Topic: Team Southeast Coastal - Leg #1. FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, WV

[drones76]

I am taking a page from the Michiganders to get this started.  And by started, I mean that literally.  We are going to be the beginning of the tour and it is our job to make a great start.  I need those familiar with the potential routes for the 6 states we are covering (FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, WV) and approximate travel time needed with photo op locations. 

If we get a start date, then the following legs can start to follow suit.  I realize that things may change as we go along. 

Bike week in Daytona is from March 4th until Sunday March 13th, 2011.  A start date for the Relay during or at the end of Bike Week will give a good place/time for riders to meet.  It will also make for a great start if a bunch of bikes from Bike Week heading north are around the Relay group heading up.  I have never been to Bike Week so I don't know if it would be best to wait til the end or leave on one of the last couple of days. 

If anyone in Florida is familiar with a Honda dealership or just a cool place to launch from, post it here or send me a PM.  Of course, the Daytona Speedway would be a great starting point.

Some rough point to points with mileages that are listed here based on looking at the maps.  I put them here to give a basic outline for planning purposes.

Daytona to Jacksonville FL  (93 mi)
Jacksonville to Savannah GA (140 mi)
Savannah to Charleston SC (107 mi)
Charleston to Columbia SC (113 mi)
Columbia to Blue Ridge Parkway - Cherokee NC (200 mi)
Blue Ridge Parkway North to Roanoke VA (300 mi)
Roanoke to Charleston WV (180 mi)
Handoff to the next leg.

Lets get some ideas flowing here. 

[Nikkisixx]

All of us in the Piedmont should get together after the holidays and hash it out over a soda.  I've got all the HD Theatre "Cafe Racer" episodes on the DVR and cold beverages in the fridge.  Y'all are more than welcome here. Anyways, here is what I have in mind:
I can pick up the batton in Columbia.  Drones, let me know when and where.  Around noon would be best for me.

The route I would take from Columbia to Cherokee (176 to 74) goes past at least two old Honda shops on 74 - good photo ops and meeting places there.  A nice fella I know owns a shop in Sandy Run as well.  Cherokee has some cool stuff too.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles, 45 strictly enforced speed limit (which I sometimes ignore much to the dismay of my bank account).  Awesome scenery and great photo ops. It takes about 12 hours drive time end to end (on a good run), a 2 day ride at least.  It goes from Cherokee to Waynesboro VA.  I know of a good motorcycle campground that splits the trip nicely. 

Fellas from Charlotte could meet on 74 heading up to the hills and go as far as they or want make a nice long weekend of it.  Waynesboro to Charlotte via highway (the ride home) is about 6 hours. 

Total ride time for me would be 4-5 days.  1 day Charlotte to Columbia to Cherokee.  3-4 days on the Parkway if I go all the way to Waynesboro.   2-3 days Parkway, one day to East Tennessee if no one comes up in Virginia.

If it meant a lot to some of you, we could hit Deal's Gap.  Markcb750 needs a t-shirt and a sticker     

Who is picking up the ride in VA? 

[blackhog02]

Just my 2cents for the leg out of Charleston, SC.  Both of these are back roads and stay off of I-26.

option 1 - Charleston hwy 78 to Agusta, 28 to Clemson 441 to Franklin TN then catch the parkway.
option 2 Charleston hwy 41 to Andrews to Kingstree 52 to Florence, Darlington, Cheraw SC, Salsbury NC, then backroads (have to get my map out)  to Riders Roost MC campground between Lenor and Wilksboro NC.  then up to the Parkway and beyond.

I can get more detailed and have done both routes and each has it's pros and cons.    

[drones76]

Hog02 and Nikki,

Great suggestions on several routes.  Part of the decision will be based on where the handoff is coming from in GA.  It could come in through Atlanta, Augusta or Savannah.  We have to rally some troops from the deep south.  A natural will be someone leaving Bike Week and heading North for a handoff.  My original plan was to hit as much of the Blue Ridge as possible, because well, it is just that beautiful.  Also, I like the idea that you guys are looking to stay off the Interstates.  No fun there. Let's keep the ideas coming and hopefully we will hear from some FL and GA folks soon.

PS.  A little get together would be a good idea after the new year. 

jon

[nomad]

Too bad your route won't take you up Hwy 12 along NC's Outer Banks.  The Cape Hatteras light house would be a great photo op.  On the north end of 12 you have the Wright Brother's memorial in Kitty Hawk.  Once up there, you could hop on Hwy 64 and that'll take you through the heart of NC to the Blue Ridge Mountains.  There's a lot of good stuff to see in NC... too bad there's not enough time to see it all on the relay.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot... the USS North Carolina permanently docked in Wilmington is pretty cool too.

[drones76]

Too bad your route won't take you up Hwy 12 along NC's Outer Banks.  The Cape Hatteras light house would be a great photo op.  On the north end of 12 you have the Wright Brother's memorial in Kitty Hawk.  Once up there, you could hop on Hwy 64 and that'll take you through the heart of NC to the Blue Ridge Mountains.  There's a lot of good stuff to see in NC... too bad there's not enough time to see it all on the relay.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot... the USS North Carolina permanently docked in Wilmington is pretty cool too.

Amen to everything you said.  That is one of the great things about NC.  You have everything from the Ocean to Mountains.  Unfortunately, we cannot hit all areas on the passthru this time around.  2012 we do the coast run.   

Nothing stopping us from doing something later in the summer or even in the fall that can hit all the corners of this state.   

[nomad]

While in western NC Godzirra should conquer the highest peak in the eastern U.S.

Burnsville - Mount Mitchell is the highest peak (6,685 feet) in the eastern United States.


Ashville - Let him visit the largest privately owned home in America... the Biltmore House.


Chimney Rock - Chimney Rock State Park is kind of cool.  The views would make for a good picture, but the road up to the top would be the draw for me.  They use to race up this 2-ish mile twisting stretch (a hill climb race).  I would bet dollars to donuts it would be a lot of fun to simply take your time on a motorcycle.  They don't race there anymore, but still...

[Markcb750]

I'm for going through the Dragon, a meeting would be great to set it up.  Just let me know.

[bluezboy]

 i live Atlanta, but I'm willing to do the leg from Columbia,SC to Blue Ridge. Who wants to tag team with me?

[Bluto]

I'm in the Gainseville area........I'll jump in for the as much as I can.  There are a couple of us up in this area.

Keep us posted......Bluezboy, Let's keep in touch.

Bill aka Bluto

[blackhog02]

If we hit the parkway in the southern part we could do Mt. Mitchel last time I was there it was june and it was 60 degrees up there!!  ummm Parkway!!! I hear it calling.

[Nikkisixx]

I'm for going through the Dragon, a meeting would be great to set it up.  Just let me know.

Even if we don't work it into this adventure, we will make it out to chew up some dragon tail next year!

[blackhog02]

Anyone know if the Parkway is still closed in parts. I did not make it up last year but the previous 3 years there have been sections between Ashville and Boone that have been closed.

[drones76]

Anyone know if the Parkway is still closed in parts. I did not make it up last year but the previous 3 years there have been sections between Ashville and Boone that have been closed.

Good Call.  We can check as it gets closer to Relay time.  There are currently two minor closures running into the Spring that will have detours.  It does not look like major issues. 


MILEPOST 399 – 405

The Parkway will be closed from Milepost 399 at Pine Mountain Tunnel to Milepost 405 at NC Route 151 beginning November 1, 2010 and continuing into early spring 2011. Due to dangerous conditions in the work zone, all traffic by foot, bicycle, and motor vehicle will be prohibited.  For southbound traffic, follow NC Route 191 to NC Route 280, interconnecting to US Route 276 in Brevard and back to the Parkway south of Pisgah Inn. The detour can be taken in the opposite direction for northbound traffic.

MILEPOST 241 – 244.7

The Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed to all traffic from Milepost 241 near the Bluffs Coffee Shop to Milepost 244.7 at Basin Cove Parking Overlook beginning November 2, 2010, and lasting until Spring 2011. Detour traffic signage will direct Parkway visitors around the closure area via NC Route 18 and US Highway 21. Access to the Bluffs Lodge and Coffee Shop will remain open from the north via the Parkway. Signs will be in place to direct visitors to the Bluffs Lodge and Coffee Shop. Upon completion of the first phase of construction, additional closures and detours will follow between Milepost 218 near Cumberland Knob and Milepost 240.7 near Doughton Park. Project work is scheduled to be complete in the Summer of 2012. Click here for a map of the detour route.

[Blueridgerunner]

Blue Ridge Parkway Mabry Mill MP 176.1  12 miles from my house. I can take it to Roanoke +  BTW it can get cold up here in March, especially in the Mt. Mitchell area

[Don R]

I'm the central division director, my brother is making noises about bike week. We can tow to his daughters  house in Ga. and ride from there. With a little luck maybe we will make it and find you guys there.

[Trav-i]

Sorry for being slow in catching up with everyone.  I'm in Gainesville GA too, and could possibly pick up the batton where needed.  Not sure how far I can take it but, just let me know the details and I will work something out.

Travis

[Bluto]

HI Travis,

Let's stay in touch on this.  Maybe we can pick up around Savannah and go through the S.C. leg and even into N.C prior to them heading north.  I imagine you will be on the "new F model".  I'm game for whatever!
Thanks,

Bill aka Bluto

[wardenerd]

I'm in.  I live in Fayetteville NC and I am good for South and North carolina wherever we go.

[drones76]

Shaping up nicely. 

I have been in contact with a potential mile zero starter.  I will reach out to him again.  Anybody that will be at Bike week, please let me know so we can get a few together that can start the trek heading north.  I really do not want to depend on one person to start it.  Real life gets in the way of some of the fun stuff and we want to have a couple of 'starters'.

[dhall57]

I hope I can get in on some of the ride. I live in Climax,NC. Looking forward to it. Just hope my work schedule will allow it. Have we got the exact dates for the ride ?

[Trav-i]

HI Travis,

Let's stay in touch on this.  Maybe we can pick up around Savannah and go through the S.C. leg and even into N.C prior to them heading north.  I imagine you will be on the "new F model".  I'm game for whatever!
Thanks,

Bill aka Bluto

Hey Bill good to hear from ya!

I've always wanted to check out Savannah area, and what better way to do it then on an old Honda.  I'm game to pick up the relay at that point if it's good with everyone else.  And oh yes, I will be on the F the hardtail is fun but this time I want comfort.

Travis

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I hope I can get in on some of the ride. I live in Climax,NC. Looking forward to it. Just hope my work schedule will allow it. Have we got the exact dates for the ride ?

Hey DHall,

Do I have you on the rider list?? Shoot me a PM and I'll get you added. We're approaching 150 riders on the list so we need you too if not already there. Dates will depend on what your Regional riders work out - early to mid March?

Jerry Griffin
Rally Coordinator 

[Sam Green Racing]

Jerry, I'll be at Atlanta Dragway on the 12th March and at Rockingham NC on the 18th to 20th.
I could take the batton down the strip to it's shortest and fastest leg of the journey.

Good luck guys. Ride safe.

Sam.

[bluezboy]

HI Travis,

Let's stay in touch on this.  Maybe we can pick up around Savannah and go through the S.C. leg and even into N.C prior to them heading north.  I imagine you will be on the "new F model".  I'm game for whatever!
Thanks,

Bill aka Bluto

 I can meet you guys in Columbia and take north from there.