Virginia: Charlottesville & Points South (Sunday, June 22Nd)

OK, I've mapped out this route from Charlottesville, VA, for next Sunday, June 22nd (weather permitting)..> Right now, extended forecast showing a 60-80% chance of rain Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but that's 8 days out & things can certainly change in a week:

[image: Charlottesvillemountainloop_zps89d39604.]

We'll be crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway twice during this one so there's an opportunity to run along the ridge here, too

Anyone interested, PM me for meeting details.

Looks like a fun ride... sadly I'm no longer in Richmond or I'd have tried teaming up with ya on this one.

OK, I've mapped out this route from Charlottesville, VA, for next Sunday, June 22nd (weather permitting)..> Right now, extended forecast showing a 60-80% chance of rain Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but that's 8 days out & things can certainly change in a week:

[image: Charlottesvillemountainloop_zps89d39604.]

We'll be crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway twice during this one so there's an opportunity to run along the ridge here, too

Anyone interested, PM me for meeting details.

Put me as a maybe. Out of Richmond. Just bought VFR but been through those roads plenty on my DL650. I have not ridden my VFR other than home from the dealer last week before going on vacation.

Gotcha down as a maybe~

Gary,

Wish I could join you, but unfortunately I had already made other plans on the day of your ride.

I recommend being conservative speed-wise as you cross the Blue Ridge on Hwy 56, for over the years I've had three friends to go down through there. The pavement condition on 56 over the mountains generally ranges from pretty bad to worse, and you should be prepared to deal with gravel on the pavement in many areas. On the other hand views of the white water stream following beside the road (Tye River?) are striking. Crabtree Falls is also worth a look-especially after a good rain, but the parking area has a tendency to fill to overflowing on weekends. The fish hatchery at Montebello is another interesting place to stop for stretching out the kinks. Hwy 56 on the western side of the Blue Ridge is even more steep, technical and narrow (watch your speed while descending). Also when approaching Vesuvius from the east look for the waterfall on your left.

Hwy 60 generally offers clean, smooth asphalt and although (like 56) the grade is somewhat steeper on the western side near Buena Vista, which offers a variety of fuel & food options. Hwy 60 east of the Blue Ridge offers even more technical twisties and for a greater distance as you're heading down the mountains toward, or climbing west after leaving the Town of Amherst at the intersection of hwys 60 and 29. Being a major federal highway, traffic conditions on 60 can vary from light to heavy.

A nice addition to the route you've put together could be to make your way over toward Hwy 39 (from Vesuvius) and continue east to the overlook in Goshen Pass. After a stop to look around you could back-track on 39 and intersect 60 near Buena Vista. Thirty nine can be a lot of fun in either direction as it offers a lot of curves and (generally) offers smooth, relatively clean asphalt (but look out for rocks in the road in front of gravel driveways).  Unfortunately, on weekends four-wheeled traffic on 39 can be frustratingly slow and hard to get around.

Another nice section of hwy 56 east of hwy 29 between Lovingston at the western end and hwy 60 at the eastern end just west of Buckingham. Traffic is generally pretty light through there and the road condition is generally pretty good-but be on the lookout look for gravel deposited by wide running trucks in some of the tighter corners. Also look for the sign to Yogaville (a Hindu temple built near the James River) which can be a interesting diversion if you have the time.

Enjoy!      

If I can find the time to install my fork seals, I will tag along.

Gary,

Wish I could join you, but unfortunately I had already made other plans on the day of your ride.

I recommend being conservative speed-wise as you cross the Blue Ridge on Hwy 56, for over the years I've had three friends to go down through there. The pavement condition on 56 over the mountains generally ranges from pretty bad to worse, and you should be prepared to deal with gravel on the pavement in many areas. On the other hand views of the white water stream following beside the road (Tye River?) are striking. Crabtree Falls is also worth a look-especially after a good rain, but the parking area has a tendency to fill to overflowing on weekends. The fish hatchery at Montebello is another interesting place to stop for stretching out the kinks. Hwy 56 on the western side of the Blue Ridge is even more steep, technical and narrow (watch your speed while descending). Also when approaching Vesuvius from the east look for the waterfall on your left.

Hwy 60 generally offers clean, smooth asphalt and although (like 56) the grade is somewhat steeper on the western side near Buena Vista, which offers a variety of fuel & food options. Hwy 60 east of the Blue Ridge offers even more technical twisties and for a greater distance as you're heading down the mountains toward, or climbing west after leaving the Town of Amherst at the intersection of hwys 60 and 29. Being a major federal highway, traffic conditions on 60 can vary from light to heavy.

A nice addition to the route you've put together could be to make your way over toward Hwy 39 (from Vesuvius) and continue east to the overlook in Goshen Pass. After a stop to look around you could back-track on 39 and intersect 60 near Buena Vista. Thirty nine can be a lot of fun in either direction as it offers a lot of curves and (generally) offers smooth, relatively clean asphalt (but look out for rocks in the road in front of gravel driveways).  Unfortunately, on weekends four-wheeled traffic on 39 can be frustratingly slow and hard to get around.

Another nice section of hwy 56 east of hwy 29 between Lovingston at the western end and hwy 60 at the eastern end just west of Buckingham. Traffic is generally pretty light through there and the road condition is generally pretty good-but be on the lookout look for gravel deposited by wide running trucks in some of the tighter corners. Also look for the sign to Yogaville (a Hindu temple built near the James River) which can be a interesting diversion if you have the time.

Enjoy!      

Thanks for the pointers, Carey!

I'm saving Saturday as the rain date for this ride.  Should have a better idea by Friday if Sunday is going to have rain.

I'm thinking we can meet at Greenwood Gourmet Grocery on Route 250 in Crozet (exit 107 off I-64):

[image: GreenwoodGourmetGrocery_Crozet_VA_zpsdf9]

[image: GreenwoodGourmetGrocery_Crozet_VA_2_zpsa]

I've revised the loop somewhat based on smoothsailin's advice...we'll leave Greenwoods travel down 250 to 151, 151 to 56, 56 to 606, 606 to 252, 252 to 39, 39 to 11, 11 to 631, 631 to 60, 60 to 29k, 29 to 151 & return back to exit 107 at I-64.

[image: Charlottesvillemountainlooprevised_zps63]

Gary,

Wish I could join you, but unfortunately I had already made other plans on the day of your ride.

I recommend being conservative speed-wise as you cross the Blue Ridge on Hwy 56, for over the years I've had three friends to go down through there. The pavement condition on 56 over the mountains generally ranges from pretty bad to worse, and you should be prepared to deal with gravel on the pavement in many areas.

Some GREAT advice here.  I love 56 but have nearly bit it many times pushing through the years due to debris on the road.  It sucks you in with its awesomeness and then tries to kill you with a corner loaded with gravel.

Thinking of moving this to Saturday; the guy who I originally scheduled it on Sunday for is not going to be able to make it.  Still watching the weather forecast to determine least chance of precipitation....