My route so far

First day - A2 to Finley to Mansfield to Wheeling,WV.  Not a whole lot to describe. Usual construction in Ohio. Got lost in Finley (embarrassing since I have been through there a million times), passed the site of a big track victory for me (Mansfield Relays) and stayed the night in Wheeling.  There was a wedding going on and I had to scramble to find a room. Leveraged my Marriott status to snag last room.  Forgot how hilly eastern Ohio is.

Second day - Wheeling to Front Royal, VA. Front Royal is starting point for the Sky Line Parkway which then turns into the Blue Ridge Highway. Town was settled in 1754. Rode slightly ahead of massive thunderstorm. Hotel I stayed in was built in the 40's. Tile like original tile at Morton. Shower head was at my collarbone, people were shorter when motel was built.

Third Day - Began ride on parkway. Beautiful 2-lane road, limited access, no trucks allowed. The Sky Line is approximately 109 mile in length and has 89 "overlooks". Then got on the Blue Ridge. Listed as one of the top 10 rides in the US. Cloudy, but great views. Road follows the ridge of the mountains, so views on both sides of the road. Saw another Black Bear. The Application Trail criss-crosses the parkway at many points. Stopped at the Peaks of Otter Lodge, which is a classic National Park Service lodge. Built in the 40's, it overlooks a lake and a large mountain (see pict from previous post), view on my balcony. Famous for their Prime Rib, which I consumed after a long day of twisty road. According to the waiter, the mountain is a great barometer of the seasons. Spring is coming when the leaves at the bottom of the mountain start turning green. Fall is coming when the leaves at the top of the mountain turn red / brown.

Stay tuned for more.  A few Picts: