- This Friday I figured I would scoot on up to Sylva, NC for some lunch at LuLu’s On Main. To avoid some of the construction I’m thinking I will have to go up 178 so might as well take in some of the Blue Ridge Parkway along the way. If you would like to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM. Hope to see you then. Dan
- Today there were eight riders that wanted to take a ride into the mountains for some good lunch, cooler temps, and spectacular scenery. Those following Dan included Lesley, Rob, Jim (wing), David, me, Russ, and "Ice Cream" Bob. Due to the ongoing roadwork on Hwy 130, it was an easy decision for Dan to find an alternate route. Taking the long route to get to Hwy 178, we got behind a logging truck that we expected to drop one of his trees at any time. He did try to wave us around, but to paraphrase a familiar sign on the back of many semi trailers, "if you can't see my mirrors, you probably can't see me waving you around either." Oh well... Once we got to Holly Springs, Rob's Beemer got thirsty for a little oil, so he stopped to give it a drink. We paused just long enough to get behind a flat-bed tow truck hauling what looked like a little cabin. I wasn't sure it would make it through the curves and up the hill, but it did, although very slowly. This allowed Rob to catch up rather easily. This time, we could see the wave around and we picked up the pace as we climbed the mountain. By the time we got to the Blue Ridge Parkway, after riding up Hwy 215, the temps were down to the low 70's. As usual, the views from the Parkway are spectacular. After a brief stop at the highest point on the famous road, 6,053 feet atop the Richard Balsam Mountain at milepost 431, we made our way down to Sylva. David skipped lunch because he had "work" to do at home. We suspect it has to do with Clemson's first home game tomorrow, but who knows. The lunch was good, except for the overcooked burger Jim specifically requested he did not want. (note - don't order burger with special cooking instructions at Lulu's). The ride back caused us to catch up with one of the random rain showers, but there wasn't enough to even clean Bob's bike. On Hwy 107, a few miles north of Oconee State Park, I saw my first South Carolina black bear along the road. Probably a juvenile, I just hoped he wasn't ready to bolt across the road. He stayed put and we made it home without incident and a 160+ mile ride for the day. It was definitely another great day on two wheels. Steve
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