Better way than 29 into Lynchburg? (Charlottesville, Staunton: construction, safe, eat)

[Mt.Hope]

We came down 81 from the top of Va to Staunton. Then went Staunton to Waynesboro( big mountain, but ok). Then we went down 29 from Charlottesville.
On the map 29 doesn't look like it has hills at all. Sure does.

The first time we made the mistake of cutting across lexington to Buena Vista to 13o? Or something similiar right there over the mountain. I did see a 18 wheeler coming up as we were going down. Let's just say if I did that in the piddly U-haul I would have sh*t my pants.

Is there a better way to go that's not completely outta the way or is 29 the best idea. Not belly aching, just wondering. we have to make the drive to go pick up my car and 12 more boxes.(fitting in both cars)
Thanks for any better ideas.

[whynot?]

I'd say 29 is your best bet. I don't know where you're coming FROM, but Lynchburg is kind of the edge of what we'd call the "piedmont," or "foot of the mountains," so the farther west (south, technically) you go on I-81, the more mountainous/curvy/steep the roads tend to get. (The highest elevations in the state are actually all southwest of the area you're talking about.)

And yes, even though it looks "flat" on the map, and even though the Blue Ridge is old (geologically) and not all that high, there are "mountain roads" in the area. The Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive doesn't run through there for nothing.

Lynchburg, BTW, prides itself on being Virginia's "city of seven hills," although I see absolutely NO other connection to Rome (Italy, in case you, too, are flabbergasted).

Be safe and check your brakes before you set out.

[badger74]

29 is the best way by far coming from anywhere north of Cville. Just a couple lights and no traffic most times plue 4 lanes all the way. 501 is a tough road and trucks use it more than you would expect. There is a nice 2 lane road you can pick-up near Afton (SR 151) that comes out on 29 just north of Amherst. It has some sharp curves but no trucks. And you can eat at Blue Ridge Pig in Nellysford. YUM.

[roanoker 4]

I think Route 29 is a good road since lots of construction has been completed!!

[Mt.Hope]

We will have to try that road north of amherst. The pig eatery sounds great!