rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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Well, I will be finally going to have to cross over
the Applachians for the first time with my MH and Toad.
Destination Salem, VA
Advice/opinion of what these roads are going to be like
from someone who has done this;
I-64 east into WV then 77 south to 81 north.
The drop from 64 to 77 shows going over the mountains. How harry for a first timer and with a toad? I hope this is not the worst place to cross them.
tks
rock
31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 BlueOx Aventa LX
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
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Ed C
Otisville,NY & Cape Cod, MA
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Joined: 04/24/2001
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I don't think there is anything really hairy in the East, that patience and common sense won't take care of. Mostly let the engine compression slow you down, but when that does work apply the brakes. Don't ride the brakes. If you feel 50mph is good and you get up to 55 slow down to 35. If you get to 55 again go down to 35 again. Don't worry about who is behind you just find a safe speed and don't exceed it. Soon you'll have a feel for the hills.
Ed/Jeanie
2005 Suncruiser 37B/ Colorado Crew
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happyjack2
Winchester VA
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Joined: 05/06/2007
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All the interstates crossing the mountains that I've used in WV, VA, PA (I-64,68,76,80,81)have been well marked with grade percentage signs so you know how steep and how far the drop is. Remember to use the truck lane going up and use your four way flashers if you drop below 40 mph. If you try to stay at 55 or 60 going down don't be surprised when all the semis pass you along with the four wheelers. The big rigs are just saving their brakes.
Bill & Maggie
LT USNR Ret.
2003 Trail Lite 211 B+
Chevy 6.0L
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TriumphGuy
Taylors, SC, USA
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Joined: 11/02/2004
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I've driven the section of I-77 between the US19 "mountaineer expressway" (near the Tamarack exit, north of Beckley) all the way to I-81 and south the Charlotte. Also been on I-81 in that area of Virginia as well.
IIRC, I-81 will not be much to worry about, there is a long downhill north of Blacksburg (and thus a grade to pull coming back). But I think I-77 was a bit more work. Still, I was able to hold near 55mph up the grades, using the truck lane of course. One or two slightly hairy sections but for the most part easy with some patience. As mentioned above just be aware of the hills and you'll get used to working the up and downside.
BTW have fun in Salem! If you get a chance, go to the Homeplace restaurant. Just up the road from Salem and fantastic country food, served family style. Good price too. Just no reservations so get there early.
There is no official webpage I could find but here's an unofficial one:
http://filebox.vt.edu/users/kdesrosi/thehomeplace/
Enjoy!
Curious to know where you are staying? I've never camped near there (used to live in Blacksburg though, VT hokie...)
2002 Wildcat 28BH (the bunkhouse); 2000 Ford F250 2WD CC Lariat 7.3PSD (the horse); 2000 A4 Audi 1.8T Quattro 5sp (the speeder); Last but not least - one great wife and a beautiful daughter.
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Hokiehall
Lynchburg, VA
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Joined: 02/18/2004
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If you are following I-77 south to I-81 at Wytheville, here is a shortcut for you:
Get off of I-77 at Princeton, WV (exit 9)and get on to US-460 East. Follow US-460 east to I-81. This will cut off a bit of mileage and is good 4 lane road all the way to 81. You will pass through Narrows and Pembroke but the remaining towns are bypassed.
Hey Triumphguy, GO HOKIES!!!
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Doug and Cassi Glass
Clifton Forge, VA
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Joined: 02/20/2006
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How about I-64 east to Clifton Forge and take US 220 south. The first 12 miles of 220 are two lane and after that it's four lane. Then I-81 south to Salem, about 12 miles on I-81.
Clifton Forge to Salem is about an hour.
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JasonD
Annapolis, MD
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Joined: 07/26/2003
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No bad grades east of Denver...nothing to worry about.
2008 42' Foretravel Nimbus CE
2007 Chevy Tahoe toad
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Hokiehall
Lynchburg, VA
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Joined: 02/18/2004
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Doug and Cassi Glass wrote:How about I-64 east to Clifton Forge and take US 220 south. The first 12 miles of 220 are two lane and after that it's four lane. Then I-81 south to Salem, about 12 miles on I-81.
Clifton Forge to Salem is about an hour.
That would be the better alternative. I forgot about it.
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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TriumphGuy wrote:Curious to know where you are staying? I've never camped near there (used to live in Blacksburg though, VT hokie...) Salem Civic Center.
Attending a sporting event and apparently the Civic Center has 180 sites with full hookups, go figure!
Hokiehall wrote:How about I-64 east to Clifton Forge and take US 220 south. The first 12 miles of 220 are two lane and after that it's four lane. Then I-81 south to Salem, about 12 miles on I-81.
Clifton Forge to Salem is about an hour. Thanks for the tip that that road is only 2 lanes for a short distance then four lanes.
It sure is great to have input from people that have driven on a route and are able to pass on information to someone going thru for the first time. I would have 'never' attempted to take a rural route road without knowing about it first. Tks.
rock
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TriumphGuy
Taylors, SC, USA
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Joined: 11/02/2004
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Never knew that about Salem Civic Center! I'll have to look that up if I need to be in the area.
I've driven US220 also between Roanoke and I-64, going to/from Douthat State Park. Not a bad stretch of highway at all, scenic and not much traffic, no problems with the 2 lane section.
Love them Hokies!
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