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Started today in Shenandoah National Park's “Lost Mountain Campground” and ended this evening in
Purcellville, VA at one of the coolest hostels of all, the Bear's Den Hostel. One day I really
will post the Journey Report for today and every other day that is missing. The people I've met
have been amazing!
The pink reflection is my shirt, the green reflection is a towel. Never mind the colors, it's what's
on the screen of my Garmin 2610 GPS that matters, which by the way, I have ZERO explanations for...
Maybe 150,000+ miles later it just got tired??
Skyline Drive in Shenandoah Nat'l Park (Virginia)- which connects with the Blue Ridge Pkwy, is a
wonderfully scenic road. Since it's federally maintained, I've known this road (and all others
in National Parks) to be kept in pristine condition. However, I was shocked to discover the
latter third of Skyline gravel (about 30 miles) is gravel. Yes, gravel. Chip-sealing
gone wrong actually, and conditions I'd describe as unsuitable for those on two wheels who have no
experience with corners and gravel. There is but one single "Loose Gravel" orange caution sign
at the beginning of the gravel and that's it....nothing about "For the next 30 miles". Since
Skyline has gated entry/exits, there are no side roads to allow one to bail off the
gravel. Basically, once you figure out the gravel isn't just a short distance, you have no
choice but to turn around or continue on. Not good. I stopped and spoke in person with
Steve Herzog, Shenandoah's Head Park Ranger Maintenance Dude (or some such title), who said the
project was outside contract work and he had no idea when the mess would be completed, adding
several weeks or months wasn't out of the question. This is the roughest condition I've seen
this road, and I've done it literally dozens and dozens of times. I'd recommend Rt 33 to
Waynesboro (or visa versa if heading north) as an alternative to bypass that section. Many
new riders gravitate to this road since no commercial traffic is allowed, and riders don't have to
contend with various others challenges like traffic signals, railroad crossings, merging traffic,
etc. Since Bambi and her cousins like to party in the park (and dance in the road), I'd hate
to be the one trying to panic stop on the gravel surface!
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