NRGE 2019 – Friday Intermediate-Advanced Mountain Biking at Douthat State Park

OVERVIEW

Lets start off the wonderful weekend of NRGE-adventuring with an intense mountain bike ride on our way to the campsite!
Douthat State Park has some of the finest single track in VA and is one of my favorite places to ride. There are plenty of tough, technical climbs up to fantastic views, followed by ridge-line roller coasters and endless down hills. We’ll decide on which trails to tackle when we get there. Whatever we do, plan for 20-25 miles with plenty of rest stops (3-4 hours depending on experience level of the group). You can compensate for experience with good aerobic shape, but some experience is necessary so do NOT sign up unless you have done some mountain biking and are in decent shape. Eat a good hardy breakfast and lunch, come well hydrated, and bring plenty of snacks for the trail. Pack your dinner or bring cash. I don’t know what the weather will be like so prepare for cold weather by dressing in non-cotton layers and carrying a backpack to shed them into if need be. There may be some stream crossing so bring along some extra socks. For more info about the park check out: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/douthat?rewrite_uri=state_parks/dou
The plan is to meet at the Shred Shack, load up bikes then make our way to Douthat which is on route to Ray’s Campground (where we’re camping for the NRGE). I expect us to get to Ray’s by 8pm; plenty of time to set up our tents, get a campfire rolling, and bring on the night.
My general plan for the weekend is to lead a kayaking trip on Saturday and either head home that evening or early Sunday morning. Depending on your plans we may need to find an alternate ride home for you which should not be a problem.

THE CLUB PROVIDES: Camping gear, mountain bikes (various sizes) and helmets, some bike tools, tire and suspension pumps, extra tubes, ga$, bike transport, state park entrance fee, NRGE pizza Saturday night.
YOU SHOULD BRING: Your bike & gear, lots of water, lots of snacks, extra tubes, hydration pack or small backpack if you have one, extra socks, proper bike attire (non-cotton layers; NO baggy pants – the chain ring will eat them!). We’ll find a place to replenish our carbs after the ride so bring ca$h or pack food.
THE TRIP FEE: $10 is the NRGE fee.

ONE LAST IMPORTANT NOTE: If you make it onto this trip list please be sure to sign up for the NRGE carpool so that the trip planners can get a head count. In the questionnaire for that trip you should note that you are heading west with me at noon on Friday but might need a ride home.