Day 10
October 10th, 2009
Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground
Cruso, North Carolina
Day 2 in the Blue Ridge. On this day I
wanted a low key, not many miles ride in the hills, so I joined up with the
Menard brothers, and we basically left the campground without a plan and just
went riding.
It was wet a morning, but not a total
washout. The rain was light, but not cold. We ran in and out of wet
pockets all morning as we rode the Parkway down to Cherokee for lunch, and then
worked our way back to the campground through Canton, on a few roads I can't
remember. I do know we left the Junction and went 215 to the Parkway
entrance.
The rain stopped after lunch, but a thick
cloud cover remained all day.
I took a lot of pictures but for some reason I
had trouble with the lens on the Sony fogging up, so most of them are blurry. When it left my warm
breast pocket it fogged in the cool, damp, Blue Ridge air, so a number of the
following pictures are the work of Peter Menard. At least I was with him when
he took them, so I guess that counts.
I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Photo Peter Menard
Another for the collection. Over the years
I've posed for this picture
several times. Although wet, I can't remember a warmer morning for
this
time of year on Mt. Balsam.
The Blue Ridge in Fall, looking from Mt.
Balsam. The hills were golden.
This view is south of Mt. Balsam and down
in elevation. The clouds
always hang low in the Blue Ridge.
Photo Peter Menard
Over the years I've made the ride south on
the Parkway to Cherokee
many times, I never tire of it. There are many great roads in the area,
but only
the Parkway captures the essence of these old mountains. Great pavement,
methodical curves, and unmatched scenery. Peter snapped this picture
somewhere south of Balsam. We were on our to Cherokee for a Wendy
chili bowl.
Along SR 215
Photo Peter Menard
More scenes from SR 215. This is a
great road for a Fall Ride. From 276
(Jukebox Junction) the road meanders up in elevation to the Blue Ride
Parkway, past peaceful lakes, and rolling creeks.
Foliage
is thick and colorful in the Blue Ridge.
Photo Peter Menard
The BamaRider, enjoying a ride on SR
215. It is not hard to see why I
love the Blue Ridge in Fall. Great roads, and scenery.
Photo Peter Menard
The last 2 years color in the Blue Ridge was the best
I'd ever seen. I
enjoyed the day riding with 2 good friends, taking pics, looking at things,
and marveling at great landscapes, not to mention some great leaning.
Photo Peter Menard
Not all the Blue Ridge Gathering Is riding (well most
of it is). After the ride
the evening campfire is the main attraction. Here, Uncle Phil and a rider
I can't identify are about to bake a few potatoes.
Photo Peter Menard
Saturday evening at the steakhouse.
It's traditional to end the riding
season with a steak supper on Saturday night. For me, and many others,
the Fall Ride is my last long ride till next spring, so I like to celebrate the
end
of touring season.
This photo is from the night before at the
Jukebox Junction. That's the Uncle Phil "tea
glass," he's so awesome, but that joker likes
his tea. He had a "glass" just like it at the Sagebrush
on this night.
Many thanks to Peter Menard for the having
my back when I had camera problems. Now y'all are going to be let down
when I go back to taking the pictures, but it was good while it lasted.
Next- riding home
