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. 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. 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. Here are a few of them to get you started on your mountain biking journey:
Special considerations on bicycling on the Skyline Drive 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 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 ben@wysecycles.com Haymarket Bicycles 4414 Costello Way Haymarket, VA 20169 703-754-1911 Some final, yet important considerations:
Remain on open forest roads
Watch over the environment
Ride carefully, remain in control
ALWAYS be prepared
Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you. Eat Local - Shop Local - Support Local We have had three successful weekends of closing the Main Street shopping corridor to allow restaurants and other places of commerce to conduct business outdoors. The Town of Front Royal is delighted to announce the continuation of ‘Downtown Rebound’ each weekend until further notice, as part of the Governor’s “Virginia Forward” reopening plan.
Giving rave reviews and breathing a collective sigh of relief, our town’s residents and visitors have embraced this event as a hint of better days and times ahead. These past few months have not been fun for any of us. We have been coping with interruptions in our daily life and the life-altering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We deserve this break from the lockdowns that have become routine . . . and what better way to do so than supporting our local businesses! Here’s what Downtown Rebound offers each weekend:
Though the atmosphere is festive, and everyone enjoys freely strolling around Main Street, it is also a great time to look over the town’s other business establishments. You are certain to find a special item or service that you did not know was right here in town! Want more info?: Outdoor Movies - Royal Cinema’s “Main Street Movie” with its outdoor movie screen is a special treat for everyone. Reminiscent of a drive-in theater, without the car, lounging in a lawn chair or sprawled out on a blanket with the kids, creates a cherished memory. Don’t miss this opportunity to spend additional time enjoying the evening’s entertainment after the sun goes down. Check Royal Cinema’s Facebook page for upcoming movie selections, weather permitting. Road closures - The temporary road closures of Main Street, Kidd Lane, and part of Chester Street to vehicles and bicycles will continue beginning Friday at 4:30 P.M. and ending on Monday at 7:00 A.M. each weekend until further notice. Parking remains available at the Gazebo entering from Laura Virginia Hale Place only. Restaurants - Restaurants will be prepared to start seating customers around 5:30 P.M. on Friday, as it takes about an hour to set up tables and seating after the road closure. Looking to get your business to participate? Businesses that operate outside of the perimeter of Main Street, Kidd Land, and a portion of Chester Street and who wish to participate in Downtown Rebound events may contact William Huck at 540-450-7939 to coordinate a location to set up to sell merchandise or promote your services. As Virginia entered Phase Two on June 5, 2020 (excluding the City of Richmond and the Northern Virginia Region), all citizens are expected to maintain social distancing of 6 feet and follow other guidelines as noted in EXECUTIVE ORDER 65 (2020) AND ORDER OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY SIX PHASE TWO EASING OF CERTAIN TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). At their discretion, restaurants may have additional restrictions. Should you have questions, please contact the Town of Front Royal’s Public Information Office at 540-631-3600. |
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February 2023
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