FL Auto Train to DC and the Blue Ridge Parkway Back

johnnybwashere

johnnybwashere

Joined
Nov 3, 2011
Messages
11
Location
Tampa, FL
Bike
1999 ST1100
I'm embarking on my 1st big trip tomorrow morning. Tampa to Sanford to catch the train. A week in DC with friends, catching the Rays games... Then the long drive back down the Blue Ridge Parkway. I've been looking forward to this one for a long time. Not many twisty roads here in FL, so time to get my fill. I'm still unsure how long it will actually take me to ride the whole thing. I'm not in a hurry, so I'll enjoy the ride. I'll try to post as much as I can here when I get started. Can't wait.
 
Made it to DC in one piece. The ride down the mountains starts on Friday. I have to figure out how to upload pictures from my iPad/iPhone in the meantime.
 
You might want to pick up the Skyline Drive in Front Royal which will take you to the north end of the Parkway.
Note that the Skyline is toll. -JEP-
 
Let me know where you're staying and I can give you some nice routes to get you out to Front Royal.

If you're not hard over on riding all of Skyline, I can also clue you in on some nice roads that bypass the park between Front Royal and Luray and aren't encumbered by the 35 MPH speed limit or people interested in enforcing it.

--Mark
 
I'm staying in Alexandria. I did plan on starting my ride at Skyline near Front Royal. Any good routes to there would be appreciated.
 
johnnybwashere said:
I'm staying in Alexandria. I did plan on starting my ride at Skyline near Front Royal. Any good routes to there would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Oof, so you're right in the thick of things. There's going to be no avoiding some urban combat riding to get you out of there, so make your way to the inner loop of the Beltway (I-495). There's a ton of construction and morons on that road, so watch yourself. Exit the Beltway onto I-66 west. Exit onto US 15 south and take the very first right on to VA 55, which runs into Front Royal and beyond. 55 rejoins 66 for a couple of miles west of Marshall; you can follow that or continue along Grove Lane, which is a small two-lane that's literally spitting distance from 66.

If you exit the park on US 211 or US 33, enjoy the twisties but don't ride like a maniac, because Joe Law isn't particularly friendly toward riders, especially on 211.

HTH.

--Mark
 
There were 8 motorcycles on this train. I didn't know any of them. The Amtrak auto-train only goes from Sanford FL to Lorton, VA. No stops. It's a 17 hour ride, although mine came in 45 mins early. It only cost me around $270 for both train and motorcycle. Look it up on Amtrak's website.
 
I did a little pre-riding with a friend of mine around the George Washington National Forest and a few mountain roads. All before the big ride down the parkway starts tomorrow. This heat wave is BRUTAL. Here's a pic. I'm all geared up and sweating profusely! More tomorrow night after day 1 in the mountains. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1340308599.414743.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1340308617.757369.jpg
 
Day 1 has been completed. This is the most fun I've ever had with a vehicle. The mountains and views are just spectacular the entire way. I'm impressed. Makes me never want to get back to FL. I started at Skyline Dr and I'm now in south Virginia. (Meadows of Dan) I should make to to Asheville tomorrow. Hopefully I'm done with the rain. I had to ride in it for about an hour. I was still enjoying it, so I kept on going. Very glad I bought that rain suit. Just hoping my gloves dry by morning. Time for the pics...

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Just getting started.


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Pictures never do these mountains justice.


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Oops, bad angle.


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This guy came up and said hi to me at a rest stop. Hung out for a few minutes and eventually walked away. Really cool.


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The James River.


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Here comes the rain!
 
Doing a trip to Maine in August and meeting a bud who's riding the train there. Not sure how you plan to get back down but the Blue Ridge and Skyline pky are fantastic. Deals Gap isn't far away either and you definitely won't be disappointed iffin you wander over that-away. I thoroughly enjoyed rt 41 into Florida but for the last 50 or so the St Pete.
 
It's always cooler up on the BRP, at least you can look forward to that despite the heat wave.
 
I've done the auto train 3 times. It's not any quicker (or cheaper) but I like it and riding trains in general.

Have fun and stay safe! BRP & Skyline Drive are great, esp if you have the time to just take it easy and stop here and there and explore. I'm overdue for a run up there.
 
Day 2 was another good day on the parkway. After leaving my so-so accommodations in Meadows of Dan, Va, I headed south. The majesty of the mountains cannot be described unless you see them in person. The higher mountains are in NC, and just as nice. More tunnels. I met an inmate from advrider.com on a mountain. That was cool. I was going to go to the top of Mt. Mitchell, but it was completely covered in clouds and didn't want to put the rain gear back on. I've been up there before on 4 wheels, oh well. I was able to make to Asheville, but not by much. I limped into town a bit. Apparently "Syd" doesn't like being low on gas and tends to bog down a bit. I've had the issue before. Either low gas or the fuel pump getting too hot, or maybe it was the high altitude creating a rich mix. Had to stop to rest the bike a few times the last few miles. I must say, Asheville is awesome! My friends here are great, but it's a cute little town.
I must say, I'm so glad I took this ride. It's my fist lone, long ride. It really clears the head. Here's some pics:

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My so-so accommodations before leaving in the morning in Meadows of Dan, VA.


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This split in the mountains was incredible. I just love driving through here.


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I loved the houses hanging off the hill here. There are plenty on the way, but I was able to get in the street and take this one.


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I never get tired of seeing this on the way.


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Valley in the mountains.

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Word don't do this justice.


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Mt. Mitchell under clouds. Over 6200 ft. Wanted to go up, but didn't. Damn the weather sometimes. Next time.
 
Still hanging out in Asheville. Tropical Storm Debby is flooding Tampa and surrounding areas. I really don't want to go riding in that! It may clear up enough to make my way down tomorrow. At least Ashville is a great town. Love it here.
 
"""" My so-so accommodations before leaving in the morning in Meadows of Dan, VA. ""
Was that the blue ridge motel? stayed there in Sept and it was OK for $40 at that time of year.. still used my sleeping bag
on top of the bed and the sink in the bathroom was just about completely off the wall. Owners were nice though and only one other guy and his girlfriend on a harley sportster that night.. only restaurant close by was terrible for food.. Good campsite and cabins almost right across the road.. was a STOC event there before..
 
That's the place. I didn't see the cabins until later. Oh well. You are right, the owners were very nice and the only restaurant open was horrible. I tried to get pizza but it was closed at 8pm on a Friday night. Go figure.
 
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