Bike tour of Virginia's Allegheny & Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Valley Between

Meet in Staunton ready to bike.  Today is a full day of biking the lovely valley farm roads and passing through a few crossroad communities along the way.  We'll visit Natural Chimneys, a formation of stone towers created by the collapse of an ancient cavern, where you will enjoy a catered picnic.  We'll also bike through an area of Mennonite farms. Mennonites have been in the area since the 1720's.   Return to Staunton in time to grab a quick post ride ice cream.  We'll enjoy dinner as a group a couple of blocks away at a local favorite.

BRP Itinerary:

Rise early for breakfast for a big day of bicycling.  We'll head southeast and approach the looming Blue Ridge. Wind your way up a gap to the Blue Ridge Parkway and spectacular overlooks. After logging additional spectacular miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway to our final overlook, we'll descend for an exhilarating 5 miles off the Blue Ridge down to the valley floor, where we'll make our way to Lexington, Virginia.  You'll want to explore this enticing historic village on foot from our downtown lodging.  Walk a few blocks to the campus of Washington and Lee University and Lee Chapel.  

Alternate Itinerary on Rainy or Foggy Days:
Our route from Staunton to Lexington will use a spectacular valley route instead of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 40 mile valley route will still include plenty of climbing and descending, and there is an optional 30 mile loop that can be added on after reaching Lexington.

It is a great day on a bike either way!

We pedal from town today from our hotel in Lexington.  In a few minutes, we pass the quaint downtown and both Washington and Lee University and VMI.  Moments later we are on a serene country road following a mountain stream.  Then we turn into the Allegheny mountains via breathtaking Goshen Pass.  This scenic route follows the Maury River to the small town of Goshen and into the George Washington National Forest of remote Bath County.  We arrive in the afternoon at our destination of Fort Lewis Lodge, with its renowned local cuisine and rustic farm setting.  Take a hike to the top of the mountain ridge for a spectacular view overlooking the expansive farm.  Cool off in the swimming hole at the Cowpasture River.  Or, loosen your muscles in the hot tub.  At dinner, you will discover why folks travel long distances just to dine at Fort Lewis on Caryl Cowden's contemporary southern cuisine.  Before bed, walk up to the star gazing deck for a “light-free” look at the Milky Way.  

Enjoy a Fort Lewis country breakfast, then hit the quiet back roads of the George Washington National Forest.  Our bikes normally outnumber cars during long sections of this day's route.  Cycling through this lightly populated region, you will enjoy beautiful views of mountain rivers and forests, and a couple of quiet mountain communities.  A couple of challenging climbs will punctuate the day's ramble.  (Van shuttle past those if you prefer.)   You will be pleasantly exhausted by the time you arrive back at Fort Lewis Lodge for a second evening of serenity.  

Our final day takes us to more beautiful roads in the G. W. National Forest, leading us to a mountain pass which returns us to the Shenandoah Valley.   Back in Staunton, a final lunch awaits prior to departure.  Extend your stay in Virginia to explore the southern high country or to venture northward into Shenandoah National Park.