Not really training, but Blue ridge parkway-4th of july

I ride on the parkway about 10 times a year. It is a great place to ride. I will say that I never go up there and ride on weekends, so I am not sure how much traffic there is then. I usually ride during the week and traffic is light to non-existant.

I normally ride the northern end of the parkway from Cumberland Knob to Doughton Park. While the climbs can be long 2+ miles, most aren't especially steep. But the views are spectacular, and the roads are normally in very good condition. I think it is one of my all time favorite places to ride.

As a family we have been up there numerous times ourselves.  always in a car though.  I never paid attention to the elevation changes, so that is what my concerns are.  I am thinking i will either camp at Stone mountain State park or Mount Pisgah cmapground.  then I will ride 25-30 miles out and 25-30 miles back.  Unless someone has an idea how I can get a ride from the campground 25-30 miles up the BRP and then I will ride back.  I will be by myself in this endeavor.

Edited by frm-fat-2<fat 2011-06-23 8:01 AM

You will definately be doing a lot of climbing. Like I said earlier, most of the grades top out at about 6 or 7% or so, especially in the area you will be staying (Stone Mtn). I never considered riding on the Parkway especially difficult, but it is definately a lot of fun. Most of the descents in that area are pretty straight, so you can easily get over 40mph without having to worry about switchbacks, etc.

Have fun.

I also ride the northern mountains.  Be really careful up there over the 4th however; it gets really dicey.  I'm going mountain riding myself instead during that time.

The parkway around Blowing Rock and the Grandfather Mountain area will be packed during the 4th of July weekend.    The Highland games, the Bear run, the GFM Marathon, the Grizzly bike ride are all in that week.  The parkway is a popular place for locals during the 4th so expect lots of cars if you are in this area of the parkway.