"Beginners Beware"

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > North Carolina

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 7 visitors

State: North Carolina

Date Submitted: May 1, 2000
Submitted by: Ross Russo
Motorcycle Road Length: Miles

Written Directions

I usually start my ride out of Marion, NC off of hwy 70. Head west out of Marion and grab hwy 80 going north all the way up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head north/east on the Blue Ridge Parkway to hwy 226a (Little Switzerland). Head south on 226a until it intersects with 226 and head back north on 226 back up to the parkway. North on the parkway to 221 and where you want to get on 221 heading south and back down to hwy 70/Marion.

To get to the suggested starting point in Marion, from Charlotte head north on I-77 to I-40 west. from Ashville, NC take I-40 east into Marion.

Scenery

If you dare to take your eyes off the road you will see some of NC's awesome mountain scenery. Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "Taken above the "Cradle of Forestry". Take the Parkway West towards Mt. Pisgah; its the last overlook before you come to highway 276 (which takes you to Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the Cradle of Forestry). Its a beautiful ride, not too difficult."

Road Quality

There are some steep drops and lots of tight curves. Hwy 80 can be "interesting" if you encounter a log truck. Traffic is generally light and only locals. 80 is on the narrow side, and has a significant grade. Usually the pavement is in decent to good shape (new blacktop summer of 2001). Curves are banked just right. 226a, 226, and 221 are generally a little more traveled by those dreaded 4 wheel cages but also a lot of fun.

Roadside Amenities

There are several food and fuel establishments in Marion, NC including an ice cream shop at the intersection 80 and 70. Little Switzerland also has food and lodging. There is a country store at the bottom of 226A that serves burgers and dogs and fuel. There are also several food establishments along the parkway in various locations.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Visit North Carolina web site.

Nickname (optional) Ross Russo

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Reviewed by Guest on April 19, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Jeff
motorcycle_year: 2011
motorcycle_make: Suzuki
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: This road is a great road to ride! I only live less that 5 miles from it and one reason it is one of the last great roads in NC is because there has not been alot of people that knew about it untill the last few years. Now it is getting all this attintion it will be just like the Dragon or 421 in TN. or 181 in NC. It can continue to be a great road to ride as long as everyone comes and rides it and shows this road the respect in deserves because it will Bite, and it will Bite you hard! If you slip up its a long way down the side of the mountain!!!! So come ride and enjoy, but please be carefull!
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Reviewed by Guest on March 29, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Daniel
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: I truly think HW80 and 226 are more fun than the dragon. The elevation change is incredible! But seriously be careful, there is no room for error on this ride. With rock walls on your right and blind right turns, you should be ever vigilant for those 1000 foot drops and trucks not in their lanes!
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Reviewed by Guest on February 11, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Jen
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: I love this ride! It is probably my favorite of all the trips we make. However the Beginners Beware advice is for real, but it�s a heck of an adrenaline rush!
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Reviewed by Guest on August 19, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: concerned rider
motorcycle_year: 2010
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Other
Comment: caution on 226a. They are setting up speed traps as of this year. Looking for some extra money for the area
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Reviewed by Guest on August 8, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Jennie
motorcycle_year: 2000
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: Took this route with some friends today. It was alot of fun. However that is what we enjoy, the twisties! Agreed, its not for beginners! My only issues were that 80 was not in great condition, needs paved & it was trashy. Lots of gravel limbs in the road. I am hoping it's just from the recent storms in this area. We will go back to find out.
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Reviewed by Guest on September 23, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Steve Moore
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: This road seperates the bikers from the posers. Beware!! tends to take chrome off the mufflers and my kidneys hurt for a week after my girlfriend finally let go. Don't ride this to prove anything. It's deceptive and unforgiving. Deserves a 10 but I'm always looking for the "next greatest".
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Reviewed by Guest on August 29, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: mark
motorcycle_year: 2001
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Rode 70-80 a couple of years ago to get to the park way. Not my kind of riding on a Harley. Miles of switch backs.
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