As far as the trip in general, if you are taking your girlfriend/wife, I give mine 1 saddlebag liner and let her fill that one. I also give her a small cosmetic bag for the trunk. I let her carry the camera while I am driving. My wife gets some great shots that way.

On the Skyline Drive, watch for the wildlife, and watch your speed. I believe it is 35 mph on the Skyline Drive. Take a good pair of hiking boots with you and get off and take some of the trails. Very, very nice scenery.

Have a great trip!

P.S. Hopefully you won't need them, but take some rain suits and pack them near the top.

 

The leaves are turning and will start falling. In the early part of the day they are wet and slick . . Same after sunset when dew forms. Ride cautiously.

 

Just did Skyline Drive last Thursday and Friday. Saw the weather report and couldn't pass it up. Both days it got into the 80's and after the first hour I was down to t-shirt and jeans with the jacket and chaps packed in my bag. Traffic was non-existent those 2 days. The drive each way was easily done in about 3-4 hours each way with plenty of time for stops picture taking and relaxing rides. The road is really laid out well, with the official speed limit of 35. Both rangers I passed while on the road let me get by with 45-50 mph, which I thought was a practical speed between stops at overlooks. Both hit their brakes as I went by (Opposite direction) but neither seemed to actually turn around. I even stopped at the next overlook and waited 10 minutes for the second one to come back but he never did. I had great weather and might make the return trip the 2nd or 3rd week of Oct to see the colors. The leaves were just starting to turn last week.
Make sure you visit Luray Caverns. The cave tour is about an hour and stop in to see the Carriage and Car museum next to it. Some really classic cars inside and it's free with your cave admission.

 

Maybe we will see each other as I will be on the drive the third weekend!

Ride Safe

 

Yes I did ! I need to go there again. Maybe this time I won't tear a whole in my touring seat from negative pressure...

 

Watch the wet leaves.. They are a fun little surprise if your not careful.

 

I just did the 211 crossing of the mountains to Luray...awesome ride and twisties.