As some of you may know already I'm working on planning a spring/summer ride. We'll be starting in Michigan on the 6th or 7th of June and over the course of about a week we'll be making a trip to Deals Gap.

It's looking like it's going to be mostly the big slab they call I-80 to Pittsburgh Where we'll be Joining up with my Brother (who recently purchased his first bike and has yet to join the forum-it's an f4)

I may or may not have members with me for the first leg.

I am trying to figure out the best route to get from just north of PGH to the head of the Blue Ridge Pkwy. And the Pkwy down to the Gap.

If anyone is interested in joining there is room left in my group (one of two I believe that will be making the journey).We'll be camping along the way and I will most likely be driving a support cage to haul 1.) My bike 2.) Camping gear 3.) Tools. With any luck I will not be using it to hauls 1.) Someones wrecked bike. 2.) Someones broken down bike 3.) Someones wrecked and/or broken down body. If you guys need any more details feel free to ask.

Any and all advice on route planning is greatly appreciated. ESPECIALLY if you've traveled said route in the past.


Edit: heeding justasquids advice the new tentative plan is to leave early Sunday the fifth, camp Sunday night and arrive Monday evening. That will put us at the gap during the week when it won't be as busy. Same deal on the way home arriving home Sunday the 13th.
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well if you need company ill ride alongside with my buddies till you reach PA

 

Why would you want to stop at PA? lol. Thats when it starts getting good!

 

Well i assume once you hit around Pitt. your headed south...and that is one beast of a highway i dont want tackle. It makes your tires feel like squares instead of cirlces

i take my bike trip over labor day. when im not in school in the summer i work seven days a week so i dont really have much time off for festivities. Perhaps when its gets closer we can work something out.

 

tried google maps

 

You'll have a great time there. Personally, I would just load up and make it there. Its not that far that more than a day is needed, and the roads and area your going through to get there aren't really that great for bikes anyway. If you leave early enough in the morning, you can get a ride in, go to bed and be rested for the next day. I would much rather spend my time exploring the area down there, versus the area along the way.

PLus, you don't want to ride the gap after Thursday. Ride the gap during the week, then go other roads on the weekend.

Oh yeah, if you do make it to the skyway, be careful of those reflectors they have anchored in the road. On the dragon, be careful of semi's and cops. Last time I went was in 05. It was just before the huge crackdown by cops, so I lucked out a bit. Plus your going during the peak season, so they will be out in force.

I would also check the killboy website or others in the area to see what events are taking place. You don't want to go during a huge rally, and they happen quite often throughout the summer.

 

i'll know better what my schedule is like a little closer to the time...

 

hmm - I was planning a non-MC trip to Nashville and Knoxville sometime in the spring anyway. I could be tempted into loading up the CBR and bringing it along if the timing is right.

 

Edit: heeding justasquids advice the new tentative plan is to leave early Sunday the fifth, camp Sunday night and arrive Monday evening. That will put us at the gap during the week when it won't be as busy. Same deal on the way home arriving home Sunday the 13th.

 

What route are you planning for while you are still in MI?