[upbeat music] - [Narrator] Started in 1935, the Parkway was designed for a slower, more experiential kind of travel, where the road reveals itself one turn at a time.

And for some travelers, the best way to experience it is on two wheels.

Near little Switzerland, one stretch of mountain road has become legendary, known as the Diamondback.

This twisting section of Highway 226A draws riders from across the country for one unforgettable ride.

[upbeat music] - Blue Ridge Parkway is not just a state or a regional destination.

It is in fact a national destination.

Anybody that rides two wheels knows about the nearly 500 mile long ride along the spine of the Blue Ridge.

And if you only get here once in a lifetime, you've done it.

- [Narrator] In just 12 miles, riders tackle more than 190 curves, climbing into the Blue Ridge before connecting with the Parkway itself.

- In an automobile, you ride through nature and you look at it, out the windows, in your capsule.

But if you're on two wheels, you're in nature.

You smell the smells.

You hear the birds.

And if it's a particularly nice ride, I hear symphonies.

I hear music when I ride.

[upbeat music] - [Narrator] While the Diamondback may challenge riders, the Blue Ridge has a way of giving something back.

- [Bob White] And when the group gets a rhythm going, it's really pleasant.

You're by yourself, but you are not.

You're in a group at the same time, doing the same thing as other folks who look over at you and with a silly grin, acknowledge that this is about as good as it gets.

How could you not encourage somebody to come and see one of the most extraordinary sites?

It's one of the places you must go.