Need advise with Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive

[bulldogs2k]

Cam'ers,

I need your advise, specialy from the ones who have ridden this route.  I'm about to take my crf230L from Va Beach and ride through rt 460 to the BRP, skyline, and visiting Luray Caverns before ending the day at my Ma's house in Bristow.  I plan on taking it slow (not an option with my crf230) and checking out the sights.  I'm sure it will be amazing, and even more so if the leaves turn!

Anyways, are there any stops that I need to check out while on the ride?  Lastly, are there plenty of fuel stops along the BRP and Skyline dr?  I would like to keep my rolling gear light and sparse, yet I'm concerned about my limited fuel range (150-160 miles per tank).  Lets hear it from ya! 

[twolanefun]

To get fuel you will need to get off the BRP, even on your Honda CRF there are better roads IMHO with a posted speed limit of 45 on BRP and 35 on Skyline drive. I don't know a lot about your bike, nor have I ridden a modern endure machine, but those roads would seem to be a bit boring even on your machine and the long way around. If it were me I would head over to Shacklefords and pickup rt. 14 to Rt. 722(Newton Rd., Sparta Rd) to US301 to Rt. 218 and then some backroads that I know send an email to 2vtwin@comcast.net and I will fill you in. If you do end up taking BRP/Skyline the fun is off those roads on either side. If you go rt. 460 take rt. 43 up to BRP to get started. - Gene

[mdubya]

I am with Gene. The BRP is better than Skyline in every way, but it is patrolled much more than it used to be. If you do BRP, check out Routes 60 and 56 where they cross BRP. Those are awesome roads. Skyline isn't even worth the trouble IMO. Between the endless lines of traffic and the police presence, it isn't any fun. JMHO.

[bulldogs2k]

Hey Tim,

Thanks for the heads up.  I plan on leaving friday at 0500.  What time do you think I'll end my trip at, sans the caverns. 
A

[Henecton]

I try and ride Skyline drive at least once a year, it is very slow going but the views are great and you have to get into a diff't mind set when you ride it. Stop at Big Meadows(or maybe it's Bear Meadows not sure of the exact name) and look at the little museum, there are bathrooms and fuel available as well. If you get on Skyline drive and are in a hurry or in the wrong mind set it'll be one of the most miserable rides you've ever had.

[FatguyRacer]

I rode half of Skyline Dr 2 weeks ago from Front Royal to Rt-33 by myself. By the time I got to Rt-33 I had enough. The last straw was the 3 doods on Harleys going slower than slow. The lead guy was riding his hiway pegs fer chrissake!

I've driven the BRP many times years ago when I had my Porsche 928 and during the week it's perfect. I've done Mile Marker 1 all the way to Grandfather Mountain in N.C. a couple of times. Sometimes its great and you can really get moving along real good and I've been on it when the fog was so bad you couldnt see 25' in front of you. Some of the scariest moments i've ever had behind the wheel. I would never want to try that on a bike.

[bulldogs2k]

Hasn't happened yet.  Will let you guys know this weekend though. 
A [moto]

[twolanefun]

Hasn't happened yet.  Will let you guys know this weekend though. 
A [moto]

Well

[bulldogs2k]

Well

It was GREAT!  But, I have to say this, never do this ride on a skinny dual sport!  My ass was mush by the end of the trip, which took me 12 hours to do.  I couldn't take pictures (camera is broke) and stop to check out the scene since I was on a race to beat the rain (a very slow race since speed limit on sky is 35mpg).  That brings me to my other point, this route sucks if you have some place to be!  Its slow, as mentioned above, and full of cops, tourist and AWSOME Landscape that can get your mind distracted from the road.  However, it is a great rout to take if your taking your time and checking out the place.  I will be doing this ride again when fall brings out its colors.  Next time I will tour the area and check out some dirt trails along the way.  Should be F'n GREAT!  You guys are welcome but it may get dirty

[bulldogs2k]

12 hours on a dual sport seat, thats like 11ty billion hours on a street bike seat!  Oh the pain!