Nankman AdventuresEvent: Virginia Vacation- Part 1
Place: All over George Washington State Forest, Virginia
Ridden: September 2015
Click on video to play
Ah, a vacation. A week off from work, no house chores to do, and time to relax. How do most people spend their vacation...on a beach, in a fancy hotel, a spa maybe? Well, the Nankmans spend their vacation living in the back of their van while driving from one mountain biking destination to another. This week's post highlights the first half of our week of vacation.
Day 1: North Mountain Trail to wildlife road, near Catawba. The loop is about 30 miles total. North Mountain Trail was not he best way to start our riding vacation. The climb up the mountain was pretty much hike-a-bike switchbacks. Once on the ridge it didn't get much better. Some places the trail was awesome, other places it was steep and overgrown, and thus walking happened again. The descent down the mountain from the ridge was awesome, fast and flowy. The wildelife road back to the parking lot was probably the best part of the ride, it wove around the side of the mountain with beautiful views of a creek and the mountainside. Has potential to be a great ride, just needs some trail maintenance and cycling shoes better made for hiking rather than riding.
Day 2: South Pedlar ATV Trail system, near Otter Lake. About 13 miles total/ This place was a blast. Purpose built for ATV and motobikes, the trails were wide, groomed, and super fast. It was almost like riding Allegrippis; the trails had tons of "humps" that were great for launching off of. We rode early and on a weekday, and thus avoided any ATV/motobike traffic. Definitely a fun place and something different to do.
Day 3: Douthat State Park, Millboro. We rode mainly the outer loop which was about 20 miles; the trail system within the park is probably about 30-40 miles total. Lots of great and super fun single track. The climb up Stoney Run Trail goes on forever, switchback after switchback. The Mountainside Trail is aptly named; it skirts around the side of the mountain on a super narrow trail bench cut trail. Beautiful lookout from Tuscarora Trail. Some trails here are flowy and smooth, others are gnarly and rocky; so a good mix. The state park has great facilities; the showers are super hot and the campsites are nice sized. We would recommend this place for a multi-day mountain biking getaway.
Day 4: Sherando Lake Trail System, Lyndhurst. Main singletrack loop of Torry Ridge and Mill Creek about 18 miles total, but there are other trails there to add more miles. We made the mistake of accessing the trails from inside the park; don't try to go up the Blue Loop Trails- impossible. It was one mile of straight hike a bike up rocky steps and steep slopes. Best is to park at the Mill Creek parking area. Torry Ridge Trail is pretty much one constant rock garden, super technical and fun. Mill Creek Trail descends down to the hollow and meanders along a creek; it's a smooth and rolling trail. Mill Creek Connector pretty overgrown, it was a challenge at times to follow the trail. Overall a good loop but we learned what trails NOT to take next time; worth riding but get info from locals about which trails to use and where to park.
In summary, the riding the first half of our trip had it highlights and lowlights. Some trails were super fun and awesome to ride; others had us cursing and wondering how long to the end. To ride here means to climb...and climb...and climb. Some days were were climbing for about an hour to get to the ridge top, only to spend 15 minutes flying down the other side of the mountain. Get your climbing legs ready to ride in George Washington National Forest.
In summary, the riding the first half of our trip had it highlights and lowlights. Some trails were super fun and awesome to ride; others had us cursing and wondering how long to the end. To ride here means to climb...and climb...and climb. Some days were were climbing for about an hour to get to the ridge top, only to spend 15 minutes flying down the other side of the mountain. Get your climbing legs ready to ride in George Washington National Forest.
Other highlights of the first half of our trip included hiking on the Appalachian Trail (just some short hikes with Cliff), a visit to the Natural Bridge, driving (and eating dinner) on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and stopping at the Peaks of Otter Winery.
Stay tuned next week for the second half of our Virginia adventure.
- words by Jess
- video by Joël
Stay tuned next week for the second half of our Virginia adventure.- words by Jess
- video by Joël
