A sunrise descent, switchback climbs, dense double-track, Forest Moon Endor level flora, a firetower. All of this on one route.

Oh yeah. The last 3.5 miles of this route is a 1,200ft climb up the backside of Reddish Knob.

If you’ve been aching to escape the Summer heat of Central VA living, hows about taking a trip up to Shenandoah Mountain and park the car at an overlook for a quick overnighter? Just imagine. Temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Cool mountain breezes moving the trees above you. Mosquitoes aren’t flying up this high so leave your windows down.

At dawn, lets rip down the Western slopes into West Virginia for a journey through some of the most beautiful and remote dirt roads this region has to offer. I’m serious. This route is the tops.

You’ll encounter about 13 climbs, four of which will hit 1,000ft. You’ll also encounter equally baller descents. One of which will let you hit 40mph… on dirt!

Make sure to take the time to stop and admire the moss, wildflowers and bees.

Bring a water filter and a healthy amount of food. Grant’s Grocery isn’t until mile 53 and at that point you will have amassed at least 6,300ft of elevation gained. Once there, you’ll have your pick of salty ham sandwiches, cheeseburgers, cokes, candy, chips and homemade cookies. The gamut!

40mm wide tires are preferred, though you can sneak by on 35s if you’re light on the bike. Just ask Craig!

85mi

10,500ft climbing

Added below is a slightly more mild version of this loop with significantly less elevation.