Hampton Roads to skyline drive trip?

[ducati culture]

I might be in for this ride....

[Bun-bun]

I might be in for this ride....

The more the merrier.

[CMDRDAVE]

The rain keeps me thinking about this trip and the one next week to DC if it doesn't rain. 

At this point the Blue Ridge trip it sounds like:
Bun-Bun - Yes
Dave - Yes
Mike - Probably?
DC - Maybe
Will -

Any lurkers?

Friday 1 May: Meet in Natural Bridge area in afternoon/evening
Saturday 2 May: Ride, route may be up for debate through friday night.
Sunday 3 May: 1/2 day ride, head home

Jeff, do you want to nail down that hotel and anyone else is free to make a reservation?

[wllgmr]

I wanna go. Im just kinda broke. Is it Natural Bridge or Skyline? Dont count me out yet.

[Mike_D]

Well this suxx.  I just found out today that the dates of my work trip at the end of April changed so now I won't be back until the night of 2 May.   There's no way I can get out of this so I'm out.  .  I was really looking forward to it too.  I still hope to meet up with you guys some weekend though so we can go ride.  Take lot of pictures.

[Bun-bun]

I wanna go. Im just kinda broke. Is it Natural Bridge or Skyline? Dont count me out yet.

Will, It's Natural Bridge, and the hotel info is below.
Natural bridge hotel
15 Appledore Ln
Natural bridge VA
800-533-1410

Don't reserve just yet,
I just left a v-mail with the person who does group rates, and when she calls I'll post up rates and any other info I get.
Rooms are double occupancy, so maybe you can go in with someone else and split the cost. I'll be headed up there Friday A.M. with my wife, in the truck. Anyone who wants stuff carried up should drop it by my house Thursday night before 8pm(If you show up at midnight, I'll likely pull a shotgun on ya. Just sayin'.).
If I don't get a return call by this Thursday, I'll call her back, so we can get this settled by the weekend.
Jeff

[Bun-bun]

Okay, I was unable to reserve a block of rooms. For some reason they are doing pretty good business that weekend, and only have twelve balcony rooms still available for Saturday night. Balcony rooms are running $115/night, and I suggest you book soon if you're planning to go.
So far, it's just XJDave, and my wife and I.
Will, you might want to get with Dave.

[wllgmr]

Are you taking your car and the bike, bun?

[twolanefun]

only have twelve balcony rooms still available for Saturday night. Balcony rooms are running $115/night, and I suggest you book soon if you're planning to go.
So far, it's just XJDave, and my wife and I.
Will, you might want to get with Dave.

Balcony rooms are the way to go IMHO, nice patio for some adult beverages and kick back at the end of a good riding day, although the bar is pretty nice as well. There are two rooms, that are directly underneath the large columns whose patios are connected with no rail in between, if you can get those rooms it would accomodate a large get together. BTW I would look at the roads west for the most part although one run up and over the mountain on US60 is a good ride, once over the moutain take Buffalo Springs Turnpike, Rt. 635, over to Rt. 130 to US 501 back into Buena Vista.  Although turning around and running US60 back up the mountain is a hoot as well. Just some input for your trip. - Gene

[Bun-bun]

Are you taking your car and the bike, bun?

We are taking the diesel truck, and either putting the bike on the truck, or borrowing a trailer from my neighbor. Either way, we've got room, and will carry your stuff up and back for you.
Gene, Sounds like you know the area pretty well, any chance you can c'mon out and ride with us?
Jeff

[twolanefun]

Gene, Sounds like you know the area pretty well, any chance you can c'mon out and ride with us?
Jeff

I know a few roads. As I posted earlier in the thread I am headed down to Barber that weekend, leaving Friday and will be west of you on Friday on a few of the roads I know, arriving in Bristol Friday Night, then Saturday down thru TN, NC, GA mountains and over to Al. Sunday Races at Barber, then back track to Bristol on Monday, then No. VA Tuesday. BTW this may be why the rooms are getting scarce http://www.horsecenter.org/schedule/09Schedules/April09.asp - Gene

[wllgmr]

The only horses I like are in my engine .   Im in for the trip. How long is the ride?

[CMDRDAVE]

Im in for the trip. How long is the ride?

Sweet!  That makes 3.
I plan on leaving out of VB around noon.  The route I'm taking out there is 255 miles and about 5 hours 15 min.

Jeff had tentative plans for about 200 miles on Saturday.  Sunday is not planned yet.  Though it would have to be short.  I kinda want to be back in VB by dark.

[Bun-bun]

Check in at the hotel is at 4pm, but I was planning on taking the day off, and heading out fairly early. If I get there with some daylight left, it'll give me a chance to spend some time with Margie, and that way she won't feel too left out on Saturday. A nice Sunday morning ride sounds good to me, I had figured on being on the road back to Norfolk by noon/1pm, that should get everyone back before dark.

[Gearhead211]

  Jeff just told me about the trip yesterday may very well join ya.  How many people we got so far, may need another room? I'll have to make sure my bike is serviced for the trip.