We’re back and it’s muddier than ever – Sherando INT or ADV MTB

OVERVIEW

Sujith has declared the time has finally come for him to brave the so-called “seven switchbacks from hell.” And I think I’m ready to brave another mud-fest, ideally not equipped with a borrowed pair of white Lulu shorts (sorry Sujith). So if your legs are ready for a great climb and your washing machine is ready for a great quantity of mud, this is the trip for you.

If you haven’t ridden at Sherando yet, it has awesome trails and is only 40 min from grounds. We plan to have two options for this ride, which will come out to about 18mi 2600′ with INT friendly trails, or 28 miles 4600′ with an ADV second descent. Let us know in the questions which route you’d like to ride (there will most likely be flexibility to change your mind either direction after first lap).

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

Required skill level:
In terms of level, we are hoping to make this as accessible as a backcountry ride can be. The hardest part will likely be the first climb (only climb if doing shorter ride). It has the “seven switchbacks from hell”, which are consistently steep for just under 1000′ climbing. I think if you allow yourself breaks it should feel manageable.The descent trails have tough sections too, but they’re limited and can just be walked over. Overall, if you can ride most of the Ohill trails comfortably and are in reasonable physical shape, you should sign up. Please feel free to text either of us if you’re not sure or you have any other questions, our numbers can be found by clicking our profiles.

Timing:
9:00 am: meet at Shred Shack
9:15 am: be packed up and ready to go
10:00 am: start riding trails
2:30 pm: approx finish time for shorter ride
4:00 pm: approx finish time for longer ride
3:30 or 5 pm: back in cville
***Crazy things can happen on mountain bike trips, so we recommend against scheduling anything super-duper important Sunday afternoon***

We’ll provide:
– Bikes/helmets
– Bike racks
– Pumps, tools, etc

You bring:
– Towel: to avoid getting car seats wet/muddy on ride back
– Water: 2-3L
– Food: lunch and snacks
– Appropriate clothing/footwear (wet and muddy)
– Gloves are recommended for keeping the fingers working in the cold and protecting your hands from scrapes if you fall – $10 Mechanix work gloves are great
– A bag to carry your water and food: the club has some daypacks if you need one (let us know in the questionnaire)

***DRIVERS NEEDED***
Drivers will be given priority off the waitlist and are reimbursed for gas + 50% tip up to $20 – please arrive with a full tank of gas!