Biking (Mountain)
Echols Dorm: Brick Wall By Side Door
Douthat State Park
Douthat State Park has some of the finest single track in VA and is one of my favorite places to ride (several years ago it was mentioned in Blue Ridge Outdoors as one of the top 3 mountain bike destinations in VA!). 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 (5-6 hours). 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 hearty breakfast, come well hydrated, and bring plenty of snacks for the trail. I don’t know what the weather will be like so prepare for bad 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: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/dou.shtml
MY PLANS/LOGISTICS:
I will be camping in WV Saturday night and plan to tear into Douthat on my way home. Since I will be meeting you there I will need at least 1 driver to make this work. Everyone gets waitlisted upon joining so that I can arrange rides, and possibly, bike transport. I can tote the bikes if need be. I plan to get there at around 10am so am putting 8am as a meeting time at Echols since it will take 1.5-2 hours to get out there.
THE CLUB PROVIDES: The club has several nice front suspension mountain bikes (various sizes) and helmets, which I will pick up ahead of time or you will pick up when you meet at Echols. I will let you know. The club also provides some bike tools, tire and suspension pumps, extra tubes, ga$.
YOU SHOULD BRING: your bike & gear, lots of water, lots of snacks, extra tubes, hydration pack or small backpack if you have one, extra socks, proper bike attire (non-cotton layers; NO baggy pants – the chain ring will eat them!). We’ll find a place to replenish our carbs after the ride so bring ca$h.