Planning a trip to the Dragon then up the Blue Ridge back to New England

[99steve]

I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to the Dragon then up the Blue Ridge, back home to New England, and would like to here form those who have done the trip. This is going to be a 25th adversary get away for the wife and I (ya got to keep a woman who no only puts up with these silly adventures but encourages them). Two of my biggest questions are how much time will we need to complete the trip with out killing ourselves, what other less traveled MC friendly routes can we use to keep the time spent on the super slabs to a minimum. Tentatively we are planning the trip for mid September 2011 starting from and returning to Rhode Island. Thanks for your input.

Steve and  Vanessa
99 Valkyrie Interstate

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Just did the Skyline Drive on my way back from PA (post to follow later) and it alone will take you 4 hours.

[Oss]

We went from front royal thru skyline and then to Peaks of Otter ( A great place to have dinner and stay overnite on top of the Ridge but book real early as it fills up just google peaks of otter) which is like mile 88 or so of  the BRP but you could just as easily start the day in winchester which has cheaper hotels and lots of places to eat.

We were pulling the trailer on the way to DOTS and had rain and some thick fog  much of way so our speeds were at posted and below.How far down the BRP do you plan to go?  Maybe you could make it from Otter to Maggie Valley area in one day if you leave early enough and dont stop every few miles to take pics like we did of the fog lifting over the valleys.

I am in Ossining NY right next to the Hudson.  If you want routes that are fun around here and miss all the nyc traffic send me a PM

Oss

[razor]

Several times, as a group, we've done the BRP(not including the Skyline) in 2 days.  So my estimate would be to allow 3 days to do all the BRP and Skyline.  that sould allow for a "reasonable" amout of time to do "some" site seeing. There are many great places to spend the night or enjoy a great meal along the BRP.  Mt. Pisgah inn and resturant is one of my favs.  But as said, if you want to spend the night you should make reservations early.  I believe the nightly rate for the Pisgah inn is around $125 to $140, so it ain't cheap. The resturant is a great place to eat and also the inn at Little Switzerland is a great place to eat. From Cherokee, NC, the southern end of the BRP, you can do the dragon and the cherohalla in a day.   There also plenty of great roads that cross and are adjacent to the BRP.  And plenty of great roads thru PA, NY and WV to get you there and back to new england.  But ya can't do them all unless you take several months!  Should be a great adventure.

[99steve]

My original plan was to ride down to Pigeon Forge using mostly interstate highways then, take our time coming back on the Blue Ridge. I figure it’s going to take two days just to get down to Pigeon Forge and a week for the entire trip. On the homeward bound leg I wanted to use some of the lesser traveled secondary roads thru Pennsylvania and New York and avoid the major highways and the cities. Perhaps pick up 209 in PA. and follow it to the Delaware Water Gap, I am not sure about the best road in New York.

Steve
99 Valkyrie Interstate

[Jess from VA]

Two days down, take three or four taking it easy coming back up BRP/Skyline.  Side trips over into the Monongahela National Forest over in WVa would be nice if you have the time.  I live an hour East of Front Royal/Winchester VA, give me a hoot and I'll scoot over and ride with you a bit (if you want).

From No VA, you DO NOT want any part of going back to New England up the I-95 superslab corridor thru DC/Baltimore/Philly/NJ/NY that just sucks.  Instead, plan a route which continues North (on say I-81) into PA, then head West thru NY and CT or MA. 

I bought a Valk in Springfield MA in '07 and rode it home to NoVA using this route in one long day.

[Mountainman]

Steve, I have done the BRP from Cherokee up to the Skyline and it will take two days as other have already said. But while down there please do the "Cherohala" and the "Dragons Tail" , from the west to the east and don't miss the Bald River Falls , ( photo op. at the beginning of the Cherohala. ), It will give you some nice memories when you are home when you look at the Photo's.

Going up #209 through Pa. is a great route, But when in Port Jarvis, N.Y. Take state Route # 97 North for about 10 miles you will not be disapointed in the road it is called Hawks Nest and well worth the short side trip as anyone here can attest to, ... that have ridden this strech of road.

I have done that trip you are planning and hope you have excellent weather for it's a great ride, ......... Happy trails.

[Ice]

From No VA, you DO NOT want any part of going back to New England up the I-95 superslab corridor thru DC/Baltimore/Philly/NJ/NY that just sucks.  Instead, plan a route which continues North (on say I-81) into PA, then head West thru NY and CT or MA. 

I bought a Valk in Springfield MA in '07 and rode it home to NoVA using this route in one long day.
[/quote]
I agree with Jess, but instead of 81N take 522N much nicer route than superslabing it. When do you plan on going, my better half and I are planning a trip in Sept. down the BRP from Winchester for our 20th that just passed.

Yuri

[99steve]

I have known that 95 sucks for a long time, I drive it every day. We frequently drive out to western PA. to vist my wifes family and have use 84 and 81 to avoid NYC and parts of NJ, but thats using the car. The real problem for me has navagating the the secondary roads in southern NY and western CT most roads seem to take to the cities and I want to go around them. The best I can hope for is a mix of the super slab and secondary roads to get thru the tough areas.

Thanks again

Steve
99 Valkyrie Interstate

[3fan4life]

Two days is minimum for the BRP. Allow 3 days if you like to stop alot and take things in.

The Skyline Drive will take about 5-6 hrs to ride, and will cost you $10.  This is an entrance fee into the Shennadoah NP and is good for 7 days.

Generally hotels and motels are more expensive if they are very near to the BRP. You can save some bucks if you are willing to travel a few miles.


The Peaks of Otter Lodge (mm 85) is very nice and peaceful.  It does cost around $100.00 a night and there are no TV's or Phones in the rooms.

If that's an issue Bedford is 19mi south on SR 43.

And Buena Vista (mm 45) is right up the road.

Lexington is only about 6 mi from Buena Vista.

Give me a shout if you'd like some company on the VA sction of the BRP, I'll be glad to help in any way that I can.