There are so many reasons to love biking. 
 

• It’s the most energy-efficient form of human transportation ever invented
• It allows you to enjoy the outdoors while traveling significant distances
• It’s a great, low-impact way to exercise

With all these wonderful perks and many more, it’s not surprising that biking is extremely popular as a sport, a hobby, and even a mode of transportation. But since most American towns were designed with the car in mind, finding a convenient and safe place to ride a bike can be a challenge.
 

The Front Royal area is surrounded by great mountain biking trails for those interested in an intense and adventurous biking experience. But there’s also some scope for more laid back “leisure” biking. Read right on here for our guide to leisure biking in the Front Royal area. In this post you’ll find tips about where to enjoy a more relaxing bike ride in and around Front Royal. 
 

Take a Bike Ride around Front Royal
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For those interested in an around-the-town bike ride, Front Royal has a treat in store. Royal Greenway is a five mile biking/walking/”baby-strollering” loop trail around Front Royal. It’s a varied ride with the fun of biking through town as well as a heavy dose of natural beauty. Follow the trail and you’ll get to enjoy the sights and sounds of Front Royal’s charming downtown area, as well as exploring Eastham Park’s riverside walking/biking trail, right along the banks of the Shenandoah River.
 

Take your Bike to the Park
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Another exciting Front Royal option is Rockland Park’s Carson Trail. This gently sloping gravel trail runs alongside the Shenandoah River. When fully complete, it will cover 2.62 miles to the Front Royal Golf Club, giving leisure bikers the opportunity for a fun out-and-back adventure in a beautiful setting. 
 

Enjoy a Weekend of Organized Bike Riding
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For biking enthusiasts looking for some fun and challenging riding in the Front Royal area, the Strasburg Bike-Around event is a great fit. Mark your calendar for June 10-12, and enjoy three days of pre-planned routes in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. You can relax and enjoy the ride while event organizers take care of logistics. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other cyclists, too. And you’ll be contributing to the future of leisure biking in the Shenandoah Valley the whole time. Part of the registration fee for this event goes to support the development of the Shenandoah Rail Trail, an exciting new initiative aimed at turning a disused rail line into a vibrant new bike path. 
 

Explore Biking Trails in Nearby Towns
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If you’re in search of a biking trail, and are willing to go a little farther, Front Royal’s neighboring towns have some great options in store. Luray’s Hawksbill Greenway is a fun two-mile trail that combines town and countryside. Another slightly closer option is Winchester’s Green Circle Trail, which takes cyclists around the city of Winchester with an emphasis on the city’s scenic streams.
 
Biking is a great way to exercise and have fun! With safe and scenic biking trails popping up all over the Front Royal area, it’s an activity to add to your to-do list for your next Front Royal trip.

Spring with its restrictions sprang into oblivion quickly and the outlook for summer is not looking much less restrictive. Gym space and time is limited; running in the heat is not fun; and public swimming pools are closed. So, what is the best physical activity in the summer of 2020 in our beautiful Shenandoah Valley?

Riding a mountain bike on one of our scenic trails could be the answer!
 
Mountain biking is the ideal experience for anyone who wants to exercise and connect with nature. There are some skills that mountain bikers need to possess while acknowledging the difference in mountain bikes, biking styles, techniques, and terrains.
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Everyone knows any physical activity is good for you. We have all heard about the “runner’s high.” But when you do any activity that gets your blood flowing and triggers the release of endorphins.
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You never get bored with mountain biking as the trail is always changing. No route is ever the same. The texture of the dirt on the trail is different and there can be more rocks, fallen branches, or other unexpected obstacles.

Mountain biking gets you places much faster than hiking. In warm weather everything around is more beautiful. The stillness and majesty alone are worth it.
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Here are a few of them to get you started on your mountain biking journey:
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• Make sure your bike is well-maintained and serviced

Having your bike properly serviced and checked before any ride is the thing to do first. Being sure you have a bike tool/repair kit with your essentials, well ... is essential!

• Building a Strong Foundation

It is crucial to build a strong foundation before working on speed and intensity. This can be achieved through working on endurance, strength, and balance. An amateur should spend at least 1–2 months building this foundation base.

• Stay Healthy

Workouts and rides exhaust the body in the beginning. Be sure to take consistent breaks to give your body a rest. In addition to eating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains, do not forget to drink lots of water! (Plan ahead and pick up a great pre-packed lunch and snacks at one of Front Royal’s great restaurants, like the Blue Wing Frog and Manor Line Market for a super fresh and healthy option to have along the way!)

• Break biking routine into two parts

Most of those who are new to mountain biking, likely to get tired every 15 mins. But do not stop practicing, just do not go overboard. Take turns between immense effort for 15 mins and taking it easy for 15 mins. This flow pushes the body.

• Braking correctly

The key to riding safely is to use brakes wisely. Practice riding a bike before going on any trails to determine how much braking power the tires have. Learning how much or how little to squeeze the brake levers, is what prevents falls over the bike on many dangerous hills!

• All eyes on the trail

It is vital to know exactly where to look while biking. Do not look directly down at the wheel or what is in front of it. Instead, use peripheral vision to keep track of the trail, to avoid any obstacles. Small rocks and roots are okay to ride over; make sure to adjust speed and position accordingly.

Special considerations on bicycling on the Skyline Drive
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Bicycling is permitted along Skyline Drive and on paved areas in the park. Bicycling (road and mountain bikes) is not permitted on trails, unpaved roads or in grassy areas.* Because Skyline Drive is a two-lane road with steep hills and numerous blind curves, cyclists are urged to use extreme caution.

Visitors should be prepared to operate their bicycles during periods of low visibility, or while traveling through a tunnel, or between sunset and sunrise, by exhibiting on the operator or bicycle a white light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red light or reflector visible from at least 200 feet to the rear. During periods of fog, reflectors will not provide necessary safety for bicyclists. Lights on both the front and rear of the bicycle are required. Mountain areas can experience dramatically different weather than what is being experienced in the lowlands, so be prepared!

Donations were received by the Shenandoah National Bicycle Coalition and Planet Bike of 150 lights to be given to visitors at the entrances for safety of the bicyclists arriving without a rear light. Lights are supposed to be dropped off as the visitors exit.

*Bicycling from Skyline Drive is permitted on Rapidan Fire Road for approximately one mile. At the end of this mile, there is a sign indicating no bicycles are permitted beyond that point.

BIKE TRAILS AND BIKE PATHS

Local Trails & Greenways
414 E Main St Front Royal
 
Sherando Park Mountain Bike Trails
Address: 200 Landgrant Ln.
Stephens City, VA 22655
Phone: (540) 665-5600
 
Eastham Park
Address: Luray Ave.
Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone: (540) 636-4600
 
Elizabeth Furnace Recreational area
Address: Fort Valley, VA 22652
Phone: (540) 984-4101
 
Buzzard Rock Trailhead
Address: 3087 Mountain Rd.
Front Royal, VA 22630
 
Shenandoah River State Park
Address: 350 Daughter of Stars Dr.
Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: (540) 622-6840
 
Rockland Park
Address: 250 Rockland Park Way
Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone: (540) 635-7750
 
Sherando Park
255 Lakeview Circle
Stephens City, VA 22655
Phone: (540) 665-5678
 
Low Water Bridge Campgrounds
Address: 192 Panhandle Rd.
Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: (540) 635-7277
 
Sky Meadows State Park
11012 Edmonds Ln.
Delaplane, VA 20144
Phone: 540-592-3556
 
Shenandoah River State Park
350 Daughter of Stars Dr.
Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: 540-622-6840;
 
Whitney State Forest
Address: Lee, Morton Ridge
Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone: (804) 492-4121
 
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove
Address: Middletown, VA 22645
Phone: (540) 869-3051
 
Shenandoah National Park
17157 Skyline Dr.
Front Royal, VA 22630
540-999-3500
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Shopping for Bicycle or Bicycle Repair
 
Do you need a new bike or maintenance/repairs done on your bike? Here are some bike sales and repair shops to check out.
 
Mountain Trails Front Royal
120 E Main St.
​Front Royal, VA 22630
540-749-2470

Blue Ridge Bicycles
2228 Papermill Rd # G
Winchester, VA 22601
540-662-1510
 
Shenandoah Bicycle Company is open and operating, ready to assist you!
135 South Main Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-437-9000
 
Wyse Cycles
540-383-4119
[email protected]
 
Haymarket Bicycles
4414 Costello Way
Haymarket, VA 20169
703-754-1911

​Some final, yet important considerations:

Remain on open forest roads

• Get tips and learn about the area from locals if you can.
• The intent of road closures is to balance popular public use with the sustainability of natural resources.
• Closed roads will be posted. Not all bicycle trails are open to off-highway vehicle use.
• Wilderness areas are off-limits to all vehicles, including bicycles.
• Comply with signs and barriers and leave gates as you found them.
• Some trails cross private property and are subject to deed restrictions, which prohibit vehicular travel of any kind.
• Respect public and private property by practicing minimum impact cycling.

Watch over the environment

• Stay on trails and roads designated for use.
• Minimize erosion by staying on trails and not cutting switchbacks.
• Avoid wet, muddy areas as they are more susceptible to erosion.
• Do not ride on snow-covered roads!
• Do not disturb wildlife or livestock.
• Teach new riders trail etiquette—lead by example.
• Don’t litter.

Ride carefully, remain in control

• The forest is for everyone. Be considerate of hikers and equestrians.
• Always wear a protective helmet and other gear. 
• Ride single file in the middle of the trail to avoid widening the trail.
• Yield right-of-way to other trail users. Horses spook when they see an unfamiliar object, especially one that moves quickly and quietly.
• Slow down and use caution when passing others. If necessary, dismount your vehicle or bicycle on the downhill side and wait for horses and hikers to pass.
• Control speed always. Approach turns in anticipation of someone around the bend.

ALWAYS be prepared

• Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
• Don’t ride alone. Tell someone where you plan to ride and then stick to your plans.
• Don’t take unnecessary chances—help for emergencies may be miles away.
• Make sure you have a first aid kit and other safety gear with you when riding in the forest.

 
Remember: You are responsible for your own safety
and for the safety of those around you.