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So, it looks like I'll have an opportunity to take Skyline Drive up to Luray before the rally in Ohio, but then I remembered....the Shenandoah valley is in VA...we all know about the draconian speed regulation in VA. I thought it might be nice to see Skyline but theres absolutely no way I'll be able to stand doing it all at a creeping crawling painful 35mph. My butt will fall off. So, I guess the question is, what is the *Acceptable* speed on Skyline? Do they have an understanding that not everybody is going to creep down that road or is it just like the rest of Virginia? Can I treat it like the BRP, where I know I can always be brisk-but-safe and not have to worry about Park rangers crucifying me?
If you have experience going up and down Skyline your advice is much appreciated. I'd sooner avoid it if I'm honestly stuck going that slow.
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(08-19-2021, 01:43 PM)misterprofessionality_imp Wrote: So, it looks like I'll have an opportunity to take Skyline Drive up to Luray before the rally in Ohio, but then I remembered....the Shenandoah valley is in VA...we all know about the draconian speed regulation in VA. I thought it might be nice to see Skyline but theres absolutely no way I'll be able to stand doing it all at a creeping crawling painful 35mph. My butt will fall off. So, I guess the question is, what is the *Acceptable* speed on Skyline? Do they have an understanding that not everybody is going to creep down that road or is it just like the rest of Virginia? Can I treat it like the BRP, where I know I can always be brisk-but-safe and not have to worry about Park rangers crucifying me?
If you have experience going up and down Skyline your advice is much appreciated. I'd sooner avoid it if I'm honestly stuck going that slow.
I traveled it once…starting in Front Royal VA. I wouldn’t bank on much more than 35-40 MPH. It is substantially more congested than the BRP and commercial…retail directly on the Skyline. If you ride it, plan on a scenic but moderately paced congested ride.
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From what I have heard enforcement of the speed limit is pretty harsh. But what the heck, it's only money. Blowing through there couldn't cost you more than three hundred bucks.
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(08-19-2021, 10:29 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: From what I have heard enforcement of the speed limit is pretty harsh. But what the heck, it's only money. Blowing through there couldn't cost you more than three hundred bucks.
LMAO! Go big or go home!
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(08-19-2021, 10:29 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: From what I have heard enforcement of the speed limit is pretty harsh. But what the heck, it's only money. Blowing through there couldn't cost you more than three hundred bucks.
Lol, there are certainly times when that's a consideration, but from what I'm learning from Mtneers, the speed limit kind of "enforces" itself without the need for cops. It isn't as if I want to blow through there at 80, though that road might be quite fun at that speed, It's not really my plan. I want to enjoy the views. But I can't do anything at 35. It sounds like this road is going to elude me for now. Maybe if I'm up this way out of season (like late november) I could have a better time.
Thanks a bunch for the input Mtneers, that confirms my fears, though I didn't know about the retail presence.
Any reccomendations for different roads to take between Waynesboro and Luray?
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I live close to Skyline and ride it a couple times a year.
The speed limit in the park is indeed 35. I often make it to 45, but not for long stretches, as it's pretty twisty and most vehicles go easy and enjoy the views. RVs can be a pain and hard to pass in the short passing zones.
It is moderately well patrolled and VA State Police are kinda notorious.
Also, lots of wildlife wanders into the road, so caution is advised at all hours.
All that said, the National Park section is only 100 miles and south of the park the speed limit is higher. It's a short hop off the parkway to get down to I-81 and speedy traffic if you get bored.
Luray Caverns are a nice place to spend a couple of hours, and Rt. 211 out of Luray is worth the detour. It's our go-to road for twisties and shenanigans. After you cross the mountain, get ice cream at the little shack on the right, then head back over for another pass.
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I rode it once maybe 25 years ago and really didn't understand at that time what all the fuss was about, then again, I'm more a mountain guy than a field guy. I don't really enjoy the BRP much until I get to the southern half and the mountains come into view.
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(08-20-2021, 01:25 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: I rode it once maybe 25 years ago and really didn't understand at that time what all the fuss was about, then again, I'm more a mountain guy than a field guy. I don't really enjoy the BRP much until I get to the southern half and the mountains come into view.
I drove it a few months ago from Front Royal for about 100 miles south. Elevation was 3500-4500 feet from what I recall. All mountain. Are we talking about the same Skyline Dr?
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(08-25-2021, 01:49 AM)Tom_imp Wrote: (08-20-2021, 01:25 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: I rode it once maybe 25 years ago and really didn't understand at that time what all the fuss was about, then again, I'm more a mountain guy than a field guy. I don't really enjoy the BRP much until I get to the southern half and the mountains come into view.
I drove it a few months ago from Front Royal for about 100 miles south. Elevation was 3500-4500 feet from what I recall. All mountain. Are we talking about the same Skyline Dr?
I drove it a few months ago from Front Royal for about 100 miles south. Elevation was 3500-4500 feet from what I recall. All mountain. Are we talking about the same Skyline Dr?
Yup. Mr. Ferret has a very elitist view of what constitutes a mountain :-)
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Thats pretty much my plan. I've given up on the idea of the ride being "exciting" but I do expect it to be pretty at that elevation. What I plan to do is start my ride very early in the morning and do the first half when there's a lot less traffic. By the time I reach hwy 33 I will make a judgment call and if it's started to slow down or get worse I will bail and head over to 340. On the way back from Luray I will hop over to 81 via 211 and return to Waynesboro.
The one bit of good news I've managed to find out is that the police apparently are not VA State Boys, but Federal Squirrel cops.
P.S. I think I'm developing a bit of elitist idea of what constitutes a mountain as well. Need to get out to the rockies one day. That'll set me straight.
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