Spyders on the Skyline - Saturday 20 october 2012

[DR Buck]

For those going and those still deciding if they want to go on this ride, I've attached links to information about the Skyline Drive and current activities.


Brochure - With schedlues and events from Sept thru November

http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/2012_overlook_fall_web.pdf

Route Map - Entire Skyline Drive detailed map.

http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/whole_park.pdf

 

[mhoecker]

Hubby and I plan to attend

I think we will camp somewhere along Skyline Drive, possibly Big Meadows. Looking forward to the ride, as long as the weather cooperates!

Madonna

 

[Phyxius]

Are we still trying for Saturday? I'm running a horse show on Sunday so I definitely can't do that date. If it's still a go for Saturday I need to ask for the day off.

(please be Saturday!!)

 

[Phyxius]

Gah, you just had to start from the SOUTH end, didn't ya?

Might do the overnight thing down there, or might just meet folks at Big Meadows for lunch... but one way or the other, I'll try to make it!

If you do go down perhaps we could meet up somewhere near the 495/95 exit? This would be my first real trip with the Spyder and I'd be thankful for company!

 

[DR Buck]

Yes..... still on for Saturday 20 October. Also the reason for starting on the south end is the sun! This time of the year with the sun lower on the horizon riding north to south we (read that me) would be dealing with it flashing through the trees and glaring on my glasses. So call it selfish, I'd rather enjoy the ride and not have to content with sun blindness.

 

[DR Buck]

Just made Friday night reservations at Waynesboro Super 8

2045 Rosser Ave.
I-64 Exit 94 at US 340
Waynesboro , VA 22980-9412 US

Phone: 1-540-943-3888


AAA rate = $75.50


Off I-64 exit 94

This is ~800 ft from the Waffle House where we are having breakfast listed in the initial post of this thread.

Wife and I should arrive at motel around 8 PM. After checking in we will be looking for dinner somewhere in the vicinity of the hotel. Anybody arrriving Friday night is welcome to join us. I'll PM my cell number to anyone that wants it.

 

[Phyxius]

I haven't found any local riders to come down so I'm most likely heading down Friday afternoon, too. (This trip will get me to my 600 mile service mark!) I'll check out hotels in the area, I should be there around 6pm if all goes well. I'm happy to PM my cell number, too.

 

[mhoecker]

Make sure your Spyder is in top condition

Before the ride, please make sure your tires are properly inflated, all fluids are topped off and you battery fully charged. Before getting onto Skyline Drive, fill your tank completely, if possible. I THINK Big Meadows has a gas pump, otherwise you will have to drive outside the park to get gas - and that takes a bit of driving. Cell phone coverage is spotty, at best, and AAA or road side assistance can take awhile. Pack as much food and water as you think you might need for the day. Although Big Meadows had a functioning restaurant last I was there (delicious blackberry sundaes), always plan for the worst.

Let's keep our fingers crossed on the weather. Extended forecast is calling for rain. I'm hoping is slips a day and waits until Sunday!!


Madonna

 

[mhoecker]

Intercom sets

My husband and I will be using our Sena SMH10 headsets on the ride. If anybody else has Sena sets and wants to pair up, I'm sure we could do that at one of the overlooks. Not sure we will meet at the beginning of the ride. We are still thinking about where we will hook up.

Madonna

 

[ValCruzSpyder]

Houston, We are a GO for launch!!!!

Just confirmed it with the wife. We will be in Waynseboro Friday night. I also have another Spyder Ryder (and his better half) coming along. Looking forward to the ride. Keep an eye on the Forecast...calling for rain on that Sunday. Front Royal to Virginia Beach in the rain makes for a very interesting ride, to say the least. At any rate, looking forward to meeting everyone and enjoying the leisurely ride. I will be taking a large amount of photos. If anyone wants their own copies, just give me your email address at the end of the ride. Until then, "Ride Safe, Ride Long, and Ride Often...Be Free on Three".
ValCruzSpyder

 

[Phyxius]

A coworker is covering my Saturday shift and boss is letting me leave early on Friday. I've booked a room at the Best Western and I'm IN! :clap:

I've created a gallery here for ride photos/videos: http://www.phyxiusphotos.com/SpyderRydes/Spyders-on-the-Skyline-10-20/25941693_tC2SgC

(Of course it's empty right now) If anyone wants to upload to it here's an upload URL: http://www.smugmug.com/photos/guest/tC2SgC/SkylineRyde102012

The gallery is set up for free downloading and "at cost" printing at a professional print lab.

 

[TiggerSpyder]

Here's to the weekend!!

Hey, we are planning to join too! We will head up Friday evening and join the group. Really looking forward to it! Just hoping the rain holds off...

 

[mhoecker]

Weather looks GREAT!

According to the projected forecast, Saturday's weather looks awesome! Possible rain on Friday for you folks riding in, so pack your rain gear just in case. Hope rain disappears for Friday and Saturday remains gorgeous. Should be tons of fun!

Madonna

 

[DR Buck]

Friday Night Dinner

I'm thinking Friday dinner will be at RubyTuesday, 1941 Rosser Avenue, Waynesboro, VA. We should be rolling in around 8 PMish. Unless it's 80º outside we will be wearing BRIGHT yellow riding coats and ball caps to hide helmet hair. :roflblack:

Dave

 

[ValCruzSpyder]

Still ON for the ride!

Dinner sounds great...but unfortunately, the wife and I will be commencing our run (from Virginia Beach) at about 5 or 6pm. Don't think we can cover that much ground in time to meet everyone for dinner. Hope to meet for breakfast the next morning, though. At any rate...be safe, pack for fun, and let the riding commence.


"Sitting Pretty at the Winery on Knott's Island"

 

[daveinva]

Unfortunately still a tentative, but leaning towards going-- I'll confirm by Friday morning. If the plan is to be at Big Meadows between noon and 1:00 on Saturday, then that's where I'll plan to meet folks.

BTW, for folks coming from the D.C. area, be aware that out I-66 west you have Gold Cup out in The Plains. Thus, if you leave out on 66, that means leave *early* or else you'll be stuck in the mother of all traffic jams. (Also Saturday, in DC/Maryland west of the city you have the Best Buddies bicycle rides... between those things, the leaf tourists, and the expected sunny day it's likely to be a very crazy traffic weekend).

Also: mid-60s is forecast to be the high. Dress accordingly!

 

[DR Buck]

Unfortunately still a tentative, but leaning towards going-- I'll confirm by Friday morning. If the plan is to be at Big Meadows between noon and 1:00 on Saturday, then that's where I'll plan to meet folks.

BTW, for folks coming from the D.C. area, be aware that out I-66 west you have Gold Cup out in The Plains. Thus, if you leave out on 66, that means leave *early* or else you'll be stuck in the mother of all traffic jams. (Also Saturday, in DC/Maryland west of the city you have the Best Buddies bicycle rides... between those things, the leaf tourists, and the expected sunny day it's likely to be a very crazy traffic weekend).

Also: mid-60s is forecast to be the high. Dress accordingly!

Gold Cup traffic will be a non-issue. If you come out I66 you need to get off at Gainesville (US 29 South toward Warrenton/Charlottesville). This is miles before the Gold Cup exit. The 'horsey people' would like you to think their event is that well attended but believe me, I live a lot closer and even in Warrenton, except at dinner time in the restaurants it goes unnoticed.

 

[daveinva]

Gold Cup traffic will be a non-issue. If you come out I66 you need to get off at Gainesville (US 29 South toward Warrenton/Charlottesville). This is miles before the Gold Cup exit. The 'horsey people' would like you to think their event is that well attended but believe me, I live a lot closer and even in Warrenton, except at dinner time in the restaurants it goes unnoticed.

Ohhhhhhkay... just saying, in 20+ years, I *always* seem to manage to forget the dang thing and surprise myself getting stuck on 66 traffic, only to search on the radio for the reason: "D'OH!!! It was Gold Cup weekend!!!" :gaah:

That said, I'm taking no chances. If I can get out of my Saturday obligations and make it, I'm going to head out early enough and enjoy a few trips up and down 211 before the police wake up. :doorag:

 

[YIRYDE]

We will be able to join the group and will be arriving Friday afternoon. The Super 8 Motel is full so I had to get a room at the Holiday Inn Express across the street from the Super 8.

I took my wife down last weekend because she thought she wouldn't be able to make this ride. We had a great time, it was crowded and a cold ride down to skyline that morning. The plans have changed and she will be riding with me to join the group ride and meet other Spyder riders. I had planned on coming back without her and meeting the group at Big Meadows but I'm glad she can make it.

See you this Saturday and Ride Safe

 

[mhoecker]

We thought we would be staying there, but since a lot of rooms are taken due to the UVA home game and leaf peepers, we have changed our plans yet again to just trailer up the Spyder to Thornton Gap and ride down to meet everyone. We will leave the group once we reach Thornton Gap again.

I am not a great planner, so this will be our final and best approach. pps: Really looking forward to meeting everyone!


Madonna