Auto train then Skyline and BRP
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Auto train then Skyline and BRP
i will be taking the Auto train from Sanford to Lorton on June 10, 2018. I will be riding the skyline to the blue ridge parkway. Looking for any tips , places to eat , see, stay and etc. looking to also hook up with any riders if possible. Thanks for any info
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,981
Likes: 5,219
From: Michigan
We've never taken the train (yet) but we have done the SLD and the BRP.
JMO here and just a suggestion, but once you've done the BRP up to Waynesboro, VA, you've seen the best part of the trip.
Also, while the BRP is a 45MPH posted speed limit, the SLD is 35MPH posted and it's 105 miles long.
Best to do both roads during the week if possible.
There is a lot of beautiful riding west of the SLD over through WV and VA and you should at least take a look at some maps.
We're headed down to VA for several days this summer and we plan to do most of the "Claw" loops that are centered around and near Tazwell, VA but we're planning on staying up in Bluefield because of the motels, restaurants, shopping, etc.
Have a safe, enjoyable ride!
JMO here and just a suggestion, but once you've done the BRP up to Waynesboro, VA, you've seen the best part of the trip.
Also, while the BRP is a 45MPH posted speed limit, the SLD is 35MPH posted and it's 105 miles long.
Best to do both roads during the week if possible.
There is a lot of beautiful riding west of the SLD over through WV and VA and you should at least take a look at some maps.
We're headed down to VA for several days this summer and we plan to do most of the "Claw" loops that are centered around and near Tazwell, VA but we're planning on staying up in Bluefield because of the motels, restaurants, shopping, etc.
Have a safe, enjoyable ride!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
I've ridden Skyline Drive only once. It took a long time because I stopped at alot of the scenic pulloffs, but I discovered that the northern 3rd of it is the most scenic. After that, the middle 3rd & southernmost 3rd are worth a stop once in awhile to take a look, but you can pass most of them. There are alot of them too, and you'll save some time by pulling off only now & then. When you get to interstate 64, go west an exit or 2 ttc to Waynesboro, and stay over there. 3 or 4 hotels, and restaurants to which you can walk after dark. I've stayed at a Comfort Inn right by the exit, and also a Days Inn that wasn't bad at all. I think there's HI Express there too. Parked the bike, and walked to dinner. Been there a few times in the car, and drove to dinner, but with the bike, I walked after parking at a hotel.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Blue Ridge Parkway
I will be heading down there with a group of 7 bikes in June.. Leaving Wisconsin on Fri the 8th..Start the Skyline Dr on Monday the 11th..taking 3 days to get to Maryville Tenn. We will ride the Tail of the Dragon and other roads on Thursday then back Maryville Thursday night before heading toward wisco on Fri morning.. I can't wait.. trip of a lifetime.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 117
Likes: 98
From: The Sandbox
I have been taking the Autotrain to Lorton twice a year for about 8 yrs. now just to ride in the mountains. I always get a roomette, unless the larger rooms are on sale. When u get to the station, just ride past all the cars in line, as there is a separate area for loading bikes. You can take a shuttle in to Sanford for lunch or a drink after loading the bike and they will pick u up before the train leaves. If all goes well u will be on your bike and ready to go by 9am the next morning. I take 66 to Front Royal, gas up, pay the park entrance and head South. I stop in Waynesboro for lunch before heading South again on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then on to Roanoke where I usually stay at the Sleep Inn in Tanglewood. The next day I ride to Mt. Mitchell for lunch and a selfie. then toward Asheville for the night or just past Asheville is the Mt. Pisgah Inn. The next day I head to the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge to camp or rent a cabin for a few days and ride local roads, Dragon, Cherohala, 28, Wayah,etc. for a few days and head home, usually via South Carolina and on the East side of the Okefenokee Swamp. I have tickets for the Autotrain for June 6 but this ride will be different as I have business in Pennsylvania to take care of.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 7
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From: Florida
I will be heading down there with a group of 7 bikes in June.. Leaving Wisconsin on Fri the 8th..Start the Skyline Dr on Monday the 11th..taking 3 days to get to Maryville Tenn. We will ride the Tail of the Dragon and other roads on Thursday then back Maryville Thursday night before heading toward wisco on Fri morning.. I can't wait.. trip of a lifetime.
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Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Florida
I have been taking the Autotrain to Lorton twice a year for about 8 yrs. now just to ride in the mountains. I always get a roomette, unless the larger rooms are on sale. When u get to the station, just ride past all the cars in line, as there is a separate area for loading bikes. You can take a shuttle in to Sanford for lunch or a drink after loading the bike and they will pick u up before the train leaves. If all goes well u will be on your bike and ready to go by 9am the next morning. I take 66 to Front Royal, gas up, pay the park entrance and head South. I stop in Waynesboro for lunch before heading South again on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then on to Roanoke where I usually stay at the Sleep Inn in Tanglewood. The next day I ride to Mt. Mitchell for lunch and a selfie. then toward Asheville for the night or just past Asheville is the Mt. Pisgah Inn. The next day I head to the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge to camp or rent a cabin for a few days and ride local roads, Dragon, Cherohala, 28, Wayah,etc. for a few days and head home, usually via South Carolina and on the East side of the Okefenokee Swamp. I have tickets for the Autotrain for June 6 but this ride will be different as I have business in Pennsylvania to take care of.
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Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I've ridden Skyline Drive only once. It took a long time because I stopped at alot of the scenic pulloffs, but I discovered that the northern 3rd of it is the most scenic. After that, the middle 3rd & southernmost 3rd are worth a stop once in awhile to take a look, but you can pass most of them. There are alot of them too, and you'll save some time by pulling off only now & then. When you get to interstate 64, go west an exit or 2 ttc to Waynesboro, and stay over there. 3 or 4 hotels, and restaurants to which you can walk after dark. I've stayed at a Comfort Inn right by the exit, and also a Days Inn that wasn't bad at all. I think there's HI Express there too. Parked the bike, and walked to dinner. Been there a few times in the car, and drove to dinner, but with the bike, I walked after parking at a hotel.
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I have been taking the Autotrain to Lorton twice a year for about 8 yrs. now just to ride in the mountains. I always get a roomette, unless the larger rooms are on sale. When u get to the station, just ride past all the cars in line, as there is a separate area for loading bikes. You can take a shuttle in to Sanford for lunch or a drink after loading the bike and they will pick u up before the train leaves. If all goes well u will be on your bike and ready to go by 9am the next morning. I take 66 to Front Royal, gas up, pay the park entrance and head South. I stop in Waynesboro for lunch before heading South again on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then on to Roanoke where I usually stay at the Sleep Inn in Tanglewood. The next day I ride to Mt. Mitchell for lunch and a selfie. then toward Asheville for the night or just past Asheville is the Mt. Pisgah Inn. The next day I head to the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge to camp or rent a cabin for a few days and ride local roads, Dragon, Cherohala, 28, Wayah,etc. for a few days and head home, usually via South Carolina and on the East side of the Okefenokee Swamp. I have tickets for the Autotrain for June 6 but this ride will be different as I have business in Pennsylvania to take care of.