From: Tom Benim Sent: July 13, 2018
With the upcoming Tunnel Hill ride, I thought I would share my experiences soon two trails in Virginia recently.
I rode a 9 mile section of the New River Trail 3 times in the same week. The conditions changes enough that it might as well have been different trails. The New River Trail by the way is a State Park and seemed to be very well maintained.
Day one with Bob and Jennifer the trail condition was perfect and it could probably have been ridden easily on a road bike, even though we got a good rain shower about halfway into the ride. Jennifer had a cross bike, Bob had full suspension mountain bike, and I was on my Diverge gravel bike.
Second day was ridden by Jennifer and me. The trail was very dry and in some spots, the firm but fine gravel was more sand-like. While you could ride on a road bike, it would probably have been squirrelly.
Third day, by myself, was after some rains. Again the trail was generally firm, but there were a few sections that had standing water and mud. A bike with larger tires makes it easier to get just off the edge and into the grass as needed. Again a road bike would be okay but one might need to dismount in places.
After the Bike Virginia Tour event, Bob and I also rode the upper section of the Virginia Creeper Trail. This section is maintained by the US Forest Service. (A better description would be ‘owned' by Forest Service as ‘maintenance' seems to be done by Mother Nature and hoards of riders.) This trail section would be very problematic for a rode bike. There are lots of rock outcroppings, large roots, and sections of soft gravel. On the day we rode, there were quite a few pretty good sized mud puddles.
Going up is less problematic than downhill as one’s speed will likely be well below 10 mph, and obstacles can be avoided or ridden over without incident. Coming down is a different manner as you will be riding 15 to 20 mph. Faster - if you have a death wish.
For the Virginia Creeper I personally would not ride it on tires less than 32mm wide (as I did last year), and depending on the existing conditions, that could be iffy. On the Diverge coming down (38 mm tires) my frame pump shook loose and somewhere along the way I lost my rear blinky, but I am not sure if it happened on the trail or just misplaced it. Luckily, if you do not have a suitable bike, there are many bike shops and rental outfits in Abingdon and in Damascus. They will be happy to set you up, and even haul you up the hill if you wish.
Reports from the earlier rides on Tunnel Hill indicate road bike is fine. But I think it is good insurance to put the widest tires that will fit. Also bring spare tubes and patches.
From: Tom Evans Sent: July 13, 2018.
TB, Just a reminder we took about twenty FOGBEES to Tunnel Hill about eight years ago. All were on road bikes, many with 23mm tires, and no one had any issue, other than intelligently picking the appropriate lane on the trail upon which to set one’s tires. Bruce and Phil were on this trip with 23/25-mm tires and can offer their perspective.
We also did the Virginia Creeper on similar tires with a similar experience. However, we were unable to ride the trail east of Damascus, because it was wet and muddy. However, a couple years later, Bruce and his Nashville to New York Tour group did that section conquering that section of trail that defeated our earlier ride. So, I would not let this tire situation dissuade anyone. I plan to ride it on 28mm, but I have done it on 25mm
However, as you note, weather conditions are exceptionally important for hard-pack trails. If the area gets moderate levels of rain within a couple of days prior to your planned date, you may need to reschedule. Also, riding on loose sand is tough with any bike. I don’t remember sand on any of the Tunnel Hill trail.
I've been wanting to ride this trail for some time and this will be an optimum time for me to do it. I'll probably ride my Trek 520 since it has 32mm tires plus bar end shifters; my slightly arthritic right hand is finding the STI shifters less easy to use.
From: David Irvine Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 8:56 PM
I've been wanting to ride this trail for some time and this will be an optimum time for me to do it. I'll probably ride my Trek 520 since it has 32mm tires plus bar end shifters; my slightly arthritic right hand is finding the STI shifters less easy to use.
From:Bruce Sent: July 14, 2018
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