“Epic Ride” is a bit of a convoluted phrase. What is epic, anyway? To some of us it’s a 100 mile ride through the mountains or a seven day adventure across an entire region. To others, it’s a gentle introduction to adventure cycling; a 20 mile bike ride through a new area. These jaunts can be real eye openers for newcomers or a relaxing reprieve for adventure seekers.

This little route out of the town of Novum is quite picturesque. The numerous awesome photos that Andy and I snapped that day are still some of my favorite memories from the year.

Madison County sits just below the westward mountains and offers enough elevation to burn but won’t scare off any newcomers. Along the way you’ll ride through forests and rivers, farms and stables, the gamut of the Virginia gravel experience.

Most of the photos below were taken by Andy Stites and they really capture the experience.

I’ve never had a problem parking at the small church on Novum Church Road and should be a safe place to start the ride.

23mi

2200ft climbing

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32799308