On to the Blue Ridge Parkway towing my Mini Mate motorcycle tent trailer. - 2023 Ep 72

I’m starting my day in Morristown, Tennessee. Last night was at Days Inn, definitely an older Days Inn showing it’s years. The two coin clothes dryers were broken and I’m glad I saw that before I started a wash. On the way to Asheville, North Carolina I had breakfast at a Cracker Barrel for the very first time. Just before getting on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I passed MR Motorcycle where I got a new rear tire, oil change and brake pads only 1350 km/840 miles ago.
I spent a few wonderful hours on the Blue Ridge. What a joy to ride. Not a lot of traffic. There were supposed to be some sections in the northern part that were closed for repairs so I only did about a quarter of the distance and then had to get down in the valley and quicker roads. Even with doing that I arrived at Willville Bike Camp just after dark. Such short days in the fall. About to spend night 81 camping in the Mini Mate on this 2022 trip.
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Long Way by Frank Schroeter
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/8245-long-way
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: filmmusic.io/standard-license
"Breakdown" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Music: Firmament by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/3760-firmament
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Hustle by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/3890-hustle
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Whaling_City - Artist Unknown

[@brianfromnh2596]

Cracker Barrel is our go-to overnight spot when traveling X-country. You can put up in thier parking lot for free, asking only to make a purchase in the store. We get breakfast and call it even, with breakfast still costing less than a campground. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great ride but Skyline is still my favorite, partly because you can run it in one day and the views are great.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Leaving Willville Bike Camp, I did more of the Blue Ridge and then got on Skyline Drive. Video coming soon. I did ride Skyline in 2018. Another great ride with views. I'll have to try Cracker Barrel again and make a note of the breakfast!

[@LynxGenisys]

Such a spectacular ride! Shout from Alberta!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

It is a very spectacular ride. Hello back from Newfoundland. Will probably pass thru southern Alberta in August. Been a long time since I was out that way.

[@lloydmoore3344]

Great video. We have rode similar paths. The best part or riding besides the ride is the people you meet. Thanks for making the winter tolerable.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Thanks. I don't know if I could make it through winter without riding video to edit.

[@hellonwheelz3317]

Dude, you missed the best part of the ride. If you ever get down our way again, heres what you do: stay the night in Winchester, Virginia, get up before dawn and enter Skyline Drive right as its getting light. There will be no traffic for hours. You'll go through a zillion curves, see beautiful vistas from some of the overlooks. Make sure you stop at a few of them and take in the beauty. In a couple of hours you'll come to the end of Skyline Drive and go straight across the highway and onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. At this point you've got 400 miles to Ashville. It'll be a long but rewarding day. Stay in Ashville or maybe Boone, then keep heading south on the Parkway. If you're a motorcycle enthusiast you have to stop at the Wheels Through Time motorcycle museum in Maggie Valley. Stay the night in Maggie Valley and then head to the Tail of the Dragon in Deals Gap. Its like 318 curves in 11 miles.... just a wild ride. Its off the Parkway but a great ride. I've done it 3 times, once on an 81 shovelhead, once on a 98 softail, and once more on an 07 springer softail. Next time I head down there I'll be hauling a trailer too and camping along the way.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I did Skyline Drive in 2018 and intend on doing it again this coming fall. Was running out of time trying to get north before the snow starts this trip. I plan on another visit to Wheels Thru Time. Also did that in 2018. On the trip this video is part of I went to the Barber Museum, did the Cherohala, was down thru Memphis. Was all over Newfoundland, parts of Ontario... 106 days of no fixed address and 81 of them were camping in the Mini Mate. Planning on 3 months this summer fall doing a 4 corners of the continent.

[@bigjim383]

The last time I was there the Skyline had a fee to ride it and the speed limit is 35 mph while the BRP is FREE and the scenery is the same.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

@@bigjim383 You are pretty right. More campgrounds on the Skyline I think though. I bought my "Amerioca the Beautiful" pass card that was good for all federal park admissions for the year. That got me into a lot of things. Not being an American I do not qualify for the lifetime seniors pass which would be a pretty sweet deal.

[@codraven57]

A great display of the Parkway Jim!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

It's a beautiful ride. I'll repeat it if I am down that way again.

[@richardmourdock2719]

This will probably make the "Old Guy" green with envy, but Christmas Eve day it was 70 degrees here in SW Indiana! I'd been feeling tired, old, cranky and depressed..... but it was amazing what 30 miles did on the motorcycle. Feel great today. Just ordered new tires for the ride. YUP 2024 is just ahead! All that aside, the greenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway does cause my heart to beat a bit faster!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I will never be envious of another ride getting out on their bike. I'm just happy you got out. Editing the last of my epic 2022 ride is what is keeping me from getting depressed. Just makes me plan more. Should be picking up the new-to-me Goldwing on Friday. Will be trailering it across the island lol, not fit for riding here. She'll be my New Year's baby.

[@ericsimpson1176]

In 1986 i made my second major motorcycle trip and first time to the blueridge parkway. 24 years old,, tent, sleeping bag and a little less than 400$ ...4000 mile round trip.....one best times of my life.....great memories Thanks for the video

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Sounds like a great memory. I was 55 before I fullfilled 20 yeat old me's dream of motorcycling across the continent. Now that I am retired I can't think of anything better than motorcycle camping for 3 months at a time. Wait, 4 months would be better. Thanks for coming along.

[@baldandbiking]

It's not just the Mini Mate Jim, people are always attracted to travelers on bikes. I get it all the time! One of the hardest things to do when vlogging is to get a good recording of those conversations with people you meet while you travel. I'm still wanting to master that and haven't come close yet. I think we should take advantage of these curious people and benefit from the content we would get in our vlogs. Unless they openly object of course. Keep that camera rolling when they come over! Makes for good content.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I go thru cycles of old men coming up and saying "I used to have a bike". Only now, some of them are younger than me lol. Hard to capture an unexpected conversation with just the helmet mic. I've got a small recordere I should use more often. You don't always expect random. I'm looking forward to involving more people I meet on the road next summer.

[@baldandbiking]

I watched a lot of motovloggers, like Itchyboots and notice they have a cam mounted on the bike, usually a 360 so they can get any angle. They just leave it on while parking somewhere or getting gas etc. YOu can catch casual conversations without being intrusive. It's a lot more subtle than holding a cam in someone's face or talking to them with the helmet cam pointed at them. If I had one I'd try it myself. @@OldGuyonaBike

[@SpyderWayne]

The BRP has been on my "list" for a few years, but work always got in the way... until now 😂. I'm hoping to finally ride the BRP in 2024. In this video, it looks as wonderful as ever 😁👍👍

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Count on doing it over two days... great ride and Willville Bike Camp is almost at the halfway point.

[@beanoil]

You are in for one of the best motorcycle experiences that can be had. I was introduced to the BRP back in 1994. Rode it again in 1999, then life got messy. Now, my spouse and I are planning a week in 2024. We are starting at the north end this time, going to wind up in Maggie Valley for a couple days close to the southern exit. Peaks of Otter, Mabry Mill, Chateau Morrisette Winery, Mountain Music Museum, Wheels Through Time Museum. BRP is like potato chips. You can't just have one (trip).

[@506motoadv]

I love the Blue Ridge Parkway. An absolutely amazing ride.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

It warmed me up and made me happy just by being able to revist the ride while editing. Hope to ride the whole length next summer.

[@MRMRS2wheeler]

We loved our ride through the BRP. Finally picked up a Minimate. Can't wait to go back with her. Good to know she can handle the hills with an ST13. Another great video Jim. Happy new years!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Happy New Year's back at ya. The ST handled hauling the Mini Mate just fine.

[@assessor1276]

Hi Jim: Merry Christmas to you and yours. I do hope that you have recovered from your mishap of earlier this year and will be back on two wheels this spring. Please plan to stop in if you are ever back in SW Ontario. Pete

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Pete. Almost emotionally recovered lol, editing the videos help and picking up a new-to-me Goldwing this weekend should almost complete therapy. Won't be in southern Ontario this summer but will definately drop in if I am traveling near in the future.

[@bsc1463]

The Guzzi California , my favorite bike . Best looking bike on the planet in my eyes but not the best for comfy 2 up travel . Its amazing how good the ST looks compared to much newer bikes . It never looks out of place even when parked beside the new models of today . A deserved loyal following on both sides of the pond .

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Never owned one but I've always had a soft spot for Guzzis. Bought a BMW R75/5 when I was 19 and have been a shaft drive guy ever since. The ST has some very classic lines and certainly rides fast and smoothly without the modern bells and whistles.

[@goldwingmoments]

Merry Christmas Jim and I hope 2024 brings good health and many days on the bike. Thanks for sharing your Blue Ridge Parkway ride. It sure looks like a beautiful ride to add to my wish list. Cheers!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merry Christmas to you. Here's to a safe and healthy 2024 with lots of time in the wind. I'll definately go back to the Blue Ridge in a couple of years, or less lol.

[@just.my.2cents]

Thx for sharing and all the best for the New Year!!! Cheers.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@RebelCowboysRVs]

I cant say I am a Cracker Barrel fan boy, but I have never heard someone call their first vistit their "not memorable."

[@OldGuyonaBike]

It was whatever I had for breakfast... I didn't make a note of it or remember it a year later. As a retail/restaurant idea... it was interesting but I guess I was not impressed with my breakfast. Maybe I needed more coffee.

[@h.wayneb3495]

Thanks for sharing your ride.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Thanks for coming along.

[@roadtripper5553]

Thank you, Merry Christmas. Look forward to more.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merry Christmas. As long as I stay healthy I'll keep the videos coming.

[@Knuckledragnation]

✌🏽Happy New Year’s

[@tomfillmore9710]

Beautiful ride Jim thanks for taking us along . hope you had a great Christmas and Happy New Year take care . the last few days here has been almost biking weather but I am sure that's going to change

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Glad you came along. Editing the video is almost like riding it again. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. We've had snow and/or rain almost every day for the last 3 weeks. No riding til at least April now.

[@johnhutchinson2500]

Very happy Christmas Jim. All the very best to you for the new year. Lovely vid nd looking forward to following your adventures in 2024

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merry Christmas to you. I'm deep in the planning for 2024 and looking forward to picking up an older Goldwing this weekend to pull the Mini Mate.

[@willisbelcherjr.6119]

Merry Christmas Jim, I agree with you, the Blue Ridge Parkway is more enjoyable than the Dragon. I'm lucky to be able to ride it a coupe times a year. Always a pleasure to ride it. I'm planning on picking up my cross country adventure this summer after my rotator cuff surgery and therapy are finished. rock on my friend.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merry Christmas to you. Hope you heal quickly. My hand will be in shape to pull in a clutch in a few more weeks. I'm mostly going to work with last year's routes (cut short by my accident) and do my continental 4 corners.

[@SlappyAdventures]

I'll be up your way in July...... I'm riding to NOVA SCOTIA and CABOT TRAIL...... I love to meet up with ya if you there....10-4

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I'm going to be leaving Newfoundland areound July 9 or 10 and heading south through the states crossing back into Canada at Cornwall as I then head for the Pacific Coast. We might be able to cross paths. Would like that. We'll keep in touch on that.

[@EzlivnMaine]

@@OldGuyonaBikeI too will be on the road heading to the pacific. I hope to bump into you.

[@EzlivnMaine]

Slappy. Good chance you’ll be driving right by my home. I live in Robbinston Maine near the Calais Maine border.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

@@EzlivnMaine We will be in the same areas. We'll see if we can make it happen.

[@SlappyAdventures]

@@EzlivnMaine I'll have more info come maybe we can hook up and dona lunch or something....10-4

[@MrMatt750]

Hi Jim have a great Xmas and new year. Regards Matt.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merry Christmas to you Matt. Here's to a safe but adventurous 2024!

[@PaulF-ty7tz]

Merry Christmas Jim

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merry Christmas back at you and heres to many safe miles in 2024.

[@donaldruggiero5326]

Happy New Year's brother😂

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Happy New Year back at ya! Here's to a safe but adventurous 2024.

[@TheMattymatt52]

Hello from Houston Texas sir. I just now stumbled upon your channel and really enjoy your videos. I can relate to your title. I'm 71 years old and still loving riding. I have an 08' Goldwing with 144,000 miles. She runs and looks great. You might say we have both aged gracefully together. I was curious as to how much your trailer weighs when you're loaded. I pull my Aspencade trailer a lot. My trailer weight and cargo has been as much as 420lbs and the wing pulls it fine and I'm always riding 2 up. Stay safe sir and keep bringing these wonderful videos of your travels .

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Here's to continuing growing old gracefully. My Mini Mate loaded including a full cooler seems to be hitting 450 lb. with a tongue weight of 60 lb. It's my cast iron pans lol. The ST certanly pulled it well but the GL1500 I will be riding this year will a fine tow vehicle. I should be down Big Bend way the last half of September this year. Thanks for watching the channel and the videos will keep coming as long as I am able to ride.

[@brianjohnhendry4062]

Just....catching up on your videos... Is there a video with info on your new bike....

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Not yet. I only found her in November on the other side of the island. Hope to bring her home this weekend as a New Year's baby. Will introduce her to the channel soon after that.

[@aurum79argentum47]

Like the reggae beat. mon!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Reggae and motorcycles make me happy.

[@oldmanthatrides3670]

Cracker barrel only restaurant that doesn't give a senior discount 😅

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I keep forgetting to ask about seniors discounts anywhere. You would think they would look at me and automatically give it lol. Now, if we could only get it on gas!

[@MotoYogiAdventures]

I just found your channel! I’m a new creator and looking for some inspiration. I’m planning to check out Blue Ridge parkway this coming summer. …note on cracker barrel - we LOVE them because we can boondock in the parking lot on our RV/Moto trips.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I'm glad you found my channel. The Blue Ridge is a great ride. I hit a lot of good roads and scenery the three months I was on the road including my home island of Newfoundland. I have now heard from a few people who use Cracker Barrel parking lots. Have not parking lot camped with the tent trailer... but maybe in a pinch?

[@motorcyclecafe]

G'day buddy. I enjoyed this one, like most of your videos. If it's cool with you I would like to mention your channel in my next video upload which will feature the ST, probably in about 2 or 3 weeks not that my channel is big, but you might get a couple extra viewers, maybe 😉. Ride safe mate!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. I'm glad that you enjoyed the video and yes, you certainly can mention my channel. The ST1300 is a great bike. Wish I hadn't totalled mine.

[@Ronnie-oh5ew]

Watched the whole thing and never set up camp, just parking lot.😕!?

[@OldGuyonaBike]

At that point in my 106 days on the road I was not videoing every setup and with the shorter days I was often setting up as it was getting dark. I think I might have been moteling due to weather more often by then. Here's a setup day much earlier in the summer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqrYkJmEfJirfsk

[@tomfillmore9710]

Good morning Jim Happy New year I know this is not the right way to contact you be was wondering how you made out getting the gold wing home take care buddy all the best in 2024

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Too many ob;igatons over the holidays. Couldn't find 2 days in a row with the trailer. Will shot for 2 weekends from now. Happy New Year and all the best to you in 2024. [e-mail]

[@letitrest4662]

O.G. it seems like it would be tedious to have to pull that trailer all over the place. I noticed you seem to drag your clutch for quite a while when you start out, so I'm wondering how much actual weight you're pulling behind you ?

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I don't find hauling the trailer tedious but I do have to be aware of it always. You get used to it. The ST is geared a little high to match it's sport spirit and I probably get into 2nd quicker than I should. She's never shown any weaar for all my bad shifting. The GL1500 I'm picking up is geared lower. Let's see how I do with that.

[@user-hf6ok2tj5h]

Hello from Alabama. Just happened upon this particular video - clearly one of multi-part series. Now going back to find previous episodes where you might show how you set up that camping rig you've been towing through God's country. Curious to see if it's worth it. Know what you mean about the Parkway - so tempting to pull off at every single overlook. Each one is spectacular, eh?

[@OldGuyonaBike]

It was spectacular indeed and the next day on it and Skyline Drive were great too. Editing that video ATM. Yes, there are setup videos somewhere in the mix. I've towed the Mini Mate over 50,000 km/31,000 miles with the bike and another 15,000km/9,300 miles with the car. A tent trailer is not for everyone but I really enjoy it. About 150 nights in it over the past 4 seasons.

[@davidcurtis2884]

Hey Jim ! Merry Christmas and hope you are well. Question re all your cameras. Each time you start and stop do you have a routine to recall shutting all the cameras off or on? And do you find the need to remove them when stopped for a longer meal? Take care

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merry Christmas back at you. My helmet cam and the main trailer cam usually get their batteries changed at the same time. I turn both of those on and just let them run until they die or I change the batteries again. The SD cards in them will record 5+ hrs. shooting at 1080p 60fps (128 gig cards) On really long days I might have to change the SD cards. The dash camera pointing back at me is the only one that I will turn off and on while riding depending if I remember it. For most stops I don't take the cameras off the bike/trailer. Of course my helmet and helmet cam usually go in with me. I will usually pop the camers into the trunk if I am going into a Walmart or similar. At least at most restaurants you can get a seat where you can keep an eye on the bike. I'm never too worried. None of my cameras say GoPro on them.

[@billstapleton8833]

If u stop to sleep at a Cracker Barrel,as someone else suggested, can u open your mini mate up and camp n parking lot ??

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I really don't know what they would think of that. It's one thing to park an RV with toilet facilities and it's another thing to set up a tent trailer. I can do a minimal set up. Store a few totes under the bed foldout, wrap my trailer skirt around to hide the totes and I've done that a few times arriving late, after dark in a campground... just never in a parking lot.

[@billstapleton8833]

U r probably right

[@EzlivnMaine]

Just stumbled upon your channel. I’m an old guy too. I noticed you’re using AKASO cameras. I just bought one also. I’m leaving from Maine to Sturgis and beyond in July. Going cross country with 3 buddies. I have one AKASO and looking for another or a used GoPro. I too would love to bring a drone along to document our travels. Thank you sir. I live near the Calais Maine border. Did you cross over her to return home?

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I cross Calais-St. Stephen most of the time unless I have been visiting friends in Fredericton. I'll be passing thru Sturgis area the week before the rally starts. Too many people for me and I have to be in Montana the first weekend of August. Then I will be up in British Columbia for a few weeks before heading down the PCH to Los Angeles. We might cross paths and I'll be coming back through Maine in early October on my way back to Newfoundland.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I have a couple of Akasos... I like the Brave 7 and it takes the same battery as my XTU camera. I tend to buy inexpensive cameras because I am hard on them and I think GoPros are overpriced. It's good to have a common battery too if possible. Got a new camera coming in to try that looks a lot like the Akaso Brave 7... we'll see about quality.

[@EzlivnMaine]

@@OldGuyonaBike we will be in Sturgis from July 29 to august 5th. The week before also. I’m not into crowds either so we get all the nice rides in before the craziness. We will be heading west to Cody Wyoming and then up to Glacier National Park and west again to pch1. I’ll be on the lookout for you lol. Safe travels!!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

@@EzlivnMaine We're looking at a lot of the same routes... I'll be doing a planning video soon. Very good chance we will cross paths. BTW Bouchad and Sons Towing picked me up and got me set up with the U-Haul to come home. Great service. If you want to keep in touch re out west [e-mail] I plan to be in Spearfish July 26/27 and then spend some time towards yellowstone doing the Bear Tooth before heading to Montana and up to Glacier before crossing back into Canada for a bit.

[@EzlivnMaine]

@@OldGuyonaBike just emailed you.

[@jamessnyder176]

Curious = what is a ST13?

[@OldGuyonaBike]

The ST1300 is a big Sport Touring bike built by Honda from 2003 -2012 although they still made the police version until 2016. A V4 engine and huge tank make it a great long distance ride. Lots of power and a joy to ride in the twisties. Mind youi, I called mine a Sport Tractor instead of Sport Touring because I was hauling a trailer the past few years. It did that well.

[@beanoil]

@@OldGuyonaBike I loved mine. Deceptively fast, smooth, never a complaint. Certainly one of Honda's finest bikes ever. Love your channel, and looking forward to more content from you!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

@@beanoil Loved my ST1300 for sure. A very fine bike. Next summer I'll be hauling with an older Goldwing. I'm looking forward to getting back out on the road.

[@Tumble96]

What is new for land look for land what is Newfoundland?

[@OldGuyonaBike]

It is a big island in the North Atlantic Ocean. Part of Canada. Some great riding here.

[@SlappyAdventures]

I'm new to your channel...... good video.....I have a channel as well..... and lo e to travel on my GoldWing pulling a Hannigan trailer..... I dropped you a sub.....10-4

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Good morning and thanks for adding me. I've actually been following your channel for a bit and just hadn't commented on any videos yet. I think I subbed a couple of months ago when I decided to start looking for a Goldwing. I also follow you on Facebook and will send you a friend request there.

[@SlappyAdventures]

That's awesome...... great videos...... I'll be catching up on them soon

[@MotoVenturer]

Wow - 106 days on the road! I recently completed a trip around the US that took me 55 days. I thought that was a long trip! :-) I recognized many things on your trip, which was pretty trippy. My trip isn't on youtube yet but I'm nearly done my BC to Arizona trip (that I did a few months earlier). You'd probably like that (youtube.com/@MotoVenturer). Subscribed.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

That was 106 days between having a solid roof over my head. The first month and a bit was mostly around the Atlantic provinces, a couple of rallies and leading a group around Newfoundland. The rest heading west, down the Mississippi and then heading east and home. 81 camping nights. I'm planning a 4 corners this summer, out to Tofino, down to Los Angeles and across to Florida before heading home. Looks like 91 days as I have it planned now. I will check out your channel. Planning on being in BC the last 2 weeks of August and heading into the US after Labour Day.

[@merlinvnv7785]

1/2 hour not long I prefer long vids

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Well, I usually try for 20-24 min. but some days the scenery just asks for more. I'm glad you enjoy the longer ones... so do I.

[@jaywinters2483]

not listening to the annoying music-exiting out- blocking