Columbia, SC to Nitro, WV tell me about US77

JohnVickrey · July 25, 2011, 07:43:10 PM

We are about to start our summer adventure and I have a question about our route. I plan on going up US77 from Columbia, SC to Nitro, WV. What does 77 look like for hills/mountains. Is there a hill that compares to Monteagle in TN?? The ole 6-71 has 258 horsepower on a good day, and about 175 in the heat.

Appreciate any comments you may have.

Uncle Ned isn't this your neck of the woods??

uncle ned · July 26, 2011, 05:39:07 AM

Fancy gap is about like black mountain, but not as bad as mount eagle. I only go up it when it is raining.

I run the back roads and the hills are steeper but not as long.

the blue ridge is beautiful and cool this time of year.

where in wv are you headed and if close by give me a shout.

828 758 5820 work or 828 757 3823 home

uncle ned

white-eagle · July 26, 2011, 05:44:55 AM

i can't believe you are getting out of GA. not much cooler up north.

going up 77 is OK except at fancy gap, as ned said. even then, it ain't that bad. just downshift and keep the rpm's up. you will need the jake coming down. WV has a lot of hills with 55mph curves at the bottom.

Tell lois hi.

JohnVickrey · July 26, 2011, 09:40:57 AM

Tom, Yes we are escaping. You burst my bubble, I thought we were headed toward cooler weather......

Ned, I'm going to Nitro, WV and then to Carl Sell's somewhere near Toledo, OH. Where do I leave the hills and don't have to worry about them anymore?

white-eagle · July 26, 2011, 05:15:47 PM

John, if you are going to Carl's place, you will also be right by our place (30 mi). Free elec, water, sewer, right next to a small stream. you can be the first to try it out!

the hills really get easy once you hit Ohio on i77. there are still some smaller, but steep and tricky hills all thru WV. i don't know where Nitro is, but i've gone back to Ohio on I77 many times. The good thing is if you break down near Fancy Gap, you're only 40 miles from our buddy Jack, and Ray.

dellisor · July 26, 2011, 05:31:06 PM

John hope your trip goes well , and thanks for all your help with my bus . It ran great at 74 mph with no vibs

Dave in augusta
1960 4104 number 4900

JackConrad · July 27, 2011, 05:24:23 AM

Fancy Gap is probably the longest grade, but there are some shorter grades around Beckley, WV (and a couple tunnels). If you need a stopping spot, we are only about 40 miles east of Mt. Airy, NC which is almost at the start of the Fancy Gap Grade. OR, maybe we could meet ya'll for a meal in Mt. Airy? Tell Lois HAPPY BIRTHDAY and give her a hug from Paula & I. Jack

JohnVickrey · July 27, 2011, 03:21:22 PM

Jack, send me an email with your address. We might just stop by.
Dave, You drive that thing too FAST!!! and, your're welcome.
Tom, we can't stop at your place cause the cook ain't there.......
Ned, You are way too far WEST or we would try to stop by.

I can't tell East from West......

JackConrad · July 27, 2011, 04:11:08 PM

John,
A email is on the way. Hope Lois is having a great birthday. Jack

uncle ned · July 27, 2011, 06:44:38 PM

John I am west of 77. In site of the blue ridge parkway.

Just hollow when you come up 77 and we might hear you.

Have a safe trip.

Need to get Don to turbo that old 6-71.

uncle ned

JohnVickrey · July 27, 2011, 07:08:10 PM

Ned,
Thanks, sometimes I can't tell Right from Left, must be the water. Turbo is on the agenda, soon as I convince my co-pilot.....

JohnVickrey · August 03, 2011, 11:18:55 AM

Ned, Did you hear me?? I hollared loud as I could. Scared the dog to death!!

Co-Pilot thought I was having a fit. Anyway, Fancy Gap is in our back pocket, not as bad as I thought. On we go!!

uncle ned · August 03, 2011, 02:10:58 PM

Heard something. I thought it was thunder but the sky was clear.

Hunting parts for turbo. Between Gene and Jack Bradshaw at Spradling Diesel we might find something. Might get Don to ship us a turbo if we get the rest.

Jack sold his turbo 04 . Came from California. called 3 days later and they were home.

uncle ned