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Safe Bicycling | Extended Trips
Ranging in elevation
from 600 to 6000 feet, the Parkway encompasses a variety of weather
conditions, regardless of season. We encourage you to become familiar
with Parkway resources and services before beginning your cycling trip.
To ensure safe and enjoyable
bicycling on day or overnight trips, planning is important. We suggest you carry: (1)
plenty of water and high energy foods; (2) clothing for safety and protection from adverse
weather conditions; and (3) some form of identification.
Wear a bicycle helmet
Be sure your bicycle is in good
operating condition. Carry a spare tube and tools for minor repairs.
Wear high visibility clothing. It sets
you apart from the scenery and makes you more visible to motorists.
Avoid the Parkway during periods of
low visibility. Fog and rain may occur unpredictably. Reschedule your trip for better
weather or follow lower elevation routes until weather conditions improve.
Exercise caution
when riding through tunnels. Please be sure your bicycle is equipped
with the proper lights or reflectors. There are 26 tunnels in North
Carolina and one tunnel in Virginia.
Temperatures vary
greatly along the Parkway due to different elevations. Wear your clothing
in layers if possible.
Safe drinking
water is available at all picnic areas, campgrounds, concession operations
and visitor centers. Water from streams and springs is unsafe for
drinking unless you purify it.
Make an honest
evaluation of your abilities before beginning a bicycle trip on the
Parkway. In some sections, you will climb as much as 1100 feet in
3.4 miles.
When cycling in a group, adjust your
spacing to allow motor vehicles to pass safely.
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Some Parkway campgrounds and services
are located too far apart for convenient cycling.
Camping is permitted
only at established campgrounds. In some areas US Forest Service,
State Park and private campgrounds are within easy distance of the
Parkway. However, many operate on a seasonal basis.
Food and lodging services are also
available along and adjacent to the Parkway. Most operate seasonally.
To assist in planning your trip,
consult the Parkway Map and Blue Ridge Parkway Directory.
Carry a simple first aid kit when
possible.
Please contact
a ranger before leaving a motor vehicle parked overnight on the Parkway.
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