Potomac Pedalers has a ride scheduled for Skyline Drive this Sunday, and since I've never been there (on bike or otherwise) I'd like to give it a try. However the ride doesn't start until 9:30 and the forecast is for a hot sunny day. Even if I only do the 44 mile option, given my slowness going up hills it could take me until ~1:30 to finish.

So I am wondering if anyone knows what northern Skyline Drive is like in terms of sun exposure. Is it miles and miles of unrelenting unshady baking in the sun? Or are there shady sections where a rider can find some relief?

Here is the ride description, if anyone else is interested. As a CC rider, I'd be looking at riding 44 miles, maybe 50 if I'm feeling good once I get to Hogback. I have no idea what my pace will be. On some very hilly rides I only average 10-11 mph overall (3-4 mph going up steep hills). Since I hear Skyline has hills that are long but not steep, I'm hoping for an average closer to 13-14 mph, but won't know for sure until I get there.


CC/B/BB(HH) * 0-65 * VA * 9:30 AM * Front Royal, VA
Northern Skyline. Enjoy one of the most beautiful rides in the area. Be prepared for long, perspiring climbs and chilling, thrilling downhill runs. The hills are really not that steep, just looooong. The ride is an out-and-back on Skyline Drive. You can make a U-turn at any time. Cycle to the top of Hogback (44 mi. r/t), Elkwallow (50 mi. r/t) or Panorama (65 mi. r/t). Bring food; food only available at Elkwallow. Admission for bicyclists is $8.00. Elevation maps provided. (Directions to ride start location: from I-495 / Beltway, take I-66 W for 52 miles to Exit 13 / Linden, VA / Rt 79; then VA Rt 55 West / John Marhsall Hwy for 6 mi to K-MART SC on left, just past the junction of VA Rt 55 and U.S. Rt 522. Park to the left of K-MART.) Gary Nooger [gary.nooger@his.com] 703/521-5333
Mark Pankin [mp@pankin.com] 703/524-0937