FL to MD in Mid Feb???

[zzr pilot]

I posted this in the the general section, but thought I would try here as well.  I am considering a blast to MD and back from Florida in Mid February to see a new nephew.  I am not too concerned about cold and rain, but the idea of ice and snow is slightly intimidating.  The trip would be mostly slab since I woould be short on time, but I would probably pick up 301 just north of Richmond and take that into MD.

Any thoughts, suggestions, opinions etc about the weather and such?  I was there for Christmas and it was 66 degrees out.  Hopefully the weather holds and I can take this trip!

[tmccrea]

Any thoughts, suggestions, opinions etc about the weather and such?

301 is an OK ride until you get to LaPlata, then it get congested -  four lanes and and traffic lights. What part of the state do you plan to visit?

Your trip will be during the coldest part of the winter for us, usually! No telling what the weather will be then, but it sure has been mild of late. Yesterday I rode in the upper 60's.

[bulabula]

If you are indeed short on time, doing on a bike may not be prudent.  My birthday is in mid-Feb, and I have ridden during that time, the weather can also take a turn for the worse riding wise.  

301 isn't any worse than any of the other options you have;  its worst during the northbound commute in the AM towards DC, and southbound during the afternoon return commute.

Like many places, its been unseasonably warm here, but I do expect winter to arrive one of these days.  If it snows while you are here, you may be screwed for a while.  I grew up in Michigan when it used to snow in the winter, and get a kick out here when it snows.  They can close all the schools on the mere threat of snow (or belive it or not - heavy rain...); and when it snows, even an inch, its like watching idiots on ice.  I prefer keeping my big 4x4 safely in the driveway, and being on a motorcycle is the last place I'd want to be during those times.

[sillyhillbilly]

good thought
However have several back up plans for this trip, DO NOT consider it as an all or nothing ride, you would most likely end up as nothing. your considering this durng the Heart of winter thru some very treacherous roads

[Snowbird]

the idea of ice and snow is slightly intimidating.

The thought out to more than slightly intimidate you... it ought to scare the freekin' beejezuz out of you. No way I would try it without a backup plan of waiting out the weather or putting the bike into storage and returning later by bus to pick it up.

I once rode from FL to NY in April and today I cannot believe I was stupid enough to try it and that I actually made it.