INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED MTB: SHERANDO LAKE

OVERVIEW

***DRIVERS NEEDED***

Buried in the heart of GWNF, and by buried I mean it’s like 45 min away, lies one of my 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 have a few descending possibilities. We’ll start down Torry Ridge and can take that all the way back to the car or turn off from Torry Ridge onto Slack’s trail and White Rock Gap. Depending on timing and cars, additional laps might be possible. We expect to ride 15-25 miles with around 3000 feet of climbing (but a little extra climbing never hurt anyone, right?).

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
Torry Ridge: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7000624/torry-ridge-trail
Slacks: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/5279026/slacks-trail
White Rock Gap: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/5279489/white-rock-gap-trail

***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 me (Phillip) at 571-332-3740.

Here’s the plan
– 12 pm: Meet at the Shred Shack, load up bikes, depart
– 1 pm: Arrive at the bottom of the trail, begin climbing (or top of the trail and descend first? tbd)
– 5:30-7:30 pm: Get back to the car
– more downhill laps?
– 7:00-9:00 pm: Arrive back in Cville
***Unforeseen delays can happen on mountain bike trips, so I highly recommend against scheduling anything super-duper important Friday evening, though we expect we’ll be back by 9***

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

**You bring**
– Water: 2-3L
– Food: lunch and snacks
– Appropriate clothing and footwear: forecast is sunny with a high in the sixties, but temperature in the mountains can get cold quickly — you should at minimum have a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt or jacket with you in case we’re out past sunset
– gloves are recommended for keeping the fingers working in chilly temps 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 me at the number listed above if you have any questions about what to bring.

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