Roanoke, VA Riding PHOTOS ADDED

[rugbysecondrow]

I will be near Roanoke, VA for a week, Smith Mountain Lake specifically, and I am looking for some riding suggestions. The roads are beautiful around where we are staying, but unfortunately people drive very fast, pay little attention and I don't feel comfortable riding from there. I will be driving to locations, which I am OK with.

Two notions are riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and a rail trail near (with in an hour) but I can't find it on the map.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Paul

[rnhood]

You can drive to Moneta and park, then ride 122 to Bedford, pick up 43 and take it to the Peaks of Otter. Then flip and return. Very nice and I doubt traffic will be too bad from Moneta on north.

Here (http://www.roanoke.com/outdoors/biking/wb/wb/xp-67537#road) are some other various rides and some trails are included.

[Ray]

My brother lives down there and I've done a bit of riding in the area. The Parkway is really nice, lots of climbing. I'd stay away from the rail trail unless you like rail trails - they're no more interesting down there than anywhere else. There are a lot of great rural roads, but if you don't feel OK with the traffic, the Parkway is always a great option - they're pretty serious about the speed limits on that road. Of course its pretty much always an out and back...

-Ray

[rugbysecondrow]

My brother lives down there and I've done a bit of riding in the area. The Parkway is really nice, lots of climbing. I'd stay away from the rail trail unless you like rail trails - they're no more interesting down there than anywhere else. There are a lot of great rural roads, but if you don't feel OK with the traffic, the Parkway is always a great option - they're pretty serious about the speed limits on that road. Of course its pretty much always an out and back...

-Ray

I don't mind the rail trail so much, my wife will be riding with me, so it would be a good option. Some rail trails are good especially if they follow rivers, have scenery as well as some shade.

Thanks Ray.

[rugbysecondrow]

You can drive to Moneta and park, then ride 122 to Bedford, pick up 43 and take it to the Peaks of Otter. Then flip and return. Very nice and I doubt traffic will be too bad from Moneta on north.

Here (http://www.roanoke.com/outdoors/biking/wb/wb/xp-67537#road) are some other various rides and some trails are included.


Thanks, that looks to be a nice route. I have not heard of the Peaks of Otters, looks like it would be beautiful.

Do you live in the area? Is the ride up the Parkway to the Peaks a better one than from Moneta through Bedford?

Thanks,

Paul

[Ray]

I don't mind the rail trail so much, my wife will be riding with me, so it would be a good option. Some rail trails are good especially if they follow rivers, have scenery as well as some shade.

Thanks Ray.
I think the rail trail I've ridden down there follows the New River, but I might have that wrong. Got on it in Blacksburg, near Virginia Tech. Not bad, as rail trails to. I did a family ride on it, so if that's what you're doing. There's also a loop around Carvin's Cove, but I think most of it is dirt - I recall doing it with my kids on mountain bikes years ago (they were little kids and now both are grown) so I'm not sure what its like now.

-Ray

[rugbysecondrow]

I think the rail trail I've ridden down there follows the New River, but I might have that wrong. Got on it in Blacksburg, near Virginia Tech. Not bad, as rail trails to. I did a family ride on it, so if that's what you're doing. There's also a loop around Carvin's Cove, but I think most of it is dirt - I recall doing it with my kids on mountain bikes years ago (they were little kids and now both are grown) so I'm not sure what its like now.

-Ray


Thanks Ray, I am taking my fat tired Bedford, so I can ride both the rail trail or the Parkway. I have been reading about the Peaks of Otter and that is on my list for this ride.

I am excited now.

Thanks

Paul

[redir]

I live 30 minutes south of Roanoke. You may be thinking of the New River Trail Park: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/new.shtml. This doesn't start in Blacksburg, there is no rails to trail there, just a little commuter trail, maybe 5 miles long. Pick up the trail in Pulaski which is about 1 hour south of Roanoke(maybe less). IT goes 50 miles out and back so it's plenty to do in one day. You can pick it up in several other locations as well.

As far as rails to trails go this is a good one. Not crowded at all and you get to see some beautiful things.

Of course you can't beat the parkway for nice smooth rides and beautiful vistas. And it is definitely safe traffic wise. It would be best to do it on a week day but even when it's busy on the weekends it's not that bad and most people are of the understanding that it's a recreational area and you expect to see cycle-tourists.

Actually the riding in this area is generally very low traffic and safe once you get out of the populated areas.

[rugbysecondrow]

Thanks. I am staying with Family on the Smith Mountain Lake near Union Hall and I have ridden a little around there, but the drivers seem to be very inattentive and, frankly, go fast even from a motorists perspective. Very fast two lane roads that I would rather not test. Also, there are so few cyclists around there, I just don't think drivers are used to.

The New River is what I was thinking. I will be going during the week, so traffic should be fine. Hopefully the weather is good as well.

Thanks,

Paul

I live 30 minutes south of Roanoke. You may be thinking of the New River Trail Park: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/new.shtml. This doesn't start in Blacksburg, there is no rails to trail there, just a little commuter trail, maybe 5 miles long. Pick up the trail in Pulaski which is about 1 hour south of Roanoke(maybe less). IT goes 50 miles out and back so it's plenty to do in one day. You can pick it up in several other locations as well.

As far as rails to trails go this is a good one. Not crowded at all and you get to see some beautiful things.

Of course you can't beat the parkway for nice smooth rides and beautiful vistas. And it is definitely safe traffic wise. It would be best to do it on a week day but even when it's busy on the weekends it's not that bad and most people are of the understanding that it's a recreational area and you expect to see cycle-tourists.

Actually the riding in this area is generally very low traffic and safe once you get out of the populated areas.

[Ray]

BTW, Smith Mountain Lake is nice. We had cousins who had an A-frame on the lake when I was a little kid and we used to go down for long weekends when we lived in Baltimore. So this is mid to late '60s. Some of my earliest memories of being pulled around on a float because I was too little to try water skiing are from Smith Mtn Lake. Went back a few years ago for a little recreational cruise on the lake when we were visiting Roanoke and its a bit more developed, but hasn't changed all THAT much...

Have fun,

-Ray

[rugbysecondrow]

BTW, Smith Mountain Lake is nice. We had cousins who had an A-frame on the lake when I was a little kid and we used to go down for long weekends when we lived in Baltimore. So this is mid to late '60s. Some of my earliest memories of being pulled around on a float because I was too little to try water skiing are from Smith Mtn Lake. Went back a few years ago for a little recreational cruise on the lake when we were visiting Roanoke and its a bit more developed, but hasn't changed all THAT much...

Have fun,

-Ray

My folks have a house on the lake and my sister is building there in the Spring, so I go down about 8 -10 times a year. Nice place, good times to be had.

Cheers

Paul

[redir]

I think you will like the NRV trail. My wife and I take the loaded touring bikes there once a year. There's a great primitive camp ground right on the banks of the river. During the week you may only see a few people on the trail. It's one of the areas best kept secrets so... Shhhhh.

:beer:

[rnhood]

Thanks, that looks to be a nice route. I have not heard of the Peaks of Otters, looks like it would be beautiful.

Do you live in the area? Is the ride up the Parkway to the Peaks a better one than from Moneta through Bedford?

Thanks,

Paul

I think so, although there is nothing wrong with riding the Parkway to the Peaks. One (Parkway) gives you more distant views and vistas, while the other takes you through the sleepy town of Bedford, riding along rural mountain valley farm lands. Both are gorgeous. I love the Parkway, but the the Bedford route provides more diversity in the riding venue (scenery, Bedford, etc) and it's nice to stop in Bedford for lunch, a break or whatever. The climbing on this route will be less as 43 up to the Peaks is really the only big hill. The Parkway on the other hand, will present more rollers (big rollers) as you crest the mountain sides. You can start on the Parkway to get the distance you want to ride. Starting around Webster, you would get a total of about 50 miles(out and back). Should be about the same on the Moneta/Bedford route.

You will have some roads without much of a shoulder on the Moneta route but, traffic should not be too bad.....I don't think. I don't live there now but, I grew up just down the road from Smith Mountain (many years ago) and have spent plenty of time around those parts. I used to camp out on top of the Peaks but, of course now days they don't allow it. If you have family with you, its well worth driving to the Peaks one day and hike up either mountain (Flat Top or Sharp Top). Nice motel and lake there, restaurant, facilities, picnic area, etc., and plenty of nice people. Remember you're in Virginia, and they don't get any more hospitable.

You would have to drive further but, another favorite is James River to the Peaks and back. You start at the James River visitor center (near hwy 501), which is the lowest point on the Parkway, and ride to the Peaks and back. This 44 mile out and back provides about 5400' of total gain and gives you the distinction of climbing Thunder Ridge, a 3200' gain, the longest contiguous climb on the entire Parkway. Its a pretty mild grade though.

[Hokiemon]

You've gotten lots of good advice. I suggest that if you want more info you can visit the websites for the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, the New River Bicycle Club and the Virginia Tech Cycling Team. They all have mapped rides, suggested routes, etc. Good Luck, be safe and y'all come back now you hear.

[rugbysecondrow]

Thanks for the advice.

Paul

[rugbysecondrow]

Here are a few photos from my trip to Virginia. Spent some time on the Blue Ridge Parkway, one day was about 50 miles and about 5700 feet of climbing. I took the advice and rode up to the Peaks of Otters. Great ride, thanks!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2335.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2334.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2333.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2332.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2331.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2327.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2324.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2316.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2306.jpg

[rugbysecondrow]

Here are a few other photos from else where in the VA countryside.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2264.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2263.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2261.jpg

[BumbleBeeDave]

Thanks for posting!

How did the roads look on the BRP? Good pavement? Bad? Shoulders? Traffic?

BBD

[rugbysecondrow]

Thanks for posting!

How did the roads look on the BRP? Good pavement? Bad? Shoulders? Traffic?

BBD


Pretty smooth roads in my opinion, although I was riding on Schwalbe Marathon 35s and a steel Bedford. :)

The roads had very few pot holes, no serious damage to contend with. No heavy trucks on the road, so they seem to stay in good repair. Zero shoulder, but I have to say that one is not necessary. The BRP seemed like a large bike path, the best multi use trail ever as there were cyclists, motorists, motorcyclists, hikers and joggers. Little traffic to contend with, mostly motorcycles, but everyone seemed respectful and there for recreating and not in a hurry. Very cool experience. When I was closer to Roanoke, there was a little more traffic, but not much at all. I felt very safe. I was very impressed with the quality of the overlook areas as well as the road. very impressed.

Here is a photo of the roadway, this is what it was like for nearly all the stretch I rode and drove on. High quality road with no traffic. :) Excuse my finger in the second shot.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2336.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Virginia%20Trip%20Bikes/IMG_2338.jpg

[weisan]

Paul, the BRP never disappoint, I am glad you experienced it.

[Ray]

Pretty country for sure. One thing I didn't get around to when I was riding a lot was a BRP tour. I meant to and there were plenty offered. I guess as much as I used to enjoy climbing, I thought THAT much climbing day after day after day might get to me after a few days.

Thanks for the pics!

-Ray

[rugbysecondrow]

Pretty country for sure. One thing I didn't get around to when I was riding a lot was a BRP tour. I meant to and there were plenty offered. I guess as much as I used to enjoy climbing, I thought THAT much climbing day after day after day might get to me after a few days.

Thanks for the pics!

-Ray

I think it would get to me as well. There are certainly places that have more and less climbing, but challenging of course. It would be fun start in Harpers Ferry and head south. Knowing that you have all day to bike would make it easier to stop and stretch as well, enjoy the route some. I must say, the only real drawback were the bugs at most of the stops. Man, they wouldn't let you rest long or dilly dally. While moving, I had no problem, just while stopped they would sure swarm. I grew up camping quite a bit and these were some of the worst I have seen (with the exception of Northern Maine mosquitos in July).

If you ever want to do part of it, let me know. I would enjoy doing just the northern part with you sometime.

[HenryA]

Thanks for the photos. I've ridden on the BRP a few times.
And that's a mighty nice looking cycle you're riding.

[ultraman6970]

Wow never been that area, looks awesome and pretty clean.

Good