Skyline Drive - Out and Back

Skyline Drive is one of the most beautiful, scenic, and challenging rides on the east coast. Your significant climbing efforts will be rewarded with some amazing views of the Northern Shenandoah Valley along the ride and at the many scenic overlooks that we will pass on this route. This ride is certainly an experience.

Arrive: 9:00 AM

Pedal Time: 9:15 AM

Please arrive on time, as we will leave promptly in order to avoid some of the heat.

The route along Skyline Drive is "out and back", so you will have the option of riding as little or as long as you would like. The route begins with a "warmup" climb starting from the entrance to Dickey Ridge where you will climb 1400 feet in the first 5 miles of the ride!

There is an option to drive up to Dickey Ridge and start the ride from there. You will miss the 5-mile climb but still get lots more climbing.

For most, this will be a challenging ride. The ride is not terribly steep, but it is a continuous climb. If you are not accustomed to rides with significant elevation and/or long sustained climbs like this, you may want to pass on this until you are better trained.

We will make every attempt to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable ride, but because of the difficulty of this ride, varying rider abilities, and those who may want to stop frequently to rest, take pictures, etc., we will not always stay together as a group.

Route Options

Main Route (Front Royal - Elkwallow)

Distance: 49.2 miles

Elevation: 5,832 fT

Max Grade: 8.3%

Estimated Pedal Time: 4.00 hours (@12 mph avg. pace)

Route Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9510958

Shortened Route (Dicky's Lodge - Elkwallow)

Distance: 38.7 mi

Elevation: 4407 ft

Max Grade: 8.3 %

Estimated Pedal Time: 3.25 hours (@ 11.5 mph avg)

Route Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28267226

Rest Stops & Turn Around Points

For reference, rest stops and turn around points are listed below. There are mile posts (MP) every mile on Skyline, so the points below reference the appropriate MP location.

MP 4.6 Dickey Ridge Visitor's Center - restrooms, store, overlook

MP 24.1 Elkwallow Wayside - 1st rest stop, turnaround point for 49 mile ride, store, restrooms

MP 31.7 Panorama - restrooms

• Cell phone coverage - Because this is a national park in a very remote area there may be little if any cell phone coverage. Because of this it is extremely important that you are well prepared and understand the logistics and organization of this ride.

• Entrance Fee - Bicycles are required to pay an $15.00 individual entrance fee (credit cards accepted). DO NOT ride through the gate without paying! You may also purchase an annual pass for $45.00 which will allow for 4 individual entrances (card holder + 3 additional adults).

• Driver's License/Photo ID - Park rangers have advised in the past that bicyclists are required to carry valid identification. Although unlikely, you may be asked if you are carrying an ID and/or to provide identification upon entrance to the park.

All persons participating in this activity accept and/or assume any and all risks of injuries (physical or otherwise) arising from and/or associated with this activity.

AFTER THE RIDE

After the ride, I suggest we go to Barrel Oak's winery .