Mountain Biking Explosion!

When: Nov 14-16, 2008

What: Virginia Creeper Mountain Biking

Where: Damascus, Virginia

Who: 13 excited WOACers

WOAC members left Winthrop after classes on Friday afternoon. The 4 hour drive to the mountain lodge was filled with fog and restroom breaks. Upon arrival, WOACers shopped for a spaghetti dinner, built an enormous bon fire and made S’mores before preparing for the next day’s activities.

We got up early to cook a hardy breakfast and suit up for our 8:30am ride time. After a quick visit to the Outfitters we were in the van for the 30 minute shuttle up the mountain. The 1^st 17 miles were all downhill with myriad jumps and high wooden bridges. We followed the famous Virginia Creeper trail as it cut through steep mountains, wandered through valleys, and followed mountain streams. The mud, rain, and cold air were no match for extremeness of our group.

Lunch consisted of sandwiches, a tire repair, some tree climbing and a quick visit to the playground in Damascus’s downtown park. The next 17 miles took us through rolling hills and pastures of Virginia’s backcountry. Participants stopped frequently to rest and take pictures of the scenery from the high bridges.

Saturday night brought us a Mexican food tv movie extravaganza of relaxation and ice cream. Sunday morning we cleaned up, packed the SUVs, and began the drive back through some light snow. Yet again, WOACers returned home with another awesome weekend full of memories of teamwork, bike riding, and maybe even a little bit of outdoor adventure.