Shenandoah Valley Cycling

Shenandoah Valley Cycling Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Ready to ride, meet at Stonewall Jackson Hotel for an orientation and warm-up ride before exploring lovely colonial Staunton, VA.

  Our trip begins today at 4pm at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Staunton, Virginia, where we will have a brief orientation, review of the itinerary and bike fitting. Afterwards we will head out for a short ride to ensure the proper fit and go over any operational concerns. Once we return from our ride we will walk into historic downtown Staunton for dinner and explore this gorgeous colonial town a bit on foot. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Bike through some of the most historic battlefields of General "Stonewall" Jackson's famous Valley Campaign of the Civil War.

  After breakfast, we will cycle along a loop that heads south from Staunton and includes quiet country roads, traversing through the George Washington National Forest. Our route will take us through some of the most historic battlefield locations of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's famous Valley Campaign of the Civil War. The scenic Goshen Pass along the beautiful Maury River will be a highlight of the day, and additional distance and climb options are available for ambitious riders. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  Cycling: Options from 40 to 70 miles (elevation gain: about 2,500 ft. with options to 4,500 ft.)

• Day 3 Ride options today include the famous Skyline Drive section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, through the heart of Shenandoah National Park.

  Today we continue exploring this remarkable cycling oasis of gorgeous rolling hills and stunning countryside. We have a variety of options today, depending on the group's desires. Ride options will include the famous Skyline Drive section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, through the heart of Shenandoah National Park. Many of these remote roadways are situated in protected wilderness area and historical heritage sites that are sure to impress. We will plan to have a big day on the bike today, but as usual, we have shorter options as well as the support vehicle option at any time. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  Cycling: 50 miles (elevation gain: about 2500 ft.)

• Day 4 Lovely back roads allow us to explore historic rural communities, some of the oldest settlements in the country!

  After breakfast we will set out along one of guides favorite loops, exploring local, rural communities that are some of the oldest settlements in the country. Our loop highlights wonderful views from the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and beautiful country roads that we have come to love about Virginia. Our adventure will conclude around 2 p.m. Breakfast included.

  Cycling: 50 miles (elevation gain: about 3,000 ft.)

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

The bike provided on this tour and included in the trip price is the Blue Competition RD1 Full Carbon Bike. A real stunner of a road bike, the RD1 frame is made of Blue's own Aerus Composites T700 high modulus monocoque carbon fiber and the front end is controlled by the Aerus Conquest C4FK full carbon fork (450 grams). Using a Shimano 105 10 speed drive train, American Classic Victory wheel set, FSA gossamer brakes, Aerus brand cockpit, seat post and saddle, and an FSA Omega compact MEGA EXO 50/34 crank set, this package is a terrific setup for our tour.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available.

Three nights hotel accommodation; all meals as noted in the daily itinerary; professional instruction and guiding; support vehicle; bike; group first aid kit.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Staunton Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD - Small Airport)

Richmond International Airport (RIC), 2 hours

Dulles International Airport, 2 hours

This trip is rated Vigorous [4] as we plan to cycle between 30-60 miles per day most days with some steeper hill climbs, gaining and/or losing up to just over 4,000 or 5000 feet in elevation some days. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

In the summer months, the average daytime high is 75^oF, with evening temperatures dropping to the low 60's. Late season fall temperatures cool down with daytime highs in the 60's and evening lows in the 40's. Thunderstorms are always a possibility in this region, making adequate raingear a must.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

This gear list has been created to help you choose the best equipment for your trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.

Having the proper gear is vital to your comfort and overall enjoyment of the trip. The weather and other conditions at the time of your arrival will dictate what clothing and equipment you will be required to use each day and what (if anything) can be left behind. It may be a necessary precaution that you bring certain items on the list, even if it is uncertain whether or not they’ll be needed. If you do not already own all of the necessary gear and are not certain if you will participate in outdoor trips on a regular basis, please consider renting.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.

Things to Consider

• Always pack essential items such your REI Adventures trip materials, money, eyewear, medications, camera and cycling helmet in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• We recommend bright-colored bicycle clothing for visibility and safety.
• Always test your clothing layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding.
• If you are not bringing a shoe and pedal system (optional, but highly recommended), you will need a shoe designed for cycling or cross training to be used with the provided flat pedals. Consider these features: lightweight, closed toe, designed with stiffer soles to provide more efficient energy transfer as you pedal. Stiff soles protect your feet while riding and support the full length of your foot to reduce cramping and fatigue.
• If you bring your own saddle, please bring only the seat and not the seat post. Seat posts are not universal and may not fit the bike you’ll be riding. You are welcome to bring a gel seat cover for use on the provided saddle.
• Formal attire is not required at restaurants. Comfortable, casual clothes are appropriate for sit-down meals. We suggest bringing slacks, shorts that are mid-thigh or longer, skirts, or dresses in fabrics that are easy to wash and wear.

Gear Checklist