Motorcycling

Gear up for motorcycle riding

BY JAMIE SHELL

For those who wish to “get their motors running,” perhaps no scenery to hit the open road is as appealing as the highways of the High Country.

Breathtaking views and windy mountain roads make the High Country a sought-out destination for motorcycle riders — especially during the fall season.

“When you have a beautiful stream running beside the road with beautiful leaves changing and the bright sunshine, it’s amazing,” said Keith Honeycutt.

Honeycutt has served as president of the local Christian Motorcycle Association chapter called the Peacemakers. He said that the views the High Country offers to riders is unlike anywhere else. In addition to the scenery, the roads offer an exciting ride with twists and turns for those looking for something beyond the mundane.

“When you hear folks come here to ride from other areas, a lot of times they say that roads down in the piedmont, on the coast or wherever are flat, straight and not really exciting,” Honeycutt said. “Up here in the mountains it’s totally different.”

One popular destination for local motorcycle enthusiasts is the Blue Ridge Parkway. For 469 miles, from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Cherokee, N.C. and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Parkway cuts through a sensory delight, a treasure forest of twists and turns, highs and lows and, of course, grand vistas from 200 overlooks. Tired of riding? Many of the overlooks also serve as trailheads, so a chance to stretch your legs is available as well.

Honeycutt advised that motorcyclists should try to enjoy the Parkway on weekdays instead of weekends, if possible. When the leaves begin to change color in the fall, visitors like to travel to the High Country and drive vehicles and RVs along the parkway on the weekends, he said. Honeycutt also said riders should be aware of wildlife that could be on the Blue Ridge Parkway, such as deer, turkey or possibly bears. He also suggested watching out for gravel and debris on roads after rain.

More information on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found at www.blueridgeparkway.org.

For a challenging and slow test of twists and turns, be sure and visit Grandfather Mountain. The winding road to the top is a treat in itself, but stop and walk across the mile-high suspension bridge. The horizon stretches and stretches before you, in at least three directions.

If a leisurely day-trip ride is more your speed, the 19 miles U.S. 221 between Blowing Rock and Linville is a Sunday drive type of treat, or Shull’s Mill Road from near Blowing Rock to Hound Ears and Foscoe brings lots of smiles. You might even see some unusual country residences along the way and if you don’t mind a dirt and gravel road, a side trip on the Old Turnpike Road pays colorful dividends.

A little further south of Avery County, Mount Mitchell thrusts up as the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and, as you might expect, is worth the ride to the top — but only if mountaintop panorama grandeur is your thing.

For riders who may not be experienced when it comes to traveling on mountain roads, Honeycutt said the two-day trip on the Parkway from Boone up into Virginia would be a good place to go. Other rides Honeycutt suggested were U.S. 421 starting in Boone toward Mountain City, through Todd on the 26-mile long N.C 194 Scenic Byway or U.S. 221 from Blowing Rock to Marion.

Honeycutt suggested that a rider could grab lunch in Blowing Rock, enjoy a ride to Marion, have a treat and then head back.

“There’s not another view that will compare to what we have here,” Honeycutt said. “That also applies for the country roads that zip in and out of the small communities scattered throughout the High Country.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED With its elevation changes and scenic views, motorcycle riders find autumn a prime time for riding bikes in the High Country.

WHERE TO FIX YOUR RIDE (OR PICK UP A NEW ONE)

Looking for bike repairs, service or a new ride? Check these locations out for your motorcycling needs.

Action Cycle Sports, 2349 Old U.S. 421, Boone, NC 28607. (828) 2621558. Sells motorcycles, as well as offers expert repair services.

Stamey’s Cycle Center, 836 Kimberly Lane, Boone, NC 28607. (828) 264-5847. Sells motorcycles, offers repair services, and even sells tires, too.

Boone Action Cycle, 8483 U.S. 421, Vilas, NC 28607, (828) 297-7400. Features motorcycles, ATVs, side by sides, plus service and repair.

Central Cycle Sales Yamaha, 102 N. Main St., Jefferson, NC 28640. (336)-846-7744. On road? Off road? Central cycle sales as a Yamaha solution.

Hill River Cycles, 13282 U.S. 221 South, Fleetwood, NC 28625. (336)877-2802. As of Aug. 16, Hill River Cycles is no longer doing repair work and offering sales by appointment only, after 6 p.m.

Smokin’ Motorcycle Repair, 1145 Bare Creek Access Road, Jefferson, NC 28640. (336)-977-3452. Specializes in repairing older motorcycles, like Shovelheads, Evos, and Twincam.

Brushy Mountain Powersports, 4641 West U.S. 421, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. (336)-973-3325. Dealer in Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha. New and pre-owned. Parts & service. Street bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, side by sides, and trailers.

CrossRoads Harley-Davidson,

1921 U.S. 421, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. (336)-667-1003. New and pre-owned inventory of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, in Sport, Cruiser, Adventure Touring, Grand American Touring, Trike and CVO categories. Offers full line of accessories and service, as well as customization.