Skyline Drive

[bemcbe]

I've only biked the southern section of Skyline Drive.  Going north about 30 miles and turning around.  This Spring/Summer I plan to bike thru to Front Royal, spend the night and return to Afton.  Can anyone give me a hint of what this might be like in terms of time to do the full 105 or so miles?   I've biked south on the Blue Ridge Pkwy from Afton to Peaks of Otter, spent the night and returned the next day.  Would you say these are similar?  I would imagine so, but if anyone has any advice it would be so appreciated.  Thanks!

[Pat Lamb]

If you're in good shape and lightly loaded, I'd say it's feasible (but not easy).  As you probably know, it's going to be a long slog climbing up from Front Royal, with 90 miles left after that first climb.  OTOH the James River gorge is pretty similar on the leg that you've done on the BRP: long climb in both directions, but a bit more southbound.

Personally I'd rather do it in three or four days, stopping at Big Meadows at least on the way back.  YMMV.

[bemcbe]

Thanks for your response.  Yeah the climb up from the James River heading south was a huge accomplishment.  And it was incredible the next morning riding north, downhill for 7 miles!  Maybe I will rethink my plans and ride this in multiple days. 

[misterflask]

I rode Skyline drive and the BRP at about 50miles per day.  The first segment headed south on Skyline logged on my altimeter as about 7000 total ft of climbing.  Obviously this is more than the elevation change, but there was a fair amount of ratcheting up and down.  Way tougher than the James River climb.