"It was fun to meet so many people that came from so many other areas."

RIDE OPTIONS

       Staunton, VA, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley at the intersection of  I-81 and I-64, is the site of the annual Fall Foliage Bike Festival.  With winding country roads and some long steep climbs, quaint villages and picturesque farms, the area offers excellent cycling choices.  Peak colors in the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains are October 20 - November 5 depending on temperatures.

    Road bikes, hybrids or mountain bikes are suitable for the routes.  A multi-speed bike with triple chain ring is best for this terrain.  There are some hills on the Family routes but they have been selected with the inexperienced cyclists in mind.  Bike repair by vendors is available at Shelburne Middle School, lunch, brunch and some rest stops.  Black Dog Bike Shop is located a short distance from school.  Daytime temperatures range in the mid 60s and nighttime lows are in the 40s.  Layered clothing is recommended.

HELMETS ARE REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION IN FESTIVAL

SATURDAY:  NEW

    All routes begin and end at Shelburne Middle School with the exception of the remote starts.  Choose the Weyers Cave route for 45 miles with a stop midway for a delicious lunch at the Weyers Cave Community Center.  The Grand Caverns Loop (34 miles) is an outstanding ride with beautiful vistas and easier terrain.  Combine the Grand Caverns Loop with the Pink route for a metric century.  Century riders will ride west to the Alleghany Mountains, then follow the Middle River to connect with the Weyers Cave route to lunch after which they will ride the Grand Caverns Loop and connect with the Weyers Cave route back to Staunton.  Separate Century cue sheets are needed and may be picked up at Registration.  Rest stops with friendly volunteers and good food on all routes.

For the remote starts, drive to Weyers Cave Community Center and park.  Choose the 34 mile Grand Caverns Loop or the 10 mile Family route. 

With your wristband receive a reduced rate to visit Grand Caverns.***

The Apple Dumpling Social (2:30-5:30) in the Shelburne School cafeteria makes for a perfect ending to a perfect day.

SUNDAY:

    Cycle winding country roads with rolling hills to the 250 year old village of Middlebrook for a delicious brunch and back (34 miles).  Add the Rockbridge Option (26 miles) or the Family route (10 miles),  Rest stops on all routes.

For remote start, drive to Middlebrook and park.  Select the Rockbridge Option, the Family route or Country Roads before or after brunch.

Country Roads option is primarily gravel roads into Rockbridge County.  Very scenic area in the fall.  Fat tire/hybrid bike required.  One rest stop.

NOTE:  Meals served at Shelburne are prepared by the school cafeteria staff.  Children 10 and under - $5, spaghetti dinner Friday night - $9 and breakfast Saturday - $8, breakfast Sunday is a la carte.

***  Recognized as a National Natural Landmark, Grand Caverns is America's oldest show cave.  Guided tours have been offered since 1806.  Grand Caverns is known world wide for the large quantity of shields, an extremely rare geological formation.  Marvel at the 230+ verified signatures from Civil War soldiers (Union and Confederate) within the caverns.  Every turn reveals intricate and delicate geological formations of timeless beauty.

"Very good, well organized - my second year.  I will be a regular."

"Every year it gets better!!"

"The volunteers - friendliest anywhere!"

"Whole family had a wonderful time.  We'll be back."

"They (hills) may be tough for some people, but I loved it."

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