Motorcycle Journeys Through the Appalachians (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Adds flavor to the Appalachian experience." -- DealerNews

"If you tour, you need a copy of Motorcycle Journeys through the Appalachians. If you don't, buy a copy, and you will." -- Motorcycle Times

"Motorcyclists wanting to explore now have the perfect guide . . ." -- BMW Owners News

Product Description

Amish farmers, bluegrass music, Elvis memorabilia, reminders of the War Between The States--the roots of America grow deep in the Appalachians. With Motorcycle Journeys Through the Appalachians by Dale Coyner, you can explore the scenic mountain vistas and bucolic valleys of a part of the country that's historically rich, culturally diverse, and laced with enticing roads.

This book lays out 35 day-long routes through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the Carolinas, all the while offering local lore, useful advice, and easy-to-follow directions from an author who can trace his Appalachian roots back several generations. Coyner's affection for his native region is obvious in every chapter: his lyrical descriptions of the best roads lead to lovingly detailed depictions of ancient caverns, covered bridges, rolling farm country, Civil War battlefields, and presidents' homes.

Whether you're looking for living history or simply trying to find a glass-smooth, perfectly banked road, Coyner will point the way. You'll visit the cottage of Confederate spy Belle Boyd; get lost on scenic Virginia Route 231; pay homage to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company at its factory in York, Pennsylvania; loop through the mountain passes of the Blue Ridge Parkway; and find out why you shouldn't take anything about West Virginia for granted. You'll also chuckle at Coyner's descriptions of good ol' boys and marvel at his nuggets of historical lore.

Detailed maps make navigation a breeze, while an appendix of local motorcycle dealers is insurance against a breakdown. Along the way, Coyner also points out the region's most rider-friendly restaurants, hotels, and campgrounds, ranging from bare-bones accommodations to spoil-yourself luxury.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 319 pages
• Publisher: Whitehorse Press (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884313027
• ISBN-13: 978-1884313028
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,108,571 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Head of the travel book class, February 8, 2005

By	Lynn Bryce (Burke, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motorcycle Journeys Through The Appalachians - 2nd Edition (Motorcycle Journeys) (Paperback)

Of all the travel books in my collection, Motorcycle Journeys Through The Appalachians is my favorite. I have not come across another touring guide that covers this part of the country so well. I have sold my bike but still find Motorcycle Journeys to be a great reference for planning a weekend outing with my wife and kids. I would have liked a little more detail in the table of contents but that's a minor wrinkle in light of the value this book delivers. Mileage to waypoints, maps, terrain descriptions, highlights make the trips easy to follow and enjoy. In addition to being very thorough, Coyner's writing style is entertaining and the book is a fun read. If your journeys will take you through the Appalachians, this book is a must-have companion.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful and witty resource, February 8, 2005

By	A. Paul (Ashburn, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Motorcycle Journeys Through The Appalachians - 2nd Edition (Motorcycle Journeys) (Paperback)

It's not just for motorcyclists! A friend gave me this book when I was planning an anniversary trip in Virginia's Appalachian mountains. I found myself not just browsing for information on the area I wanted to visit, but reading the entire book for sheer enjoyment (and annoying my family by reading bits of it out loud to them). Coyner has thoroughly researched every trip and offers timely advice about roads, weather conditions, places of interest, restaurants, etc... Not only is the book useful as a travel guide, it's a hoot to read. I would recommend it to anyone who's planning travels in the Appalachians -- whether you're riding in your car or on a motorcycle.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Guide Accompanied By Measured Humor, April 10, 2005

By	Hencequently "Ben" (Bend, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motorcycle Journeys Through The Appalachians - 2nd Edition (Motorcycle Journeys) (Paperback)

For me there are three parts to a good trip - the preparation, the adventure itself, and then the memories. This book has helped me a long way in achieving all these pleasure points. The maps and text are wonderful; the crafty photo's with tasty captions peppered appropriately throughout this guide left my partner (who does not accompany me) recommending more sights than I could handle. A keeper, if not just for that.