West Virginia Extreme Loungin'

Creature comforts and primitive camping on the mountain top make for much needed restorative rest. 

On the outskirts of Harrisonburg day trip distance is the profound North Fork Mountain just North of Franklin, WV.

The cliff lined ridge provides users outcroppings with views of Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, Mount Porte Crayon, Dolly Sods and much more. The ridge trail terminates on rt 33 to the south and on the northern tip near Cabins.  

Views from High Knob are spectacular.

Kiki's first time up on North Fork.   

Bicycle Camp Out Weather Alert

Hello campers!

I have been watching the weather as we get closer to this weekend's camp out. In the past, we have had a good time no matter the weather. I will be at the bike shop at 11:30 tomorrow morning prepared to proceed with the camp out for anybody who wants to. Hope to see you!

David

Bicycle Camp Out #2: Stokesville Campground

On Saturday May 21st, we will meet at the bike shop at 11:30am to mingle before our 12:00pm roll out. Our destination is Stokesville Campground. The route is 24 miles with some pavement, some gravel, and some excellent panoramic views of the national forest. It has become a favorite route in my own road ride repertoire and I think you will love it too. We will take plenty of time so everybody can have fun.

This is a self supported event. Bring what you need to be happy outside on and off your bike for 24 hours. Think about bicycle first aid (stuff to fix a flat, multitool, etc.), ride food, dinner, breakfast, ride clothes, camp clothes, shelter, and sleep stuff. There is potable water at the campground and a store near by. 

Come early if you need our help with your bike or packing. If at all possible, address these issues over the next few days so you can roll into your weekend relaxed and prepared. 

Call the bike shop or send me an email at David@shenandoahbicycle.com with any questions or concerns. Most of all, get excited! It's going to be a real good time.

Thursday Nights...Friends, Team Work and Bust-in Moves!

Some of the group this past Thursday!

This past Thursday seemed like old times, 18 people of all ages, riding abilities and strengths getting muddy, building trail and having a good time.  Folks kept rolling up the mountain after 5pm, grabbing tools and lending a hand anywhere they could. Each person giving their own personal touch to what will be the next phase of trails on the Western Slope.  This massive group effort reminded me of building the "2K Trail" (name after the number of volunteer hours to build that .9 mile trail) 7 years ago.  We are building in terrain where there is enough rock to build the great wall of China, so it is not fast or easy work, but we are fortunate to have the support of SVBC  and Massanutten Resort.

Vince and others on the mountain of rocks!

As the work portion of trail work ended I sat on the gravel surface of Del Webb Drive, with a beverage in hand and many new and old friends around, I felt happy! Just plain old good. I commented to Zach Adams (Applachian Dirt) and Sam Skidmore that Thursdays at 8pm is my favorite 30 minutes every week.  This is the time to sit back, hang out and rap with friends,  all after an amazing group effort to build trails that so many folks with enjoy.

We have some of the finish stone workers around!

With 400' completed and 8600' to go we have long rocky road ahead of us. But this road is no more difficult than we have when building "2K", and look what was created, a piece of art!

Dylan and Dad, a great time to get muddy together!

I hope to enjoy some quality time on then trail and gravel road with all of you Thursdays this year!

-Thomas

Nutten but Mountain

    This past weekend I got some free time to hit the western slopes of Massanutten. I spent the first hour hiking up to Leighton's Lookout with an old co-worker of mine. I've biked this trail many times but I wanted to get a chance to see it from foot (which is well worth the hike up). This overlook is one the best views in the area and a fitting memorial to a well known and respected cyclist from the Harrisonburg area, Leighton Thomas Shank. If you've seen the sign and haven't yet checked the spot out please do next time, the view is fantastic.

     After a quick hike down I hopped on my trek for some good ole Massanutten shreddage. On the way up the fire road (don't judge) I got lucky and ran into a buddy from Bluestone who was cool enough to shuttle me to the top of 2K. After some rocky fun, I headed to granny grind for a sweet run down to the lake.

Calories spent, I took some well earned time to chill at the waters edge. See you guys on the mountain!

Bicycle Camp Out #1: Hone Quarry - Pictures Posted

Our IT department over at corporate set up a new, open-to-the-public photo album to serve as a photo dump for all you campers. So, from now until the internet breaks, you can add your photos and view photos from your friends of our recent adventures. All of the photos I was able to gather are posted.

Follow this link to our website and click on the pictures to access the Google Album.

Don't forget that our next camp out is May 21-22, and I expect to see your smiling face.

Thanks,
David

Iced Tea at PULP!

             

Hello, Everyone! I'm excited to announce that PULP will start selling Iced Tea again! We buy our tea from Yunnan Sourcing, a  supplier that focuses on providing great quality, organic tea. This week  we are serving Oolong Iced tea garnished with organic mint and blueberry and agave ice cubes. Each week, we will serve a different flavor of tea and ice cubes. You can get it unsweetened or we can sweeten it up with a bit of agave nectar. If you want something refreshing and delicious, stop by try our our Iced Tea today! And don't forget to grab some PULP while you're at it ;) .
                                      The agave nectar adds a sweet touch to the oolong tea.

                       These are the mint ice cubes and the blueberry and agave ones!