Ride Guide
This ambitious 2–3 day route is worth riding as a bikepacking trip of its own. The route directly connects the Washington, DC metrorail system to the Mon without the need to plan around train schedules or purchase tickets in advance.
From Ashburn station at the end of the silver line (frequent, affordable 7 day service throughout DC metro region, bikes allowed on all trains for no extra charge), the route blends parts of the Sky Meadows Overnighter and TransVirginia bike routes across the gravel roads of Loudoun County, past Sky Meadows State Park (best first night camping option for 3 day trip), and down to a major resupply in Front Royal, VA.
From Front Royal, the route continues through Fort Valley, where camping at Elizabeth Furnace splits the route into 2 equal days. Continuing westward, take the brief hiking detour up Woodstock Tower for 360 views before descending into Shenandoah Valley for resupply in Woodstock, VA.
As you cross the valley, you’ll soon enter the mountains that have been looming on the horizon. Dispersed campsites in the foothills along Little Stony Creek offer a good second night option for 3 days trips before the unforgettable Judge Rye gravel climb delivers you up the ridge for the descent into Lost River.
The Lost River area is an extremely popular road and gravel cycling area, and there are many options to explore off route before you join the last part of our Petersburg – Lost River – Moorefield route through Moorefield and into Petersburg.
Contributed by Geoff Patterson
