What we’re about
Purpose: To better promote Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition events and opportunities to include rides, trail work, advocacy.
Who Should Join? Everyone and anyone is welcome to join
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Friday Morning Forest-Roads RideNeeds location
The Forest-Roads Ride is evolving based on what we learn from each ride. The rides are intended to be exploratory in nature to familiarize with local forest road routes. These rides will be all over the Shenandoah Valley.
We like to stay together as a group, but we may not wait for you if you fall too far behind, and we will keep the ride moving along to meet our exploratory goals. You should expect some climbing (we’re riding in the George Washington National Forest) on anything from smooth dirt forest roads to double track (think jeep roads). Each rider can and should gauge their ability and turn back early if needed to avoid being left too far behind. Note that there is often no cell service where we ride.
Regarding suitable types of bikes, the group rides a mix of mostly mountain and gravel bikes and some e-bikes (with the overall pace set by the non-e-bikes).- Time: Check the weekly ride details in the Meetup Group. Usually 9AM for the summer, and later in the fall and winter.
- Location: Meet at the trailhead mentioned in the Meetup Group. We usually ride in the George Washington National Forest. *the trail location can range upwards to an hour-long drive from Harrisonburg.
- Pace: Less than 10mph
- Length: Typically 3-4 hours, 15-20 miles.
- Ride Surface: This is a forest service-mountain bike ride, so plan for dirt roads with varying degrees of rock and occasional gravel.
- Regroup Points During Ride? There are not clearly identified points but the ride will stop and regroup at points during the ride.
- Friday Morning Forest-Roads RideNeeds location
Our goal for this week's ride (5/2/25) will be FSR 64 in the GWNF. We will meet at 10AM at Camp Todd. This is all forest road/double track and another of our favorites - mtb required. The mapped portion is an out-and-back, total 18 miles and 2,000 ft of climbing. If we have time, we might ride farther on FSR 64 as we have yet to see where it ends. You have the option to turn around and head back at any point if desired.
Bring snacks/lunch, plenty of water. At the time of this post, weather forecast is for partly cloudy with temps in the 70s and 12 mph wind.
Ride with gps route mapdrive from HBG to Camp Todd start
--------------------------------------
The Forest-Roads Ride will be all over the Shenandoah Valley, typically within the GWNF.
We like to stay together as a group and we take plenty of breaks to refuel and socialize. But we might not wait for you if you fall too far behind, and we will keep the ride moving along to meet our goals. You should expect some climbing (we’re riding in the George Washington National Forest) on anything from smooth dirt forest roads to double track (think jeep roads). Each rider can and should gauge their ability and turn back early if needed to avoid being left too far behind. Note that there is often no cell service where we ride.
Regarding suitable types of bikes, the group rides a mix of mostly mountain and/or gravel bikes depending on the specific road conditions for that week, and many are e-bikes (with the overall pace set by the non-e-bikes).- Time: Check the weekly ride details in the Meetup Group. Usually 9AM for the summer, and later in Fall, Winter and Spring.
- Location: Meet at the trailhead mentioned in the Meetup Group. We usually ride in the George Washington National Forest. *the trail location can range upwards to an hour-long drive from Harrisonburg.
- Pace: Less than 10mph
- Length: Typically 3-4 hours, 15-20 miles.
- Ride Surface: This is a forest service-mountain bike ride, so plan for dirt roads with varying degrees of rock and occasional gravel.
- Regroup Points During Ride? There are not clearly identified points but the ride will stop and regroup at points during the ride.
- Girls Who Hike: Intro to BackpackingMassanutten Western Slope, Keezletown, VA
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION IS FOUND HERE
*Please register for the event using the link above. This is for promotional purposes only.Ever wondered how to prep for a backpacking trip? Not sure what gear to choose? Maybe you'd like to try hiking with all the gear without the commitment of an overnight trip. Now's your chance!
Join GWHVA, in collaboration with Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and the Community Gear Library at Massanutten Western Slope for a day of learning about Backpacking and hiking!
Meet at the pavilion at 9am for a light breakfast of bagels, fruit, pastries, and coffee and a chance to mingle with others. We will then rotate through two different learning stations. You will have the opportunity to sign up for a station of interest in advance.
Options include:
- How to pack a backpack
- Feminine Hygiene and bathroom habits in the backcountry
- Bear Safety and Food Planning
- Choosing a sleeping set up: Tents vs. HammocksYou will then have the opportunity to head out on one of several hikes at the Western Slope. When registering, choose the length and difficulty level of your choice. The Community Gear Library will have backpacks and gear available to try out so that you can hike with all the gear and get a feel for it without the commitment of a full overnight trip.
After the hike, feel free to stick around a little while at the pavillion for some more mingling and light snacks and the opportunity to ask questions and meet fellow hikers!
