I might be part sled dog

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've been "thinking" about the trip to VA. since it was announced. I've pretty well got it planned out in my head, including our 3 days in DC afterwards. Unlike my friend Bruce it's part of who I am. Maybe once I retire as him, that will ease up. But anyway, I enjoy it. Always with the understanding that "the best laid plans of mice and men" are always in effect.
 Today I began the physical readiness.  Nothing too serious yet. Going thru stuff I seldom use and checking. Rain gear, riding gear, etc. But, it stuck me I was getting an adrenaline buzz from it. Sled dogs in Alaska are similar. As soon as they see harnesses they get all goofy and start jumping up and down. I saw the harness this morning.  I've got much more to do. Tires, brakes, oil change, etc. But it has begun.
 I may have to take that gene testing thing Serk recommended to me a few years back. 1/3 Neanderthal, 1/3 sled dog, 1/3 Homo Sapien ? See you in VA. 

[Prescott John]

I know the feeling Rob.  I've already gone through the riding and rain gear.  I dug the cool vest out and put it in the trunk. I've put the atlas in the trunk, under the cool vest.  I even did an oil and filter change on the new Wing.  It is going to be a long month, excitedly waiting for departure day.

[Gryphon Rider]

Usually when I have a trip coming up, I am so busy with urgent stuff at work and with planning/packing at home that I'm too stressed out to get a happy adrenaline rush from it.  It's typically the second day away that I finally get good vacation vibes.

[baldo]

I've got so much going on between the job and business that I won't have time to do all the nice upgrades I wanted to before launch day. I'll be lucky to get the oil changed and new brake pads.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I know the feeling Rob.  I've already gone through the riding and rain gear.  I dug the cool vest out and put it in the trunk. I've put the atlas in the trunk, under the cool vest.  I even did an oil and filter change on the new Wing.  It is going to be a long month, excitedly waiting for departure day.

Really looking forward to seeing your Wing John. 

Usually when I have a trip coming up, I am so busy with urgent stuff at work and with planning/packing at home that I'm too stressed out to get a happy adrenaline rush from it.  It's typically the second day away that I finally get good vacation vibes.

There is not much in my job I can do ahead. The last week I will have write several schedules, but that’s about it. I just go into it knowing I’ll have much to fix when I get back. I never think about it till I get back. Now my wife will be calling work on a daily basis trying to put out fires. She just can’t help it.

I've got so much going on between the job and business that I won't have time to do all the nice upgrades I wanted to before launch day. I'll be lucky to get the oil changed and new brake pads.

Look forward to riding with you again Bob. 

[3fan4life]

Since you guys are talking about brakes and tires and such, I wanted to let you know that service will be available to those at Inzane who may need it.

I ran into This guy a couple of weeks ago:

https://m.facebook.com/groups/109339477726?view=permalink&id=10155449470912727

He is opening his own shop a couple of miles from GZ.

I stopped in because I saw a couple of Valks sitting inside.

After finding out that Big BF wouldn't be @ Inzane this year I began brainstorming about who there may be locally that could help out if anyone needed any maintenance to keep them going or get them home.

Evan is willing to fill that gap this year.

He's going to be doing a new rear tire and probably rebuilding a set of forks for me between now and Inzane.

He has a couple of Valks himself and really has a passion for the old Phat Girls.

I've suggested to him that he join the board and post up here as well.

I told him that a lot of us "old" codgers don't do Facebook.

[Serk]

I probably should be doing tons of stuff to prepare, need an oil change, maybe a new tire or two, still can't figure out the cause of the high speed wobble she's developed.

But alas, between this being Ren Faire season, work, spousal unit traveling most weeks so I'm trying to hold down the fort as a virtual single dad with three 1st graders, none of that stuff will get done, and come departure day I'll toss some clean underwear in Wal Mart bags, put 'em in a saddlebag, hop on and hope for the best...

[3fan4life]

I probably should be doing tons of stuff to prepare, need an oil change, maybe a new tire or two, still can't figure out the cause of the high speed wobble she's developed.

But alas, between this being Ren Faire season, work, spousal unit traveling most weeks so I'm trying to hold down the fort as a virtual single dad with three 1st graders, none of that stuff will get done, and come departure day I'll toss some clean underwear in Wal Mart bags, put 'em in a saddlebag, hop on and hope for the best...

I figure that many are in a similar predicament.

That's why I felt that it was necessary to have someone lined up and available to do maintenance at Inzane.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I probably should be doing tons of stuff to prepare, need an oil change, maybe a new tire or two, still can't figure out the cause of the high speed wobble she's developed.

But alas, between this being Ren Faire season, work, spousal unit traveling most weeks so I'm trying to hold down the fort as a virtual single dad with three 1st graders, none of that stuff will get done, and come departure day I'll toss some clean underwear in Wal Mart bags, put 'em in a saddlebag, hop on and hope for the best...

I hope you get the wobble figured out beforehand. 

[3fan4life]

He'll just need to keep it under a 100mph. 

[Serk]

He'll just need to keep it under a 100mph. 

It's odd, sometimes it wobbles around 80, sometimes it's smooth past 100... Makes no sense...

For better or worse though, heading east for Inzane instead of west, especially heading to the communist state of Virginia, keeping the speed under 100 will be much easier this year than it was last year.

[The emperor has no clothes]

especially heading to the communist state of Virginia

Virginia is communistic ? I thought it was a Commonwealth, similar to a Republic ? Do I need to bring a photo of Stalin for passage ? 

[Serk]

especially heading to the communist state of Virginia

Virginia is communistic ? I thought it was a Commonwealth, similar to a Republic ? Do I need to bring a photo of Stalin for passage ? 

Virginia earned the moniker "The Communist State" by truck drivers in the 1980's when they banned radar detectors, and due to their general animosity towards motorists. (Especially truck drivers, of which my father was one, and would go hundreds of miles out of his way to avoid driving through Virginia whenever possible.)

[3fan4life]

especially heading to the communist state of Virginia

Virginia is communistic ? I thought it was a Commonwealth, similar to a Republic ? Do I need to bring a photo of Stalin for passage ? 

Virginia earned the moniker "The Communist State" by truck drivers in the 1980's when they banned radar detectors, and due to their general animosity towards motorists. (Especially truck drivers, of which my father was one, and would go hundreds of miles out of his way to avoid driving through Virginia whenever possible.)

Police in Virginia are very serious about speeding and Drunk Driving.

Most State troopers will allow you 9 mph over but will write you @ 10 mph over.

Also, some sections of I-81 are posted @ 70 mph, ANYTHING over 80 mph in VA is Reckless driving.

I-81 is considered to be a dangerous Interstate.

It has nothing to do with the roadway itself.

I-81 carries much more vehicle traffic daily than it was ever designed to carry.

And sections are "Bumper to Bumper" at times.

The section from about the 127 mile marker to the 160 mile marker is designated as a "Safety Corridor".

Which means that the speed limit is lowered to 60 mph and fines for speeding and other violations are SIGNIFICANTLY higher.

I drive I-81 almost daily.

One of the biggest problems is the aggressiveness of other drivers.

No matter how fast you are going, There will be someone that wants to drive faster. 

[Jess from VA]

over 80 mph in VA is Reckless driving.

Just to be clear, over 80 (even in a 70), or 20 over any posted limit, can be reckless at the officer's discretion, or just a speeding ticket.  You'll generally have a better shot at officer's discretion in your favor with local PD, and not State Troopers.  It is greatly helpful if you are just speeding straight and level and not being the wild weaver (like most places).

But if you do get a reckless, it is a VA class one misdemeanor (mandatory court appearance) with max punishment of jail for not more than twelve months and/or fined not more than $2,500.  However, typically speed is fined a $10 per mile over (though court costs are always on the high side).

We may get some relief, but it hasn't happened yet.  https://wtop.com/virginia/2018/01/va-senate-hopes-ease-reckless-driving-threat-interstates/

[The emperor has no clothes]

especially heading to the communist state of Virginia

Virginia is communistic ? I thought it was a Commonwealth, similar to a Republic ? Do I need to bring a photo of Stalin for passage ? 

Virginia earned the moniker "The Communist State" by truck drivers in the 1980's when they banned radar detectors, and due to their general animosity towards motorists. (Especially truck drivers, of which my father was one, and would go hundreds of miles out of his way to avoid driving through Virginia whenever possible.)

Police in Virginia are very serious about speeding and Drunk Driving.

Most State troopers will allow you 9 mph over but will write you @ 10 mph over.

Also, some sections of I-81 are posted @ 70 mph, ANYTHING over 80 mph in VA is Reckless driving.

I-81 is considered to be a dangerous Interstate.

It has nothing to do with the roadway itself.

I-81 carries much more vehicle traffic daily than it was ever designed to carry.

And sections are "Bumper to Bumper" at times.

The section from about the 127 mile marker to the 160 mile marker is designated as a "Safety Corridor".

Which means that the speed limit is lowered to 60 mph and fines for speeding and other violations are SIGNIFICANTLY higher.

I drive I-81 almost daily.

One of the biggest problems is the aggressiveness of other drivers.

No matter how fast you are going, There will be someone that wants to drive faster. 

How would 29 be for getting to DC after Inzane ?

[3fan4life]

especially heading to the communist state of Virginia

Virginia is communistic ? I thought it was a Commonwealth, similar to a Republic ? Do I need to bring a photo of Stalin for passage ? 

Virginia earned the moniker "The Communist State" by truck drivers in the 1980's when they banned radar detectors, and due to their general animosity towards motorists. (Especially truck drivers, of which my father was one, and would go hundreds of miles out of his way to avoid driving through Virginia whenever possible.)

Police in Virginia are very serious about speeding and Drunk Driving.

Most State troopers will allow you 9 mph over but will write you @ 10 mph over.

Also, some sections of I-81 are posted @ 70 mph, ANYTHING over 80 mph in VA is Reckless driving.

I-81 is considered to be a dangerous Interstate.

It has nothing to do with the roadway itself.

I-81 carries much more vehicle traffic daily than it was ever designed to carry.

And sections are "Bumper to Bumper" at times.

The section from about the 127 mile marker to the 160 mile marker is designated as a "Safety Corridor".

Which means that the speed limit is lowered to 60 mph and fines for speeding and other violations are SIGNIFICANTLY higher.

I drive I-81 almost daily.

One of the biggest problems is the aggressiveness of other drivers.

No matter how fast you are going, There will be someone that wants to drive faster. 

How would 29 be for getting to DC after Inzane ?

US 29 is my preferred route to DC.

Take US 460 East to Lynchburg and then pick up US 29 North.

It's something of a PITA around Charlottesville but is good after that until you get much closer to DC.

There is a way around Part of Charlottesville and if you're staying at the hotel I told you about there is a way to it that keeps you off of I-66.

I don't know either well enough to describe them off the top of my head.

But we can look at a map when you're in Roanoke.

[Jess from VA]

How would 29 be for getting to DC after Inzane ?

It's OK, if you don't mind the lights and extra time, much is nice rolling hills, some flat.  81 to 66 is faster.

But 29 (Lee Hwy) remains a main, non-freeway divided 4-lane thruway north and south and has lots of traffic near all big towns all the way up.  And keep this in mind, up in NoVA, traffic is worst on Fridays of any day of the week.  It sucks large pulling into town (from any direction) on any workday after 4PM.

If you don't go up the BRP to Skyine Drive during the week, I would highly recommend you do, going to DC (taking 66 East out of Front Royal).  If we have good weather, I am likely to come home that way myself (if its pouring, I'll probably take 81).  But that's the better part of a day.

How are you planning to see DC?  I have posted a bunch of detail about this (I think for Cookiedough) in the past on this (search?).  I recommend you get a motel in NoVA (NOT MD) within walking distance of a DC Metro stop, and taking the train into town, then walking, jumping on and off the train, or taxis in the city.  Some of the motels charge for parking (maybe even a bike).    
  

[The emperor has no clothes]

especially heading to the communist state of Virginia

Virginia is communistic ? I thought it was a Commonwealth, similar to a Republic ? Do I need to bring a photo of Stalin for passage ? 

Virginia earned the moniker "The Communist State" by truck drivers in the 1980's when they banned radar detectors, and due to their general animosity towards motorists. (Especially truck drivers, of which my father was one, and would go hundreds of miles out of his way to avoid driving through Virginia whenever possible.)

Police in Virginia are very serious about speeding and Drunk Driving.

Most State troopers will allow you 9 mph over but will write you @ 10 mph over.

Also, some sections of I-81 are posted @ 70 mph, ANYTHING over 80 mph in VA is Reckless driving.

I-81 is considered to be a dangerous Interstate.

It has nothing to do with the roadway itself.

I-81 carries much more vehicle traffic daily than it was ever designed to carry.

And sections are "Bumper to Bumper" at times.

The section from about the 127 mile marker to the 160 mile marker is designated as a "Safety Corridor".

Which means that the speed limit is lowered to 60 mph and fines for speeding and other violations are SIGNIFICANTLY higher.

I drive I-81 almost daily.

One of the biggest problems is the aggressiveness of other drivers.

No matter how fast you are going, There will be someone that wants to drive faster. 

How would 29 be for getting to DC after Inzane ?

US 29 is my preferred route to DC.

Take US 460 East to Lynchburg and then pick up US 29 North.

It's something of a PITA around Charlottesville but is good after that until you get much closer to DC.

There is a way around Part of Charlottesville and if you're staying at the hotel I told you about there is a way to it that keeps you off of I-66.

I don't know either well enough to describe them off the top of my head.

But we can look at a map when you're in Roanoke.

How would 29 be for getting to DC after Inzane ?

It's OK, if you don't mind the lights and extra time, much is nice rolling hills, some flat.  81 to 66 is faster.

But 29 (Lee Hwy) remains a main, non-freeway divided 4-lane thruway north and south and has lots of traffic near all big towns all the way up.  And keep this in mind, up in NoVA, traffic is worst on Fridays of any day of the week.  It sucks large pulling into town (from any direction) on any workday after 4PM.

If you don't go up the BRP to Skyine Drive during the week, I would highly recommend you do, going to DC (taking 66 East out of Front Royal).  If we have good weather, I am likely to come home that way myself (if its pouring, I'll probably take 81).  But that's the better part of a day.

How are you planning to see DC?  I have posted a bunch of detail about this (I think for Cookiedough) in the past on this (search?).  I recommend you get a motel in NoVA (NOT MD) within walking distance of a DC Metro stop, and taking the train into town, then walking, jumping on and off the train, or taxis in the city.  Some of the motels charge for parking (maybe even a bike).   
 

Your advice was invaluable  We got a hotel in Arlington very near to the airport. Supposed to be 1 block to the metro stop. No charge on the parking, at least that I can tell. My wife actually booked it. I just gave her the parameters of what you described. No set in stone plan for DC viewing yet. Other than a handful of places that I want to see. I'm hoping to hear back from Trump soon.