[Dr Thunder]

Hi Y'all,

I live in Asheville and am headed to DC this Sunday. I was hoping to sample some fine commonwealth riding near I-81 on my way up. How feasible will this be, do you think, in terms of snow? I was thinking of Douthat, Dragon's Back or maybe Massanutten, but I have no clue as to the conditions of any of these areas. DB in particular sounds great. I can deal with cold, but I don't care for sheets of ice and I don't want to screw the trails by being on the wrong side of the freeze/thaw cycle.

Any info or suggestions are appreciated, and I'd be happy to provide some detailed 411 for anyone headed to the Asheville area any time. Thanks and have a good one!

 

[CraigCreekRider]

The top of Dragons Back was good as far out as Grouse Trail from Rt 311 2 weeks ago. Should be better now. Grouse and Turkey were soft then, but may be better by now.

 

[Dr Thunder]

Sounds good, thanks a lot!

 

[GOS37]

We've been riding over on Fort Lewis Mtn lately. The current conditions there are much better than over at the Cove; the trails are stellar and relatively unused/unknown; and its closer to I-81 than DB.

I live in Roanoke, and I'm planning to ride tomorrow morning--the earlier the better. What time will you be coming through town?

 

[Dr Thunder]

Soonest I can be there is probably 2pm ( I have a 13 month old that I won't see for a week, meaning it'll be hard to leave too early, and Roanoke is about 4 hours from Asheville). If that's too late, I understand, and I appreciate the offer.

 

[GOS37]

No worries. I've got 3 kids of my own, so I need to ride kinda early and get it out of the way. I'd also like to hit it while it's still frozen--it's supposed to warm up here tomorrow afternoon.

If you get back this way any time soon, hit me up.

 

[Dr Thunder]

Understood. I'll be back through on Friday or Saturday, so maybe we can ride then. Also, definitely hit me up if you head down to Asheville.

 

[GOS37]

If you'll be coming through Roanoke on Friday afternoon, let me know. I've gotta work in the morning, but a buddy of mine and I are planning to ditch in the afternoon around lunch time to ride. The weatherman says its gonna be 72.

Saturday usually is my day to watch the kids in the morning while my wife goes for a run, but I may be able to get out in the afternoon. Just let me know what you're plans are if you're interested.

We get down to Asheville on occasion, so I'll definitely keep you in mind. We usually camp and ride in the Davidson River area, and we try to get over to Bent Creek. We have yet to make it to Dupont, though--is it worth checking out??

 

[mtbAndy]

Not quiet into VA but you'll be going past (assuming you're taking I26 to I81) some great trails at Warriors Path State Park in Kingsport, TN. See http://ntmba.org/trails/ for more details.