Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway

[jsqueri]

I first drove on the above 35 years ago with a 42 hp VW and hated the experience.

In 2005 I took a chance and rode top to nearly bottom twice: once with an HD on my way to NM in June; the second time with the Rock with my son on his roadster in August.

WOW!! If anyone on the East Coast does not take advantage of this nearyly 500 mile beauty, they are NUTS. The speed limit is a little tough (35 for SLD; 45 for BRP), but you can push it a little and passing with a bike, well you know, it goes pretty quick. I did get nailed in NC, but the ranger said no points re federal issue (Wooppeeee).

Great twisties, great views, and even in August, great weather. I do need to say that I bought a mesh jacket with liner and that worked GREAT!! It was like riding in ac at 1700 to 2500 ft when it was pretty hot down where the mere mortals were.

And the best part is that when you get to the Smokeys in NC, well any way you go is a great ride. And if you are headed north, well VA is just chuck full of great riding/history etc.etc.

I would stay off the above during the weekends if possible. A lot of wide bottoms going slowly, but during the week, traffic was light.

If you do think you would take this south, start out with a stay at the Woodward B & B in Front Royal. A great place with great hosts, Bob & Joan, and about a 2 mile jump the the very top of the SLD.

There is some gas on the parkway and some places to eat, but either way, with a very little amount of planning (I never plan) you can get very good accomdations, food etc.

Can you tell, I highly recommend this ride?

js

[R4R&R]

I did get nailed in NC, but the ranger said no points re federal issue (Wooppeeee).

I guess issuing tickets on the BRP is used for revenue? Yeah, the speed limits are low, too low for bikes and riding it during the week is much better than on the weekends. Skyline drive is a little more painful since the speed limit is 35! I avoid it because of that, and having to pay to go slow. While the BRP is a great road, there are plenty of roads just as much fun (if not better) all around it in VA, WV, TN, and NC. Those other roads normally have a higher speed limit too!

jsqueri - are you on the east coast? Planning on going to the Bash in Ohio? It should be a good weekend with fellow roadsters/Rocksters.

[12bar1]

I am planning to ride that route on my way home from the Bash. Also thanks for the recomendation for the B&B we will see if we can stay there on the way home.

[sjbmw]

Fortunate enough to do the skyline twice on 2 different bikes, 15 years apart.

you are so right, the entire area is a riders paradise.

[Beemeridian]

76

[12bar1]

My first rides in VA will be in a few weeks on our way home from the bash and we are really looking forward to that part of the ride. As for Waterton and Glacier we rode our bicycles through there over Going To The Sun Road a couple of years ago and it was like riding through a postcard.

[wncbmw]

I lived next to Glacier and the Going-to-the-Sun road for two years. Spectacular is the only way to describe it.

I did not have a bike at the time.

But I did do a lot of backpacking!

Hey 12bar1 - talk to me at the Bash! I live near the BRP (drive under it twice a day). We might can do some riding!

[Beemeridian]

456

[yjleesvrr]

Definitely stay off the BRP on weekends unless you're riding it early in the morning before tourists in Winnegebos get on it.

You can actually get up to 70 mph (or more) on many parts and have fun as long as you're attentive to park rangers parked on the side of the road emitting E&M waves at people. The density of rangers is low. I was tagged with a group of buddies last summer on my way down to Asheville (we met up with Vann later that night for dinner), but the ranger let us off with a warning.

BTW, the BRP in western North Carolina is spectacular. Higher elevations on average than in Virginia.

[Beemeridian]

65

[12bar1]

How much time should I allow if I am starting in Front Royal VA and plan to ride as far south as the parkway runs. I was thinking about 2 to 2.5 days. As for 41 during tourist season be afraid very afraid.

[DSKYZD]

yellowjacket,

If you're into camping ($15/night) then I can highly recomment this place:

http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/

Just got back from staying there this weekend and even though the kitchen was closed, the place is great. You exit the parkway on 276, (roughly mm 412) and head north (down the mountain) for about 5 miles or so, it's on the right. Dark sign with dark lettering is low contrast and very hard to see at night, hidden by a tree if you're coming down from Waynesville. The "Motorcycles Only" bridge is easier to spot.

DSKYZD

[wncbmw]

Glad you made it back DSKYZD! How was the weather? The sun came out after you guys left!

Any board members in the Parkway area near Asheville, give me a shout. I can offer some "detour" suggestions off the Parkway. Ride the BRP early in the AM to avoid traffic. On Good Friday, I was able to do a 45 mile run without catching a single car!

[Beemeridian]

65

[wncbmw]

yellowjacket - lots of lodging in the area since we are a tourist mecca.

Let me know if you want some road info or a tour.

[Beemeridian]

756

[wncbmw]

Post it and see who shows up! I would for at least part of the weekend!