Blue Ridge Motorcycling Magazine

train

This old engine makes it on time: The Great Smoky Mountains Music Train departs

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One of the most beautiful, poignant sounds to echo out into the ancient mountains of Western North Carolina is that of a train whistle in motion. If you ride a motorcycle into downtown Bryson City, that iconic howl can be heard almost daily. Recently, it signaled the inaugural departure of the Great Smoky Mountains Music Train. “This is a moving, musical experience,” said … [Read more...] about This old engine makes it on time: The Great Smoky Mountains Music Train departs

Rally ’round a train trip: Amtrak eases cross-country to the BMW MOA Rally

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It’s day six near Lorton, Virginia, and I find myself sitting in plush travel comfort. I am barely aware of the ear worm rattling in my brain. It is an old Memphis style blues song, “Mystery Train” written by Junior Parker and made popular by The Band in 1976. The earworm keeps repeating, “The train I ride 16 coaches long. Well, that long black train carries my baby home.” My … [Read more...] about Rally ’round a train trip: Amtrak eases cross-country to the BMW MOA Rally