MG Midget Forum

So, I am planning to drive the full length of Skyline Drive and the Blue ridge Parkway in the Midget in June. Has anyone here done that? I hope to camp along the way in campgrounds using a Hennessy Hammock (a tent/hammock), unless the weather is real bad. I have used it on a long motorcycle trip, and it was great.

One concern is access to gas stations along the way. Another is how to deal with having food with bears around (general camping advice).

I think I'll take a week to do it North to South; taking my time.

Gregg

Blue Ridge is a beautiful drive with some of the best curvy roads you are going to find. But take your time and enjoy it because it is well patrolled and the speed limit is like 45 mph max with a lot of 25 and 35 mph zones. I imagine tourists leave a lot of speeding fine $$$ in the local coffers.

I have driven on sections of it North and South of the Asheville area, so I know what it's like. I plan to take it easy; perfect for the Midget.

A buddy and I drove part of the Blue Ridge Parkway once on the way to a race at VIR. Those curvy and hilly roads caused the front brakes on his Dodge minivan to overheat and catch fire even though he was observing the 45 mph speed limit. We were pulling a trailer with a '68 Midget on it and the trailer had no brakes. Might have had something to do with it. lol

Your midget is good for 150+miles on a tank
I’ve done it on a bike with 100 mile range many times over the last 30 years. Gas never a problem.
Take your time, enjoy, take pics, don’t speed on the parkway as noted above or you will have souvenirs.
If you feel the need for speed, take a couple days around Western NC (74,19,129,28,143) and the Cherohala Skyway
A week is the right amount of time.
Plenty of online guides for side trips.
Not a camper, can’t help there.

I’ve driven it many times. First up was in 1986 in a brand new RX7, from Asheville, NC to Lynchburg, VA.

Next run was from Lynchburg, VA. to Cherokee, NC.

Since then a small pack of us have driven our classic Minis numerous times from Front Royal, VA. to just north of the NC state line. This coming October will be the same trip in Minis centered around a British car show in Waynesboro, VA. where Mini is the “featured marque”.

Next up after that I will again be working on a Spridget run. I tried to organize one a couple of years ago but could not get enough takers.

Take a break from hammock camping for one night and treat yourself to a very fine dinner and a room at the Peaks of Otter Lodge, situated right along the Parkway in Bedford, VA.

As you may be aware, the route maps and informational guides available on-line indicate the location of fuel availability and lodging opportunities (if needed) with mileage markers indicated.

Cell service enroute will be somewhat sketchy. Enjoy the ride, the scenery and the tranquility.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-17 09:43 PM by Scargo.

I was planning on not making any reservations because I'm not sure of the timing of when I'll be where. Do you think I'd be able to get a room at the Otter Lodge just showing up there in mid-June?

I am getting a few guidebooks and maps. Also will be using a Garmin for some navigating given the spotty cell service. GW

Give them a call now and ask about the possibility of doing a walk/in. You might have to wait until May 1 because I think they may still be closed for the winter.

My son rode his 500cc Royal Enfield (India manufacture) from CT to Ashville one year going back to college, and said the ride from Charlottesville VA to Ashville on the BRP was the best day on a MC in his life.
I've driven Skyline Dr, and if there's no traffic it's tough staying at 45 mph.

Actually the BRP is Federal Property and the fines collected go to the Feds. Not certain but I think a portion goes to the Park Service. Locals jurisdictions don't receive anything. I believe that Skyline Drive is the same situation.

Hi. If you are camping and if allowed you need to take a gun to deal with the bears, I had a really big bugger cross my path when hiking there a few years ago, nothing but a gun would stop him if he decided he wanted something. Enjoy, it's a great drive.

That sounds like a wonderful drive to do. I never been on the Skyline drive just seen it from the interstate when towing a trailer and race car to Summit Point. I have been all over the BRP. OK this is a kind mountain road joke, while the BRP is one best scenic rides in the US, we jokily say, as an Appalachian mountain we locals call it a interstate, as in there are way more curvy roads, and that might make for nice diversion for you to sample, the Tail of the Dragon is the most famous one, but roads like the Dragon are a dime a dozen. I might suggest an overnight stay in Brevard, NC, with ride from the BRP down HWY 276 to Brevard, NC, that section goes thru the Pisgah Natiional Forest and is a mind blowing curvy road, with lots of cool roadside stops, a water fall, a water slide and even a museum, it as good as it gets in the Appalachins. Also Bevard is a cool little town, lots of neat shops and places to eat, and get a good craft beer. Also just beyond the HWY 276 exit maybe 3-5 miles is the Pisgah Inn, a nice place to grab a bite to eat or even spend the night in the lodge, also nice views.

Right now I have both of my MGBs in my shop needing a engine rebuild, and people want to know why I want to get the street MGB done first. It is simple because I miss the Appalachians, more than I miss the race track, the Appalachians are truly God's country.

There are many videos about Hwy 276, the section for the BRP to Brevard and then on the other size of Brevard back to HWY 11 like you heading toward my hometown, Greenville SC, and I think that section is even more interesting as for the curves than the Pisgah Forest side. You will find nice curvy roads are plentiful in the Appalachians. Enjoy your ride, and welcome to the Carolinas

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Hap Waldrop
Acme Speed Shop
864-370-3000
Website: www.acmespeedshop.com
hapwaldrop@acmespeedshop.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-22 06:29 AM by Speedracer.

Having a decent offensive line also helps.

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79' Midget with a Weber Carb and more beer than gas.

Hap,

I hear you! It's just that the BRP is on my bucket list. On the return trip back to New York, I will be driving a different route, and thanks for the tip for other great roads. My son lives in Asheville, so I know about Brevard and have been down that way. Certainly you could spend a lifetime exploring great roads across this region.

Gregg

The BRP is so worth it, I think you could make a diversion off of it to some of the more curvy roads and then you have the perfect road trip. I noticed in late summer, people all over the side of the road on BRP, Parkway and wondering why. I then found out they were picking berries, blueberries and blackberries, they are everywhere. Our club did a ride there many years ago with that in mind, and it was a lot of fun. The Appalachians has so much to offer. I hope you have a wonderful drive Gregg.

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Hap Waldrop
Acme Speed Shop
864-370-3000
Website: www.acmespeedshop.com
hapwaldrop@acmespeedshop.com