Changes in elevation means lots of curves. While we will ride some pavement, this ride is focused on avoiding as much of it as possible. Expect a variety of surfaces and lots of unpaved state and forest service roads. Fill your Escarpment Escape rides with Ms, Vs, Ws and maybe some Xs.

The Rides

The roads are wonderful and any sized bike will work fine. Street legal Dual Sport motorcycles are required for these roads. The GPS routes are mostly unpaved national forest and state maintained secondary roads. Surface textures include groomed gravel, fluffy gravel, clay, mud, sand, rock and mixtures of all of these surfaces. The wilderness area has lots of natural beauty with great views. As this ride is during peak leaf season, expect lots of colors too—especially with the changes in elevation.

Rides will depart at 9:00 AM on Friday and 8:00 AM on Saturday from the Inn. Riders are free to ride in groups of their choosing.

There are no services in the wilderness or on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fuel stops are scarce—so do not pass one by in Blowing Rock, Linville, Collettsville, Newland or on the connecting highways.

Get Yer Ya Yas Out at Brown Mountain OHV

1610 Brown Mountain Beach Road, Morganton (828) 257-4200 A trail pass is required to ride the 34 miles of single track trails. Fees are $5/day or $30 for a season pass. Contact Grandfather Ranger District at 828-652-2144 for a list of vendors. Passes must be prominently displayed on vehicle at all times while on the trails. http://www.riderplanet-usa.com/atv/trails/info/north_carolina_09477/ride_3f30.htm

Passes can be purchased from local vendors such as at the Marathon Gas Station across from the post office in Jonas Ridge on NC highway 181, at the Convenience Store at the intersection of NC highway 181 and Brown Mountain Beach Road, or in Collettsville.

GPS Files:

• BaseCamp - EscarpmentEscapev2.gpx   

NOTE: To download the files, right click on the file name, and select "Save target As". For the files ending in ".gpx" your web browser may try to rename the file to ".xml". If this happens, rename the file to the ".gpx" name and in the "save as type:" box, select "All files (*.*)" the click on "Save"



Waterfalls: In addition to the 90' tall Linville Falls, there are at least a dozen more more to visit while in the area.



• http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/wilson_creek1.htm



http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/brp1.htm

Area Maps:
• National Geographic number 779, Linville Gorge/Mount Mitchell Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina USA. Available at http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/category/maps/travel-and-hiking-maps?categoryLevelId=A106
  
  
• The Dirty Dozen WNC Dual Sport Ride Map Series: Linville/Wilson Creek Tour, available at http://www.blackdome.com/productdetails.aspx?id=117

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Rider Safety and Responsibilities In addition to requiring the use of a DOT approved helmet on all MTF rides, the MTF RRR Committee strongly encourages the use of Motorcycle specific protective clothing and footwear while participating in any off road event. ATGATT reduces the severity of injuries in an accident and we want every participant in our events to be as safe as possible. The MTF RRR Committee strongly encourages each participant in our events to self assess their riding style, interests, need for breaks and riding skill level and to keep that assessment in mind when choosing a riding partner or small group (2-4 riders) to ride with at our events. Sharing the road with someone of similar interests and riding style not only makes the ride more enjoyable for you, but safer for everyone. The third part of safety when riding in remote areas is knowing where you are and how to get out. For this reason each rider should have a GPS device with the routes loaded and be familiar with it's operation and use. Being lost in a maze of endless gravel and dirt roads as darkness descends is a safety issue both for yourself and those who will have to search for you.

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Lodging

Riders are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements.

The Inn At Blue Ridge Telephone: 828.756.7001 Website: http://www.theinnatblueridge.com/ Hotel Details: 15 rooms at our special rate are held at The Inn At Blue Ridge, Eight (8) rooms with a single king size bed Four (4) rooms with two double or full size beds in each. A single or double room is $77.11 per night. Continental breakfast and taxes included with all rooms. Call Charlie Z at 828.756.7001 to make reservations. Alternate Nearby Lodging Linville Falls Lodge and Cottages Website: http://www.linvillefallslodge.com/ Telephone: (828) 765-2658 Parkview Lodge and Cabins href="http://parkviewlodgeandcabins.com Telephone:(828) 765-4787 Linville Falls Trailer Lodge and Campground http://www.linvillefalls.com/ Telephone:(828) 765-2681

The MTF reserves the right to limit participation for any reason.

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The MTF reserves the right to limit participation for any reason.

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