Riding with the Red Wings

Reddish Knob in the clouds with Brain (far left) and Trent (far Right) from the Steel Wheels!

The early Saturday morning rains were not letting up when I jumped into my car and started heading to the Red Wings Roots Music Festival. The music festival rides were set to start at 8am, but I wondered who of the 80 registered riders would show up in the wet weather.  Just as the rain stopped at Natural Chimneys the riders started to trickel in from their campsites. I guess we were on, but there was not much talk of actually making it to Reddish Knob. 

A casual start to a fun ride!

The group of 20 or so riders rolled slowly and peaceful out of the campgroud and headed towards Briery Branch, from there we would begin the gentle climb to the Briery Branch Dam. Most riders where thinking that this would be the turning around point of the ride, but after a loaded rest stop of food and drinks, there was only talk of beginning the real part of the climb.  Not knowing what the weather would bring on the upper slopes of Shenandoah Mountain, most talk was about making it to the saddle and then turning around. Anyone who has climbed Reddish Knob knows that stopping at the saddle is like stopping at 3rd base when the ball has already gone over the fence, no reason to stop now.  

The clouds were engulfing the mountain so the views were limited but they only added to the scenic beauty at 4000+ feet.  It was great to see the whole ride make the climb to the top, I think everyone that left the campground 2 hours before certain they would not be standing on the highest point of Augusta County that day.  

Clouds rolling off the mountains at the Briery Branch Dam.

The ride was an awesome way to celebrate cycling which the Red Wings Music Festival promotes cycling through out the weekend event.  

Thanks to all the great SVBC volunteers (Kiki, Whitney, Kyle, Jason Etc..) for the ride support and to The Steel Wheels Band for putting on such a great festival (and riding too!!). 

Thomas