Skyline Drive in VA? Monongahela in WV?

adouglas · July 31st, 2009, 01:29 PM

I'm considering taking my new-to-me newgen for a trip from Connecticut to Indianapolis to see the MotoGP race at the end of August.

The trip out will be a straight shot to get there as quickly as possible (2 days), but I'll be taking the whole week after the race off, so I thought I'd take the scenic route home.

One stop on the way back would be in Baltimore to visit my mom, which is well south of the straight route home.

Looking at the map, if I add 150 miles to the route from Indianapolis to Baltimore, I can ride through the Monongahela National Forest in WV, and also up the Skyline Drive in VA.

Never been to WV, but I did do the Skyline drive decades ago and I recall it was spectacular.

Anyone have any experience with these locations/roads?

CC Cowboy · July 31st, 2009, 01:45 PM

West Virginia is a motorcycle paradise. Skyline is just OK and they make you pay.

noche_caliente · July 31st, 2009, 01:46 PM

look up madstrom on adventure riders, that's my dad

He rides out that way in WV all the time! Skyline drive is ok I guess, but remember that the speed limit is 35, and you have to pay.... I much prefer the blue ridge parkway, but that's the opposite direction from where you want to go

We're actually riding the parkway tomorrow!

BlueTyke · July 31st, 2009, 01:53 PM

Whoot for tomorrow!!

I live in the Baltimore area! If you need anything let me know! I am not to familiar with things around here in terms of good roads... I know if you hit Route 30 Grand View Point will let you take a gander down into PA, MD, and West Vriginia... (I think thats the line up) It is pretty neat and Route 30 along that area is very nice

andrewwoo · July 31st, 2009, 07:43 PM

yay! for east coast area riders!

minuslars · August 1st, 2009, 02:10 PM

The Monongahela National Forest is BEAUTIFUL in the Fall! I was in my truck when I hit up those roads on the way to Camp Allegheny at end of one October a few years back, but it is absolutely gorgeous! It really looked like paradise. Can't wait to try them out on the bike. It's so worth the distance.

As you might already know, just watch out for the towns where the speeds drop from 55 (or higher) to 25 with little / no warning. The cops are super hungry there.

kappuru · August 2nd, 2009, 09:50 PM

I've RIPPED it on skyline, if you go on a weekday there's almost no fuzz. Actually beat a 636 down the mountain by several minutes.

Just be careful for all the old guys on their goldwings.

CC Cowboy · August 3rd, 2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kappuru

I've RIPPED it on skyline, if you go on a weekday there's almost no fuzz. Actually beat a 636 down the mountain by several minutes.
Just be careful for all the old guys on their goldwings.

You must have a green 250, (or the 636 was parked).

NJD022588 · August 4th, 2009, 10:44 AM

It'll cost $10 to ride Skyline and the speed limit is only 35, but it has some great views. I've been up there in my car a lot, and never seen any rangers with radars (although I've heard about them). I definitely didnt go 35.

I've also driven through Monongahela. As I remember, no speed limit signs and only one lane is paved. If another car was coming, you have to pull over with 2 tires in the gravel. This shouldnt be a problem on a motorcycle though.

Both are beautiful!

July 31st, 2009, 01:29 PM	#1
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	Skyline Drive in VA? Monongahela in WV? I'm considering taking my new-to-me newgen for a trip from Connecticut to Indianapolis to see the MotoGP race at the end of August. The trip out will be a straight shot to get there as quickly as possible (2 days), but I'll be taking the whole week after the race off, so I thought I'd take the scenic route home. One stop on the way back would be in Baltimore to visit my mom, which is well south of the straight route home. Looking at the map, if I add 150 miles to the route from Indianapolis to Baltimore, I can ride through the Monongahela National Forest in WV, and also up the Skyline Drive in VA. Never been to WV, but I did do the Skyline drive decades ago and I recall it was spectacular. Anyone have any experience with these locations/roads?

July 31st, 2009, 01:45 PM	#2
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	West Virginia is a motorcycle paradise. Skyline is just OK and they make you pay. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

July 31st, 2009, 01:46 PM	#3
noche_caliente ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kim Location: mundo de ensueño Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.	look up madstrom on adventure riders, that's my dad He rides out that way in WV all the time! Skyline drive is ok I guess, but remember that the speed limit is 35, and you have to pay.... I much prefer the blue ridge parkway, but that's the opposite direction from where you want to go We're actually riding the parkway tomorrow! __________________________________________________ Progrip tank pad, blue rim stripes, blue Pazzos, Roaring Toyz lowering kit, Puig DB in dark smoke, Cortech sport tail, super mini tank, and saddlebags, OES swingarm spools and Intuitive frame sliders

July 31st, 2009, 01:53 PM	#4
BlueTyke So slow I'm first! Name: Sunny Location: San Jose, CA Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 10	Whoot for tomorrow!! I live in the Baltimore area! If you need anything let me know! I am not to familiar with things around here in terms of good roads... I know if you hit Route 30 Grand View Point will let you take a gander down into PA, MD, and West Vriginia... (I think thats the line up) It is pretty neat and Route 30 along that area is very nice __________________________________________________ Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn.

July 31st, 2009, 07:43 PM	#5
andrewwoo WHEE! Name: Andrew Location: VA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Black Kawi 250R Posts: 91	yay! for east coast area riders! __________________________________________________ 2009 Metallic Diablo Black Ninja 250R 6000K H7 HIDs \| Targa Fender Eliminator Pazzo Levers \| PROGRIP Tank Pad

August 1st, 2009, 02:10 PM	#6
minuslars ninjette.org member Name: Arthur Location: NoVA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '03 EX250 Posts: 134	The Monongahela National Forest is BEAUTIFUL in the Fall! I was in my truck when I hit up those roads on the way to Camp Allegheny at end of one October a few years back, but it is absolutely gorgeous! It really looked like paradise. Can't wait to try them out on the bike. It's so worth the distance. As you might already know, just watch out for the towns where the speeds drop from 55 (or higher) to 25 with little / no warning. The cops are super hungry there.

August 2nd, 2009, 09:50 PM	#7
kappuru ninjette.org member Name: Israel Location: Washington DC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 26	I've RIPPED it on skyline, if you go on a weekday there's almost no fuzz. Actually beat a 636 down the mountain by several minutes. Just be careful for all the old guys on their goldwings.

August 4th, 2009, 10:44 AM	#9
NJD022588 ============ Name: Nick Location: Occoquan, VA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 518	It'll cost $10 to ride Skyline and the speed limit is only 35, but it has some great views. I've been up there in my car a lot, and never seen any rangers with radars (although I've heard about them). I definitely didnt go 35. I've also driven through Monongahela. As I remember, no speed limit signs and only one lane is paved. If another car was coming, you have to pull over with 2 tires in the gravel. This shouldnt be a problem on a motorcycle though. Both are beautiful!

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