2017 brings lots of changes and one of them is having volunteers leading multiple rides — so for those who just can’t get enough time in the saddle, we got saddle time for you! There are many different rides for all different levels of riders. All rides will have sign up sheets in the Rally registration area — some may have a limited amount of spaces. Rides typically include a stop for food, please remember that it is pay as you go for meals. Please make sure you have a full tank and an empty bladder to start the ride!
THURSDAY SKYLINE DRIVE
Thursday, June 15 | Start Time: 9:00am | Ride Leader: Cyndi Brandt | All levels of riders welcome | Costs: $20 park fee + lunch
Join us as we meander down Skyline Drive – and we mean meander. The speed limit is 35 MPH in the park and we will be adhering to it — it’s a beautiful slow ride but does have some sharp turns. Departing at 9am we’ll enter the park by 9:30am and then ride with a couple of quick stops at scenic overlooks for fun pictures and then back on the bikes to mile 42 where we will stop for views and lunch at Skyland Lodge. After lunch, it’s a leisurely trip back on Skyline or if you’re in a hurry to get back you can exit at Thorton Gap and travel back to the Rally quickly. Arrival time back at the Rally is estimated at 2:30pm
Please note that the park has a cost of $20 to enter on a motorcycle and is valid for 7 days. For more information on park fees click here.
THURSDAY BREAKFAST RIDE
Thursday, June 15 | Start Time: 8:30m | Ride Leader: Bev Lowrey | All levels of riders welcome | Costs: breakfast
Take a quick ride to L’Dees Pancake House — voted best breakfast by Virginia Living! An old-fashioned diner, it’s love by both tourists and locals. Reasonable prices and breakfast all day!
THURSDAY DINNER RIDE 
Thursday, June 15 | Start Time: 5:30pm | Ride Leader: Heidi Michael | All levels of riders welcome | Costs: dinner
Easy ride to many choices for dinner at the Old Town Winchester, VA Walking Mall – visit Old Town Winchester where you can window shop and choose from Thai, taverns, French, American, Italian, Sushi and of course, ice cream. Check out all of the options that Old Town has to offer.
FRIDAY BREAKFAST RIDE
Friday, June 16 | Start Time: 8:30am | Ride Leader: Malinda from Grove’s H-D LOH | All Levels of Riders Welcome | Costs: breakfast
Follow the leader to Kelli’s Grill inside Grove’s Harley-Davidson in Winchester, VA. Kelli’s is going to open early just for us ladies! So get some good grub and maybe a new shirt or two too!
FRIDAY LUNCH RIDE
Friday, June 16 | Start Time: 11:30am | Ride Leaders: Anne Strachan & Pam Mudd | Experienced riders | Costs: lunch
93 mile ride that heads to Fort Valley, VA. Lunch will be at Headmaster’s Pub in Sperryville, VA. This ride involves many back roads and switchbacks requiring that we maintain at least the speed limit and requires higher level riding skills. The first leg of the ride is 56 miles, stop for lunch and then back to the Rally site. There will not be any places to stop for gas, please be sure to have your tank full before meeting. Kickstands up at 11:30am.
SATURDAY BREAKFAST RIDE 
Saturday, June 17 | Start Time: 8:30am | Ride Leader: Carol Nelson | All levels of riders welcome | Costs: breakfast
Ride with Carol to The Apple House just outside the North entrance of Skyline Drive. Famous for their apple butter donuts, it’s sure to be a great breakfast. They also have a quaint gift shop loaded with local items. The ride will start by going directly to The Apple House for breakfast via Interstate 66 a quick 15-20 minute ride. After breakfast, tour the countryside on a ride that will last approximately 45-55 minutes travelling on mostly back roads with curves and semi-challenging road conditions. All level riders, but take your time. Ride will be 2.5 hours.
SATURDAY LUNCH RIDE 
Saturday, June 17 | Start Time: 11:30am | Ride Leader: Heather VanKeuren | All levels of riders welcome | Costs: lunch
Soul Mountain – Eclectic Cuisine; some fusion with a whole lot of Soul! Ride with Heather for real food that soothes the soul — known for BBQ — pulled pork, brisket & St. Louis ribs, they even make their own famous BBQ sauce, Doc’s, as well as a black bean burger, wraps & salads. Ride will be 2.5 hours.
GROUP RIDING GUIDELINES
- Ride in a stagger formation with a 2 second gap from the bike in front of you
- Newer riders please ride forward so that ride can be adjusted to the appropriate skill level
- Periodically look for riders in your rear-view mirror to ensure the group is together
- Always check for riders in your mirror before turning. If no one is in the mirror, turn and stop in a safe area so those behind can find you. NEVER stop on the side of a road to wait, wait at turns only.
- Always use hand signals and “pass them back” (right & left turn, stop, slow and single file are the critical ones to know)
For more detailed group riding tips please visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation – click here.
