TransVirginia Grand Departure - 550 Mile Backcountry Bikepacking Adventure
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At Mountain Road, we are all for getting outdoors to explore the incredible world around us and when it comes to seeking out an adventure, it doesn’t get any better than a multi-day bikepacking trip. The TransVirginia is a perfect example of a bikepacking trip that will take you along some scenic backcountry roads, along a route that follows the Virginia mountains bordering West Virginia, as you wind your way from Washington D.C. to the town of Damascus in southern VA. I wanted to get a taste of this adventurous ride, just to whet my appetite, should I ever be brave enough to take on the full journey. Thus, I got up way before sunrise this past Saturday to capture the grand departure of the TransVA. I was able to catch up with David Landis, the creator of this bikepacking route, and joined him together with some 25-30 other riders for the first few miles of their trip. Be sure to check out my video to see the start of this trip for yourself.
The TransVA route is accessible all-year round and anyone looking to explore Virginia by bike needs to search no further. Simply download the route, plan accordingly and you’ll be on your way to an epic adventure. If you want more company while out on the route, then there is also the option to join one of two grand departures which take place in the spring and the fall. During the grand departure, riders get together at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. and set off on their respective journeys at the same time. Each person might have their own objective and planned itinerary, but the camaraderie of starting with a bigger group certainly adds to the stories and sense of adventure that will unfold over the days of riding that await.
Route options include the original 550-miles that take riders along some scenic, but also more challenging mountain roads, climbing up to the higher vantage points along the way. If this sounds a bit too challenging for your liking, then there’s also the option to stick to the valley roads and avoid some of the more challenging climbing sections (and cut the distance by 30 miles) - a route that’s called the TransVA Valley 520. Still a bit out of reach? Well, there is also a “shorter” option that runs from Washington D.C. to Harrisonburg VA, sticking to the valley roads that cover a distance of 200 miles. You can find detailed route maps and links to numerous other resources on the TransVirginia website, but I’m including the links to the three main route files for easy reference.
After joining the group for the first few miles of this ride it has surely sparked my interest to set out a bikepacking adventure of my own. Let the planning begin! Now I just need to amass all the required gear so I can explore the beautiful Virginia backcountry roads for myself. To all the riders out on the course and all those who are still planning to take on this ride in the future, may it be a truly unforgettable experience that renews your appreciation for all the unbelievable natural beauty that surrounds us - if we only choose to go out looking for it!
Tell us where your next bikepacking adventure will take you in comments below.
- Wiehan
