Friday, September 16, 2011

MD to Skyline Drive: 105 miles/ 168 km of undulating, twisting tarmac.


Miles covered: 380/608 km
Days riding: 2
Highest elevation: 3585 feet/ 1092 m


I concluded the second part of my Moto tour with a trip to Skyline drive in Shenandoah National Park, VA. There isn’t much to be said about riding Skyline Drive that hasn’t already been expressed. Here is a moto-enthusiast feeble pictorial attempt at capturing the experience. Sit back, grab an IPA and Enjoy the Ride.

Early morning at the gate to the park, the weather was great, sunny and cool, cages were scarce, with more than a few motos around. The tarmac was smooth and mostly free of debris. Moto Bliss.


The bike is warm up and ready to roll. With a 35 mph/56 kph speed limit within the park, there is plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. It was so relaxing I found myself yawning a few times.


There are many look out spots along the route, and although the weather was sunny and clear there was a blue Haze that hangs over the mountains in the distance.


A Rider's view, sweet.


More Haze and tarmac.


There is a beautiful valley in the distance.



More of that smooth, seductive path.


Her name is "Naked Lady", one of the many motos on the drive,except this one stood out.



Later on at the campground. The pumps are for decor only.



Home for the evening. This was just outside the southern point of the park at a private campground.


There was a half mile drive on gravel in order to reach the cabin. Nothing like a good old gravel road at the end of the ride to "wake you up".


The ride back home. There aren't easy routes home (D.C./Maryland Metro area) and riding on Constitution avenue feels like you are in The Matrix with plenty of sentinels along the way. And you most likely will have to perform some crazy maneuver-think Neo-moto- to get through this madness.


Sport Touring Moto-bagdes.

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for the write-up. If you get a chance, come on over to the Eastern Shore. Check out all the tiny, tiny roads around Cypress Swamp.

    Get lost and wind up at Burley Oak craft brewery.

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  2. Thanks. I did not know about Burley Oak, but now I'm planning a moto-beer run to check out and bring back some brew!
    Thanks for the tip.

    Fredo

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  3. Hello, I was playing on the net & there's my trike ( Naked Lady ). I live below in the Shenandoah valley & ride the Skyline often. I'm glad you enjoyed your run & will have to do it again sometime. Paul

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