 Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Thanks Mike. I don't know the area well enough....., yet. I do know Linville and Newland are closer than Boone. In fact,  how about you putting together some riding routes? Here's another... anyone up for whitewater rafting? yota (believe it or not) offered to look into that. Might be cool, eh?
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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 Tonight I'll PM you a few of my favorites, for what they're worth. Tomorrow morning I'm going to head up that way, probably to down around the Little Switzerland area, if the rain holds off.
'05 America
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Phil,
Normally over July 4th I would be at my Moms place on Beech Mountain, but this year I get to take a cruise from Cape Canaveral, FL to Oxnard, CA via the Panama Canal. I would like to say this cruise was for fun, but unfortunately it is for work.
Take a ride up Beech Mountain to Fred's General Store and have breakfast or lunch. Another good ride is down to Mount Mitchell State Park. You can almost ride up to the top of the mountain. About half way down the mountain is the State Park lodge where you can stop for lunch. I did that ride last year and there were lots of bikes there.
Your place on Sugar Mountain, it isn't that big condo complex that looks like it belongs in the projects is it? Most people consider that place an eye sore, but it is a good land mark when you need to get your bearings.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Thanks Tom.
Nope, we are not in that behemoth. Ours has about 6 units. Called the Crest.
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Dang Tom. Work gets in the way. Too bad I was hoping you could make it.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Thanks guys for the accomodation information. I can see there is no shortage which makes it harder sight unseen to get the right place.
Ideally I would like a cabin on a lake or river but Parkview looks good. Phil, Saturday looks good for meeting up and some riding.
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Well I can personallty vouch for the Super8 in Boone... nice rooms and an indoor pool... sweeeeeeeet....
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Boone. If our English Yankee friend had been on time in Asheville we would have made Fancy Gap and I could have rode down to Mayberry er Mount Airy that evening.  Man I want to see if that sign is still displayed at that one Front Royal diner. 6 days and counting till the cold mountain air of Western NC...
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
Boone. If our English Yankee friend had been on time in Asheville we would have made Fancy Gap and I could have rode down to Mayberry er Mount Airy that evening.
Man I want to see if that sign is still displayed at that one Front Royal diner.
6 days and counting till the cold mountain air of Western NC...
He (Moe) lies awake at night dreaming of Floyd's barbershop.
Last edited by Ryan7771; 06/24/2007 9:28 AM.
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Moe,
Normally I am up there for the 4th, but work is definitely going to get in the way, and for about the next 16 months. Due to work I will be spending Xmas and New Years in Hawaii. Now normally most people would think Hawaii would be a great place to be over the holidays, but I have been there and done that, and it isn't that great after the 4th or 5th time.
Not sure of the schedule, but I think the weekend after the 4th of July is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. If you get a chance go, it really is interesting, and it is the largest Highland Games gathering in the US. At some point during the Highland Games Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk should have a concert with a lot of the musicians from the games, including several pipe and drum bands.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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So Phil, got any camping sites on the front lawn? Or is the front lawn straight down? Seriously any camp sites close by? Mike
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Heh, heh. Front lawn is about a 70 degrees slant! Here's three places I Googled using the term 'Banner Elk camping'. Grandfather Campground http://www.grandfatherrv.com125 Riverside Dr, Banner Elk - (828) 963-7275 Christie Way Fishing Village http://www.christiewayfishing.com890 Edgar Tufts Rd, Banner Elk - (828) 898-9242 Mast General Store & Annex http://www.mastgeneralstore.com3565 Nc Highway 194 S, Banner Elk - (828) 963-6511
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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70 degrees??? he wont need no stinking pillow.
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Quote:
Boone. If our English Yankee friend had been on time in Asheville we would have made Fancy Gap and I could have rode down to Mayberry er Mount Airy that evening.
I swear I left the house on time that day, I just didn't know that there would be someone a few miles ahead of me tying up traffic by trying to ram their truck underneath an RV.
I don't have any room for camping gear on the Daytona so I'm just going to wing it and figure it out when I get there. I'll arrive Saturday afternoon (probably right before a meal is ready) and then leave on Monday morning.
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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here is a link to the blueridgeparkway.org site listing accomodations round Beech Mountain.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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alright...I get to ride the Daytona.
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
alright...I get to ride the Daytona.
OK. What aeroport are you flying into this time?!
The Tri-Cities Regional Airport, TN/VA, is a public airport located adjacent to Blountville, Sullivan County, Tennessee. Your ride to Phil's 60 miles.
The Hickory Regional Airport is a public airport located three miles (5 km) west of the central business district (CBD) of Hickory, a city in Catawba County, North Carolina, USA. Your ride to Phil's 66 miles.
Riding from Adairville: Priceless er 364 miles
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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OK, here's some details. Coming in from the East from 105, turn onto 184. Go a couple/few miles and at the bottom of the hill, look for the Sugar Mountain sign (it's huge and there's also a blinking yellow light right there). Turn left at the sign and head up the mountain on Sugar Mountain Drive. Stay on the main road (it turns into Highland Drive) and this main road is marked with a somewhat faded yellow center line like in this picture:  Once you get just past the Highlands condos, take Sugar Tree Lane up and to the right. Once you top out, it curves to the left and starts heading down a bit. Just past the houses, you should see our condos:  Go all the way down to the right and ours is the last one on the right, unit 'H' If you go here, I have map and a couple of aerial photos of the road in. Click on the map/photo and then click on the full size button.
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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I will be arriving in the area Friday July 6, probably around 7pm...got a room in Boone Friday and Saturday nights at the Red Carpet Inn. I hope I don't miss all the fun, but have to save vacation days for NH next month. Also, if anyone's interested, I'm planning to ride up the BRP from Boone to Fancy Gap, VA on Sunday the 8th. I've got a little cabin to check on up there, and then will come home from there (down 52 toward Winston Salem).  Will
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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The Sagebrush steakhouse in Boone is purty decent.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Will, Have you ever ridden US321? I was thinking about rolling North on 321 from Hardeeville SC (or Columbia) to Hickory. Yeah I know this is WAY South of you. Thanks. I'll buy you a beer in Banner Elk if Greg loans me some money! 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Whenever we are up there we always stop and eat at the Mellow Mushroom, it is the best pizza in the area.  There is one in Boone just off the ASU campus and they have one in downtown Blowing Rock. Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Hmm, not much help there...I've only been on 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. What's that, something like 10 miles? It looks like it would be a fun ride on the map, though...  Will
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Thanks. I'll give it a try!  957 Rivers St, Boone, NC 155 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC
Last edited by moe; 06/27/2007 3:01 PM.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Well then. I won't have to borrow any money form the Yank.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Quote:
Whenever we are up there we always stop and eat at the Mellow Mushroom, it is the best pizza in the area. There is one in Boone just off the ASU campus and they have one in downtown Blowing Rock.
Tom
One of my favorites!!
'05 America
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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funny you bring that up Moe...I'm thinking of coming out in the Cessna.
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Quote:
Will,
Have you ever ridden US321? I was thinking about rolling North on 321 from Hardeeville SC (or Columbia) to Hickory. Yeah I know this is WAY South of you. Thanks. I'll buy you a beer in Banner Elk
if Greg loans me some money!
IMHO, with the exception of the NC mountain parts, the SC portion of 321 is much better than the NC portion. It gets you off of the interstate in SC, and the roads are good. I'm in Rock Hill, SC, and I often travel to Columbia on 321 on the bike, since my Triumph dealer is in Batesburg. Straight roads, but a lot better than the slabs. Lots of historic areas close to 321 also.
On the NC side, you will slow down a lot going thru Gastonia. After that, it is mostly a boring 4-lane all the way to Hickory. You slow down again going from Hickory to Lenior, where it seems like there are red lights every 50 feet. Of course, once you get past Lenior you are climbing up toward Blowing Rock, so it gets fun again. But I think even entering the mountains that way is still a more crowded direction to come from.
I live just a few miles from 321 outside of Rock Hill and York, and York might be a place to consider changing from 321 to something else. Let me know, and I can send you a couple of alternate routes that we use here.
Mike
'05 America
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Well, here's a question for ya'll. We are coming up I95 to I26. I then figured getting to 221 for the rest of the way into Banner Elk.
Anyone have an opinion on a better (as in faster) way to get there? I drove 321 and it had a lot of road construction up in the mountains last time we went that way. 421 is too far out of the way. My in-laws take 95 > 26 > 77 > 421 which I did once. Talk about the long way around!
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Well, for one it's "y'all" and not "ya'll". As far as slab/fast goes, 95 to 26 to 77 to 421 looks like it'll do it. I'm going to try 181 through Morganton on my way up. Your best way to get there from 95/26/77 is to exit at Rte 16 (Brookshire Pkwy) just north of downtown Charlotte, take that to Conover, take 40 to Morganton, take 18/181 through Morganton, 105 through Linville (or take the bypass, just remember to get back to 105), then 184 towards Norwood Hollow and Sugar Mtn.
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I think typing ya'll instead of y'all is against the AUP.
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Been looking at all these route suggestions and am not sure anymore how I'm going to do it from Spartanburg. All I DO know is I'm doing it. See y'all there.
SteveB
"I live the life I love and I love the life I live."
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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'Proper' spelling for idiomatic speech?? Now that's funny!!  btw, I want everyone to know that this is NOT a rally. There will be tons of riding and tons of fun but we are planning on other 'activities' also. Like hiking, sightseeing, condo repairs/maintenance, etc. Ya'll are absolutely welcome on any and all the fun stuff but just be forewarned, OK?
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Joined: May 2005
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Well, for one it's "y'all" and not "ya'll". As far as slab/fast goes, 95 to 26 to 77 to 421 looks like it'll do it. I'm going to try 181 through Morganton on my way up. Your best way to get there from 95/26/77 is to exit at Rte 16 (Brookshire Pkwy) just north of downtown Charlotte, take that to Conover, take 40 to Morganton, take 18/181 through Morganton, 105 through Linville (or take the bypass, just remember to get back to 105), then 184 towards Norwood Hollow and Sugar Mtn.
Couldn't agree more. 181 out of Morganton, to Jonas Ridge and Linville, is my favorite way to Sugar area. Fast ride, with great scenery.
There are several good roads leading into Morganton. I go 161 thru York to Kings Mountain (where the new Indian plant is), 216/274 to Cherryville, then 274/27/18 to Morganton. Very popular way to hills from northern SC. The roads are scenic, with not a lot of traffic. You will see other bikes this way.
Of course, any roads that feed north off of 74 in NC are good country, foothills rides. 74 west of Shelby is great riding, and is an excellent way to head north to Morganton, Marion, Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and even the Asheville, Hendorsonville, Brevard areas.
Also, 421 is definitely a FAST way from the interstate into the mountains. If the traffic in Boone is bad, however, it will take a while to get to Sugar. If speed is still the requirement for getting to Sugar, I still think Greg's Morganton idea is good. Another good, fast way to get to Morganton is to take 485 around Charlotte, I-85 to Gastonia, and then 321 (4-lane, boring, but fast) to Hickory and I-40. Morganton is just a short hop down I-40, but it will lead into the Sugar side of the mountains instead of the Brevard side.
Well, I know this is  , but hope it helps FWIW.
Ride safe
'05 America
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Joined: Jan 2005
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Quote:
btw, I want everyone to know that this is NOT a rally.
Does this mean there won't be any patches? Hmmm, I'm not sure if I'll have the time off.... (j/k)
Quote:
condo repairs/maintenance, etc.
then again, maybe I'm not kidding 
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Quote:
but it will lead into the Sugar side of the mountains instead of the Brevard side.
oops, I meant "instead of the Blowing Rock side."
Idiot!!
'05 America
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Mike,
I was thinking about rolling 321 out of Columbia to York. Then rolling Northwest on 5 to Blacksburg then north on 18 to Morganton. The yank is rolling 176 to 18...
However, If you think I can make pretty good time on 321 out of Hardeeville (Savannah) I think I may roll that way. I am trying to make it too at least to Columbia Saturday about 450 miles. Riding solo I would shoot for at least Shelby NC. (570 miles)
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
There are several good roads leading into Morganton. I go 161 thru York to Kings Mountain (where the new Indian plant is), 216/274 to Cherryville, then 274/27/18 to Morganton. Very popular way to hills from northern SC. The roads are scenic, with not a lot of traffic. You will see other bikes this way.
Of course, any roads that feed north off of 74 in NC are good country, foothills rides. 74 west of Shelby is great riding, and is an excellent way to head north to Morganton, Marion, Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and even the Asheville, Hendorsonville, Brevard areas.
Also, 421 is definitely a FAST way from the interstate into the mountains. If the traffic in Boone is bad, however, it will take a while to get to Sugar. If speed is still the requirement for getting to Sugar, I still think Greg's Morganton idea is good. Another good, fast way to get to Morganton is to take 485 around Charlotte, I-85 to Gastonia, and then 321 (4-lane, boring, but fast) to Hickory and I-40. Morganton is just a short hop down I-40, but it will lead into the Sugar side of the mountains instead of the Brevard side.
Well, I know this is , but hope it helps FWIW.
Ride safe
Slabbing it to Columbia then taking your route from there, I am seriously considering. Just a measly 616 miles! Total trip to Phil's condo. THANKS!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I thought this was going to be a party. I don't want to hang out with a bunch of old farts & talk about the good old days. 
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: NC Mountains, July 4th
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Mike,
I was thinking about rolling 321 out of Columbia to York. Then rolling Northwest on 5 to Blacksburg then north on 18 to Morganton. The yank is rolling 176 to 18...
However, If you think I can make pretty good time on 321 out of Hardeeville (Savannah) I think I may roll that way. I am trying to make it too at least to Columbia Saturday about 450 miles. Riding solo I would shoot for at least Shelby NC. (570 miles)
Moe:
Yeah, Hwy 5 to 18 is a good idea also. I use it to get to Shelby - in fact I used 5 last weekend to get to Marion and the Little Switzerland area. 18 is especially a nice ride. The only problems with 5 are the construction (it used to be listed as one of the most dangerous roads in the state, until the current widening project), and the traffic. However, neither should be a big deal on the weekend.
If you are going to do 321 out of Columbia, then Columbia would probably be a good place to stay for the night. While 321 above the city is a good ride, there are not many places to stay. If you get past Columbia on Saturday and are on 321, you may need to either try to get to Kings Mountain or Shelby, or, if not that far, scoot over to Rock Hill for a room.
Regardless, Sunday should be an easy, good day of riding.
Sounds fun 
'05 America
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