SHORT TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS ON THE INTERCPETOR

"...it's about the journey, not the destination..."

The Interceptor ready to go on the trip.

    This trip started as an opportunity to ride the Interceptor on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A few days before I was supposed to leave I got a call from a colleague, Gene Thompson, who taught me how to coach. He lives near Petersburg VA and still coaches Women’s basketball for Virginia State University. I decided to add a day to the trip and ride down to Petersburg and have dinner with Gene. So I left on Saturday morning. 

One of several markers along the way on US 301 in Virginia.

    The early part of the ride was on US 301 south until it merged with US 50. Then along US 50 and 301 until 301 split off and headed south for Richmond VA. The next 30 miles featured a large amount of traffic until south of La Plata VA. Then traffic thinned out and was very enjoyable. 

US 301 south of LaPlata VA. Notice all of the traffic!

    The ride south led to the historic town of Hanover VA. Mostly a two lane road with little traffic, through the beautiful Virginia countryside. The Interceptor was perfect for this trip. Purring along at 60 or 65 mph, while getting over 60 mpg, with plenty of power to pass slower traffic. AND it’s beautiful to look at!

A historical marker in Hanover VA.

      My hotel was just after where I 95 and I 295 merge south of Petersburg. US 301 runs directly to I 295, which I took south. I rode the Interstate for around 30 miles or so until it merged with I 95, and then took the first exit onto 301 where my hotel was. I pulled into the parking lot and was in my room by 3 PM. Then I called Gene and went out to dinner with him and his friend Karen. Then back to the hotel to type this up and get some sleep. Tomorrow US 60 west to the Blue Ridge Parkway by Buena Vista, and then up to Harrisonburg VA.

Monument in Hanover VA to Confederate soldiers from Hanover who served in the Civil War.