Day 5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Blowing Rock to Little Switzerland

My best day yet on the BRP. Only 45 miles. Even with a lot of climbing (4500'), this day was almost half the mileage/climb we experienced on Day 1. It was so weird to end the ride before lunch.

My legs are getting better every day. I am still taking it easy, but I did put the "heat" on a couple of times today. We had an amazing descent today. Jettie was super happy during the ride, but is now in considerable pain due to painful undercarriage issues. She's never had these problems before, but now she is worse shape than me.

We are staying in yet another cool little resort in another cool little town. This is the best facation ever... Here are the photos for the day.



Here's Trevor with the "horse brass" piece I found in a Blowing Rock antique shop. It says "Devon" which is where Trevor lives in England.


A beautiful painted lady as we leave Blowing Rock.


A nice little lake on the other side of the Parkway. I should have crossed the road to get a better shot, but must have been tired or on a climb!



Beautiful pavement for miles...


Fall color! We are increasing our elevation now, maybe at 4000' in elevation. They say we are having an early fall showing here on the BRP. Usually it hits the second week of October. Lucky us!


More waterfalls.



Hmmm, not sure who that is. Jett and Janie?


Me and Thurman with the Linn Viaduct ahead of us.


About to enter that viaduct. I was a little afraid! I have a fear of heights...


On the V!


Here's Paul on the V with me.


And happy at our rest stop. Seated are Trevor, Pat, Paul, Jett, Janie, me, and Thurman standing behind us.


Photos do not do these scenes justice.


A very beautiful overlook. It gave me a little vertigo coming down on this.


The view up the steps from the overlook.


Everything here is gorgeous. Railings, steps, walls, everything is natural and beautiful.


The same goes for Paul's amazing legs. Sigh....


Here are Paul's collection of stickers on the van. Fun!








Here's our route sheet for the day. Look at that lovely stepped downhill in the middle. Then the rad downhill 3/4 of the way in. Very fun. Jett clocked her max speed on that downhill well in the mid-40s.


Back at the overlook. This time with the crew. I think that is Thurman and for sure that is Paul.



Trevor, Paul, Thurman, Jett, Janie, Pat, me!



One of my favorite sights on the BRP!


More lovely downhills ahead.


Here's Thurman within 2 miles of the finish.


And Paul.


And Jettie heading in. She was EFI for the day.


Oh and a short, but still scary tunnel. We will have a longer tunnel tomorrow, then some major dark and scary tunnels on the last day. Only 2 more days of cycling!