Day 04: Winchester, VA, to Hillsvale, VA. Drive/Parkway

Day 04: July 2, 2006
Winchester, VA, to Hillsville, VA
10:00a-9:15p; 343 miles

(click on the pictures to get a larger size)

“For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies…Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.”

I thought of this hymn as I drove along the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway today. What beauty! What majesty! What a way to connect with nature!

We can be thankful for the vision of President Franklin Roosevelt and the hard labor of the members of the Civilian Conservation Corps who did early construction on these roads in the 1930’s.

Many years ago I was on part of the Skyline Drive, but it is a different experience to drive the whole length of these magnificent roadways.

Driving on a motorcycle adds to the experience – you become part of the road; you feel the dips, hills and curves. Your body becomes tired from the physical exertion of guiding a heavy bike around the curves; your back and butt ache; your mind gets tired from the intense concentration. And yet you feel a real high, a sense of exhilaration and excitement.

As I entered Skyline Drive, a motorycle behind me pulled up and the driver asked if I wanted to ride with them for awhile. The couple on the bike was Bree and Laura from Buffalo, NY. They had ridden the Drive/Parkway some time ago and Bree had good advice about speed limits and watching for animals. We rode together for about 2 hours and chatted when we stopped at overlooks. Bree and Laura, thanks for the good time. I enjoyed getting to know you.
In addition to the wonderful scenery, I saw a red-tailed hawk by the side of the road, a large owl and many deer. I had hoped to see a bear, but that did not happen today. At one stop I talked with a person who did see a bear and cubs earlier in the day.

As for the hair, or lack thereof, - I don’t really like the look, but it certainly is great for motorcycling. Your head stays cooler, you don’t have to put up with ‘helmet hair’, and at rest stops you can douse your whole head with refreshing water. Thanks to Bree for this unflattering picture!!!

I will post more pictures from the ride later. It’s getting late and I need to get some rest.