Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition Events

• -Where: Park at Briery Branch Community Center and bike up to Flagpole Knob (The highest point in Rockingham County)
• -When: 10am for a 40+ year tradition on Superbowl Sunday
• -Why: To enjoy winter mountain biking with 100 of your closest friends before watching (or not watching) the big game
• -Option: A group *MAY* ride from town up to Flagpole and back. They will leave Mr. J’s on 42 South at 8:45am (most people will drive and park at Briery Branch)
• See the map on Strava

-What to expect: A cold, fun, mellow ride (yet always physically challenging). Make sure to pack more clothes and food than you would ever otherwise bring. Plan on spending anywhere from 4-6 hours on the bike. It might be really challenging conditions with substantial snow and ice. It may also be 10-15 degrees colder up top with windchill.
Disclaimer: This is NOT a Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition-sanctioned group ride. This ride does NOT have ride leaders nor sweep riders.

***You are responsible for your own actions. This is an event with very real risks to your well-being. The Bicycle Coalition (nor anyone else) does not provide medical care for people on bikes at this event. Riders are responsible for their own health, safety, and well-being at this event. No doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, or anyone with any medical training are available along the ride. Physical, medical, and emergency care is the riders’ responsibility. In case of an emergency, we will endeavor to get local emergency personnel to an injured rider as soon as possible. This is an event with very real risks.***
Route: As shown on the map below, all participants will ride up 257 (paved) past the dam and reservoir, to the saddle, and then continue north on a dirt Forest Service Road to Flagpole Knob (Highest point in Rockingham County). After a group picture riders have several options to descend off the mountain. If you are not familiar with the area bring a map (National Georgraphic Trails Illustrated Map #791) Most riders will descend down “Red Diamond” located less than a 1/4 of a mile north of Flagpole. Others will come back down the paved road while the more adventurous ambitions will continue to Meadow Knob and then choose from the Pond Knob trail or Mud Pond. If you don’t know where you are going ASK someone for direction or better yet find someone to ride with.

📣 Join us for our Annual Meeting, potluck style! RSVP HERE
🕕 6p-9p
🗓️ Wed. Feb 18th
📍Friendly City Events in Downtown Harrisonburg

Gather around the table and meet Coalition friends over a relaxed dinner and drinks. We will share an update on where we've been and where we're going in 2026.

Hey, and no stress if you can’t whip up some food or drink to bring—don’t let that stop you from coming! We still want to see you!!

• Everyone: Bring a dish (your favorite casserole, salads, veggies, or whatever else all works great!)
• BYOB!

The venue space has a limited capacity of 125, so please register in advance!

🚨 There are only 9 spots available and you MUST register to reserve your spot. Register Here 🚨

### Chainsaw “Sawyer” Training (2-Day Certification)

March 19–20, 2026
Ready to take your trail stewardship to the next level? Join the Coalition and the Appalachian Conservation Corps for a two-day Chainsaw Sawyer Training required to operate a chainsaw on the Massanutten Western Slope Trails.

⚠️ Registration commits you to BOTH days.
Schedule & Locations

• Thursday, March 19 (8:30am–4:00pm)
  Classroom training
  Massanutten Ski Lodge – Sun Room
  4614 Massanutten Dr, Massanutten, VA 22840
• Friday, March 20 (8:30am–4:00pm)
  Field training
  Massanutten Western Slope Trails

What You’ll Learn

• Chainsaw safety, handling, and trail standards
• Hands-on practice in a controlled field setting
• Requirements for Sawyer certification
• With additional first aid training, this course can lead to a US Forest Service Sawyer Card for bucking trees on federal trails

Who Should Attend
Volunteers who want to help keep trails clear and safe. No prior chainsaw experience required—just a willingness to learn and work outdoors.

Details

• 🎟️ Registration required (spots are limited)
• 💸 Cost a barrier? Use code PIXIEDUST for free registration
• 🪚 This training is required to operate a chainsaw on Western Slope trails and can get you a card to use a chainsaw in the National Forest.

Have questions? Contact hello@svbcoalition.org.