US-211 - GREAT Road! [Video]

[Chop96]

Here's video from my ride on Tuesday - from the DC area went up to Front Royal, down Skyline Drive to Elkton, up the valley on US-340 to Luray, over US-211 to US-17, then down to Morton's in Fredricksburg and then home. I took GoPro video on Skyline and most of 211, and have put together some of the highlights from the part on 211. Watching isn't nearly as much fun as riding it, but the road is a TON of fun!

Here's a link to the video: http://youtu.be/Rur9A8YmSyQ?hd=1

***BTW - Does anyone know how to imbed video into the post? I can't figure it out and didn't find anything with a search "imbed video"

[rockbottom]

I may ride Skyline next weekend. Love it but last time I was there, had five deer episodes including my closest call ever when an 8 point buck popped out when I was in a tight curve.

[websterize]

I like the speedo in the foreground. The wearable HD cams are really getting interesting.

***BTW - Does anyone know how to imbed video into the post? I can't figure it out and didn't find anything with a search "imbed video"

Don't think it works here. URLing your video is about all you can do.

[rockbottom]

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[Tarmac]

Bug guts FTW!!!

[websterize]

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I enjoy pithy replies as much as the next rider, but i gotta say — ellipses as dialogue? I'm at a loss.

[rockbottom]

I was trying to figure out how to imbed video. And failed.

[Tr250Tom]

The biggest problem with Skyline is the 35 mph posted limit. You'll want to ride 60 to have fun, and I've been stopped twice by the rangers. If you go on weekends in the summer, forget it. One illegal double-yellow-line pass after another, or you languish behind Winnebagi.

211, on the other hand, is super. I am much happier riding it uphill and having 2 lanes to play on, though.

Cheers, Tom

[Chop96]

The biggest problem with Skyline is the 35 mph posted limit. You'll want to ride 60 to have fun, and I've been stopped twice by the rangers. If you go on weekends in the summer, forget it. One illegal double-yellow-line pass after another, or you languish behind Winnebagi.

211, on the other hand, is super. I am much happier riding it uphill and having 2 lanes to play on, though.

I agree completely about Skyline... I was lucky as I entered the park well before 8 AM on a Tuesday so there was zero traffic, and even luckier that there weren't any Rangers out yet. I tried to keep it below 50 and generally succeeded. I thought the best part of Skyline was the 10 miles or so South of 211, just one turn after another and very few straight stretches.

Uphill on 211 was much more fun, especially because there was a bit of gravel in the second hairpin turn in the downhill lane (video starts right after it).

I like the speedo in the foreground.

I have the GoPro on a RAM camera mount attached to the handlebar clamp. It sits right above the ignition key. I've experimented with attaching it to one of my Motech crash bars, but I wasn't too thrilled with the first attempt.

[rockbottom]

I've only ridden Skyline three times but found it pretty pleasant at 40-45 MPH. And there are as many passing areas as on most of the Pennsylvania twisties that I ride regularly, so that didn't annoy me much. I do try to do it on weekdays or at least as early as possible in the morning.

[Catchina]

What gear were you in on the video when going in that 50-60 mph range?

[Chop96]

What gear were you in on the video when going in that 50-60 mph range?

I was generally in 3rd, but was occasionally in 2nd for some of the slower corners. I rode rode most of Skyline in 3rd so I wouldn't get going faster than I should (Rangers).

[Catchina]

What gear were you in on the video when going in that 50-60 mph range?

I was generally in 3rd, but was occasionally in 2nd for some of the slower corners. I rode rode most of Skyline in 3rd so I wouldn't get going faster than I should (Rangers).

I tend to shift too soon and not get the bike to the higher rpm range. 3rd is probably right, I would be in 4th...need to change my ways and rev it up more. The dealer says the bike likes it and let the rev limiter kick in if needed.

[mogu83]

Thinking of what gear to be in. Personally I really don't like the Skyline Drive. Low speed limit, no passing zones and zero run off space in most areas (stone walls) and they charge you to ride it. And if they catch you breaking any laws they will hammer you, no points but passing on a double will net you around $1,000 after they pile on the tickets, usually speeding,disregarding traffic signs and careless driving (could be reckless if speed is over 80). And the maintenance guys will radio ahead if they see a few bikes riding in a sporting manner.

A good way to avoid Skyline (and an interesting ride) is the take Rt55 West from Front Royal about five miles and take Fort Valley Road (CR678) South to Luray. Great back road and no one is watching.

I'll spend my time on the Blue Ridge. Reasonable speed limits, passing zones, 20 or more feet of grass run off in most places, if you blow a turn, and only three rangers working the entire length of the Parkway on a weekday in Virginia. If you want to get the pucker factor going, and also refine your line in turns try running the speed limit or 5MPH over in fourth or fifth gear and don't use the brakes in the turns. It requires ALL your attention and you can always hit the binders if you get in trouble.

[famousperson]

Personally I really don't like the Skyline Drive. Low speed limit, no passing zones and zero run off space in most areas (stone walls) and they charge you to ride it.

I'm with mogu. I didn't like it at all for the reasons he gives. The curviness has so much potential that it is sheer frustration to ride any distance. It is pretty, though.