Stop and smell the roses.

The Shenandoah Valley is humming with all kinds of life during the month of May.  As the weather beckons us to get out on the trails its fun to notice the wildflowers, and trees that decorate our forests.  Here are a few of my favorites to spot along the trail. (photos courtesy of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy)

Juneberry- if you can beat the birds to them
you can enjoy eating these blueberry-life fruits

Bicycle Camp Out #2: Stokesville Campground

Join us at SBC this Saturday for our second bicycle camp out of the year.  We will be camping in Stokesville.  Sign up here.  If you need to borrow a trailer to get your kitchen sink on your bike, or have questions about how to pack, stop by the shop this week and we can help you figure it out.

This is a self-supported event.  Bring sleeping gear, shelter, food, water, spare tube, ride snacks, etc.  There is water at the campground and a market nearby.

Meet at 11:30 in the back yard to mingle with fellow campers and get our collective ducks in a row before our 12:00 departure.  Come early if you need last minute help from us.  The route is rolling like the other camping trips.  24 miles, no long climbs, some gravel, good views.

Come!  Bring your friends.  It's going to be a real good time.

Fight the Foof- Riding Mountain Bikes in C'Ville

It is not often that the Harrisonburg contingent travels much further than 30-45 minutes to ride bicycles. After all, there are just too many incredible riding opportunities right here in the Shenandoah Valley. But once in awhile, a longtime friend plans to leave the state and travel to Southern California to a land without water so you drive over the mountain to Charlottesville, VA for some bike riding. 

The folks in Fooftown are very lucky to have a very fun and challenging trail system on the University of Virginia's campus at Obervatory Hill. The local mountain bike club, CAMBC has done a phenomenal job working with the city and the University to legitimize a number of the trails and make sure they connect into neighborhoods and the Rivanna Trail system. 

The Rivanna Trail system is an entirely different monster. Circling the city, the trail system is an urban gem. Take a look at a map where we mostly followed the trail and circled the city. This trail provides unbelievable connections under busy roads, through numerous streams, and provides single track opportunity within the city limits. The trail also has a whole bunch of connections to adjoining neighborhoods with spur trails found all over the place.

At the Observatory of Observatory Hill

Things got a little hot that night

A small adjustable wrench can do wonders on a bicycle chain

Holy wacky stream crossings everywhere on the Rivanna Trail in C'ville

Will you Adopt Me?

2014 Trek Superfly FS 8 29er

Size 19.5

Was $2,699.99, on sale for $2,299.99

Full Details on Shenandoahbicycle.com

 Trek Domane 5.9 C UDi2

Size 58

Was $4,699.99, on sale for $4,229.99
Full Details on Shenandoahbicycle.com

Trek Remedy 7 650b

Size 17.5

Was $2,699.99, on sale for $2,499.99

Full Details on Shenandoahbicycle.com

2014 Trek Fuel EX 5 29er

Size 17.5

Was $1,799.99, on sale for $1,499.99

Full Details on Shenandoahbicycle.com

 2014 Salsa Warbird 3

55 cm 

Was $1,699.00, on sale for $1,599.99

Full Details on Shenandoahbicycle.com

2013 Salsa Colossal 2

56 cm

Was $2,399.00, on sale for $1,850.00

Gnarly North Fork

View from the last overlook, about halfway down the descent.

My first time riding at North Fork in WV! A long road ride at the beginning for about eight miles of ridge riding, and a two mile descent. Tons of views, lots of rock, some bird watching, and perfect weather made for a stellar day on bikes.

So much green!

Time to stand on the soap box!

All Harrisonburg residents should mark their calendars for this Tuesday (May 19th) for the Harrisonburg Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.  This is an important opportunity for you to voice your thoughts about bikes and pedestrian plans in the city.

The workshop will be held from 6-8pm at Thomas Harrison Middle School. You don't have to stay the whole time, just stop by and provide input on your vision for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in the City.  Just by showing up your presence will show you support a bicycle and walking friendly city.   If we can pack this workshop, give solid input and support City staff we are showing the City that we are a community where we can walk and ride!

Come out for any portion of this workshop and spill your guts, communicate your dreams, draw lines on the map.  This will also be a good time to see the vision of what Harrisonburg can become in future. Let's make this the best and most comprehensive bike & ped plan the City has ever created!

-Thomas

A bit about myself

My name's Sarah and I've been studying geographic science at JMU for the past three years.  I've been focusing on environmentalism and sustainable food systems, which has given me a passion for practicing permaculture.  This summer will be my first as a Harrisonburg townie and I'm stoked to have more time to go on adventures and kick back here in the valley.  I bought my first bike about a year ago (not my first bike ever, but its the first one that's all mine to take care of!) and started commuting to campus and riding around town.  I haven't climbed mountains or forded streams on my trek yet, but its been great for getting around quickly and helping me carry compost to the community garden I'm working on.  I'm definitely looking forward to getting out for some good longer rides and bikepacking trips this summer.  Come by PULP for a fat bowl and say hi!