Newbie Intro
 

I’ve ridden bikes on and off again since 1970’s. Been riding seriously for 3 years, trying to achieve the fitness so I can ride the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mtns with confidence.

Welcome!

What kind of bike do you have?

Road e-bike shortens the training needed.
Have ridden it several times on a traditional bike, but age and a few thousand feet of up make that 10 miles un-enjoyable, until getting a slight boost. Mahle rear hub X35 motor. Just a bit = just enough to keep it tough (and fun).
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fcd78c9e6.jpeg

Welcome

Welcome, from SE Wisconsin!
 

I have a Domane AL 3, not sure which generation. I've been to the Blue Ridge Mountains on a motorcycle, maxi scooter and in my old Miata. Those hills would be challenging on a Domane.

I find the low gear (1:1) is not quite low enough for that sort of climbing in my particular echelon of cycling. You may want to have your local shop look into chainrings with a wider range, or at least lower. I don't remember who said it originally, but it is so true: "What you don't have in your legs, you'd better have in your gears."

Beautiful place to ride, but the nicest roads most often don't have shoulders due to lack of real estate. Make sure you outfit yourself with good daytime-visible lights. We don't want to read about your getting nudged off a mountain by some reckless cager.

Granted I live in the Lehigh Valley so might be favoring a little..., but my friends that ride always have said that paths along the Blue Ridge Mtns is among their favorite weekend rides.