Skyline Drive in November?

[SalsaShark]

Heading out to DC the first week of November for work. Well, I'm dragging my feet for the weekend on returning home and spending some time with some friends. just found out that they have a wedding to attend on Saturday so I'm borrowing a bike and heading out for the day.

SOOOO... I was looking at google maps like Skyline Drive looked like fun.

My question is, given typical seasonal norms, how doable is Skyline Dr between Ft. Royal and Waynesboro this time of year?

**Edit** I guess that is all of Skyline  

So, I'm on a limited schedule and only really have a day to ride. If you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them. I'll be heading out of Reston.

[Spanky]

Should be fine, depending on current weather - it will be colder at altitude, so keep that in mind. The speed limit is only 35 the whole way and you have to pay to get on the skyline. I would suggest considering doing part of the Blue Ridge Parkway instead. It is free and the speed limit is 45. I have talked with several people who think it is at least as nice as the skyline. Just a thought. This is a good site to check out.
http://blueridgeskyline.com/

[Bowtie76]

Do it.  The limit it 35 but 45 gets you a slow down wave instead of a ticket.  It usually takes me 3-3:30 hours to run Skyline from stem to stern, no stops.  It is not a slash and dash type of road but I usually have fun sticking it at 45-50 and holding it there, straights and turns.  Makes for a nice smooth ride.  

If you go, do it on a weekday, the leafpeeper are here (leaves are just starting to turn) and can really clog up the works.

I live right off the Rt33 (swift run) enterence to the park.  Let me know when your coming through and I might be able to sneek a ride in.

[SalsaShark]

Sweet... thanks!

I wish I could get up there during the week, but work takes priority. I may be able to sneak out on Friday, but most likely it will be early Saturday morning.

Typically, what's the weather like for this time of year? I'm somewhat restricted on the gear I bring, so I'm pondering whether to bring the leathers or the cold weather textiles.

I hear you on the leafers. It's just wrapping up in CO.

[Spanky]

Cold weather textiles is a much safer bet. You may have mild weather that time of year, but you should plan for colder weather in November. It can easily be in the low 30's early in the morning and only hit 40 - 50 during the day. If you are very lucky and it is warmer, open some vents .

[Bigpoodle]

I've heard the speed enforcement is heavier on Skyline than the BRP.

True fact, though the Virginia State Police usually do have a unit or two somewhere along the BRP.

Remember that the temperature up on the ridgeline will be as much as 10 degrees cooler than in the valleys below the parkway.  Aside from gearing up to take that into account, you'll want to watch the northern exposures of curves for ice crystals in the pavement if there has been sustained cold weather for a few days before you go.  Once you get into November, not all of that will melt off the first warm day.

[DNA]

If you are going on a weekend around fall I'd just pass and do rt33 ,50, or 250 instead

There can be so much leaf traffic that 30 is dream speed and frustrations will kill an otherwise great day.

Seriously on weekends in the fall look at the other awesome roads that are unknown.

Just my $0.02

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

I would agree on the weekend traffic bit on the Skyline.  I just rode it on Thursday and it was great.  A friend of mine was up there on Saturday and he said it was already packed.  If there is still some nice color left in the trees you can expect the same thing.  If the color is gone it should not be bad at all.
 I get to ride the Drive all the time since I live so close.  Don't know if it's luck or what but I have yet to see anyone running radar while up there.  
Keep in mind that if it looks like rain down below there is a good chance it will be wet up higher.  I rode several weeks ago up 211 from Warrenton towards Skyline Drive and as soon as I started my ascent thru the curves the fog/mist socked me in so bad that I could barely see.  Actually scared the crap out of me it was so bad.  

[Scratch33]

My question is, given typical seasonal norms, how doable is Skyline Dr between Ft. Royal and Waynesboro this time of year?

If traffic and/or weather interfere, there are some really sweet roads parallel to Skyline Drive that make for suitable alternative routes.  If you're interested let me know and I'll PM 'em to you.

[SalsaShark]

Thanks for the info...

I'm not dead set on Skyline. I was just looking for squiggly lines on the map that looked entertaining and Skyline jumped out. BUT, if it's going to be stop and go, then I'd rather go elsewhere.

Scratch, and recommendations are welcome, and I'll keep them a secret.

[Scratch33]

Cool.  When I get home I'll see about getting the routes to you out of my Zumo.

[vulcanbill]

I'd get on at 33 or 211 and do a few miles, turn around and get off and head over to WV.  105 miles at 35mph w/ RVs and blue hairs in Buicks and city dwellers that have never seen a white tail deer is too much.  You can experience it in far less time and space and still enjoy.  Then get over to WV and run similar roads but w/ speed limits that are hard to maintain.  There are an abundance of them and if you're prepared for a long day, you can have many many hours of twisties.  

I don't know what this state police business or 45 will get you a slow down stuff is.  I've NEVER gotten a warning on Skyline and we've been written for far less than 10 over.    A buddy was pulled over by a stationary ranger.  He was asked where he got on.  When he answered, she called the gate, found out what time they opened, did some basic math and told him that based on the mile markers and his start time, his average speed was ## mph.  Here's your ticket.  

[SalsaShark]

I'd get on at 33 or 211 and do a few miles, turn around and get off and head over to WV.  105 miles at 35mph w/ RVs and blue hairs in Buicks and city dwellers that have never seen a white tail deer is too much.  You can experience it in far less time and space and still enjoy.  Then get over to WV and run similar roads but w/ speed limits that are hard to maintain.  There are an abundance of them and if you're prepared for a long day, you can have many many hours of twisties.  

I don't know what this state police business or 45 will get you a slow down stuff is.  I've NEVER gotten a warning on Skyline and we've been written for far less than 10 over.    A buddy was pulled over by a stationary ranger.  He was asked where he got on.  When he answered, she called the gate, found out what time they opened, did some basic math and told him that based on the mile markers and his start time, his average speed was ## mph.  Here's your ticket.  

  No thanks... I've never heard of a cop giving out a time lapse speeding ticket. I'm glad they didn't do this to me when I was in Yellowstone in June

I'm definitely willing to look elsewhere. I've got a 999 to use for the day so I don't know about doing huge mileage, but I'm down for a good day of riding.

[Bowtie76]

I'd get on at 33 or 211 and do a few miles, turn around and get off and head over to WV.  105 miles at 35mph w/ RVs and blue hairs in Buicks and city dwellers that have never seen a white tail deer is too much.  You can experience it in far less time and space and still enjoy.  Then get over to WV and run similar roads but w/ speed limits that are hard to maintain.  There are an abundance of them and if you're prepared for a long day, you can have many many hours of twisties.  

I don't know what this state police business or 45 will get you a slow down stuff is.  I've NEVER gotten a warning on Skyline and we've been written for far less than 10 over.    A buddy was pulled over by a stationary ranger.  He was asked where he got on.  When he answered, she called the gate, found out what time they opened, did some basic math and told him that based on the mile markers and his start time, his average speed was ## mph.  Here's your ticket.  

While I agree WV has some great roads if he isn't sure he has the 3 hours for skyline then he definitely doesn't have time to do 211 33 220 250 etc.  

I commute home on skyline at least once a week and have only gotten one ticket and that was for 55.  I have never been pulled over for a warning just waved at of flashed to slow down.

And your buddy’s story is crap.  The gates are always open, (not always manned) unless the there is snow on the road or something.   So even if a ticket like that held up in court (which it wouldn’t) the situation doesn’t hold up.  SO let’s stick to facts here OK.

[vulcanbill]

While I agree WV has some great roads if he isn't sure he has the 3 hours for skyline then he definitely doesn't have time to do 211 33 220 250 etc.  

I commute home on skyline at least once a week and have only gotten one ticket and that was for 55.  I have never been pulled over for a warning just waved at of flashed to slow down.

And your buddy’s story is crap.  The gates are always open, (not always manned) unless the there is snow on the road or something.   So even if a ticket like that held up in court (which it wouldn’t) the situation doesn’t hold up.  SO let’s stick to facts here OK.

I beg your pardon, sir.  How dare you insinuate that something on the internet is untrue or somehow embelished.  The audacity...  

[Bowtie76]

I beg your pardon, sir.  How dare you insinuate that something on the internet is untrue or somehow embelished.  The audacity...  

I'm sorry sir.  Please carry on  

[TuffguyF4i]

If i was you, i'd ride to Front Royal and take skyline north.  Some of the roads from DC to FR are actually pretty nice and scenic...but will have weekend traffic.

Bundle up and prepare for cold.  It is windy up there.  

[Cablebandit]

I predict snow.

[SLK50]

If i was you, i'd ride to Front Royal and take skyline north.  Some of the roads from DC to FR are actually pretty nice and scenic...but will have weekend traffic.

Bundle up and prepare for cold.  It is windy up there.  

  I think you meant Wanesboro, not Front Royal, and I agree about the roads across VA.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

If i was you, i'd ride to Front Royal and take skyline north.  Some of the roads from DC to FR are actually pretty nice and scenic...but will have weekend traffic.

Bundle up and prepare for cold.  It is windy up there.  

Skyline goes south from Front Royal.  And the wind is rarely more than a few MPH higher up top VS down on lower roads.  Keep in mind that the highest point is only around 3500 feet.  It can usually be 5-10 degrees cooler up there but not too often very windy.  I ride it numerous times a year and rain socking in the top seems to be the biggest issue.