Review: Motorcycle Adventures in the Southern Appalachians

[Biketographer]

Recently had a week riding the HD throughout North Carolina.  Got this book on my last day there.

This book is very good.  I wish I had it before my trip began.

I bought it at a North Carolina visitor center along NC 221, just off of I-40 for $15.  I see that Barnes & Nobel sells it for $23.95.  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/motorcycle-adventures-in-the-southern-appalachians-hawk-hagebak/1122495256

The copy I got is copyright 2002 & 2009.  But roads have not changed much since then.

Some highlights (in my opinion):

• summary of state bike laws; Viginia, Georgia, North & South Carolina, Tennessee
• tips for the road
• recommended equipment lists
• dealing with law enforcement

No mention of firearm carry laws, but those are hard to keep up with in print.

I like that the very beginning of the book shows you how they organized the rides geographically.  Select a region, then go to the section of the book for details.

For each section, it lists a few suggested 'runs.'  Within that, the text tells us an overview of that ride, total distance, and estimated time to complete the ride.  That is useful because most maps will not tell us the speed limits, how many stop signs, how much is paved / unpaved.  For example, the Hot Springs loop is 60 miles, but recommend two hours to complete it. 

Suggested sight-seeing, museum, monuments, and more are described.  Once you have chosen a likely ride, then read up those suggestions so you can modify the ride to your liking.    The book even lists good restaraunts along the ride.  So many restaraunts do not last more than 2 years; I figure if you find these that are still there, they must be pretty good to survive. 

GPS driving directions can be very helpful.  But I am glad to have a map on my bike.  That way, if I want to make a change while riding, I can check out the sights and not get screamed at by the mean sounding lady in my gps unit.

I highly recommend that you use the North Carolina Dept. of Transporation live websites to check for road closures, etc.  When I was there a couple weeks ago, the Blue Ridge Parkway was still closed in a few places.
https://drivenc.gov/