Originally Posted by
pdlamb
Even if you add in Skyline Drive, you'll have a hard time making the BRP into a month-long tour. 10 days to 2 weeks is more likely, unless you're taking a lot of time to hike or camp en route.
BTW, if you're trying to ride yourself into shape, loaded touring on flat ground is a whole lot easier way to do that. I've commented before that the best way to ride yourself into shape for bike touring the TransAm would be to start in Wichita, KS, ride to the west coast, fly back to Wichita, and ride to the east coast. Flat riding to get your butt used to all the riding, then the easy mountains, followed by the hard stuff. You'll want to be in shape before you hit the Appalachians (and Blue Ridge).
I'm not worried about my shape, as I bike almost every day anyway but my wife would need a primer. I'll take your suggestion into consideration ... kinda scared about all the uphills for her if we start on the BRP, actually.