GWNF Intermediate MTB: Wild Oak Trail

OVERVIEW

The plan for next Friday is a simple as it gets: bike up a forest road to the beginning of our trail, climb up some more singletrack, and fly back down, taking in some gorgeous views along the way. Our route will utilize the roads the forest service has graciously built (8 mi) and part of the Wild Oak Trail (14 mi), including a the “magic moss” section, a speedy fire road, and the Lookout Mountain Trail, a masterfully built, rocky descent.

***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. THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER RIDE. Please only sign up if you are comfortable on a mountain bike, and are of intermediate or higher level (with the fitness to climb 3000ft). That being said, you don’t need to be a pro to have fun on this trip. If you have done some biking in GWNF before, then you should be fine. If you have questions/concerns, reach out to me.
Please please please note the distance (21 miles, 3000 feet climbing, with about 8 miles and 1000-1500 feet climbing on roads) and only sign up if you are comfortable riding that!

Some useful links for ya to plan what will be the best Friday you have in a while:
– route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42286082
– this loop contains info about Lookout Mountain: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3770932/lookout-mountain-loop

The plan:
– 11 am: Meet at the Shred Shack (116 Washington Ave.) and depart
– 12:30pn: Arrive at the parking area, begin climbing
– 5:30 pm: Get back to the car
– 7 pm: Arrive back in Cville with time for whatever friday night shenanigans you have planned
**unforeseen delays can happen on mountain bike trips so I highly discourage scheduling any super duper important for Friday night, though I do expect to be back in Charlottesville by 7**

You bring:
-water 2L: I can put 1-2 bottle cages on each bike (let me know in the questionnaire). I recommend wearing a backpack (not your school bag) with water/food, if you don’t have one, let me know
-snacks/lunch
-a way to carry your water and snacks (backpack recommended, see above)
-layers, non-cotton if possible (it’s colder in the mountains)
-closed-toe shoes

I bring:
-bikes
-racks
-helmets
-tools

Driver(s) needed! I don’t have a car, so this trip can’t happen without a driver – drivers get priority off the waitlist and gas reimbursement + 50% tip! Please let me know about your bike carrying abilities if you have a car.

If we have a second driver, we can shuttle to the top of the road, cutting out 8 miles and 1000-1500 feet of climbing!