ADV MTB!!! Sherando First Week of Classes Getaway!!

OVERVIEW

No better way to start the school year than a long day out on the bike. Buried in the heart of GWNF, and by buried I mean it’s like 45 min away, lies one of our favorite trail networks. Surrounding Sherando Lake are 20-30 miles of pristine singletrack that will challenge your riding abilities with steep climbs, tight turns, Virginia rocks, and exhilarating downhills.

The plan is to ride up Mill Creek trail, with the infamous seven switchbacks, to reach the top of bald knob. From there, we’ll start down Kennedy Ridge and take the road back to Mill Creek. Then we will climb back up Mill Creek and take Torry Ridge to Slacks and end up on the blue ridge parkway, which we will climb back to the top of Torry Ridge. Then we will take Torry all the way back to the car. There will be 2 bailout options (after Kennedy or after Slacks). If we do the full route we expect to ride 42 miles with around 6800 feet of climbing (but a little extra climbing never hurt anyone, right?). If you dont think you can do the full mileage but still want to join, text either Maxs (numbers can be found by clicking our profiles). You can cut out a lap or two but still ride most of the trails.

Check out these links to get an idea for the trails we’re riding:
Mill Creek: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/5238196/mill-creek-trail
Kennedy Ridge: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/kennedy-ridge/
Torry Ridge: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7000624/torry-ridge-trail
Slacks Trail: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/5279026/slacks-trail

The full route can be found here:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44172412

***PLEASE READ***
This trail is a real VA backcountry ride. It has lots of rocks, is steep in spots, and there might not be cell coverage in some areas. There are creek crossings that you might have to dismount the bike to walk across. THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER RIDE. Please only sign up if you are comfortable on a mountain bike, and are of intermediate/advanced level. That being said, you don’t need to be a pro to have fun on this ride. If you are comfortable riding most of the Ohill trails, or have done some biking in GWNF before, then you should be fine. If you have questions/concerns, text either Maxs (numbers can be found by clicking our profiles)

Here’s the plan
– 7:30am: Meet at the Shred Shack, load up bikes, depart
– 8:30 am: Arrive at the bottom of the trail, begin climbing
– 4:00-6:00: Get back to the car
– 5:00-7:00 pm: Arrive back in Cville
***Unforeseen delays can happen on mountain bike trips, so I highly recommend against scheduling anything super-duper important Saturday evening, though we expect we’ll be back by 7***

**We’ll Bring**
– Bikes/helmets (if needed)
– Bike rack(s)
– Pumps, tools, etc

**You bring**
– Water: 2-3L plus water filter OR 4-6L no filter
– Food: lunch and snacks
– Appropriate clothing and footwear: forecast is sunny with a high in the low nineties,
– gloves are recommended for keeping your sweaty hands from slipping on ur grips and protecting your hands from scrapes if you fall – $10 Mechanix work gloves are great
– sunscreen!!!!
– a bag to carry your water and food: the club has some daypacks and hip packs if you need one (let us know in the questionnaire)

Feel free to text the maxs (click on our profiles) if you have any questions about what to bring.

***DRIVERS NEEDED***
Drivers are reimbursed for gas + 50% tip up to $20 – please arrive with a full tank of gas!