Since I always forget something at the drivers meeting, I'm going to write it down this time.
As Russ has mentioned, this will be a scenic cruise not a race. Of course, my idea of "scenic cruise" may differ from yours. "Flower sniffing" is not possible in my definition so don't feel like you will be bored to death or driving in a funeral procession. On the flip side, scaring the bejesus out of your co-pilot is also not in my definition. Since I do know most of these roads very well, I will lead at a pace that should be enjoyable for everyone. Here are a few things that you need to know about some of the roads we will be taking:
Lambsburg Road (Pipers Gap) - exactly 2 lanes wide, tar and gravel composition, no loose gravel, very steep and curvy, very little guard railing, several blind turns, one driveway in a blind turn. All this means, don't follow too closely just in case the car ahead of you has to stop quickly. There is no run off room on either side of this road. Well, actually there is, but I don't think you want to take it. We will pass thru a small town (post office, church, but no stop light), then the double yellow line in the center of the road disappears. From this point, it's approximately 5 miles to the Parkway exit. This is the run part of the road but be careful.
Blue Ridge Parkway - Speed limit is 45mph and strictly enforced. Tickets are expensive and require an appearance in Federal Court!!!
Carsonville Road - lots of open farmland and quite a few gravel driveways entering the road. 2 lanes wide, tar and gravel composition, very little loose gravel except for the driveway connections. Be aware of dogs as there are no leash laws and some dogs like to chase cars.
Spring Valley Road - nice 2 lane road that skirts along the natioal forest, much open pasture land. Be on the look out for animals in the road. We have found cows that have "escaped" the fences. Smooth, well paved road. Lots of loose gravel from shoulder repairs last time we were there.
Squirrel Spur - wide paved 2 lane road usually with little traffic. Sections are extremely curvy but offer good advanced visibility. This is a crotch rocket hang out sometimes. This road runs from the Parkway to Ararat. We will drive down and then back up this road as it dumps you out in the middle of no where.
Fancy Gap (Hwy 52) - beautiful 4 lane road, very curvy and steep but with some beautiful views.
Flowers Gap Road - another nice,paved 2 lane road with nice views that runs along the valley from Hwy 52 back over to I-77. Sweeping turns, sparcely populated.
Always watch out for the car behind you. If he/she stops, runs off the road, etc... you stop too. This sets up a chain reaction as each successive cars slows to a stop until the cars catch back up.
If the pack gets strung out and the road forks or there is a turn, slow down until you make sure the car behind you sees where you turn.
