http://blueridgemountainlife.com/the...e-ridge-parks/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...h-inn/2923169/

 

REMEMBER SkyLine Drive is run by the National Park Service and is currently closed due to the Government shutdown!!!!

 

Tucker and Buffettphan, the parks still closed and I don't think this will be over soon. But all is not lost. There are motels in Front Royal that run from $35. on up. Stop in at the Virginia welcome station near mm 321 on I-81 and pick up a motel discount book and check prices for Winchester and Front Royal.

And, ask for the Virginia map of scenic backroads. This is not the same as the Virginia State roadmap (which sucks). It has highlighted in green thousands of miles of backroads that are made for motorcycle riding.

Anyone touring Virginia should get and use this map. BTW the highlighted roads that are in the HOG Atlas are somewhere between stupid and worthless.

 

Well, we're not taking 81 we're taking 340 through Harpers Ferry. Being a small business owner we don't get to take vacations, only long weekends. Been planning this for a year and I'm really pissed. Can't believe this **** is happening...

 

Tucker99, get the map that Buzzard referenced. You won't be sorry. For what it is worth, Skyline Drive is an absolute zoo on holiday weekends. The scenic byways on the Virginia map are just as nice or better, without the RVs and tour groups.

Have fun.

Joe

 

The Virginia Byways map is available free and can be ordered online. I also recommend the map. Lots of great roads in the area. We road up to the BRP last weekend and there wasn't a lot of traffic. BRP was open just the visitor center and rest rooms were closed. Skyline drive was closed to traffic as it is a toll road. We did see lots of rangers out though and they will be out in force during the "leaf season".

http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/maporder.asp

 

Hope you are able to get in. I opted for the bed roll on a picnic table, this past summer. But, I'm cheap. Beautiful ride, but a little slow at 35 mph. Would love to go back and do the whole Blue Ridge, as well.

 

Well we're keep all hotel reservations in place and going to wing it. Heard on CNN that the ********* are seeking a short term resolution so maybe things will be open. I ordered that map but definately won't have it by Friday. Hoping I can get it at a welcome center or the Holiday Inn. Looks like 340 parallels Skyline Drive, might just ride that to Waynsboro. Also heard on CNN that the Arizona Memorial in Hawaii is loosing $50,000 a day being closed!