Stokesville - It is happening!!!

We haven't been blogging in a few years.... Oups!! Most likely because we have been sooooo busy getting this facility "STOKESVILLE"  up and running. It comprises the Stokesville Lodge, Stokesville Campground, Stokesville Observatory, a fishing lake, river swimming and a trail system that hosts a NICA High School League Mountain Bike Course right here on this property. It is the venue for the Shenandoah Mountain 100 (#Shenandoah100), Virginia Trail Festival. Shenandoah Mountain Bike Festival, Stokesville Orienteering Meet, Red Wing Roots Camping and many many other amazing events. In fact, we hope to release news of another amazing event at the facility very soon. #Stokesville - make plans to come ride, camp or stay at the Stokesville Lodge. Info is available via www.StokesivlleLodge.com - www.StokesvilleCampground.com and very soon on www.stokesville.org

Dragon's Tale 2012 - SOOOO GOOD!

We hope everyone had a really good time. Yes, the event might be the shortest one we put on, but it is the most challenging and rewarding event mile per mile as compared to our other events. A FULL ON mental and physical challenge.

Here is a link to the 2012 RESULTS (yes, it is an XLS file posted on our website with 3 tabs at the bottom)

We had a chance to upload 2 raw clips on facebook today while cleaning up the event supplies.
Check them out... good times!!

- here is a little stroll along North Mountain with Kyle Lawrence during the event


- here is Deer Trail coming off North Mountain with Graham Snyder

October SMT Friday Hookie Tour!!!

Russ and Liz had a great time with Matt on the Southern Traverse hookie ride! What an amazing excuse to dip out from the routine and escape deep into the George Washington National Forest for a singletrack bicycle ride. Shenandoah Mountain Touring is always here to take you deep into the backcountry for some much needed FREEDOM!


 

10-25-11 Trail Work on the Southern Traverse - Tour Friday!

Matt and Tyler spent the day chainsawing and clearing the Southern Traverse section of the Shenandoah Mountain Trail.  This trail is so smooth to begin with but now with no trees down it has returned to its DREAM CONDITION!!  We are leading a Friday Hookie Tour of the Southern Traverse this friday and you don't want to miss out, it will be as IMBA proclaims, "EPIC!"

click here to sign up!

Matt Smith saves his back by loading up our BoB Trailer with all of the gear!  A great way to get supplies into the woods!

Pictures updated from the VA MTB Trail!

Here are some pictures from day 11 of the Virginia Mountain Bike Trail tour in Pandapas Pond park near Blacksburg VA.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.166405016782949.39596.100002403544367&type=1&l=a814d01688

 

Shenandoah Mountain 100 Trail Work Mission - Chestnut Ridge

Yesterday, Tyler and Matt headed up to Little Bald Knob then cruised down Chestnut Ridge while clearing loose sketchy rocks, lopping thorny face-slappers, and weedeating the hay-quality grass.  What was once a test to get through now is a dream to descend!  Check out some pictures from the day:

Super-wide corridors!!



Shenandoah Mountain 100 Trail Work Mission- Wolf Ridge/ Lynn Trail

Yesterday, Matt and Tyler went out to Wolf Ridge and Lynn Trail to clear some trees, cut grass, and throw loose rocks off the trail.  This trail is now super clear and smooth, some may be getting the sonic BOOM during the race.  Here are some pictures from the mission:

Big thanks to the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition for getting volunteers to come out and fix a nasty spring that popped up on Wolf.

Our BoB trailer helped get the chainsaw, chainsaw tools, and the weed eater up and down the mountain on this mission.

Guide Trip - Southern Traverse 8/5/2011

SMT Guide Matt Smith took out Keith Esham and friends from Hagerstown, MD for a trip on the Southern Traverse! Everyone was in a state of euphoria while riding the 17 miles of continuous singletrack!! Contact SMT to book your very own guided trip on the Southern Traverse!

Great view from the South Sister Knob Overlook.

Trail Improvement Project in the GW - Moving Forward! - Thanks USFS, SVBC, SMT, IMBA and Ironwood Outdoors

The North River Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest has partnered with Ironwood Outdoors to rehabilitate a portion of the Wild Oak National Recreation Trail, Bear Draft Trail and Shaffer Hollow Trail. District Ranger Elwood Burge is leveraging limited trail maintance funding that will end up quadrupling its value before the project is done. By the time the project is completed the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, Shenandoah Mountain Touring, the International Mountain Bicycling Association and other trail volunteer groups will contribute volunteer hours and provide financial assistance helping Ironwood Outdoors more the project forward.

The trail project is in Augusta County on Lookout Mountain which over looks the North River watershed in the George Washington National Forest.  Stabilizing the soil on these mountain trails will improve water quality and provide a better recreational experience for all the non motorized trail visitors which consists of  equestrians, bicyclists, hikers and trail runners. National Forest Trail Specialist Christian Canary said, "we are really excited to give the bicyclists' this opportunity to improve these system trails that they enjoy so much. Everyone will benefit from this collaboration" 

Shaffer Hollow Trail and portions of the Wild Oak Trail are used in the upcoming Shenandoah Mountain 100 Backcountry Bicycle Event held on Sunday September 4th. The annual event is held the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. 2011 will mark the 13 edition of the event. The event is operated under a special event permit with the George Washington National Forest. The event brings over 2000 visitors to the Forest each year contributing over $500,000 annually to the local economy while leveraging hundreds of volunteer trail improvement hours associated with the event. 

Shenandoah Mountain Touring, LLC

http://www.mountaintouring.com/

Shenandoah Mountain 100 Trail Work Mission- Dowell's Draft

Trail work comes often here at SMT, especially the month before the 100!  Our second mission of the week sent us to Dowell's Draft to clear grown in trail and loose rocks on the entire trail!  A little bit of love to this trail and it is world class!  Matt towed our new BoB Trailer and it was a great help getting our tools to the top, not to mention was a dream on the way back down!  Here are some pictures from the day:

<--- Outlook at the top of Dowell's Draft

Matt setting out with the BoB trailer

Using a rolling system to move this log off the trail

Shenandoah Mountain 100 Trail Work Mission- Bridge Hollow/Braley Pond

 Matt and Tyler set out early Tuesday morning to clear up some grown in trail as well as remove downed trees on Bridge Hollow, Braley Pond Trail, and Johnson Draft Trail. What does this all mean?? The last section of trail heading into aid station 4 is ROLLIN'!!!! Here's some pictures from the mission:

Mike Simonson comes in third!! 2011 Wilderness 101

--
Shenandoah Mountain Touring, LLC.
P.O. Box 1423
Harrisonburg, VA 22803

(540) 434-2087
www.mountaintouring.com
http://shenandoahmountaintouring.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/ShenMtnTouring

http://www.facebook.com/ShenandoahMountainTouring

Iron Mountain Trail Work- Jefferson National Forest

This past Wednesday, SMT drove down to Damascus where they met up with David Witt, the brains behind the Iron Mountain 100k ride, to do some trail work in the Jefferson National Forest.  We placed in some grade dips and water diversions on Chestnut Ridge Trail to help preserve the trail and stop the water runoff from washing away all the good dirt.  We then cleared the trail of 7 downed-tree areas, so Chestnut Ridge Trail is now clear and ready to ROLL!!  Saw Mill Trail had some nasty culverts that we checked out to fix before the race.  Lastly, we went down Mock Hollow Trail, the final descent, and made sure that was ready.  Things are shaping up for this year's Iron Mountain 100k ride, you don't want to miss it!!  Check out the pictures from our trip:

Stoopid 50 Results are up!!

Super stoked about how great the Stoopid 50 was this year!  The weather was perfect, with a little rain shower, and the new course was fast! Check out the results to find out just how fast! Bob Popovich took some great pictures again. You can buy the prints from his site if you want a hi res hard copy.

The Stoopid 50 Race Brief - 2011

Stoopid 50 2011 Race Brief

There are some exciting course modifications for the 2011 event. The course looks tobe a singlespeeders dream. Three of the big hit singletrack headwalls areabsent from the 2011 route. The only section that has two-way traffic is thebig mountain pass over Thickhead Mountain on a wide grassydirt access road. The course has been enhanced to take advantage of the spring weather. We might make more improvements if we get any last minute storms likewe did last year.

While on the course we are asking that you ride on the rock causeways and narrowbridges and not in the bogs that are around them on Indian Trail after yourfirst passing of the Aid Station. If you have to stop and get off your bike towalk the bridge, please do so. These are ecologically significant and verysensitive areas. This will really help insure we maintain access to this amazing trail for this event.

The Pro men's race is going to be super HOT. Chris Beck (Team CF) is coming back tothe Rothrock for vindication after his melt down in the TSE. He got his firstbig pro win at this event in the early Penn/Roosevelt rendition and has thefitness to bring the title back to Baltimoreagain. His teammate Brandon Draugelis (Team CF) is poised to be his dreamcrusher. Brandonis on fire after his 3rd place ride in last weekends NUE Series –Mohican 100. Here is your list of other notables destined for part of thepodium. Mike Keefer (29er Crew/Gettysburg Bicycle / Hammer Nutrition)representing for the Harrisburg PA area, Pete Schildt (KeswickCycles) Ed Bush (Club Wissahickon/Engin Cycles) and Les Leach (from the Phillyregion, Dave Weaver (ALAN N. America Cycling Team) of Maryland MichaelTabasko (DCMTB) and Jed Prentice (Bike Doctor RacingTeam) of the Washington DC area and finally the State College PA Locals gunning for glory are James Kelly (NMBA) Chip Kogelmann(NMBA/Alpine/FreezeThaw). Justin Pokrivka (Pro Bikes/Cohen & Associates)might have some legs left at the Big Bear 2/12.

Women Pro are coming on strong for this one. Vicki Barclay (Freeze Thaw/Stan's NoTubes) is coming off of a 3rd place Transavania Epic. She pulledthat off with injured ribs, so this 50 should be a breeze. Cheryl Sornson (TeamCF) put in the great miles this winter to get ready for the Cape Epic StageRace. Her form is really coming on as she showed last weekend when she won theMohican 100. Her teammate, Carolyn Popovic (Team CF) has been representingtheir team nationally and is riding very well. They will have some talentedchasers such as Emily McDonald (VeloWorks-Spokes, Etc.), Misty Tilson(Shenandoah Mountain Touring) and Niki Thiemann (TeamCF)

The Master class is looking hot. Jay Dodge has been moving out this season. ScottRoot (DH/Nimmo Chiro/Highlands Training) has always been super fast, will he beon race day? Local Jim Matthews (MBR) is ready for the challenge on his localtrails.

The"SingleSpeed SHOWDOWN" part hoedown is going to be off the HOOK! Matt Ferrari(FreezeThaw/Hubcap Cycles) will be leading the charge. The locals are hoping hewill be their man again. This year's course could even see him challenge Beckand Draugelis for the overall. Topher Valenti (BikeSport) is coming out for acameo.  Zack Morrey(VaporGenie.com/Rogue's Racing/Maxxis) will be coming off the Big Bear 2/12 theday before. But that shouldn't slow him down. Montana Miller (Wilderness Voyageurs/ I9 /Niner) is coming on, Dan Atkins(Trek 29er Crew) is representing for Marylandand The Bat Man - Batbayar Batchuluun is DC's great hope with a darn goodchance for the podium. Bernie Shiao (Kelly BenefitStrategies) has good fitness for this ride, lets see how the rocks treat him.Aaron Hofelt (Rothrock All-Stars/NMBA) isthe"Elf'n" like good guy aiming to have the most fun, watch our for that! Whoknows what kind of heat Chris Ruhl (Freeze Thaw Cycles), TravisColdsmith (Indy Fab/ Cupcake) and Robert Lochner (IronCity Bikes) will be bringing, but it could be a lot!
For those arriving Saturday (today) at Aiken's Cabins – Park in the gravel lot andset up your camp in the grass. If you are arriving Sunday just for the ride,park in the gravel portion of the Tussey Ski area lot on the left just beforeAikens Cabins which is located on the right side of the road.           
 Aid Station Drops –
Toss your bag in a bin at the aid station when you are done with it, so you can getit back quicker. If you want to access your bag for the 2nd pass,toss it to the other side of the triangle for the next pass – then the bin whenyou are done. We will have enough food and water out there for you, so you donot need anything of that nature in your bag. We have a small stock of waterbottles pre-filled so you can grab one and leave your empty behind. We alsohave jugs to quick fill bladders.                                                                                                                                                                      
Final Details –
We have a shower set up behind the first cabin.
Food will not be served until 2 pm post event – 1 serving until all racers are finished
Huge thanks to the Rothrock State Forestand Nittany Mountain Bike Association for hosting us all on these very fun trails.
Hope you are looking forward to your Stoopid 50 pint glass, Clem's BBQ, and Elk Creek Café and Aleworks at the finish line!

Cheers -

SMT and Local Partners –

Freeze Thaw Cycles- running the event aid station
The Bicycle Shop State College- Serving your post-race meal
Nittany Mountain Bike Association- keepin' it real and making it all work out!  Supporting the trails and logistics

Sponsors–
Stan'sNo Tubes – they make every ride better!
PurpleLizard Maps – they can map your dream trails!        
Heed/ Hammer Gel – your nutrition for sustained power!    

--
Shenandoah Mountain Touring, LLC.
P.O. Box 1423
Harrisonburg, VA 22803

(540) 434-2087
www.mountaintouring.com
http://shenandoahmountaintouring.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/ShenMtnTouring

http://www.facebook.com/ShenandoahMountainTouring

2011 Virginia Mountain Bike Festival fast approaching - Sign up NOW!!

Virginia Mountain Bike Festival 2011
Stokesville Campground, VA

Memorial Day Weekend 2011 - May 27-30th

From Virginia Mountain Bike Festival 2010

Just wanted to send out a quick reminder that the Virginia Mountain Bike Festival is a few weeks out. We have a great bunch of folks already registered, don't wait to join them! The Virginia Mountain Bike Festival is an event celebrating mountain bicycling in Jefferson and George Washington National Forests. Come out and enjoy the atmosphere, the riding, and social gathering that is the Virginia Mountain Bike Festival. Please encourage your riding friends to participate in this volunteer driven festival. Thank you for attending in the past, we hope you can make it again this year.

Register here - Online registration for $80 per adult and $20 per child closes on Wednesday, May 25th at 5PM- on site registration is $100

Your registration covers camping for 3 nights, and 4 days of great backcountry riding. Friday night the kitchen is open in the pavilion for your use (Grill and Burners). Saturday night we provide pasta and sauce. You provide your favorite side or dessert. Sunday night we provide a deluxe full on burrito dinner. Since this is a fundraiser for Virginia Mountain Biking there are no refunds. If you cannot attend, you will able to deduct the whole amount as a donation on your taxes.

The festival will feature rides for all, fun events, and great company on a glorious weekend at a private campground nestled against the George Washington National Forest. This fun-filled event is brought to you by Shenandoah Mountain Touring, LLC.

Not really into Mountain Biking? GREAT HIKING right from the Campground on the Wild Oak Trail or bring your ROAD BIKE and enjoy the wonderful road riding the Shenandoah Valley has to offer - we will have county road maps for your use. Bring your family for a fun weekend!

Hope to see you there,
Chris, Matt and Tyler


Special thanks to our sponsors for coming out to Stokesville for the weekend! There will be a few 2011 demo bikes from KONA BIKES. Richmond ASR will be in town as well helping run registration so that everyone can get out and RIDE!!
Also, a huge thanks to our local sponsor Shenandoah Bicycle Company and Trek Bikes for provided the weekend's beverages!!

Alpine Loop - Bicycling The Choice Dirt Mountain Roads

Abe and Nick rolling towards the questionable weather

Ryan Fawley having a REAL good time rolling down Rt. 33 west with JB right on his tail

Fultz Gap is super steep but sooo amazingly cool

Heading back over to Moreland Gap

Nick Waite gave the pro tour acceleration into Sugar Grove, it was impressive

Chris Scott enjoying a huge day in the mountains with these all-stars

Sugar Grove is where the climb up the backside of Reddish begins

Rolling down Rt. 924 from Briery Branch Gap (Reddish Knob area)

A quick hit into WV for the Alpine Loop
It really is sooooo good, but SUPER HARD!
Pedaling squares, rectangles, triangles.... every shape I could think of
Just to get back over the backside of Reddish Knob
Shenandoah Mountain is a doooozie
Nick Waite, Johnnnnny Youngdahl, Jeremiah Bishop, Abe Shearer, Ryan
Fawley, and I went over to the dark side (WV) for the big burley
loop. GOOD TIMES!

Dragon's Tale 2011

Early spring is a great time for bicycling on the dry ridgetops of the George Washington and the Jefferson National Forest's. North Mountain Trail is home to a great network of shared use trail in the Jefferson National Forest west of Roanoke, VA. These trails are cleared in Feb and March for use in the annual Dragon's Tale bicycle event.

Check out some of the amazing video's and photos below of the Dragon's Tale backcountry bicycle event.
Results from 2011 are HERE
A photo gallery is on FACEBOOK - higher res images are in our Picasa gallery below.
Lots of great video clips of the riding below too.

Sue Haywood is a smooth rider. Check out her confident riding along Broad Mountain and down into Ferrier Trail.




Sue gave another nice ride on the final roll in on Ferrier Trail. She is soooo smooth in the corners!



We got to follow Laura Hamm down Deer Trail too. She is fast and smooth. Her front brake stopped working early in the event so she was a little cautious on the switchbacks. She has solid backcountry ethics and wasn't going to skid around the corner just because her brake wasn't working. So she took it easy and walked it around the bend. Thanks Laura!


Doc George covered our backs yet again and made a great video to share with us all. Thanks DOC!



Here is a great slideshow from the event in the SMT Picasa Gallery



Kirby was a huge help with the course and logistics. Sorry about the flats Bro!

From Dragon's Tale 2011

Also huge thanks to Ben and the Brown family with the Moonstompers, the Tilson's, Suzanna, Doctor George, Joe Therrell, Gramham, the USFS and the community of New Castle, VA

Amazing snow ride on Great North Mountain Trail in Virginia's George Washington National Forest

Good times in the GW on the old "Dante's Inferno" loop
Winter is here!
Judge Rye Road up onto Devils Hole Mountain
Drop in on Long Mountain Trail
into and back up and out of Trout Pond Campground
Super fun technical ridge on Great North Mountain Trail
to the tight and fun switchbacks on Stack Rock Trail
Laurel Run Road back down to the parking lot.
Good times!
The road bed that is listed as a trail needs a lot of drainage work on the slopes above Trout Pond Campground - a job for the Lee District Sweco!
Everything else is wonderful!!
Thanks PATC and the Equestrian's (Diane) from the Old Dominion 100 for keeping Great North Mountain Trail cut back, those briars can be brutal in the summer!!