CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
Come bike the Virginia Creeper Trail with us on Saturday, September 28th! The 17-mile trek from Whitetop to Damascus is downhill and appropriate for all ages. With fall in the air, we’ll enjoy the colorful foliage on the trail. Then, we’ll end the day with a drink at Appalachian Heritage Distillery followed by dinner at Damascus Old Mill Inn on the river.
Blue Blaze Bike & Shuttle Service: Bring your own bike and safety gear or you can rent a bike from Blue Blaze Bike & Shuttle. DO NOT WAIT TO RESERVE YOUR BLUE BLAZE BIKE AND/OR SHUTTLE SERVICE. Blue Blaze recommends making arrangements by mid-August since they often sell out. Call 800-475-5095 to reserve your bike and/or shuttle service.
Cost: Blue Blaze charges $38 for an adult/teen bike rental and roundtrip shuttle service (ages 13 and up) and $34 for children (ages 12 and under). If you are bringing your own bike and only need shuttle service, it's $24 for adults/teens (age 13 and up) and $20 for children (ages 12 and under). Plan to pay for your drink(s) and dinner, too.
Meeting Location: Blue Blaze Bike & Shuttle - 226 West Laurel Avenue Damascus, VA 24236
How to Find Us: ARRIVE PROMPTLY AT 9:30 AM to check in at Blue Blaze. Look for our event leaders in club t-shirts with a snowflake QR code on the back. The shuttle leaves at 10:30 AM and takes about 35 minutes to reach Whitetop. We cannot wait for late arrivals.
Other Things to Bring: We will be on the trail for about five hours, so pack lunch, snacks, and water.
Want a longer ride? Bike an additional 17 miles uphill to Abingdon on your own after our ride and shuttle with a friend or other local service.
Prefer to make a weekend of it? Stay in the beautiful town of Abingdon and checkout the Barter Theater or choose a bed & breakfast in Damascus. There are multiple campgrounds in the vicinity, including Beartree Recreation Area. You could also hike at Mount Rogers or Grayson Highlands State Park.
Member Status & Registration: An active club membership and RSVP is required to attend this event. Members may bring one guest each. Provide their name and contact information (including an emergency contact) when you register.
Click here to join or renew your membership.
If you plan to join us for dinner, check the appropriate box on your registration form OR let an event leader know so we can make an accurate reservation.
Registration Deadline: Click the blue "Register" button and complete the short form by Thursday, September 26th. Registration closes on Friday, September 27th.
Age & Health Policies: Children 17 and under are welcome to attend with a parent or legal guardian. Everyone must be able to comfortably bike the 17-mile downhill trek. If you have any health problems at all, please include these on your registration form. There is no cell coverage on most of the trail, but park staff patrol the trail.
Weather Policy: We may have to cancel with short notice if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Registrants will be notified via email 24-48 hours before the event if the forecast calls for rain or storms.
Cancellation Policy: If your plans change after you register, log in to the Member Portal and cancel your registration so we know not to expect you. If you reserved a bike/shuttle service, call Blue Blaze at 800-475-5095 ASAP so someone else can book your spot.
Event Leader: If you have any questions, contact Alisa Weber at (704) 685-0780.
