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skyline drive in VA

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  #1  
Old 02-18-2008 | 07:07 PM
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Default skyline drive in VA

I was just wondering if anyone has done this trip stayed there etc looking for advice tips if its worth going or not thanx in advance
 
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Old 02-18-2008 | 08:28 PM
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Default RE: skyline drive in VA

As nice as Skyline Drive is, which is very beautiful; however, the speed limit is slower than the Blue Ridge Parkway portion. Overall, the Blue Ridge Parkway, which begins at the lower end of Skyline Drive, is more beautiful and a nicer ride. I've done both, so I speak from experience. If you only have time for Skyline Drive, you'll enjoy the trip. Please note that 4-wheeler traffic is greater on Skyline Drive than the Blue Ride Parkway.
 
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Old 02-18-2008 | 09:36 PM
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Default RE: skyline drive in VA

Didn't stay overnight, rode about 40 miles of it on new years day. Speed limit is 35. The higher elevation parts of the road are closed in winter due to icing risk (or so I've heard). Beautiful though, great views. Plan on doing BR parkway down to the dragon come spring.
 
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Old 02-19-2008 | 08:30 AM
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Default RE: skyline drive in VA

I've ridden the Skyline Drive and the length of the Blue Ridge Pkwy a couple of times. Neither of these roads are made for making time. The Skyline Drive is full of things to see and places to stop. If that's what you want to do, ride slowly and enjoy the sights, the trip, in my opinion, is well worth it. A couple of cautions though. The speed limit on the Skyline Drive is vigorously enforced and the Drive is a protected area so no hunting and lots of furry woodland creatures to wreck the bike with. Each time I've ridden the Drive in Summer I've seen no fewer than seven deer crossing the road. Two of them were Does standing in the middle of the road escorting their fawns accross as I came around a sharp corner. The time frame in each case was late July. Oh yeah and 400lb Black bear that don't cross at the cross walks or look both ways before they cross. You can see the wisdom of the speed limit. Enjoy, you'll like it.
 
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Old 02-19-2008 | 04:55 PM
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Default RE: skyline drive in VA

Rode Skyline and Blue Ridge this past summer. Enjoyed both, but agree B/R is nicer all around. Speed limit on Skyline is strickly enforced. Saw more Leo's giving out tickets in any 10 mile stretch of the skyline than I saw the entire lenght of the B/R. You can ride it in a about 4 hrs at 35mph as I recall if you have time continue on down the B/R til you have to head back.
 
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Old 02-19-2008 | 05:09 PM
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Default RE: skyline drive in VA

I like them both. Live about a hour away from both so i ride a couple of times a year.

Only thing i don't like about skyline drive is they put very small gravel on the road. It will move your bike around aLittle bit if you push the speed limit on the curves. The gravel isn't always there and i am usually warned when i pay the toll to get on the road to be careful. The ride is great if your in the area. If your riding blue ridge definitely hit skyline too.
I wouldn't plan a vacation around it, but it might make one aLittle more memorable.

David
 
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Old 02-19-2008 | 11:39 PM
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Default RE: skyline drive in VA

I rode both the Skyline and the Parkway in late september. IMO I would try not to ride early
morning or after 4:30 or so in the afternoon. Late afternoons we saw numerous deer Including one that I'm sure put a flat spot on my rear tire. Be careful and you will be fine. It's Beautiful there and I can't wait to go again. Good Luck
 
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Old 02-24-2008 | 06:30 PM
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Default RE: skyline drive in VA

I have never done it, even though I live in Va, I know folks who have and say its a BEAUTIFUL ride
 
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Old 02-26-2008 | 10:45 AM
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I do it in Spring from NH every year. My experience has been great. On weekends Skyline can be crazy with CRAZIES.
Do the entire ride down to Great Smokies.
The South end of BRP is wonderful.
 
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Old 03-31-2008 | 03:34 PM
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Default RE: skyline drive in VA

Just got my bike so I have done neither. I have done some hiking in the woods in the park and yes...there are deer and bear everywhere. Do be careful out on the road.

Can't wait to get out there this summer.....and it is also very nice in the fall with all the changing leaves.

Will
 


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