Barter Theatre/VA Creeper Trail Run at Abingdon, VA
Advisory from MM's Gerry Harms: [Cedar Bluff Cycles – 865-692-1010]
If using the shuttle services I would recommend departing from Damascus and shuttling to White Top as this is almost a 20 mile descent back to the Outfitter. The route is mostly under the tree canopy and has multiple bridges with beautiful scenery, don't forget your camera. You won't need a lot of supplies, but these may make your experience more enjoyable:
I recommend cycling shorts, but this is an easier ride and not too long so a loose fitting synthetic athletic type short should be fine. If you have some court shoes they are best, but running shoes are ok as well, the stiffer the sole the better,and always wear protective eye wear. An energy bar or candy bar might be welcome if you get hungry, I think there is a stop approximately half way down.
I researched some outfitters: They all recommend making reservations and offer group discounts, so I would recommend a coordinated reservation. You should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your departure. All of the Outfitters listed below are in Damascus and rent quality bikes from Trek (we sell these), Giant, and Specialized. All rates are for 4 hours, are for bike rental and shuttle service, include a helmet (bring your own if you have one), and I assume they all provide water, although some didn't mention it.
I have listed anything exclusive or pertinent with each outfitter.
Adventure Damascus Bicycles
888-595-2453
Spring water provided or a $2.00 up charge for a souvenir water bottle
Shuttles run on the hour beginning at 9:00 a.m.
$17.15
The Bike Station
866-475-3629
Spring water provided
Shuttles run on the hour beginning at 9:00 a.m.
$24.00
Blue Blaze
800-475-5095
Shuttle times vary by demand beginning at $9:00 a.m.
$24.00
Creeper Trail Bike Rentals
276-475-3611
Shuttles begin at 9:00 a.m. and every 90 minutes thereafter
$24.00
JC's Outfitters
866-475-5727
Shuttles begin at 9:00 a.m. and every 90 minutes thereafter
$24.00
"Preride Check":
Make sure the brakes work properly and that the gears shift smoothly.
Adjust your saddle height as follows: Rotate the pedals so that one is in the upward position and the other is down, sitting squarely on the saddle making sure your hips are perfectly level left to right. With your heel lightly on the downward pedal and your foot at 90 degrees to your shin your leg should be fully extended and knee locked for proper seat height. If you can't extend your leg than your seat is too low. If you can't reach your pedal with your heel(remember your hips must be level left to right) than your seat is too high. Once you think your seat is correctly adjusted slide your foot back on the pedal so that the ball of the foot(the big knuckle behind your big toe and in front of your arch) is directly over or ever so slightly in front of the center of the downward pedal, you should have a slight bend in your knee, approximately 30 degrees. This is an old racers rule of thumb, you should be pretty darn close.
If don't have much cycling experience this will seem high as you won't be able to reach the ground while sitting on the saddle, but I assure you once seated on the saddle and feet on the pedals you will realize how efficient an effective this is.
Lastly, I believe that the bikes these outfitters rent have gear indicators on them, 1 through 3 on the left shifter and 1 through 7, 8, or 9 on the right shifter. One is a low or easier to pedal gear for climbing both on the left and right shifter and the higher numbers are higher gears for going faster on flat or down hill situations on the left and right shifters. You probably won't use #1 on the left, if so only use it with 1-3 on the right. On #2 on the left use it with 1-5 on the right, and on #3 on the left you can use it with 2-7, 8, or 9 on the right. This is an example of proper gear selection with multi speed bicycles.
Have fun and be safe on the Virginia Creeper Trail. If anyone has questions they can call me at the bike shop. Gerry
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