Preserve tht Blue Ridge Parkway

[bldrman]

As much as most of us have enjoyed the Parkway when given the opportunity, I'm wondering if most of us ever consider who or what preserves the trails, plants, flower beds, repairs storm damage, etc. I always assumed it was the ever present hand of "Big Brother" that waved majestically over the area and kept it pristine! As a matter of fact, it was one of the very few positive thoughts I had about "Big Brother". The truth is that the government has cut spending in areas like maintaining the Parkway, and much of the general upkeep falls into the hands of volunteer groups. Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of these groups that works strictly with volunteers in doing a great deal to preserve the Parkway as we know it (and as we want to know it from now on). I urge you to visit their site at friendsbrp.org to find out more about them. I've been sending a nominal sum in donation to them for at least a dozen years now, and am repaid by a very nice stick on "Friends" emblem suitable for M/C or car, and profound thank you. Charles Peters, a friend in the Richmond BMW riders, made me aware of them all those years ago. I urge you to visit their web site, and see if there's any way you feel you might help.

Also, I've subscribed to Blue Ridge Country Magazine for as long as I've known about "Friends". It's unbelievable how interesting the stories are that surround the Parkway. This magazine captures the essence of those sometimes timeless tales about the area. Music, brothels, mining, timber, personalities, family feuds, even M/C stories are all there. I await the arrival of Blue Ridge Country every other month with the same anticipation that I afford Rider. The normal subscription price for 6 issues is $17.95, but I did find it for $12.28 at allmagazineprices.com. Visit blueridgecountry.com to check out the magazine. This is brash advertisement I know, but I personally enjoy contributing to the things in my life that give me such pleasure. However, if it's a monetary choice between this, and your registration at 2012 Fall Colors, well, we know you'll keep your priorities straight!! Syd

[leonardlloyd]

Thanks,
I am interested even though it is not likely I will ever ride the Parkway by motorcycle, but perhaps drive by car one day.

[stevegrab]

Good info Syd, will check them out.

[RIDEMYST]

I agree, Syd.
You can also contribute to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.
http://brpfoundation.org/
Unfortunately, North Carolina is discontinuing the BRP license plate which has generated funds for the Parkway.
If you are a NC resident you should be contacting your State Representatives to fight this. -JEP-

[BlueRidgeGal]

We have enjoyed the Blue Ridge Country magazine in our household for years. Over the past several issues, BRC has selected some excellent "restaurants" choices along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

You can view the Foodie Tour Part 1 here - http://blueridgecountry.com/current-...ur-part-1.html
Foodie Tour Part 2 - http://blueridgecountry.com/current-...ur-part-1.html
Foodie Tour Part 3 - http://blueridgecountry.com/blue-rid...ur-part-3.html
Foodie Tour Part 4 - http://blueridgecountry.com/current-...-counties.html

General information about the magazine can be found at this site: http://blueridgecountry.com/

The Commonwealth of Virginia also offers a Blue Ridge Parkway specialty license tag for purchase with a portion of the funds going directly to the BRP.

[bldrman]

Thanks for posting the sites for the foodie tour Beth! They made for real tummy rumblin' reading. The current issue has an article about "Mike Smith: The Spirit of Droop Mountain" which drew my interest. Mike is the Superintendent of Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, which commemorates one of West Virginia's major Civil War Battles. The story tells of two brothers who fought under different flags during the battle. When the battle ended with a Union victory (of course the Rebs were outnumbered more than two to one!), one brother was in charge of burying the dead. He discovered his brother's body, and could not bear to see him placed in the mass grave dug for the Confederates. He sent the body to be buried with the Union troops. The story also mentions the artifacts that Mike has dredged up for the Parks museum over the years. By the way Droop Mountain Park is a pleasant ride up 219 from Lewisburg, WV, site of this years Fall Colors Ride. Syd

[DirtFlier]

Syd,

That was a smooth and flawless transition from the brothers story after the Battle at Droop Mountain-to-Fall Colors Ride and its proximity to Droop Mtn!

Tosh

[bldrman]

I have to take that as a compliment Tosh. At least it's one of the few occasions I've ever been accused of being smooth!! Syd

[stevegrab]

Syd,
Nothing wrong with working in a little promo for FCR into these discussions.

[BlueRidgeGal]

There is a wooden tower at Droop Mountain (sort of reminds me of a fire-tower), but not nearly as tall. The view is absolutely gorgeous from the upper deck. Well worth the time to stop, remember, admire, and enjoy.