New River Trail in Virginia
#1
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New River Trail in Virginia
We're thinking of spending a weekend in Virginia biking on the New River Trail.
Would our road bikes be suitable for the trail?
Any recommendations for cabins/inns/hotels to stay in? We're flexible on the dates and cities.
Thanks.
Would our road bikes be suitable for the trail?
Any recommendations for cabins/inns/hotels to stay in? We're flexible on the dates and cities.
Thanks.
#2
I pedal in my sleep...
Last time I was on the trail it was pretty rough, and I was riding my mountain bike. It's basically gravel but there were a lot of mud holes too. That was last year though. I wouldn't ride my road bike on the trail but I know a guy who does, and fast too, but he's a pro!
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The trail is mostly gravel and you can use a road bike however, you should run 28mm tires with no more than 80 lbs. 32mm is more appropriate, though many road bikes will not take a 32 tire. Cross bikes work great on this trail.
A good place to stay is the Knights Inn in Galax, as it sits on a hill overlooking the city and is only about a quarter mile to the NRT hub entrance (right down 221 before it crosses the river). The motel cost is very reasonable and the place is plenty decent. Ride from the hub entrance to the Shot Tower and back on Saturday. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing in Galax and eating barbeque. Go to the Blue Ridge Music Center on the Parkway (about 8 miles South of Galax) Saturday evening and enjoy some good bluegrass music. They have concerts of some type every weekend. On Sunday, drive to the Shot Tower and park. Ride the remaining trail to Pulaski and return, then drive home. You will have covered all 59 miles of the trail.
A good place to stay is the Knights Inn in Galax, as it sits on a hill overlooking the city and is only about a quarter mile to the NRT hub entrance (right down 221 before it crosses the river). The motel cost is very reasonable and the place is plenty decent. Ride from the hub entrance to the Shot Tower and back on Saturday. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing in Galax and eating barbeque. Go to the Blue Ridge Music Center on the Parkway (about 8 miles South of Galax) Saturday evening and enjoy some good bluegrass music. They have concerts of some type every weekend. On Sunday, drive to the Shot Tower and park. Ride the remaining trail to Pulaski and return, then drive home. You will have covered all 59 miles of the trail.