Community Forums

txbeachfolks · 05-14-2008, 05:01 PM

We're heading to Concord (Charlotte) for all star weekend, a little concerned going thru the mtns. We figured to take I40 as far as possible but google and co-pilot has route going off I40 as Ashville. can't seem to figure out why. Any experienced travelers thru there?

txbeachfolks · 05-14-2008, 05:01 PM

We're heading to Concord (Charlotte) for all star weekend, a little concerned going thru the mtns. We figured to take I40 as far as possible but google and co-pilot has route going off I40 as Ashville. can't seem to figure out why. Any experienced travelers thru there?

WA4SLC · 05-15-2008, 10:05 AM

I did some HotShot trucking for a cousin of mine through that area. A very comfortable route that is not that much futher is take I-81 up to Wytheville Va. and then take I-77 down to Charlotte. Going through the mountains that route is not bad at all. The roads are several lanes wide and the grades are not that steep. I hope you enjoy the race.

Bill

GaryKD · 05-15-2008, 12:33 PM

Consider Rt 441 between Sevierville and I40. Where are you staying in Concord?

txbeachfolks · 05-15-2008, 03:02 PM

we're in Fleetwood cg

GaryKD · 05-15-2008, 03:23 PM

Fleetwood is where we stay every time we go to the Charlotte area. We have family, in the area,and visit several times a year. Very reasonable rates, when the race track is not being used. $25/night for a back in 50amp full hookup site and $30/night for a pull through site.

Lee C · 05-15-2008, 05:29 PM

I-40 to just west of Asheville onto I-26 to US-74W to I-85N. 4 lane all the way. The only difficult part is a 7% grade downhill for 5 or 6 miles on I-26. The grade is steep but just take your time. Many RV's go up and down this hill everday.

See ya at the races....Have fun!!

txbeachfolks · 05-19-2008, 01:16 PM

Thanks, Lee C, we went that route and it was such a pretty route we didn't mind the up and down and all around. and all star weekend was great

Hitchhiker · 05-19-2008, 02:56 PM

I'll 'ditto' the way LeeC says to go, it's an easy drive and about 85 miles shorter than through Wytheville, VA. We have traveled on the I-26 Saluda grade (that the 7% grade) many times and never had a problem.

As said before, keep the speed down on the grade and don't let it build up too high. It's much easier on the brakes to hold it to about 50 mph than to try to get it down after it speeds up. Use your lower gears..... but I'm sure you already knew that.

historyljc · 05-19-2008, 05:17 PM

The Saluda Grade is wonderfully scenic. Just remember to shift to your lower gear at the top of the hill.

If you need fuel and like Flying J, there's one in Blackburg, SC, about 20 miles north on I-85 from Spartanburg.