New Orleans, LA – Arrival
Distance: 0 mi / km
Let the team at Tread know if you want to arrive a day or two early to kick around New Orleans before meeting up with your guides and fellow riders at today’s orientation briefing. We’d be happy to recommend a range of hotels in the heart of The Big Easy.
New Orleans, LA – Plantation ride
Distance: 100 mi / 160 km
Pick up your bike and head out for a day’s ride to one of the beautiful antebellum plantations still found in the region. Enjoy the gardens, soak up the history and get a feel for your new bike on the peaceful, winding roads. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight in celebration of the adventure to come.
New Orleans, LA – Natchez, MS
Distance: 190 mi / 304 km
Roll out of New Orleans by way of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, at 28 miles the longest bridge over water in the world. Spend the rest of the day riding the scenic backroads of the Mississippi, stopping off at towns along the aptly named Blues Trail. End the day in the celebrated blues town of Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi.
Natchez, MS – Clarksdale, MS
Distance: 215 mi / 344 km
Today you’ll continue to immerse yourself in the history of the Mississippi blues. There are tons of Blues Trail markers to hit today, as well as some incredibly preserved ‘juke joints’ such as Po’ Monkeys in Marigold. You’ll explore parts of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic forest trail that extends through three states, ride through cotton plantations, and stop at the ‘crossroads’ where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. Tonight in Clarksdale it’s soul food, BBQ, cold drinks and live blues.
Clarksdale, MS – Memphis, TN
Distance: 80 mi / 128 km
Today is all about exploring Memphis. Music lovers all around the world know Beale Street, a national historical landmark that showcases the impact Memphis had on jazz and the blues. Legends such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Memphis Minnie and BB King all helped develop the style known as Memphis Blues. Yet the town is also the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and home to the iconic Sun Studio, which discovered the talents of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. Memphis is just a short ride from Clarksdale so you’ll have plenty of time to explore this amazing city.
Memphis, TN – Muscle Shoals, AL
Distance: 160 mi / 256 km
From Memphis head out of Tennessee and into Alabama where you’ll have to time to explore the famous city of Muscle Shoals, home to FAME Studios in the late 1950s and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in 1969, whose records shaped the history of popular music. Spend tonight on the shores of the Tennessee River in the city’s lively music and arts district.
Muscle Shoals, AL – Nashville, TN
Distance: 200 mi / 320 km
Head north into the Appalachian foothills for a beautiful day’s riding along the winding Natchez Trace Parkway. Stop for lunch and a guided tour at the Jack Daniels distillery, then head on down the road to the country music capital of the world, Nashville.
Nashville, TN – Free day
Distance: 0 mi / km
The home of country music opens its doors to you today as you’re free to explore its museums and attractions, such as the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running live radio show, and the celebrated Country Music Hall of Fame.
Nashville, TN – Townsend, TN
Distance: 250 mi / 400 km
Today you head into the Appalachians and get to test your metal against the Tail of the Dragon, an infamous mountain pass of 318 curves in 11 miles and a rite of passage for bikers in the area. Often hailed as America’s most exciting drive, let’s just say the last miles of today’s ride will stay with you forever.
Townsend, TN – Free day
Distance: 0 mi / km
This is your day to explore as far and wide as you like. Out the back of the hotel is the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, where twisty roads dominate. Alternatively, you could head back for another go at the Tail of the Dragon, explore Native American history in the town of Cherokee, or just enjoy a leisurely day by the river. Whatever you do you’ll get to share your stories with the group at tonight’s riverside BBQ.
Townsend, TN – Blowing Rock, NC
Distance: 230 mi / 368 km
Today you begin your journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile beauty of a road linking Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. It’s views of the latter that abound today as you wind your way to the charming mountain town of Blowing Rock, known for its orchards, wineries and boutique shops.
Blowing Rock, NC – Roanoke, VA
Distance: 180 mi / 288 km
Continue north-east along the Blue Ridge Parkway, exploring such places as the Blue Ridge Music Centre and Mabry Mill. Cross into your final state, Virginia, and roll up to the historic Hotel Roanoke in the centre of the city.
Roanoke, VA – Waynesboro, VA
Distance: 125 mi / 200 km
Your last day on the Blue Ridge will be a leisurely one, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. Speeds are slow but the views are spectacular, though be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife; both pigs and bears have been known to wander out onto the parkway. Your hotel tonight is right on the edge of the Blue Ridge in rural Virginia.
Waynesboro, VA – Washington D.C.
Distance: 180 mi / 288 km
Spend the morning cruising along the famous Skyline Drive, which bisects Shenandoah National Park and offers backcountry views that Herbert Hoover called the ‘greatest in the world’. Then, finally leaving the Appalachians behind, roll into the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. in time to return your bike and get ready for an amazing farewell dinner.
Washington D.C. – Tour ends
Distance: 0 mi / km
The tour with EagleRider officially ends this morning but let us know if you’d like us to arrange any additional nights for you in Washington D.C. or elsewhere in Capitol Region.
