Virginia Creeper Bicycle Trail

We have moved to southern Virginia, to a small camping area in the town of Damascus.  We chose this location based on very positive reviews on the internet from other customers.  Monday was a pleasant drive to get here; mostly freeway driving for a change.  Without reservations, we were lucky to get a site here.  The owner was very chatty and informative.  As it turns out, Damascus calls itself “Trail Town USA” because so many trails come through here.  There is the famous Appalachian Trail for hikers, and many other trails for birding, music, history, and other activities.

After getting some errands done this morning, we spent the afternoon on the Virginia Creeper bicycle trail.  For overall details see http://www.vacreepertrail.com/index.html .  We caught a shuttle bus about 2 blocks from our front door, and it took us up the Jeb Stuart Highway to an area called Whitetop Gap.  From there it is a 17 mile downhill bike ride on a former railroad grade back to Damascus.  For a couple of once-in-awhile pedalers like us, that was a long way.  Good thing it was all downhill, dropping by over 1500 feet.

 It was a beautiful day for this ride – sunny and in the 60’s.  The first 3 miles were the steepest then it tapers off to a more modest grade for the next 11 miles.  The last 3 miles are fairly level.  This ride ended right where we are camped.  Along the trail you could see and hear the fast moving stream which had occasional water falls.  That, along with the beautiful fall colored trees, made for a great ride!

Here is a picture of the view from our motorhome window.  We’re in a valley with hills all around us. Right behind us is the river – we can hear it flowing along.

We will stick around here all day tomorrow as well, but get the other 2 wheeler down and ride (not pedal) some of these gorgeous roads.