With more than 2,000 cycling routes, of which 1,110 miles are gravel routes, and more than 400 miles of mountain biking trails running in, around and through Roanoke, Virginia’s beautiful Blue Ridge region has established itself as America’s East Coast mountain biking capital. From gentle paved paths winding through public parks and wooded areas to challenging cross-country terrain that provides a true workout, this scenic territory proposes a wide variety of exceptional cycling experiences for bikers of all ages and skill levels.
With so many attractive features, it’s easy to see why the International Mountain Bicycling Association has designated Virginia’s Blue Ridge as a Silver-Level Ride Center.
The outstanding collection of bike trails and amenities is just one of many reasons the renowned Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24 women’s cycling team decided to relocate its base of operations from Idaho to Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region earlier this year.
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge and the Virginia Tourism Corporation have stepped up to serve as the group’s title sponsor, a partnership that lends even more credibility to Roanoke Valley’s reputation as a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts. In addition, Roanoke College has recently announced the formation of a new USA Cycling-registered competitive team led by Olympic athlete Shelley Olds, a 2003 graduate of the school.
As a vacation destination, Virginia’s Blue Ridge region offers more than enough recreation, accommodations, food and drink to fill out a world-class cycling itinerary. A favorite among locals and visitors, Carvins Cove Natural Reserves is the second largest municipal park in the country and features what is widely considered to be one of the best trail systems in the Southeast, boasting more than 60 miles of multi-use trails for mountain biking, hiking, trail running and horseback riding.
As a friendly reminder, visitors are always encouraged to abide by “Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics” to preserve the pristine beauty, health and sanctity of the natural Blue Ridge environment.
From a spectator standpoint, Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers plenty of cycling events worth planning a trip around. The annual Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge rolls into town each June, kicking off with a one-lap reservoir swim followed by a 56-mile bike course that climbs and descends through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and concluding with a grueling 13.1-mile run along the Roanoke River Pathway.
Last July brought the USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships to town, with all the pomp and ceremony befitting this top-caliber competition, and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Go Cross Cyclocross Race serves up a full weekend of thrilling events at Fallon Park each September.
“We encourage our visitors to come to Virginia’s Blue Ridge and be ‘trailsetters,’” said Landon Howard, president of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. “The outdoors around Roanoke includes over a thousand miles of trails including mountain biking, hiking and blueways. We also encourage our guests to be trailsetters and discover our arts, food, history and more.”
To learn more about how and why Virginia’s Blue Ridge has become a cycling hot spot, find regional trail maps and view a suggested weekend itinerary, check out BikeVBR.com. To become a Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24 sponsor, or to make a donation to support the organization’s quest for Olympic gold, call 540.342.6025 or 800.635.5535 or visit vbrtwenty24.com.
