Epic Ride Series (ERS)
Epic Ride Series (ERS)
The ERS rides are an introduction to big mountain riding, typically in the George Washington National Forest (GWNF). Rides typically involve expert level trails and strenuous climbs (i.e., climbs that last an hour or more). To combat the challenge, we’ll practice the “big mountain” riding style — no man left behind.
You need to be prepared for these rides! A pump, 2 inner tubes, extra water, and a snack (preferably a sandwich) are required. Also, don’t forget keep your bike tuned up, tires pumped, and your helmet strapped on tightly!
Rides happen almost every weekend! Bad weather cancels. To keep up-to-date about the weekendly riding, please email ers@cambc.org.
A group of CAMBC members, Josh Wall, Greg Bruen, David Stackhouse and Drew Duke met up with other riders from the greater Shenandoah area on Feb 1st for the annual Superbowl Sunday Ride. The ride started at the Briery Branch Community Center not far from Stokesville, VA. We had been watching the weather all week, and the forecast changed from an unpleasant freezing rain to a clear sunny day good for a ride. The temperature was around 32 degrees when we headed out at 9:45. The first 11 miles is all SR 257 carving up into the snow covered mountains. It’s starts off … Continue reading →
“Ride start is a steep and long climb, bring the big boy/girl pants and leave the complaining at home.” -Hisersaurus Rex And it did start steep, too. The push up Hearthstone had us mortals in the group on and off the bikes many times during the relentless grind required to the top. Near the ridge line, the trail was choked off with blackberry vines pretty badly. Much blood was drawn from the tough guys in shorts and short sleeves. We also put the handsaws in action, clearing several trees from the trail. Fall is … Continue reading →
Virginia weather can be unpredictable. Mid August, and it’s 78f and overcast outside. And, it’s raining in Charlottesville and Richmond. So, our intended ride (Pocahontis State Park) wasn’t going to work. Time for a new plan. Of course, everyone wanted to know if we’d be rained out. Well, the rain in Charlottesville and Richmond came from the north west, and was headed south-east. It seemed like it would miss Sherando completely. So, at 7:30am with the rain getting heavier, we take off down the highway. And it keeps raining, and as we approach Afton the fog and rain set in. But! The … Continue reading →
Rain…Lots of rain. As we climbed into the clouds, the rain got worse. To everyone on the ride, it was well worth it, though. The rain served to knock the dust down on the trail a bit, and made climbs tacky with very little wheel spin. Downhills were tricky over slick roots, but the smooth trails of Douthat kept us mostly on course. If you have not visited Douthat State Park yet, you should. 20+ miles of big mountain riding. For this ride, we followed the course of the Middle Mountain Mama, an annual race held in the park. The … Continue reading →
This SERS ride took place at the IMBA EPIC Southern Traverse with Jason Hiser, Ted Gayle, David Stackhouse, Josh Wall leading a group of 10. It was truly an EPIC ride. There were multiple flats and a not so good mechanical that required a little work just to make it a single speed but we all worked together and made it happen. A great ride….even with all the stinging nettles, briars, locust tree thorns, occasional tricky rock gardens, and the rain shower that lasted for the last half of the ride (not in the forecast) everyone still (for the most part) had a nice smile … Continue reading →
Ride recap from Josh Wall: On June 1st the third SERS ride of the season took place at Virginia’s other mountain bike Disneyland, Carvins Cove (the other one being Douthat). The ride was almost derailed by a trail running marathon but luckily we only ended up seeing one competitor at the back of the pack. We got in three big climbs and descents and everyone liked the Buck downhill so much we ended up doing it twice. Two new surprises at the Cove were an extremely cool bike repair station at the trail head that had a rack, pump and … Continue reading →
Jason Hiser set up a great ride from Sherando Lake, up White Rock Gap to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and descending through Torry Ridge and Slacks. This ride required some solid climbing legs, but allowed 4 miles of relaxed and scenic climbing on the Parkway to break up the the rocky climbs. Descents were fast and rocky. Jay cleaned the big hike-a-bike section on Torrey. Everyone took the ride at their own pace, and there were plenty of exhausted smiles at the end of the day. It was a perfect day to be up in the mountains. Hiser ended up missing … Continue reading →
Jason Hiser lead a group of ten up Narrowback. The ride began with a long gradual climb to the ridgeline. The return route off the ridge follows the same route, giving a preview of the series of drainage features (read: jumps) that need to be negotiated (read: launched) on the way back down. Once on the ridge, the trail continues through technical, rocky downhill sections down to a fireroad. The fire road continues along the western side of the ridge to a trail junction leading back to the top of the ridge. The ride included two good climbs, and tested downhill riding skills … Continue reading →
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