Fantastic weather for fantastic rides

February 11, 9:03 AMDC Motorcycle Travel ExaminerMark Poesch

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Saturday was a great day for riding, but Sunday was even better!  Perfect riding weather from 11AM to 5PM.  For riders outside the DC area, good weekend weather in February may not be particularly notable, but for our area, it's a rare gift.

The question is, are you prepared to take advantage of these opportunities when they come along?

If you like to plan your own trips and ride alone (or preferably, with a buddy), then check out MotorcycleRoad.US (for VA) and MotorcycleRoad.US (for MD).

If you'd rather have someone else do the planning, and like the idea of riding with a group, then check out meetup.com – it's a fantastic resource for groups of all sorts, including motorcycle riders.

Last August, I made the 160 mile round-trip to Skyline Drive in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park.  28 and  I-66 aren't what I'd call "fantastic rides" but the twisties headed up the mountain to the middle entrance of Skyline drive (Thornton Gap) were worth it.  The road is notable for its tight turns heading up into the mountain, and even more so (formerly) for the 50 MPH signs.  Before the speed limit was reduced, I often drove the road, heading into the mountains for hiking trips, and was surprised at how close I was to the limit before I hit the speed limit.

Since those days, the speed limit has been dropped to 35 MPH, warning signs have been posted stating “High Motorcycle Crash Area,” and rumble strips just prior to the turn-in point mark the tightest of the turns.

For novice to intermediate riders, the reduced speed limit is just about right, and the signs and rumble strips are a great reminder to stay sharp in every turn.  This is no place to lose focus, or panic – leaning hard into the turns, hit sand and you'll low-side under adjacent traffic, but hit the brakes or ease up in a turn, and you'll ride out of your lane and go straight into a canyon wall.  Fortunately, the sand tends to stay on the down-hill side of the road – just watch yourself on the ride out of the park.  Or better yet, head home via the north entrance.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when heading to Skyline Drive:

It's a good 30 miles between the middle Thornton Gap entrance and the northern Front Royal entrance.  So, if you plan to make the whole mid-to-north entrance trip, get gas before you start your trip to the park, or make sure to fill up before entering.  It's no fun riding through the dark with nothing but deer all around the road, the throb of your engine, and a blinking low fuel light to keep you company.

Also, leave plenty of time.  The park's 35 MPH speed limit is enforced, and will give you good margin for dealing with bears, deer, sand, and other wildlife that frequent the road.  That means you'll be in the park for at least an hour.

And, check the weather to the west before you head out, to make sure you have at least an hour of clear skies after you get to the park.  You do not want to get caught in a lightning storm on the ridge of the mountain.

Generally, you should assume that food won't be available in the park. Your actual results may vary depending on the season and your timing, but the best plan is take a picnic lunch, and enjoy one of the many spectacular views along the route.

To enter the park, you'll need a National Park Pass.  An annual pass that'll get you into any National Park is available at the park entry gates for $30.  And, remember that it'll get you back into the park whether on two wheels or four, or if you decide to park at one of the many spots around the mountain and hike up.

Coming up: Snickersville Turnpike.