Where to ride in March? Deals Gap too cold?

shadowman

shadowman

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It looks like I may have an opportunity to get away for a bit in the middle of March. I'd love to trailer the bike somewhere to ride, ideally no more than one days drive from here. I know Florida would have ideal weather, but the roads are too straight and flat to be worth the drive. I'd love to go to Deal's Gap, but I'm not sure what it would be like in March.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has been to Deal's Gap in March, or anyone who has any other suggestions, as far as where to ride in March. Keep in mind, I want to keep the drive to one day.
 
March 11-17 is Daytona Bike week if you are interested in a cultural experience...
 
Thanks for the response, but I don't think Daytona would really be my scene. I'm not really into the crowds or the posing.
 
How bout Allegheny? I drove up the east side earlier this month and kept thinking I'd like to take the bike next time. Looks like there are some other nice roads that go through the park. Just not sure about march though... It's in the mountains so conditions could turn treacherous
 
Unfortunately nice roads equal mountains, mountains equals cold. Maybe look into the Ozarks? Haven't been, but it's supposed to be nice and might be south enough to have ok weather.

Florida, while flat and boring, might be ok on a bike if you don't mind just touring around and enjoying the scenery. The ride through the keys is particularly nice
 
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We used to go to Virginia to get into early spring so the southern part of the BRP and the Ozarks might be best bet - but it's always a risk. West Virginia has cool roads and will be accessible in a long day.
 
Ok, no Daytona.
How about this place:
http://www.thelodgeatcopperhead.com/index.cfm?Content=39

Located in the mountains in Gaorgia, they are close to many fine roads.

They have a local ride called "The Gauntlet" http://gauntletga.com/ that looks very interesting
I'm considering a trip there in 2014

Of course these are pretty close to Deals Gap so your original question about temps is still unanswered.

I've driven through the Carolina's in March and find the temps to be "Spring like" until you reach South Georgia.
Daytime temps in the high 50's to mid 60's and night time temps into the 30's to 40's
 
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cknowles said:
Ok, no Daytona.
How about this place:
http://www.thelodgeatcopperhead.com/index.cfm?Content=39

Located in the mountains in Gaorgia, they are close to many fine roads.

They have a local ride called "The Gauntlet" http://gauntletga.com/ that looks very interesting
I'm considering a trip there in 2014

Of course these are pretty close to Deals Gap so your original question about temps is still unanswered.

I've driven through the Carolina's in March and find the temps to be "Spring like" until you reach South Georgia.
Daytime temps in the high 50's to mid 60's and night time temps into the 30's to 40's
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Funny you should suggest The Lodge at Copperhead, I had just stumbled on that myself. It appears there are a number of places in the same area. I think I may wait until closer to when I want to go to make a decision. I would think that, in March, it shouldn't be hard to get accommodations.
I'll keep checking the weather, as we get closer to March. High 50's to mid 60's would suit me just fine.
 
AF4iK said:
How bout Allegheny? I drove up the east side earlier this month and kept thinking I'd like to take the bike next time. Looks like there are some other nice roads that go through the park. Just not sure about march though... It's in the mountains so conditions could turn treacherous
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response, but I'm afraid Allegheny would be way to cold in March. Sounds like a much better destination for May-September.
 
I want to get to tremblant's peak before it closes. I have to hike up and "get" something for my ski display rack. Going there on my bike would ensure maximum gnar points. Should by OK by the end of march...
 
regder said:
Unfortunately nice roads equal mountains, mountains equals cold. Maybe look into the Ozarks? Haven't been, but it's supposed to be nice and might be south enough to have ok weather.

Florida, while flat and boring, might be ok on a bike if you don't mind just touring around and enjoying the scenery. The ride through the keys is particularly nice
Click to expand...

Thanks, I did a bit of research into the Ozarks. it looks quite nice, but a fair distance to haul the trailer. It does appear to be a bit warmer than Deal's Gap, probably due to the lower elevation.
 
MacDoc said:
We used to go to Virginia to get into early spring so the southern part of the BRP and the Ozarks might be best bet - but it's always a risk. West Virginia has cool roads and will be accessible in a long day.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response. I've driven through the Virginias a few times and it does look like some nice riding. I think if I'm going to trailer that far, I'd prefer to go to the Deal's Gap area. I've never been and I'd like to see what it's really like.
 
daught said:
I want to get to tremblant's peak before it closes. I have to hike up and "get" something for my ski display rack. Going there on my bike would ensure maximum gnar points. Should by OK by the end of march...
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Tremblant... in March?? Dude, I'm worried that it'll be too cold in Tennessee, and you're suggesting I go to Tremblant??? No need to trailer. I could just ride the bike from home.
Hmmm.... I wonder how I will carry my skis on the bike.;)
 
shadowman said:
Tremblant... in March?? Dude, I'm worried that it'll be too cold in Tennessee, and you're suggesting I go to Tremblant??? No need to trailer. I could just ride the bike from home.
Hmmm.... I wonder how I will carry my skis on the bike.;)
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The only thing I worry about is tire traction. Otherwise it's a relaxing spring bivy trip.
 
In March, there's very few places within a one day's drive that you aren't taking a chance with the weather.

You need to get at least as south as Washington/Virginia area before you can be sure of the weather at that time of year and that's a loooong day's drive.
 
I'm 100 miles southeast of the Gap at this very moment, and I'd totally ride there if I had a bike and not a crappy rental car ...
 
Brian P said:
I'm 100 miles southeast of the Gap at this very moment, and I'd totally ride there if I had a bike and not a crappy rental car ...
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rent a bike?
 
Brian P said:
I'm 100 miles southeast of the Gap at this very moment, and I'd totally ride there if I had a bike and not a crappy rental car ...
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Ask co. for a rental bike instead next time :o

Sent from my tablet using my paws
 
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