NRGE 2022: Douthat Intermediate-Advanced Mountain Biking

OVERVIEW

It’s that time of year again – fall is in the air, leaves are falling, and it’s time for our annual pilgrimage to the New River Gorge. Our trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of Virginia’s premier mountain biking destinations: Douthat State Park. Filled with challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, Douthat is sure to please with something for everyone. Plan to ride 20ish miles with 3000-4000 feet of climbing. Check out some trails here: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/879616/douthat-state-park-imba-epic

These trails are technical and will be leafy, so prior mountain biking experience is a must. No need to be a pro rider, but this shouldn’t be your first rodeo. If you have any questions feel free to text me at 571-332-3740.

***This trip is part of the NRGE megatrip. We will not be returning to Charlottesville after this ride; instead, we will continue on to Ray’s Campground to meet up with the rest of the crew that evening. If you are added to this trip, please join the main NRGE carpool (https://outdoorsatuva.org/adventure/nrge-2022-main-carpool/) and include in the questionnaire that you are heading out with this trip, rather than with the main carpool. There is a $2 trip fee for this trip to cover parking at Douthat ($7 per car, so exact amount tbd depending on number of people), but you must also pay the $10 trip fee for NRGE. You might also want to bring money for dinner (or a dinner itself, or a willingness to cook up a late dinner at Rays) since we’ll be arriving at the campsite late***

Time plan:
12:00pm – meet up at Shred Shack, load up bikes, roll out
2:00 – arrive at Douthat
~slip’n’slide’n’ride~
6-7 pm – finish up riding
8-9 pm – arrive at Rays

**I’ll Bring**
– Bikes/helmets
– Bike rack(s)
– Pumps, tools, etc
– Bike lights (not planning to be out after dark, but you never know)

**You bring**
– Phone with MTBProject or Trailforks downloaded, with the Virginia region downloaded within the app
– Water: 2-3L
– Food: lunch and snacks; dinner or money for dinner (or not… up to you)
– Appropriate clothing and footwear: it can be cold this time of year, dress in layers suitable for riding — you should at absolute 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 me know in the questionnaire)
– anything else you need for NRGE (camping gear, food, clothing, cooking stuff, gear needed for other trips you’re going on, etc)

*** DRIVERS NEEDED: Want to earn $20? Drivers are reimbursed for gas + 50% tip up to $20 (basically guaranteed unless you get insane mileage) – please arrive with a full tank of gas! ***