather. Almost 90 in Knoxville though.

 

GOOD rain gear is a must...... you always stand a chance of getting caught by a storm.
There are plenty of places to stay... just depends on YOUR taste, and budget.
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/
http://www.virtualblueridge.com/
http://www.nps.gov/blri

All offer travel hints, and links to places to stay.
For a one night stay.... most folks I know use Best Western motels. The BAD news is you plan on riding the BRP in October.... that's PEAK leaf season.... motels might be scarse, and priced higher.

Be very careful while on the BRP, there will be a lot of tourists, and they have been known to stop in the middle of a curve.... take your time, and be prepared. This is also a high traffic for woodland critters.... deer, bears, groundhogs, turkeys, etc.... they have no concern about you, or your bikes.... again.... take it slow and easy

I like to take 3 days to ease from one end to the other... right at 150 miles, that gives me plenty of time to gawk, and take photos. You can do in in less time, but, you won't be able to fully enjoy everything the Parkways has to offer

I agree with jberg... Tuggles gap inn, is to be avoided, unless it's raining, and you need a break.... even then.... it's a toss-up

http://bluemountainbrewery.com/ a few miles east of MP 0 good freash food, great beer
http://www.peaksofotter.com/ near Bedford VA (although I like Otter Creek, better)
http://www.dday.org/ D-Day Memorial in Bedford VA worth a half day delay
http://www.visitmayberry.com/ Mt Airy.... the "real" mayberry....genuine 1950's Americana wrapped up in 2 city blocks.... ok... it's a "tourist trap" but I like it
http://www.grandfather.com/
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.php Mt Mitchell

That should get you started.... but.. IMO there is more than enough to keep you busy while on the BRP

Be sure to check on the "road closures".... I think it's open from end to end.... but, there's always SOME work going on

 

Our cards here are not chip/pin, but swiping and signing should be ok for almost everything but cash advances from an atm. Call you card company to make sure your card will work. Our credit cards work fine when we go to the UK.
We rode the BRP last year in November, just after peak, but it was still incredible color!! Got cold quick when the sun was setting, but during the day it was fine with layers. We weren't cold, being from Maine, but my brother, from South Carolina was freezing, so it all depends on wheat you are used to.

 

The US is probably the only country not on chip and pin, and our cards don't work on the "pay at the pump" options in Europe because of that - just rode Land's End to John O'Groats this past June and was only able to get gas after hours by the grace of my mates.

You could run into the same issues here after hours, as many stations are now requiring the entry of postal codes at the pump and the keypads don't accept alpha characters. During the day, you just sign inside the store. After hours, it could be a hassle as most pumps do not accept currency.

Good and safe riding!

 

Check out the Stations Inn on the BRP. Good place for a pint! http://www.stationsinn.com/

It WILL be cold riding on the Parkway in the morning and late afternoon that time of the year in the higher elevations. If you ride the whole thing, you will be lucky if you do not have at least one deer cross your path. That being said, it is probably my favorite place to ride in the fall. Absolutely beautiful...