This trip is looking to be a little different because we're going with two other couples and we're not actually riding the whole way. Let me explain the latter statement. There will be about 1,500 miles of great riding (well - if you remove the first day, there is about 1,000 miles of excellent riding). However, once up North, we're going to hop on the Amtrak Auto Train and ride in comfort from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL.
The autotrain is truly my first experience on a train in the United States. I frequented a number of trains in Europe and a good number of subways in the US - in fact, I rode the Long Island Railway from Long Island to New York City. Anyways, suffice it to say, N and I are looking forward to the overnight train ride from VA to FL.
The Plan - Florida to Virginia. What's in VA you ask? The Hills. Really, we've been talking about doing this for a while, but now is the time. We're going to do the entire Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. With a few stops here and there along the way.
A basic route has been chosen with some hotel/b&b's selected along the way. Nandi are pretty excited...
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| Run for the Hills - The Route |
The route does take us through the following areas (to name a few):
Dahlonega, GA
Blairsville, GA
Deals Gap, NC (Tail of the Dragon Again!!)
Pigeon Forge, TN
Gatlinburg, TN
Bryson City, NC
Asheville, NC
Linville Falls, NC
Blowing Rock, NC
Fancy Gap, VA
Natural Bridge, VA
Front Royal, VA
Overall mileage is much different than last time - we are really all about enjoying ourselves (of course we did last time we went out of state as well...). But again, Iron Butt Association aside, we have two other couples traveling with us and I don't think they'd be able to keep up with the pace we set back in September 2012.
Day 2 - 269 miles
Day 3 - 102 miles
Day 4 - 193 miles
Day 5 - 120 miles
Day 6 - 196 miles
Day 7 - 64 miles
There is a day 8 - but that is simply riding from Sanford, FL to home...139 miles of Florida.
Anyways, looking forward to the trip and I'll post many pictures upon my return. (don't hold your breath, it will be a while before the trip). Until then... JUST RIDE.
