Less than 20 Miles
Huckleberry Trail:
strava.com/routes/2735515645617224650
The chillest route in the area. The Huckleberry Trail is a ~7 mile long bike path that extends from Blacksburg to Christiansburg. Blacksburg riders often use this trail to go to the shops in Christiansburg, or better yet stop at La Tienda Latina to get some tacos.
Harding-Cedar:
strava.com/routes/2735303659923234762
This is a nice ride down Harding, into the valley and across beautiful Lusters Gate Rd. Finishes with a climb up Cedar Run. This ride may test your climbing and descending ability, but the views are well worth it. Can also be reversed very easily.
SAYG Loop:
strava.com/routes/2735303930470686458
SAYG stands for “Slow as your grandma.” We’re not sure who came up with this name, but it has stuck with us through the years. This is a classic Blacksburg recovery route, winding through the outskirts of Blacksburg and into Merrimac.
Shorter Non-Loop Options:
Many team members also roll out and backs for shorter rides. Some common ones include Meadowbrook Road/Glade Road/Mt Zion Road, Mt Tabor Road, and Blacksburg Road.
strava.com/routes/2735515645617224650
The chillest route in the area. The Huckleberry Trail is a ~7 mile long bike path that extends from Blacksburg to Christiansburg. Blacksburg riders often use this trail to go to the shops in Christiansburg, or better yet stop at La Tienda Latina to get some tacos.
Harding-Cedar:
strava.com/routes/2735303659923234762
This is a nice ride down Harding, into the valley and across beautiful Lusters Gate Rd. Finishes with a climb up Cedar Run. This ride may test your climbing and descending ability, but the views are well worth it. Can also be reversed very easily.
SAYG Loop:
strava.com/routes/2735303930470686458
SAYG stands for “Slow as your grandma.” We’re not sure who came up with this name, but it has stuck with us through the years. This is a classic Blacksburg recovery route, winding through the outskirts of Blacksburg and into Merrimac.
Shorter Non-Loop Options:
Many team members also roll out and backs for shorter rides. Some common ones include Meadowbrook Road/Glade Road/Mt Zion Road, Mt Tabor Road, and Blacksburg Road.
20-50 Miles
Dry Run Loop:
strava.com/routes/2735304263599602634
Descend Cedar Run into the valley, cruise along Lusters Gate to Blacksburg Rd and climb up Dry Run Rd. Dry Run is a nice steady gravel climb, not too steep in any section and manageable on a road bike. This route can be reversed for anyone who wants to descend down some gravel.
Norris Run:
strava.com/routes/2735304936300689354
Very scenic ride down to the New River and up Norris Run, which is a steady mixed surface climb. After climbing Norris you are rewarded with a fun and fast pedal descent down Lick Run.
Tabor-Sandy-Blacksburg:
strava.com/routes/2735305253605436362
This is the definitive Blacksburg route. Start by riding through the endless scenic rolling hills on Mt Tabor Rd, descend Sandy Ridge, and cruise the Blacksburg Rd false flat to Harding. A nice simple route beloved by Blacksburg cyclists.
Radford Hospital Loop:
www.strava.com/routes/3219482572344041636
This route starts off descending into Ellett, VA, followed by a mild climb into Christiansburg up Ellett Road. Enjoy a fast and fun descent down Craigs Mountain, and then pedal some moderate rolling roads near Radford. Parallel I-81 on scenic Mud Pike back into Christiansburg.
strava.com/routes/2735304263599602634
Descend Cedar Run into the valley, cruise along Lusters Gate to Blacksburg Rd and climb up Dry Run Rd. Dry Run is a nice steady gravel climb, not too steep in any section and manageable on a road bike. This route can be reversed for anyone who wants to descend down some gravel.
Norris Run:
strava.com/routes/2735304936300689354
Very scenic ride down to the New River and up Norris Run, which is a steady mixed surface climb. After climbing Norris you are rewarded with a fun and fast pedal descent down Lick Run.
Tabor-Sandy-Blacksburg:
strava.com/routes/2735305253605436362
This is the definitive Blacksburg route. Start by riding through the endless scenic rolling hills on Mt Tabor Rd, descend Sandy Ridge, and cruise the Blacksburg Rd false flat to Harding. A nice simple route beloved by Blacksburg cyclists.
Radford Hospital Loop:
www.strava.com/routes/3219482572344041636
This route starts off descending into Ellett, VA, followed by a mild climb into Christiansburg up Ellett Road. Enjoy a fast and fun descent down Craigs Mountain, and then pedal some moderate rolling roads near Radford. Parallel I-81 on scenic Mud Pike back into Christiansburg.
50-75 Miles
Craig Creek:
strava.com/routes/2735307985349637882
Craig Creek is a solid flat and rolling route, which takes you down scenic and fast Craig Creek Rd. Includes a 20+ mile false flat downhill stretch which often has a tailwind to assist you going even faster. The 311 climb can be replaced with the steep and twisting Millers Cove climb if you so choose.
Bradshaw:
strava.com/routes/2735307561938561994
Bradshaw is another nice relatively flat and rolling loop, with one major climb at the halfway point. Leading up to this climb is a long descent which can be pedaled hard and fast.
Clover Hollow:
strava.com/routes/2735305665719548164
This route takes you on the old VT Clover Hollow race course, arguably one of the most scenic roads in the area. Many will choose to do a lap of clover hollow and return via Spruce Run, but this route gives you the option to descend a fast section of Mountain Lake and return via Goodwins Ferry.
Allegheny Springs:
strava.com/routes/2735306197864640772
A true climber’s route, this ride includes 5 solid climbs, the main one being Allegheny Springs Rd. This great VT Cycling staple will test your climbing legs and mental fortitude, but reward you with great views. This route can also be extended to ride into Floyd, VA (see below).
Mountain Lake:
strava.com/routes/2735307144970188746
This ride brings you up one of the best climbs in the area to an elevation over 4000 ft. The focal point of this ride, Mountain Lake Rd, is a 2000+ ft sustained climb spanning 6.7 miles. It is a true test of climbing ability. The climb finishes at the Mountain Lake lodge, which was featured in the movie Dirty Dancing.
Sugar Run + Guinea Mtn:
strava.com/routes/2735308469409027332
A nice winter training route, this will take you away from the arctic Blacksburg wind and into the sunshine west of the New River. Features great views all around, especially on Guinea Mountain which provides the best view of the Mountain Lake region.
strava.com/routes/2735307985349637882
Craig Creek is a solid flat and rolling route, which takes you down scenic and fast Craig Creek Rd. Includes a 20+ mile false flat downhill stretch which often has a tailwind to assist you going even faster. The 311 climb can be replaced with the steep and twisting Millers Cove climb if you so choose.
Bradshaw:
strava.com/routes/2735307561938561994
Bradshaw is another nice relatively flat and rolling loop, with one major climb at the halfway point. Leading up to this climb is a long descent which can be pedaled hard and fast.
Clover Hollow:
strava.com/routes/2735305665719548164
This route takes you on the old VT Clover Hollow race course, arguably one of the most scenic roads in the area. Many will choose to do a lap of clover hollow and return via Spruce Run, but this route gives you the option to descend a fast section of Mountain Lake and return via Goodwins Ferry.
Allegheny Springs:
strava.com/routes/2735306197864640772
A true climber’s route, this ride includes 5 solid climbs, the main one being Allegheny Springs Rd. This great VT Cycling staple will test your climbing legs and mental fortitude, but reward you with great views. This route can also be extended to ride into Floyd, VA (see below).
Mountain Lake:
strava.com/routes/2735307144970188746
This ride brings you up one of the best climbs in the area to an elevation over 4000 ft. The focal point of this ride, Mountain Lake Rd, is a 2000+ ft sustained climb spanning 6.7 miles. It is a true test of climbing ability. The climb finishes at the Mountain Lake lodge, which was featured in the movie Dirty Dancing.
Sugar Run + Guinea Mtn:
strava.com/routes/2735308469409027332
A nice winter training route, this will take you away from the arctic Blacksburg wind and into the sunshine west of the New River. Features great views all around, especially on Guinea Mountain which provides the best view of the Mountain Lake region.
75-100 Miles
Poor Mountain:
strava.com/routes/2735309648792334596
A great training route, this ride includes a 1800+ ft gravel climb to an incredible view of Roanoke and the surrounding mountains. After the climb there is a short descent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which will bring you to the Allegheny springs descent. This route gets extremely hot in the summer, making it a good winter training route. Fuel up at the bottom of the Poor Mountain descent or at the Dollar General in Check, VA.
12:00 Knob + Mt Chestnut:
strava.com/routes/2735311006484580090
This ride takes you up the steep Twelve O’Clock Knob climb and up Mt. Chestnut. These are two very solid climbs in the Roanoke area. Return up Old Catawba Mountain and Back on Blacksburg Rd, or head over to the parkway after the Twelve O’clock descent and return via Allegheny Springs. Fuel stops in Salem and at the base of Old Catawba Mtn.
Floyd + Parkway:
strava.com/routes/2735312049204926410
This route takes you through the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge plateau, over to the unique and lively town of Floyd, VA. After leaving Floyd, cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway to the wind-sheltered Allegheny Springs descent. The terrain on this ride is very different from most other rides listed here, being mostly rolling hills through farmland on the trip out to Floyd. Fuel up in Floyd or at the Dollar General in Check, VA. Another option to roll to Floyd is the extend the Allegheny Springs loop (https://www.strava.com/routes/2882330659380751278). This alternative route is equally stunning but rolls Franklin Pike instead of the BRP.
Maggie Valley+New Castle:
strava.com/routes/2735312592759194362
This ride takes you up John’s Creek mountain and along the current VT road race course in Maggie Valley. You will be met with the incredibly vast Maggie Valley landscape as well as spectacular quiet roads. This route is equally enjoyable in the reverse direction, and would then feature the steep John’s Creek Mtn climb out of Maggie. Fuel up at the Gopher Mart in New Castle or the Newport grocery store.
Walker Mountains:
strava.com/routes/2735313223415617274
Walkers is arguably the most popular century route among VT riders. It winds through some spectacular countryside, then ascends two great climbs—Little and Big walker Mountains. Cruise back on scenic route 42 out of Bland County. Fuel stop at mile 57, in Bland county. Fuel up at Trent's Grocery (CLOSED ON SUNDAYS!) around the halfway point off of Rt 42. One thing to note -- this route starts on Prices Fork/114, both busy roads. It is recommended to ride them either mid-day on a weekday, or early on a weekend.
Caldwell Mountain
https://www.strava.com/routes/3219487555574866082
A nice steady ride, this route takes you out into Botetourt County on scenic Rt 42 across the Eastern Divide, with a beautifully flowing descent into New Castle. Roll out Upper Craigs Creek from New Castle and turn onto Rt 606, for a challenging yet rewarding climb up Caldwell Mountain. Cruise back on either side of the Little Catawba Loop, and enjoy a nice relaxed pedal home on Blacksburg Road. Fuel up at the Gopher Mart in New Castle, and fill up additional bottles at the post office spigot in Catawba.
strava.com/routes/2735309648792334596
A great training route, this ride includes a 1800+ ft gravel climb to an incredible view of Roanoke and the surrounding mountains. After the climb there is a short descent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which will bring you to the Allegheny springs descent. This route gets extremely hot in the summer, making it a good winter training route. Fuel up at the bottom of the Poor Mountain descent or at the Dollar General in Check, VA.
12:00 Knob + Mt Chestnut:
strava.com/routes/2735311006484580090
This ride takes you up the steep Twelve O’Clock Knob climb and up Mt. Chestnut. These are two very solid climbs in the Roanoke area. Return up Old Catawba Mountain and Back on Blacksburg Rd, or head over to the parkway after the Twelve O’clock descent and return via Allegheny Springs. Fuel stops in Salem and at the base of Old Catawba Mtn.
Floyd + Parkway:
strava.com/routes/2735312049204926410
This route takes you through the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge plateau, over to the unique and lively town of Floyd, VA. After leaving Floyd, cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway to the wind-sheltered Allegheny Springs descent. The terrain on this ride is very different from most other rides listed here, being mostly rolling hills through farmland on the trip out to Floyd. Fuel up in Floyd or at the Dollar General in Check, VA. Another option to roll to Floyd is the extend the Allegheny Springs loop (https://www.strava.com/routes/2882330659380751278). This alternative route is equally stunning but rolls Franklin Pike instead of the BRP.
Maggie Valley+New Castle:
strava.com/routes/2735312592759194362
This ride takes you up John’s Creek mountain and along the current VT road race course in Maggie Valley. You will be met with the incredibly vast Maggie Valley landscape as well as spectacular quiet roads. This route is equally enjoyable in the reverse direction, and would then feature the steep John’s Creek Mtn climb out of Maggie. Fuel up at the Gopher Mart in New Castle or the Newport grocery store.
Walker Mountains:
strava.com/routes/2735313223415617274
Walkers is arguably the most popular century route among VT riders. It winds through some spectacular countryside, then ascends two great climbs—Little and Big walker Mountains. Cruise back on scenic route 42 out of Bland County. Fuel stop at mile 57, in Bland county. Fuel up at Trent's Grocery (CLOSED ON SUNDAYS!) around the halfway point off of Rt 42. One thing to note -- this route starts on Prices Fork/114, both busy roads. It is recommended to ride them either mid-day on a weekday, or early on a weekend.
Caldwell Mountain
https://www.strava.com/routes/3219487555574866082
A nice steady ride, this route takes you out into Botetourt County on scenic Rt 42 across the Eastern Divide, with a beautifully flowing descent into New Castle. Roll out Upper Craigs Creek from New Castle and turn onto Rt 606, for a challenging yet rewarding climb up Caldwell Mountain. Cruise back on either side of the Little Catawba Loop, and enjoy a nice relaxed pedal home on Blacksburg Road. Fuel up at the Gopher Mart in New Castle, and fill up additional bottles at the post office spigot in Catawba.
100+ Miles
Narrows:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3219490744829027492
For the diesels, this is a fast rolling route. Ride out the same way as Walker Mountains, except turn right onto Rt 100 and ascend Cloyd’s Mountain. There is a fast, quiet highway descent (don’t worry there is a runaway truck ramp for the diesels) and then roll out Rt 42/Wilderness Road. Optional fuel up stop at Trent’s Grocery (Closed Sundays, plan accordingly). Parallel a scenic stretch of I-77 and turn into Rocky Gap for a long, fast, false downhill drag into Narrows, VA. You can choose to stop at the IGA in Narrows, or keep rolling to the Walgreens in Pearisburg. Return on Guinea Mountain through Eggleston and enjoy a relaxed pedal back along the river.
Paint Bank:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3219493969029348516
This route is a challenging yet rewarding roll to beautiful Paint Bank, VA. Start off on classic Blacksburg Road, and enjoy a fast net downhill roll on 311 into New Castle. Climb up and over Pott’s Mountain, a gorgeous 5-mile climb surrounded by Jeep Trails followed by a long, fast descent. Fuel up in Paint Bank at the General Store, and roll out towards Waitville, WV surrounded by the vast landscape. Climb back up to the VA/WV state line and pedal the fast, false downhill on Big Stoney Creek Road into Kimballton. Roll into Pembroke and stop for additional food/water as needed at the Exxon (there is pizza and fountain drinks). Climb out of Pembroke on Rocky Hollow road, and take in the stunning views of Mountain Lake as you descend into Eggleston. To finish the ride, roll back along the river and take in the blissful scenery.
https://www.strava.com/routes/3219490744829027492
For the diesels, this is a fast rolling route. Ride out the same way as Walker Mountains, except turn right onto Rt 100 and ascend Cloyd’s Mountain. There is a fast, quiet highway descent (don’t worry there is a runaway truck ramp for the diesels) and then roll out Rt 42/Wilderness Road. Optional fuel up stop at Trent’s Grocery (Closed Sundays, plan accordingly). Parallel a scenic stretch of I-77 and turn into Rocky Gap for a long, fast, false downhill drag into Narrows, VA. You can choose to stop at the IGA in Narrows, or keep rolling to the Walgreens in Pearisburg. Return on Guinea Mountain through Eggleston and enjoy a relaxed pedal back along the river.
Paint Bank:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3219493969029348516
This route is a challenging yet rewarding roll to beautiful Paint Bank, VA. Start off on classic Blacksburg Road, and enjoy a fast net downhill roll on 311 into New Castle. Climb up and over Pott’s Mountain, a gorgeous 5-mile climb surrounded by Jeep Trails followed by a long, fast descent. Fuel up in Paint Bank at the General Store, and roll out towards Waitville, WV surrounded by the vast landscape. Climb back up to the VA/WV state line and pedal the fast, false downhill on Big Stoney Creek Road into Kimballton. Roll into Pembroke and stop for additional food/water as needed at the Exxon (there is pizza and fountain drinks). Climb out of Pembroke on Rocky Hollow road, and take in the stunning views of Mountain Lake as you descend into Eggleston. To finish the ride, roll back along the river and take in the blissful scenery.
