To say I have become enchanted by the Blue Ridge Parkway would be trite, and certainly an overstatement. But the desire to run madly through the hills and mountains of North Carolina is becoming a favorite diversion from the more mundane streets and rural roads of Cabarrus County. With the arrival of each sunny morning comes the urge to check the weather for temperatures and precipitation off to the northwest and push off for another thrill ride. The number of days available to ride continues to match my riding budget, but I can foresee the day when I might have to make a serious choice between a new set of tires for my motorcycle or my car. That's something that Henry Ford and his friend Mr. Firestone never anticipated, but it would likely amuse both of them. I know one thing for certain, it won't amuse my wife when I tell her, "Be careful, Dear, the tires are a little bald," as I ride away solo - leaving her to get groceries by herself.

Colder Temps - Fewer Riders - Better Ride!
Since that bright and glorious weekday run in the middle of October I've found time to ride across the parkway twice again and my conclusions about a mathematical forumla for riding enjoyment are proving true. With each 10 degrees of temperature drop you get about 20% fewer riders (bikers AND cagers) and a corresponding 20% increase in the ability to go well beyond the posted speed limits. Yes, I did advise all riders to carefully observe the 45 mph limit on the parkway and that any lack of concentration could be fatal or, at the very least, painful. That still applies. BUT, as a law enforcement friend of my once said, "It ain't illegal if you don't get caught!" As I become more familiar with certain stretches of this road I am emboldened. Remember that if you read my obituary here.

Today I found the parkway nearly deserted. At one overlook I waited, alone, for over ten minutes to take a photo of a passing cycle. The solitude was also unbroken by autos. I sat there, basking in the mountain sunlight, and contemplated just how drastically the scenery changed in a matter of days. The trees are nearly nude, except for the conifers that lend themselves perfectly to the mood of chill winds flowing across the peaks. The bright colors that brought a smile at every turn just three weeks ago now lie on the forest floor as masses of sodden compost.

All that is left to see are the rocks and the road as it twists along the ridge. Nature, not any government entity or social group, decides when it's time to end the riding season in these mountains and the signs to that effect are obvious. Even now the scenic attraction is strong. But the probablity of snow, and the icy waters running over the roadway, will make this a very dangerous place in a matter of hours. The peaks are much more jagged now, and the intrusion of man is much more visible. Roads and utility easements normally covered by foliage are now seen for what they truly are, viscious slashes against the mountains.

Finally, my patience is rewarded by a few passing cycles and I get a nice shot or two. I was looking for something that would show the bright contrasts of the motorcycle and riders against the stark background of the hills. One shot suits me perfectly; a pair in leather jackets and jeans aboard their shiny Harley really stands out against the bare trees, several distinct layers in focus, with the background fading gently away toward the oncoming winter. Another couple on a new BMW K1200LT shoots by and I grab that shot too. Last week the bright yellow of the passengers jacket would only have been a compliment to the colors of the hillside; but today it is firmly established with the colors of the motorcycle, calling attention to its status as a foreign object.

Another few minutes pass and it's obvious there are going to be few chances for storytelling with photography today. I mount up and head toward Station's Inn at milepost 248. I arrived and found the place nearly empty. It's another sign the season has, for all practical purposes, ended on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I look around while waiting for my sandwich and talk with a couple of other bikers. While wolfing down a really good piece of chicken on a bun I again realize how fortunate I've been in the last few weeks to have found friends on the parkway. Solo riders and in pairs, they are all looking for the same thing you and I seek. The thrill of the road as the bike vibrates under us and our eyes dart around, looking for danger and delight. Guys like Ben who usually rides the parkway alone on his VStar. He doesn't really want to ride alone, but just being on the road makes up for any lack of companionship. Couples like Pam and Bobby who bought a brand new GoldWing this summer and live right at the edge of the parkway, but have only today found the precious moments to sneak away from the kids and the house for some time alone. And still others like Walt and Jean who live in Concord but break away whenever they can to enjoy their new Harley-Davidson.

I frequently find brothers riding the higher elevations of the Carolinas. Today I met Jack and Bobby Royal. Jack's the smart one and Bobby admits he's the older. They were raised at Stone Mountain, just a few miles away. The Blue Ridge was their playground as kids and it offered every adventure possible for boys in high country. Bobby still lives just two miles from the parkway and Jack a piece down the hill, at Statesville. The roads of the Blue Ridge keep them together as they will quickly tell you. When the morning sun greets the ridge with the promise of a calm day you can find them rolling along, making jokes about being hillbillies but enjoying everything that comes with the lifestyle.

It's growing cold and windy up here and it's probable that snow will fly before midnight. By then all of us will be safe at home, with our motorcycles out of the weather and our dreams filled with wishes for more great days like today. Up on the mountain the wind will blow stronger and push the very last leaves from the already barren trees. The quiet will be unbroken by the sounds of our motors. And that is how a great season should end.

Remember, "Ride today - Tommorow you may not be able!"

-LW