Ask most people around here where the best
place to ride a bike, and you will hear things like Pandapas,
or Ellett Valley, maybe the Huckle Berry trail. They're all fun
and as challenging as you would like them to be but if you think
that any of them are the best ride around, You've
got to be kidding me!!
About a half hour from Blacksburg, is a 57
mile trail that is part of the 'rails to trails' program. Like
the Huckleberry trail, the New River trail is relatively flat
well shaded. As you may guess it runs along the New River. Most
of the route is well shaded and easy going. The only difficult
thing, is that the first stretch is about a 5 mile decline. Not
a huge decline, but make sure you take into account that you have
to end any run on a steady climb for 5 miles.
If you catch it right, you can pick raspberries
till along the way. There are several points where the trail crosses
the river on trestle bridges. Other times you will roll through
small towns. If you push long enough, you will find an old shot
tower, a spot to dip in the water, and plenty of places to stop
and eat some lunch.
I don't know that I would ever have it in
me to ride the whole trail, but it's something to strive for..
maybe someday this summer I will try it. Of course you will see
it here if I do. Anyhow, make sure you have a good bike seat,
something to munch on and lots of water. It's a great ride, especially
since you get all the scenery and none of the car exhaust.
Directions:
take 81 south to the Draper exit
take a left at the end of the exit
take a right soon after the overpass,
the trail, should be ahead on the left.
(40 minutes from Blacksburg)
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