Boom, like fireworks on the 4th of July, Saturday kicks off the main course for Bike Virginia 2016! Whether you want to ride a short ride or something a little longer Saturday will surely get you going. As you leave Headquarters you will quickly find yourself on backcountry roads within the first mile. The town of Strasburg hosts our first rest stop and they are rolling out the red carpet for you, the only decision you need to make that day is whether to extend your ride up to 100 miles, stick to the main route of 54 miles or head back with our red 33 mile option…the great thing is that you can’t go wrong with either route!

Choose wisely today, as there are 4 route choices, each with their own awesomeness. The red route will take you for a delightful 15-mile ride before returning you back to camp. Choose the Blue route and you will head out to the first rest stop and then make your way back to camp; both the Red and Blue routes miss the big climb of the day. Following the Pink route will take you on a great ride that will almost have you seeing West Virginia as you follow lovely back roads. If you are feeling your breakfast then hit the Orange route option at the first stop and spend a little more time soaking up the peaceful bliss of the Shenandoah Valley. Whichever route you choose, don’t forget to check out the Virginia “LOVE” letters that will be on display at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Woodstock on your way back to camp.

Move day! This is when you will pack everything up and head over to our next location of Harrisonburg. Home of James Madison University (JMU) Harrisonburg is full of wonderful things to do and they have a great cycling culture that is full of some of the best riders and riding in the state. Once you get settled into the new location you will hop on the bike and head back into the valley. Watch out for Amish buggies as you travel through beautiful towns such as Bridgewater, Staunton and even the small hamlet of Stokesville which sits just on the boarder of the George Washington National Forest (make sure to take a dip in the swimming hole at the rest stop). As you get back into Harrisonburg settle in and relax as you take in your new surroundings.

“If I thought of riding in heaven this is where it would be!”, this is how volunteer Sergei described the routes in this area back in 2010 during the “Knights of the Golden Wheel Tour”. As you can imagine it is really, really great riding. We roll through some of the most scenic and best-kept roads in the valley. Whether you’re in for the full pull of the century or just want to take it easy so you can get back and explore the town, your senses will be overloaded as you pedal along thinking about…well whatever you want to think about 🙂

We want you to enjoy the last day of the tour and we feel Wednesday will be one for the record books. Rest stops at Cross Keys Winery and the Grand Caverns. The caverns was discovered in 1804 by Bernard Weyer while trying to retrieve one of his traps. Weyers Cave opened for tours in 1806, making it the oldest continually operating show cave in the U.S. Just one among the many things you will remember about the last day. These wonderful stops are linked with beautiful valley riding only the Shenandoah can offer. Relax as you meander your way back to camp because once you are back you will be treated to a great “You Did It” Celebration to cap off your perfect week of riding!