Skyline Drive Century

[mwhatley]

Hi everyone,
All summer long I’ve been thinking about a bike ride through Shenandoah from Front Royal to Waynesboro (about 100 miles). Realizing we’re approaching peak-foliage season, I’m now starting to wrap my head around what this ride is like.

Would love to hear about anyone that’s done it and what the experience was like. The 11,000 foot elevation gain (3,000 in the first 20 miles!) is a bit intimidating but I’m sure totally worth it. Thanks for any tips/advise!

Topic

[JimF22003]

I’ve done the full length of the drive many times, but I’ve never had the chance to go from one end to the other in one day (mainly because I’d have no way to get back ). A couple of times I’ve done a 2-day version where I start in the middle at Big Meadows. Go north and back on one day, and then south and back on the next day.

There’s basically three rest/replenishment points (or four if you count Skyland.) Elk Wallow (mp 24), Big Meadows (mp 51), Loft Mountain (mp 78 or so). There’s nothing at the south end of the park at 250 except for a seasonal Kettle Korn concession, so if you need supplies you have to ride down a couple of miles into Waynesboro. There aren’t too many places to refill on water, so be sure you have enough to get you to the next wayside store. You could also ride down into Sperryville or Luray at 221, or Stanardsville at 33, but then you have quite a climb getting back up

It’s a bit hillier on the north half than on the south half, and has better overlooks as well, but the whole thing is wonderful. Traffic is pretty bad this time of year. This is about the time when I stay out of the park because of the leaf peepers. It should be quite safe, but it’s not as fun with all the RV’s and motorcycles buzzing by.

The road surface is quite good and getting better. They’re in the process of redoing the surface south of Thornton Gap (where 221 crosses). The grade rarely gets about 6-7% although there are some spots where it gets to 8 or 9% for very short sections. Descents are generally safe to take at pretty high speed because there are no tight switchbacks.

I actually drive down that way almost every weekend, so I could help with logistics possibly if you need a ride to one end or the other. Hope you have a chance to do it, because it’s tons of fun!

[PeteD]

Luckily I have a very awesome wife. She and my daughter are going to be my Sag Wagon. Planning on Thursday departure from Front Royal, with Friday being the Northern return from Waynesboro.

Thanks for the info on the road at Thornton Gap. How’s the Cellphone reception up there? Are we going to have to invest in a pair of FRS radios?

–Pete

[mcfarton]

Very cool in for the pics…..

sent from your mom’s house

[ctankcycles]

Cell phone reception isn’t 100% along Skyline Drive but the coverage is pretty good overall. You should be fine.

[xukaiwen]

Is February too early to ride Skyline? If it is, when would you all suggest going?

Sorry to resurrect the thread, but I figured it would be better to keep the Skyline advice together.

[Tim Kelley]

@xukaiwen 135243 wrote:

Is February too early to ride Skyline? If it is, when would you all suggest going?

Sorry to resurrect the thread, but I figured it would be better to keep the Skyline advice together.

Complete crap shoot. It could be nice, or it could be covered in snow. It’ll be at least 10 degrees cooler than valley temps too.

You can check the conditions at Big Meadow on a webcam here: http://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/photosmultimedia/bm_webcam.htm

It’s not unlikely to have snow into late April.

[xukaiwen]

Thanks for the advice. I think I’ll just plan it for an open weekend, dress warm, and hope for the best.

I asked because I’m planning a trip to Utah in April and some of my favorite rides will still be closed. But this isn’t exactly Utah, is it?

[Tim Kelley]

@xukaiwen 135628 wrote:

Thanks for the advice. I think I’ll just plan it for an open weekend, dress warm, and hope for the best.

I asked because I’m planning a trip to Utah in April and some of my favorite rides will still be closed. But this isn’t exactly Utah, is it?

Check the gate when you go in to see which stops are open and have running water. The big ones like Dickey and Big Meadow usually do, but some of the smaller ones might not if you’re early in the season.

[Terpfan]

How did it go? I would love to get up there one of these warm weekends (want it to hit 70 in valley so I know my worst would be upper 50s up top).

[JimF22003]

This page shows the facilities opening schedule for SNP:

http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/facilities-opening-schedule.htm

[Author]

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