This ride wasn’t about the miles, it was about the smiles! It was only 1,200 miles stretched out over four epic days. I camped for three nights and explored the Appalachian Mountains.
The focus for this trip was exploring vs a destination. There wasn’t much of a plan, my goal was to just camp where ever I ended up. This was a motorcycle nomad type of trip.
This trip was in October, a perfect time to ride in the southeast. It’s not too hot or too cold. Plus the bugs aren’t a nuisance and the leaves are changing color. What more could a long rider ask for!
I took the BMW 1250RT for this trip…a perfect companion for the twisty mountain roads.
DAY 1
It was Saturday morning. The sun was already up when I pushed the RT out of the garage. There was no need for an early start. The only thing I really wanted to check out today was the Blowing Rock State Park…everything else was window dressing.
Blowing Rock is a beautiful little town in North Carolina. It was about 250 miles away and the riding gets better the closer you get to the mountains. However, the first couple hours of riding would a bit boring.
With this in mind I decided to get the boring part over as quickly as possible so I hopped on the interstate. It’s the fastest way to get to the mountains.
I took I-26 to Columbia, SC and then I-77 north to Charlotte. Once in Charlotte I stopped for lunch and gas. From here the riding goes from fun to amazing.
I left Charlotte and took backroads through Gastonia and Hickory, NC. The riding was literally perfect! The autumn sun was warm and the leaves began to show their colors. It was about 70 degrees…amazing!
Folks the more I ride the backroads through the mountains the more I love my RT. It is such a good bike! It’s as if BMW made it specifically for these roads.
I continued my way towards Blowing Rock, leaning into the curves and smiling the entire way! I finally arrived and pulled into the parking lot.
It was mid afternoon and the place was surprisingly quiet for a Saturday. I paid the entrance fee and walked around to stretch my legs and take pictures.
The Blowing Rock Park entrance
The views from Blowing Rock are unbelievable!
The Native American legend of blowing rock is fascinating. A story of true love and sacrifice.
Once I was done checking out the park, I rode into town and had an early dinner. I planned to camp just a few miles down the road somewhere in the National Forest. There are small camping areas all over the place, and it’s usually not too hard to find a spot to pitch a tent.
I finished my meal, filled up the RT and headed deeper into the mountains. I thoroughly enjoyed leaning into the curves as the afternoon slowly slipped by.
I stopped by a few campgrounds along the way but they were full. Perhaps coming out here without a plan or reservation on a Saturday isn’t the best idea after all!
I finally saw a sign for a KOA and I pulled in. Luckily they had a few sites available for a surprisingly steep fee. I paid the attendant and rode to my site.
The campground was next to a small cattle farm, and tucked in a beautiful valley. There were a few other folks there on bikes as well. I walked around to stretch my legs and to check out the beef cows before setting up camp.
The campground was tucked in this valley next to this farm.
Had a little chat about the weather with these young angus heifers.
There were a few other riders enjoying the camp ground. Here’s a neat Ural with a side car.
I bought a couple of bundles of wood from the camp store and lit a fire while I set up camp. I relaxed by the fire and watched the sunset while sipping a cup of camp coffee.
Enjoyed the evening next to the fire with a cup of coffee.
Watched the beautiful sunset
I called it a night once I ran out of firewood. I crawled into my new Nemo Osmo bike tent. I really enjoy this tent, it’s so light and compact. It also “breathes” better than any of my previous tents.
I also got to use my new Zenbivy sleep system on this trip. I finally retired my bulky Army sleeping bag. What a difference the Zenbivy is! It packs up small and is very comfortable. Mine is rated down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and yet it isn’t too hot on warmer evenings.
This evening dipped down to 40, and I was very comfortable. I slept like a baby…dreaming about those mountain roads.
DAY 2
I rolled out of my tent as dawn was breaking. The cows from the nearby farm were bellowing for their morning meal. It was crisp and the ground was covered in dew.
I took a few minutes to wash up and make some camp coffee. I was in no rush.
I let the rising sun warm me up and dry the dew off the tent before I broke camp. Then I packed the RT and looked at the map.
I was literally right next to the Blue Ridge Parkway, so I decided I would start my day with some leans through the mountains. The Parkway has strict speed limits but it’s such a beautiful road that you don’t mind just taking it easy.
Riding the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway
I rode the Blue Ridge for a while. The road was mostly empty and the temperature was hovering around 60. It doesn’t get much better!
I finally pulled off the Parkway after about an hour of riding. There were very few cars…most folks were probably in church.
I definitely recommend riding the Blue Ridge Parkway if you’re ever in the area. You won’t be dissappointed!
I pulled into a gas station to use the bathroom and assess my situation. Turns out I wasn’t too far from the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie Valley, NC. It was a little over 80 miles away on some epic riding roads. I didn’t need any more convincing.
I plugged the museum into my navigation and mounted the RT. I hit the road and passed through some of the most beautiful scenery east of the Mississippi River.
It was early afternoon by the time I pulled into Maggie Valley. I was pretty hungry since I skipped out on breakfast, so I stopped at a restaurant close to the museum and enjoyed a quick lunch.
There were plenty of bikes rolling around Maggie Valley. Most of them were likely checking out the museum.
I pulled into the museum parking lot, and was absolutely shocked at what an amazing place it is! I stayed until the museum closed. A motorcycle enthusiast could spend several days there and not get bored!
The RT posing for a photo outside the Wheels Through Time Museum
Seeing old bikes like this running in the flesh is surreal
I simply can’t recommend this museum enough! The staff is very friendly, and their collection of bikes is unbelievable…it’s literally like walking through history.
I finally left once the staff closed the doors to the museum. It was just after 4pm with plenty of day light left. I was still full from lunch so I decided to hit the road and head southwest.
I was about 120 miles from the infamous Two Wheels of Suches motorcycle campground in north Georgia. I decided I would pitch my tent there for the evening. Plus they serve dinner until 8pm so I wouldn’t have to worry about stopping.
I hit the road and let the RT sing. The ride to Suches was amazing. I rolled past beautiful farms and rolling hills as I made my way through the mountains.
I rolled into the campground around 630pm…much to my dismay, it was closed! I misread the hours…turns out they only serve dinner Friday and Saturday evening…today was Sunday. I paid the camping fee via the drop box, and explored the campground.
The campground was mostly empty. Only a few other folks on motorcycles had their camps set up. There’s a bath house and a wood shed. There are motorcycle paths that work their way through the property, and there’s a creek that runs through the campground. It’s a beautiful place! Thanks to whoever runs Two Wheels of Suches…they do a fantastic job and it’s nice to have places like this dedicated to motorcycle enthusiasts!
There was plenty of ground to choose from so I decided to pitch my tent next to the small creek. The creek bubbles and gurgles as it passes through the property, the water is clear and shallow…I was going to sleep good tonight!
I set up camp and retrieved some firewood. I lit a fire and had it blazing in no time. I fired up some campfire coffee and pulled out my MRE for dinner.
I always carry an MRE just in case there’s a situation like this. I wasn’t expecting the restaurant to be closed, and if I didn’t have an MRE I would be hungry.
I enjoyed my coffee and dinner next to the warm fire. It was crisp…and would dip into the 30’s over night. The sky was clear and the stars were twinkling bright.
The cool fire rings at Two Wheels of Suches light up their logo when you have a campfire!
Once I finally ran out of firewood I went to the bath house and took a hot shower. I returned to my tent and crawled into my Zenbivy sleep system…I fell asleep quickly to the sound of the bubbling creek.
DAY 3
I slept well! That Zenbivy system really does make a difference. It feels like you are sleeping in a regular bed instead of feeling bound up and restricted like you feel when sleeping in a mummy bag or traditional sleeping bag. Look them up if you’re looking for a great sleep system for moto-camping!
I rolled out of my tent and once again morning dew covered everything. I took my time to wash up, and I allowed the rising sun to dry my camping gear before I broke down camp.
I chatted with a few riders that were camped across the creek from me. They were packing up their campsite and heading back home to Atlanta. About three hours south.
I decided I would roll the opposite direction and head north to Blairesville for some breakfast.
I packed up camp and fired up the RT. I pointed the headlight north and enjoyed the 30 minute ride to the little town of Blairesville, GA. I stopped for breakfast and took a minute to recharge my electronics.
I topped off the RT on my way out of town and kept heading north. The roads are quiet in this area on a Monday morning, and I was appreciating every mile of it!
I stuck to the back roads and worked my way through countless little mountain towns. I don’t think a long rider could ever get tired of riding these mountains!
I stopped from time to time to walk around, and I took a lunch break just outside of Asheville.
I kept rolling until I saw signs for Little Switzerland. I’ve never been there before so I decided to check it out. I’m glad I did!
The road to get to Little Switzerland is stunning! It takes you up a steep grade and a series of switch backs to the top of a mountain, where the tiny village of Little Switzerland proudly sits.
Plenty of beautiful views like this as you work your way to the village of Little Switzerland
I stopped for a coffee break once I finally arrived in Little Switzerland.
This beautiful hotel sits on top of the mountain in Little Switzerland. The hotel has a Swiss design and German style food is served here. Nice place for a little break!
Another neat thing about Little Switzerland is that the Blue Ridge Parkway cuts right through it. I hopped on the Parkway and followed it for a while, working my way west. What an amazing road!
I rode for a while longer and decided to stop in the historical town of Jonesborough, TN. I walked around for a bit and checked out the history.
I ate an early dinner of fish and chips at a little local cafe. It was surprisingly good! I polished it off with some homemade ice cream…which was just as delicious as the fish and chips.
Historical town of Jonesborough, TN
Plenty to see in the sleepy little town of Jonesborough, TN
After my dinner break, I decided it was time to find a spot to camp. I still had a bit of day light, so there was no reason to rush. I stopped at a gas station to fill up the RT and to get snacks for the evening.
I worked my way east, back towards Little Switzerland. There is a lot of National Forest land in this area and I wanted to see if I could find a good camping spot away from other people.
I rode through the mountains, picking my way along backroads and county roads. The roads were narrow, full of curves, and there was hardly any traffic…just the way I like it!
Suddenly, I saw it! I was halfway through a big sweeping curve when I saw a small gravel road marked by a National Forest sign. It came up on me too quickly so I zoomed by it. I slowed the BMW and did a quick u-turn…an easy task on the nimble RT. I rode back to the gravel road and pulled in.
The road was actually just a big loop. There were campsites along the loop, and tucked into the backside of the loop was a little waterfall. There was only one other person there in a Jeep, and he was fishing.
I stopped and asked if he had any luck. He held up a few trout on a stringer. We talked for a bit and he was like all the other folks in this area, very friendly. He was a local and he told me that this area is a popular camping destination on weekends…and almost always dead on weekdays. Today was Monday and late in the evening. A good time to be here. The best part is that it was free!
I wrapped up my conversation with the fisherman, and chose a campsite that was tucked away. The site sat higher than the rest of the campground. I had to work my way up a precarious hill that had a few deep ruts from erosion. The RT is by no means an offroad bike, but gravel and maintained dirt roads are not a problem.
I made it to the top without issue, and I took the time to turn the RT around so I wouldn’t have to mess with it in the morning. I set up my camp and gathered firewood for the evening.
My campsite was elevated, with the creek and waterfall nearby
There were no facilities except for a vaulted outhouse bathroom and a water faucet that you had to pump by hand.
The fisherman I met earlier told me to be wary of bears and to take proper precautions. I wasn’t going to cook anything so I wasn’t too worried.
It was getting dark by the time i finished gathering firewood. I lit a fire and relaxed with a cup of coffee and some trail mix. The fisherman with the Jeep left and I was alone. It was perfect!
Enjoying some coffee and the fire. It gets dark quickly in the mountains.
The creek below my campsite. The rushing water lulled me to sleep
Once I ran out of firewood, I washed up and crawled into bed. The rushing water from the creek below along with the nearby waterfall lulled me into a deep sleep.
If there were any bears, I didn’t hear or see any!
DAY 4
I woke up and rolled out of my tent. The campground was still empty. It was perfectly quiet with the exception of the creek below and some birds that were waking up. It was beautiful!
It was cool again this morning. Not cold, but crisp. Just enough to let you know that summer is leaving, and winter is on its way.
Summer is leaving…winter is on its way
I got dressed and made some camp coffee. I was about 5hrs from home, and I had all day to get there. I decided I would take a little hike and check out the place before I packed up and hit the road.
I followed the creek upstream. There are many well used trails that make hiking easy.
Lots of little waterfalls along the creek
I hiked a total of just over 3 miles according to my fitness app. It was an easy hike on well groomed trails. A nice way to start my day!
I returned to my campsite and packed my gear. I was still the only person in the campground. This is my type of place. I’ll definitely be back!
I loaded up the RT and hit the road. I headed towards Asheville, NC. It was a 45 minute ride on some amazing mountain roads.
It was mid morning by the time I rolled into Asheville. I stopped for a big breakfast and once again filled the RT.
I was about 250 miles from home now. A full tank of gas on the RT. It would take me about 4hrs, which meant I would be home by 5pm.
I hit the road and continued my way towards home. I have ridden these roads so many times that I no longer need navigation. It’s a beautiful area to ride, even on the interstate.
I stopped at a gas station for a break in Columbia, SC. I still had plenty of gas but I decided to top off the RT so I wouldn’t have to deal with it when I got home.
Once I finished my break I continued my way home. As predicted, I pulled into the garage just before 5 pm.
I noticed the Halloween decoration totes were placed in the spot where I usually park the RT….my wife’s subtle hint that it was time for me to put the stupid decorations up.
I shut down the RT and greeted the wife and kids. Then I went to work hanging Halloween decorations while dreaming about those beautiful mountains!
Sport Touring Cycle Adventures 