I am planning on possibly going to a family cabin close to Wardensville, WV – about 15 minutes from the 55, 259 Jct. I have been there once, and didn’t get to explore the area very much, except for 55 on the way in and out from I-81 and a bit of 259 north to 50.
I think neither of these roads have any significant stretches where there is a shoulder, but I could be just making that up in my head since I don’t remember the road itself that much. So, a couple questions:
Are 259 and 55 decent roads to set out on for some riding? If not, are there other roads in the area that I could head out on from Wardensville area without having to drive to it?
If not here, then is there an area where I can take a short drive, park and head out from in the western VA or WV border areas?
Can anyone describe in better detail than the poor websites I found from Googling the Seneca Rocks National Rec area? Are there roads there that would be good for riding?
There must be some good mountain biking somewhere nearby Wardensville, or Seneca Nat. Rec. Any recommendations?
Spent a week last spring riding in Shenandoah Nat’l Park. Starting in Front Royal, there’s excellent riding south on Skyline Drive. Particularly if you can hit it midweek and off-season. I’ve heard the summer traffic can be brutal. I was there in March and rarely saw cars. Did come pretty damn close to hitting a bobcat descending in the dark, though. Speaking of which, you’ll want at least a 25 on back. Quite hilly.
I am about 30 mile east of there in Winchester, VA. Rt. 55 is horrible to ride on. It’s a 55mph with no shoulder lots of truck traffic, and crazy WV drivers. I have a few longer routes that sort of head out that way that require a very short stretches on 55 to connect roads, but otherwise avoid it like the plaque. You could drive east a little to Star Tannery and there is some great riding around there with no shortage of climbing. What time of year are you going to be around? If you go the Winchester Wheelmen website (local cycling club) There are some rides posted on there with some cue sheets. Fetzers Gap ride goes through Mountain Falls, and Star Tannery area. From winchester it’s a 64 mile ride with about 5600 ft of climbing. I’m reasonably sure there are some good roads out near Wardensville if your willing to explore a little. Try to pick up a good map of the area that has rural roads included. I just don’t head up that way. As far as lakes go, not much for OW swimming unfortunately.
Thanks. Is Star Tannery a town or just a general area of western Virginia? You bring up an interesting point maybe – crazy drivers. Of course they’re everywhere, but would I be dodging beer cans or water bottles launched by some good ‘ole’ boys?
Star Tannery is a little town, if you want to call it that. I have never had problems with crap being chucked at me. Lots a good ol boys though. That stuff you hear about WV isn’t all stereotype. I’ll leave it at that. There is some great riding in WV though. I will ponder your situation and get back to you if I come up with any good routes up there. I meant to say also there is a new wellness center in Hampshire County which I think is what Wardensville is in. It’s owned by the hospital system I work for. They have a small 25 yd pool I believe. I’m sure it’s kept really warm, but it may provide some opportunity for a swim workout reasonably nearby. Vance’s Cove is also not too far and it’s on rt. 55. It provides an opportunity for some Ok MTB, and trail running. I think you originally asked about MTB riding, or am I making that up. Also the post about Skyline Drive is highly recommended if you want to drive an hour to the gate in Front Royal. It’s 105 miles end to end from Front Royal to Waynesboro, and hooks up with the Blue Ridge Parkway. Skyline is 105 miles with ~ 9000 ft. of climbing. Nothing real steep, maybe 6-7% max, but it’s never flat. All up and down. It makes a great 2 day ride out and back. It’s where all the peeps close to D.C drive to on weekends in the spring and summer for IMLP training.