Virginia MTB Trail Intel

[sherpaxc]

Hey all,

A buddy and I are looking to ride the Virginia MTB Trail in early June.  There seems to be very little trail data.  I found this online http://www.pedalingnowhere.com/routes/bikepacking-virginia-mountain-bike-trail-part-1/ which is really helpful.  I was told to contact Chris @ Shenandoah Mountain Touring, LLC.  I heard back from him in early October and was told to contact him after the new year.  I've contacted him twice but haven't heard back.  I wasn't sure if they were still around or if everything was ok?  Not trying to bag on him at all, just didn't know if they were still around. 

That being said, I'm reaching out to the community to see if there is any other data out there that I hadn't noticed?  Someone to talk to?

Thanks for any insight.

[fotooutdoors]

Thanks for posting up that link.  The last I had read, Shenandoah Mt Touring was playing their cards close tho their chest; it seemed like they were aiming to do guided rides only.

I personally have ridden a grand total of about 2 miles of the route (southwest of Harrisonburg) , but hiked a few other sections (perhaps another 5-10 miles, if I am reading the map correctly and inferring from a video produced a couple years ago) when I lived in VA.  Needless to say, I think the description of technical riding is spot-on on those segments; some are almost certainly outside of my intermediate mountain biking skill, especially loaded.

If you do ride it, make sure to take that tiny side trip that heads east just south of 33.  It goes to this beautiful little stone-based fire tower that has a great view.  I think I hiked that about 15 times while living in VA and camped there 3 or 4.

Post up after you do the trip.  I would be interested in riding at least a portion of this route sometime, even if I do end up pushing a bike for a good chunk.  There are always beautiful forest service roads (many old logging roads that snake through the mountains, so not boring straight paths) to bail on if the trail gets too tough, at least in the northern portion of the trail; I can't really speak to the character of the southern portion.

[dgjessee]

I wrote to SMT about a month ago myself, asking about purchasing maps or GPX files (assuming they weren't available free). Never heard anything. Pretty annoying--if you don't want people riding it unless they are in your tours, just say so.

[sherpaxc]

Well, I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one.  Hopefully we can get more intel from someone in the know.  I don't see any real reason not to post up a GPX track.  I'd be more than happy to purchase a data book or guide book similar to what the CTF offers.  At some point someone is going to do just what the guy I linked to did.  Just post up what they know.  There is still a way to make money for your company while allowing plenty of intel.  I think Hermosa Tours is an excellent example of this. 

Anyway, whatever I find I'll be sure to post up.  The trail is extremely interesting to me.  It looks fantastic.  The video they created is what got me hooked. 

[kozorac]

The site "http://www.pedalingnowhere.com/" has the links to RidewithGPS. Once there, you can download the GPX files.

Go here... (part 1)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6109907

And here... (part 2)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6371253

[seanwggns]

From what I understand Chris is working on maps of the route. Also the route has not received official designation yet like the Azt or CT. That also is in the works. I don't think it has anything to do with SMG only wanting to guide, more that one guy can only do so much.

[saubbie23]

Did you end up riding the trail? I'm setting out on a ride soon, curious about this as well. Would like to know what kinds of services to expect (or not) along the way. Thanks.

[riderx]

Been lurking on the site for a while, thought I would chime in on info I might be able to contribute to this thread.  If you like technical riding, you'll love the north end of this route. It you don't, you'll probably hate it.  I'd suggest a recon mission to see what you are getting into. It is some great riding but you'll work a lot. As you move south, things get easier. The riding around Todd Lake and the Stokesville area is great. I've done the stuff from Reddish Knob down to Douthat State Park, really beautiful riding, not as hard as the northern stuff but not easy either. I haven't been south of Douthat.

In terms of services, for the parts of the routes I've ridden, it is minimal without big detours. Water on the ridges can be hard to come by, plan accordingly. There was a camp store near Trout Run but that was closed on a Saturday at 4:30, so I would not rely on that. There is a reliable store in Stokesville and a gas station convenience store near Hankey Mountain on 250. Douthat has a small store and town is not a big detour from there.

I haven't' seen the official route other than reviewing the tracks on PedalingNowhere. Not sure what to make of this statement: "At mile 16, the correct route would go slightly north and follow a couple of trails that would connect back with 601 around mile 48". I don't see a trail 601 or route 601 on my map, I'm guessing the route probably takes Long Mountain trail which we rode this weekend, then picks up the Norther Traverse
(http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7000106/northern-traverse).

Some photos from this past weekend's bike packing trip on the north end
https://www.flickr.com/photos/singlespeedoutlaw/sets/72157656310674760

2 weeks earlier, same area, different route.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/singlespeedoutlaw/sets/72157655707782028

If you want a sample of the riding from Stokesville to Douthat, check this video from one of SMT's tours. I was on this one, lots of fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xof9Xg0hQn8

[saubbie23]

I actually just finished an unsupported thru ride the other day, from what I can tell, potentially only the 2nd ever. It's tough, no doubt about it, but quite amazing. Let me know if anyone wants any info or pics. Bikepacking.com posted a few of them on their Facebook page today.

[riderx]

I actually just finished an unsupported thru ride the other day, from what I can tell, potentially only the 2nd ever. It's tough, no doubt about it, but quite amazing. Let me know if anyone wants any info or pics. Bikepacking.com posted a few of them on their Facebook page today.

Nice. Was the north end off of Rt. 55 overgrown?

[saubbie23]

Nice. Was the north end off of Rt. 55 overgrown?

Which trail? The majority of the northern half (prior to Clifton Forge) was an overgrown mess. Sleeves and pants highly recommended (I didn't listen. I didn't listen!)

For reference

[saubbie23]

Ah crap, image didn't show. Link:

https://picasaweb.google.com/104378295291907990926/VMBT#6179863449185966802

[riderx]

Tuscarora Trail, the northern most part - where I'm assuming you started your journey.

A section at Big Schloss was a thorny mess a few weeks ago, I heard the Rt. 55 section was probably worse

[saubbie23]

Ah, yea. Right off the bat it was pretty overgrown and nasty. You could tell someone came through occasionally with a weed whacker, but it was definitely rough. Rode so many trails that without the maps in front of me, names escape me, minus the major highlights.

[riderx]

Just paged through your pix, great job and nice documentation of the trip

[saubbie23]

Thanks! I'm really glad I took the time and effort to take so many pictures. It can be a pain to get the camera out and set up for one picture, but in the end, it gives a much clearer representation of what the trip is like (although it still doesn't come close to doing it justice).

[dgjessee]

Awesome documentation Scott! Also, hilarious commentary!

[saubbie23]

Awesome documentation Scott! Also, hilarious commentary!

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[fotooutdoors]

Nice pics/write-up! The CT(R?) is calling my name next summer. However, this is calling my name, having spent 5 years in Harrisonburg.

[saubbie23]

I've started writing about my trip on the VMBT if anyone is interested in reading. There is some info on trails and whatnot, but more the story of the journey.

http://ridingwithron.com/category/bikepacking/vmbt/