SPYDER TRIP DAY 4
Back up on the BRP before 9 AM
After looking at a map I decided to take US 221 out of Boone to US 21, through Sparta to the BRP. Once US 221 leaves US 421 it becomes a better ride. Some of it is 4 lane, but much of it is a twisty two lane road with many curves, many of which are not well signed. What this means is that the speed limit may be 50 or 55, but if you are not paying attention you may find yourself coming into many corners “too hot”. You need to pay attention.
Looking over the seat into the hazy morning sun
Once on the BRP off of US 21 the ride becomes sublime. It is unfortunate that the BRP is closed in places because you could spend a week of days riding this excellent road somewhat in isolation. On this trip I found traffic generally light, especially as I have gotten on the road each day of the trip by 7:30. I don’t ride at extremely high speeds on the BRP, but I do ride at a pace that is somewhat challenging. The focus becomes how well you can “operate” the machine, what gear you are in going into turns, your line through the turns, and when to roll on the power exiting the turn. Lots of fun.
Historical marker just before the Virginia border.
I timed it so that I could have lunch once again at the Lakeview Restaurant MM 200 in Fancy Gap VA. Back on the road by 12:30. I had plenty of time to ride 75 miles to my exit for Roanoke. I found an overlook around MM 150 to take an afternoon break, during which I finished the book I was reading. A leisurely ride of around 25 miles was left, during which I saw the only two Park Rangers of the trip. As I descended into the Roanoke River valley the temperature, and the humidity, rose significantly. I pulled into a gas station to fill up and saw I had ridden 187 miles today. I took off the long sleeve shirt I was wearing for the 10 minute ride to the hotel. Checked in by 3:15, watched a movie, some news, planned to go out for dinner around 7 PM. Tomorrow will be utilitarian, as was the first day of the trip. The first 1 1/2 hours will be on the Interstate from Roanoke up to Stephen’s City where I will get on US 340 and navigate to Fredrick MD, and then onto my route circumventing Baltimore. There will be some very good riding tomorrow, through the Maryland horse country around Baltimore. As nice as some of the ride will be, it won’t be the BRP!
An overlook just before Roanoke that features a classic primitive log cabin
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