Intermediate-Advanced Mountain Biking Double Header: the 2 Best Rides in Va*

OVERVIEW

* According to mtbproject.com

Last week a group of us rode a fantastic loop in the GWNF near Braley Pond. It is one of my favorite rides and I was surprised to find that mtbproject.com has it ranked as the 21st best ride in VA. WTF? That prompted me to look up their #1 pick in VA, and found that it was called Lookout Mountain Loop and pleased to see that it is a ride I’ve never done. Turns out that mtbproject.com’s #2 ride in VA, Narrowback Mountain Loop, happens to be very close to the Lookout Mountain Loop (geographically speaking) and also happens to be a ride I’ve never done. Come explore with me, what could be the 2 best rides in VA!

Each ride is ~13 miles long and, according to the descriptions, offers all of the features of classic east coast riding: tight single track, double track, road, FSRs, steep climbs and descents, and a bunch of technical terrain thrown in for fun. For more info about the 2 loops check out:
http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3770932/lookout-mountain-loop
http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3771756/narrowback-mountain-loop

Please do NOT sign up unless you have a good amount of mountain biking experience (intermediate level and beyond) and are in good shape. 26 miles of mountain trail riding can be quite grueling. Each will ride at their own pace and there will be several stops to collect the group and let everyone rest. To screen your experience level you will get waitlisted upon joining and then moved to the trip list if appropriate. I’m setting the trip size to 5 peeps but can expand if drivers sign up. If another driver signs up and there is sufficient interest, I can arrange for a vehicle to return home after the first ride.

*If you need to borrow a club bike and/or helmet please secure one before the trip. I will not be checking any out for you.

You should bring a bike and helmet, biking clothes (no baggy pants; the chainring will eat them), spare tubes, extra socks, plenty of water (at least 3 liters; its gonna be hot out there!) and snacks, pack a lunch, money if you want to stop for food on the way home.

The Club provides: Bike, helmet, some spare tubes, air pump, some tools, bike transport.