Blue Ridge Parkway - Am I insane??

[Thorn]

I've got a few 65-100 mile rides in already this season, so mileage (for flats) is not too much of a worry (except for 6 days in a row of them). It's the elevation day after day after day....

Just remember to pack those compression socks for wearing to dinner. Seriously. I didn't have them for that trip, but since then I always wear them. Even our strong climbers got sore.

Do you mind if I send your photo link to my co-riders (for a little inspiration)?
They're beautiful (and a little ominous with the fog).

Share away. Personally, I love the fog shots now--at the time it was a little frustrating getting to the top of a climb and not getting to savor the view.

Re: the fog....is that more common in the fall - like October - vs. earlier in the season...late summer, say? Or is it likely to occur at any time?

I really don't know. I do know that the group we went with does 2 trips a year (spring and fall) and hasn't had the fog since. My guess, tho, is that it isn't completely uncommon, at least in the southernmost sections. After all, it is just outside the Smokey Mountains.

That said, we have a tendancy to always seem to attract unusual weather when we travel. Rain is the norm for us, even in the dessert and in areas under drought. Heck, we saw rain in Death Valley!

I'm still debating the bike. On my road bike, the biggest cassette my rear derailleur can handle is a 27 (it currently has a 25 with a 34 up front). However, I SHOULD have my new commuter by the time this trip starts - basically a flat bar road bike with a 32 on the back. And disc brakes for the screaming descents! I'm debating taking that bike on the ride. But it gives me precious little time to break it in and get used to it before I"m placing a lot of demands on it.

As a flatlander, the 34-27 would concern me, but I'm not that strong of a rider. With continuous days of hills, I'd be tempted by the commuter even if it was a bit heavy and new-ish. On day 3, having a gear that normally is too low might provide a nice break and let you enjoy the scenery.

If it is any consolation, I took a brand new touring bike on a trip once. I took delivery of the bike in February and there were absolutely no days to shake it out before we left. It worked out fine--but then my LBS is really meticulous.

Oh, are you staying, perchance in Little Switzerland? If so, get the GPS coordinates of the hotel--there is one that is 20 feet off the parkway if you carry your bike over the grass or 3 miles off the parkway on twisty roads with large trucks if you follow road directions. Trust me. Take the grass option.

But, really, I'm jealous.....and looking forward to your ride report.