So, I live in Iowa, but my office is actually in DC, Georgetown, to be exact. I generally spend a week a month out there just so people don't forget what I look like. I've always wanted to take the RT out there vs. flying and next month, I'm doing just that. Taking off on Friday, 8/19 and getting to my hotel in Falls Church, VA on Sunday, 8/21 for a week of meetings and office work. I'll be heading back starting on Friday, 8/26 and back home sometime Sunday, 8/28.
I'm getting the new Pirellis (Angel GT A spec, front and back) spooned on prior to the trip as well as a quick oil change - will need to do the 30k mile service when I get back, or maybe I'll have Bob's handle it while I'm out there - choices!
At any rate, I think I'll head down to Shawnee Nat'l Forest for the first night (stayed there a few years back on my way back from the "Dragon" and other noteworthy TN/GA/NC/SC roads - on another bike, but here's the ride report, if you're bored: East by Southeast on an Aprilia | Adventure Rider) If you read the report, you'll notice I spent an inordinate amount of the cyber page on my trials and tribulations finding beer on a Sunday night. I will be rolling in on a Friday this time, so hopefully, beer will be more easily acquired. Priorities.
The next night, I plan on making it over to Grayson Highlands SP in VA. Then, the ride into the DC area will include the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive from Roanoke VA up to Falls Church. I know folks say going north on the BRP sucks, but it's got to be better than Iowa roads, right?
So, no real reason for the post - just wanted to share. I'm now in the fun "planning" stage of my trip which includes multiple GPS routes and spreadsheets outlining which side bag the Jetboil will reside in and how many Clif bars I should buy - you know, the important shit.
I do plan on taking my helmet cam (sorry for those still eagerly awaiting the Oldspice Adventures I promised a while back - turns out I'm extremely boring and my commentary borders on annoying, so I'm still trying to figure all that out), so maybe I can put something of interest together (don't hold your breath).
Anywho, there you go. Leaving eastern Iowa, heading south through St. Louis, then east, baby, all the way to Roanoke. Are there any hot spots I need to hit along my route? Any places to avoid like the plague?
I'm getting the new Pirellis (Angel GT A spec, front and back) spooned on prior to the trip as well as a quick oil change - will need to do the 30k mile service when I get back, or maybe I'll have Bob's handle it while I'm out there - choices!
At any rate, I think I'll head down to Shawnee Nat'l Forest for the first night (stayed there a few years back on my way back from the "Dragon" and other noteworthy TN/GA/NC/SC roads - on another bike, but here's the ride report, if you're bored: East by Southeast on an Aprilia | Adventure Rider) If you read the report, you'll notice I spent an inordinate amount of the cyber page on my trials and tribulations finding beer on a Sunday night. I will be rolling in on a Friday this time, so hopefully, beer will be more easily acquired. Priorities.
The next night, I plan on making it over to Grayson Highlands SP in VA. Then, the ride into the DC area will include the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive from Roanoke VA up to Falls Church. I know folks say going north on the BRP sucks, but it's got to be better than Iowa roads, right?
So, no real reason for the post - just wanted to share. I'm now in the fun "planning" stage of my trip which includes multiple GPS routes and spreadsheets outlining which side bag the Jetboil will reside in and how many Clif bars I should buy - you know, the important shit.
I do plan on taking my helmet cam (sorry for those still eagerly awaiting the Oldspice Adventures I promised a while back - turns out I'm extremely boring and my commentary borders on annoying, so I'm still trying to figure all that out), so maybe I can put something of interest together (don't hold your breath).
Anywho, there you go. Leaving eastern Iowa, heading south through St. Louis, then east, baby, all the way to Roanoke. Are there any hot spots I need to hit along my route? Any places to avoid like the plague?