Virginia Horse Country, Mountains and Valleys

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $150 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

SUMMARY: During this 12-day tour, experience the rural beauty, history, charm and tranquility of northwestern Virginia's horse country, Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, with a brief excursion into WV and MD. Cycle along peaceful country roads, passing prosperous horse farms and lush family farms. Enjoy spectacular vistas from high in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park as you travel Skyline Drive end-to-end and continue on to explore the northernmost sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We find cycling in this area to be sheer joy and look forward to sharing it with you! This is a new BAC tour that includes 11 days of riding and one day of hiking. All roads will be paved and most will be quiet and lightly trafficked although there will be occasional short stretches of road with high traffic volume. We have cycled 80% of the roads we will travel, and driven the remainder. Total miles will be approximately 550, average mileage 50 miles/day, and the longest day will be 62 miles. Several days will include elevation gain in excess of 2500 feet. This ride is for strong, experienced cyclists. Be prepared to ride the entire distance each day; transport in the luggage van will be restricted to true emergencies!

DESCRIPTION: We start and end our travels in the charming historic town of Leesburg, the temporary capital of the US during the War of 1812. The first day we'll ride through northern Virginia horse country, stopping overnight at a historic inn in Middleburg. From Middleburg we'll travel to Front Royal, the northern gateway to scenic Shenandoah National Park. We'll ride the 105-mile length of Skyline Drive from Front Royal to Waynesboro, stopping for 2 nights at historic Big Meadows Lodge. The ride to Big Meadows from Front Royal is the hardest day of the trip, and thus the primary reason for the rating of "2B!" As you climb 7000 feet in 56 miles there will be ample opportunities to stop and enjoy spectacular views. A rest day at Big Meadows can be used for recuperation, an extra day of riding down into the Shenandoah Valley, or for hiking in Shenandoah National Park. From Big Meadows we'll ride the remainder of Skyline Drive to Waynesboro where we'll stay 3 nights in the charming Iris Inn overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. For our stay in Waynesboro there are numerous riding options including rides down the Blue Ridge Parkway, through the George Washington National Forest, and a chance to visit Charlottesville, home of Monticello and the University of Virginia, either by van or bike. Leaving Waynesboro, we'll travel up scenic Shenandoah Valley through Harrisonburg, Woodstock and Stephen's City. From Stephen's City we'll continue on into WV, stopping overnight in Charles Town, home of Charles Town Races & Slots. Our final day of travel will take us through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which protects the scenic and historic confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers at the common corners of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. Cross the river into Maryland and ride through the bucolic countryside to White's Ferry where we'll cross the Potomac for the final 6 miles back to Leesburg. On this final day of the tour a challenging mile of steep climbing up into beautiful Gathland State Park provides a 2nd reason for the "2B rating! Several activities you'll have a chance to enjoy in addition to exceptional riding during this tour include hiking along the Appalachian Trail, exploring any one of 4 well-known underground caverns, visiting Natural Chimneys, Monticello, and any one or more of Virginia's award winning vineyards.

OVERNIGHTS: Combination of charming country inns and commercial hotels, including 1 night at the Red Fox Inn in Middleburg, 2 nights at historic Big Meadows Lodge on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, 3 nights at the Iris Inn in Waynesboro, 1 night at the Stonewall Jackson Inn in Harrisonburg, and the remaining 5 nights in commercial motels.

LOGISTICS: Leesburg is about 40 miles northwest of Washington, DC and Reagan National Airport, and 15 miles from Dulles International Airport. Free shuttle service is available from Dulles to the Best Western Leesburg with an advance reservation. Cars and bike boxes can be left at the Best Western during the tour. Accommodations on June 11th at the Best Western in Leesburg are not included in the tour cost but are available at the group rate for those who want to spend the night following the tour.

ADMINISTRATION: Max 18, min 14. Last day to register is 3/31/09. Estimated cost per rider is $1600.00 and includes: 12 nights lodging (double occupancy); 6 group dinners; breakfast on all but 2 mornings; daily social hours with wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks; maps & cue sheets; luggage van expense; and BAC registration fee. Single riders will be accepted who are willing to share a room. It will be your responsibility to find a satisfactory roommate but we will assist you. If you are accepted for the tour, you will receive an email with instructions for mailing the $800.00 trip deposit. If you have any questions, please click on the Ride Director name at the top of this Ride Description.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Any refund will depend on our finding a replacement rider. If we can fill your space immediately, you will get a full refund less the BAC $50 fee. Otherwise, any refund will be based on the principle that costs for those who complete the tour should not be increased. Your share of fixed costs, including the luggage van, group meals, maps & cue sheets, and hotel costs will be deducted from your eventual refund. Whatever we can recover, you will be refunded after the tour is completed and final accounting takes place.