/10
Biker riding on a road around fallen leaves
23SVGL-Shenandoah-Valley-Gravel-4047-1600X670
23SVGL-Shenandoah-Valley-Gravel-4299-1600X670
23SVGL-Shenandoah-Beer-Flight-1600X670
23SVGL-Aerial Harrisonburg2-1600X670
23SVGL-Harrisonburg-Tourism-IMG_9461-1600X670
23SVGL-Shenandoah-Valley-Gravel-4283-1600X670
23SVGL-Shenandoah-Valley-Gravel-CANVA-1600X670
23SVGL-Shenandoah-Valley-Flagpole-1600X670
Visit Staunton on a Trek Travel gravel bike tour
Biker riding on a road around fallen leaves 23SVGL-Shenandoah-Valley-Gravel-4047-1600X670 23SVGL-Shenandoah-Valley-Gravel-4299-1600X670 23SVGL-Shenandoah-Beer-Flight-1600X670 23SVGL-Aerial Harrisonburg2-1600X670 23SVGL-Harrisonburg-Tourism-IMG_9461-1600X670 23SVGL-Shenandoah-Valley-Gravel-4283-1600X670 23SVGL-Shenandoah-Valley-Gravel-CANVA-1600X670 23SVGL-Shenandoah-Valley-Flagpole-1600X670 Visit Staunton on a Trek Travel gravel bike tour
NEW
TRIP STYLE: Gravel
  1. Trips
  2. North American Bike Tours
  3. East Coast Bike Tours
  4. Shenandoah Valley Gravel Bike Tour

Shenandoah Valley Gravel Bike Tour

Discover an unpaved cycling paradise surrounding Harrisonburg, Virginia

On our Shenandoah Valley Gravel bike tour, you'll discover the beauty of Virginia's breathtaking landscapes and uncharted roads. It is a region known for its rolling hills, historic towns, and farmlands that reach to the horizon. Journey your way along pristine unpaved roads, nestled in the broad valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Ride through national forest land and wind your way through quaint Mennonite communities on the outskirts of historic Harrisonburg. Climb beneath canopies of black walnut trees and towering oaks as you pass through centuries-old towns and communities that retain much of their original character. If you have been searching for friendly people, small-town vibes, a local food ethos, and an outstanding hub for outdoor recreation, look no further — your gravel adventure in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley awaits. Book your trip with confidence » Learn if a Gravel trip is right for you »
Shenandoah Valley Gravel Bike Tour
From:
$1899 Per Person
Duration:
5 Days & 4 Nights
Rider Level: ?
3 - Active Non-riders Welcome
Trip Style: ?
Gravel
Hotel Level: ?
Explorer
From $1899 per person View All Details
Close Details
Trip Wows
Explore the Shenandoah Valley's endless array of undulating roads with breathtaking views at every turn
Unwind at one elegant hotel and enjoy the breweries, cideries, and restaurants of downtown Harrisonburg
Tackle the famous climb to Reddish Knob, one of the highest points in Virginia, located on the West Virginia border
Enjoy rides through peaceful, verdant farmland deeply rooted in the Brethren and Mennonite traditions that have shaped the surrounding communities
Visit the beautifully preserved town of Staunton, the Queen City of Shenandoah Valley and one of the first towns settled west of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Shenandoah Valley Gravel Bike Tour
From the time I was a little girl, nothing has captured my heart quite like Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The picturesque rolling hills and vibrant farmlands at the foot of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains offer enchanting scenery unlike anywhere else on the East Coast. It’s a place full of history and rapport offering the perfect backdrop for an incredible cycling vacation.
-Emily Brinkley, Trip Design Coordinator

Dates & Prices

The Earlier You Book, The Greater The Rewards

We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Guaranteed 
to run
?
Sold Out/
Waitlist
?
Private/
Reserved
?
Limited 
Availability
?
Single Occupancy from: +$500
Single Occupancy from: +$399
?
Oct 8 – Oct 12 
Sold Out
$1999 / Person, Double Occupancy / Plus 5.3% state and local sales tax / Discover trip inclusions Add to waitlist
Apr 1 – Apr 5 
$1899 / Person, Double Occupancy / Plus 5.3% state and local sales tax / Discover trip inclusions Book this date
Apr 8 – Apr 12 
$1899 / Person, Double Occupancy / Plus 5.3% state and local sales tax / Discover trip inclusions Book this date
Apr 15 – Apr 19 
$1899 / Person, Double Occupancy / Plus 5.3% state and local sales tax / Discover trip inclusions Book this date
Apr 22 – Apr 26 
$1899 / Person, Double Occupancy / Plus 5.3% state and local sales tax / Discover trip inclusions Book this date
Don't see your ideal travel date? 
Call us at (866) 464-8735 for custom date availability
Looking for a one of a kind, once in a lifetime experience?
Look no further. Choose your trip date, get your group together and we will do the rest. Private trip pricing is as follows:

  • 10+ Guests Price as advertised*
  • 8-9 Guests +$750 per person to trip price*
  • 6-7 Guests +$1,500 per person to trip price*
  • 4-5 Guests +$2,000 per person to trip price*
  • 2-3 Guests +$3,000 per person to trip price*
  • 1 Guest        Call us for pricing*


Traveling with a small group? Consider semi-private trips.
For groups of up to six people, semi-private trips offer unique flexibility within a larger Trek Travel guided trip. Learn more »

*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Private pricing is not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Book a Private Trip
Looking for a date that you don’t see?
Look no further. Simply tell us your preferred travel dates and we’ll work together to deliver the same great trip on your custom schedule.
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Custom dates are not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Customize my trip dates
Want to customize this trip?
We've got you covered. We’ll work with you to build your perfect vacation from scratch, including your choice of riding, accommodations and dining options. With the help of our trip designers and travel experts, the world is available like never before.
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Custom trips are not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Book a Custom Trip

Day To Day

See Dates & Pricing Download PDF Download PDF

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at Hotel Madison at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After a 30-minute private shuttle, you’ll arrive in the small community of Briery Branch where you'll enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by your guides and get to know your fellow travelers. After a short round of introductions, your guides will discuss the rules of bike safety and specific cycling tips for riding in the Shenandoah Valley before familiarizing you with your Trek Checkpoint gravel bike and ensuring a comfortable fit. Afterward you will set out on your first ride of the week, which traverses the farmland west of Harrisonburg. Long range views and well-kept farms abound as you get your first taste of Shenandoah Valley's gravel roads. Once back at Hotel Madison, take some time to settle into your room. This evening you'll reconvene for a short walk into town to enjoy a welcome drink and delicious dinner of Italian-inspired dishes and wood-fired pizzas at Bella Luna.

Today's Ride:

Briery Branch to Harrisonburg
Approximately 21 mi | 34 km and 1,250 ft | 381 m

Hotel:

Hotel Madison

Included Meals:

Lunch | Dinner

Each morning you'll have the option of enjoying breakfast in Montpelier Restaurant or Grace+Main coffee shop, both located in Hotel Madison. Following breakfast, you'll board a private shuttle for a 40-minute transfer to Staunton, known as the Queen City of the Shenandoah Valley. Here you will begin a fantastic loop ride through the farms and forests south of town. The road turns from pavement to gravel and back again numerous times throughout today's routes. Take in views of historic mills, beautiful barns, and cattle and sheep farms as you make your way around the loop of your choice. Afterward, a fresh lunch awaits at Byers Street Bistro in downtown Staunton. Take some time to wander the historic streets of this centuries-old town before boarding the shuttle back to Harrisonburg. This evening you are on your own for dinner, with Harrisonburg's array of restaurants a short walk away.

Today's Ride:

Staunton Loop
Approximately 47 mi | 76 km and 3,200 ft | 975 m

Short Option:

Staunton Loop with McKinley Road Cutoff
Approximately 41 mi | 66 km and 2,700 ft | 823 m

Avid Option:

Staunton Loop with Newport Road
Approximately 50 mi | 80 km and 3,400 ft | 1,036 m

Hotel:

Hotel Madison

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Lunch

After fueling up for the day you'll ride from Hotel Madison to explore the roads that lie to the northwest of Harrisonburg. Ride through historic downtown and neighborhood roads before transitioning into the pastoral countryside that defines so much of the Shenandoah Valley. With three loop options to choose from, you decide how many miles you want to pedal before returning to town for lunch of your choice. This afternoon is your opportunity to walk around downtown and visit the shops and restaurants of Harrisonburg. The beautiful campus of James Madison University is adjacent to our hotel and also makes for a beautiful walk. Your guides will offer their suggestions for how to make the most of your time this afternoon as well as a list of the best restaurants, breweries, and cideries to visit this evening on your own.

Today's Ride:

Singer's Glen Loop with Tide Springs Road
Approximately 35 mi | 56 km and 2,350 ft | 716 m

Short Option:

Singer's Glen Loop
Approximately 27 mi | 43 km and 1,700 ft | 518 m

Avid Option:

Turleytown Loop
Approximately 41 mi | 66 km and 2,800 ft | 853 m

Hotel:

Hotel Madison

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Following breakfast, you'll shuttle 30 minutes to Stokesville for what promises to be among the most memorable rides of the week! You'll have two options - one paved and one gravel - to reach the summit of the iconic Reddish Knob. At 4,398 feet, Reddish Knob is one of the highest peaks in Virginia and stands above most other peaks in the eastern Allegheny Mountains, offering stunning panoramic views. Today's ride will venture north on gravel, before turning onto Briery Branch Road to begin a paved 9-mile climb, with an average grade of 5.8%, to the summit. The avid option heads out in the opposite direction. After a punchy paved warm-up, you'll enjoy a true gravel adventure, climbing over 14 miles through the forest at an average grade of 2.8%. The road turns back to pavement just before the summit. The support van will follow today's ride, while the avid option will be supported by a ride guide. After your momentous climb, savor the views and reap the benefits with an incredible descent back to Stokesville where a well-earned picnic style lunch awaits. Revel in this beautiful and challenging day as you shuttle back to Harrisonburg and prepare for your final night's farm-to-table dinner at the bustling Rocktown Kitchen.

Today's Ride:

Stokesville to Reddish Knob & Return
Approximately 33 mi | 53 km and 3,800 ft | 1,158 m

Avid Option:

Stokesville to Reddish Knob Loop with Gravel Climb
Approximately 39 mi | 63 km and 4,000 ft | 1,219 m

Hotel:

Hotel Madison

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

For this morning's final ride you will head out to the east of Harrisonburg for a paved loop through the tiny community of Keezletown. Enjoy spinning along Mountain Valley Road with views of Massanutten Mountain before returning to the hotel to prepare for departure. If you’d rather skip the ride, you are welcome to sleep and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel or downtown coffee shop. A private Trek Travel shuttle will depart from the hotel at 11:00 AM. You’ll then say farewell to your guides at the Shenandoah Valley Airport at 11:30 AM or the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport at 12:30 PM.

Today's Ride:

Almost Keezletown Loop
Approximately 18 mi | 29 km and 900 ft | 274 m

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at Hotel Madison at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After a 30-minute private shuttle, you’ll arrive in the small community of Briery Branch where you'll enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by your guides and get to know your fellow travelers. After a short round of introductions, your guides will discuss the rules of bike safety and specific cycling tips for riding in the Shenandoah Valley before familiarizing you with your Trek Checkpoint gravel bike and ensuring a comfortable fit. Afterward you will set out on your first ride of the week, which traverses the farmland west of Harrisonburg. Long range views and well-kept farms abound as you get your first taste of Shenandoah Valley's gravel roads. Once back at Hotel Madison, take some time to settle into your room. This evening you'll reconvene for a short walk into town to enjoy a welcome drink and delicious dinner of Italian-inspired dishes and wood-fired pizzas at Bella Luna.

Today's Ride:

Briery Branch to Harrisonburg
Approximately 21 mi | 34 km and 1,250 ft | 381 m

Hotel:

Hotel Madison

Included Meals:

Lunch | Dinner

Each morning you'll have the option of enjoying breakfast in Montpelier Restaurant or Grace+Main coffee shop, both located in Hotel Madison. Following breakfast, you'll board a private shuttle for a 40-minute transfer to Staunton, known as the Queen City of the Shenandoah Valley. Here you will begin a fantastic loop ride through the farms and forests south of town. The road turns from pavement to gravel and back again numerous times throughout today's routes. Take in views of historic mills, beautiful barns, and cattle and sheep farms as you make your way around the loop of your choice. Afterward, a fresh lunch awaits at Byers Street Bistro in downtown Staunton. Take some time to wander the historic streets of this centuries-old town before boarding the shuttle back to Harrisonburg. This evening you are on your own for dinner, with Harrisonburg's array of restaurants a short walk away.

Today's Ride:

Staunton Loop
Approximately 47 mi | 76 km and 3,200 ft | 975 m

Short Option:

Staunton Loop with McKinley Road Cutoff
Approximately 41 mi | 66 km and 2,700 ft | 823 m

Avid Option:

Staunton Loop with Newport Road
Approximately 50 mi | 80 km and 3,400 ft | 1,036 m

Hotel:

Hotel Madison

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Lunch

After fueling up for the day you'll ride from Hotel Madison to explore the roads that lie to the northwest of Harrisonburg. Ride through historic downtown and neighborhood roads before transitioning into the pastoral countryside that defines so much of the Shenandoah Valley. With three loop options to choose from, you decide how many miles you want to pedal before returning to town for lunch of your choice. This afternoon is your opportunity to walk around downtown and visit the shops and restaurants of Harrisonburg. The beautiful campus of James Madison University is adjacent to our hotel and also makes for a beautiful walk. Your guides will offer their suggestions for how to make the most of your time this afternoon as well as a list of the best restaurants, breweries, and cideries to visit this evening on your own.

Today's Ride:

Singer's Glen Loop with Tide Springs Road
Approximately 35 mi | 56 km and 2,350 ft | 716 m

Short Option:

Singer's Glen Loop
Approximately 27 mi | 43 km and 1,700 ft | 518 m

Avid Option:

Turleytown Loop
Approximately 41 mi | 66 km and 2,800 ft | 853 m

Hotel:

Hotel Madison

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Following breakfast, you'll shuttle 30 minutes to Stokesville for what promises to be among the most memorable rides of the week! You'll have two options - one paved and one gravel - to reach the summit of the iconic Reddish Knob. At 4,398 feet, Reddish Knob is one of the highest peaks in Virginia and stands above most other peaks in the eastern Allegheny Mountains, offering stunning panoramic views. Today's ride will venture north on gravel, before turning onto Briery Branch Road to begin a paved 9-mile climb, with an average grade of 5.8%, to the summit. The avid option heads out in the opposite direction. After a punchy paved warm-up, you'll enjoy a true gravel adventure, climbing over 14 miles through the forest at an average grade of 2.8%. The road turns back to pavement just before the summit. The support van will follow today's ride, while the avid option will be supported by a ride guide. After your momentous climb, savor the views and reap the benefits with an incredible descent back to Stokesville where a well-earned picnic style lunch awaits. Revel in this beautiful and challenging day as you shuttle back to Harrisonburg and prepare for your final night's farm-to-table dinner at the bustling Rocktown Kitchen.

Today's Ride:

Stokesville to Reddish Knob & Return
Approximately 33 mi | 53 km and 3,800 ft | 1,158 m

Avid Option:

Stokesville to Reddish Knob Loop with Gravel Climb
Approximately 39 mi | 63 km and 4,000 ft | 1,219 m

Hotel:

Hotel Madison

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

For this morning's final ride you will head out to the east of Harrisonburg for a paved loop through the tiny community of Keezletown. Enjoy spinning along Mountain Valley Road with views of Massanutten Mountain before returning to the hotel to prepare for departure. If you’d rather skip the ride, you are welcome to sleep and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel or downtown coffee shop. A private Trek Travel shuttle will depart from the hotel at 11:00 AM. You’ll then say farewell to your guides at the Shenandoah Valley Airport at 11:30 AM or the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport at 12:30 PM.

Today's Ride:

Almost Keezletown Loop
Approximately 18 mi | 29 km and 900 ft | 274 m

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Hotels

hotel image

Hotel Madison

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Explorer Accommodation | The elegant Hotel Madison is a situated a few blocks from downtown Harrisonburg in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. It has a warm and welcoming lobby, full service bar, coffee shop and restaurant, indoor salt water pool, and workout facility. Your Deluxe room features one King or two Queen beds and modern decor along with a television, wifi, Keurig coffee maker, and mini fridge. (If you are driving to the trip, you can park in the adjacent parking garage for $5 per day.)
www.hotelmadison.com

What's Included

For us, the details matter most

Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that's how we help you create more memories.

bike

Trek Checkpoint SLR 7

Take on the challenge of gravel with the knowledge that you are riding the best gravel bike in the business. With a high performance frame designed to be nimble yet stable, and the smoothing effect of rear IsoSpeed technology, it will let you ride with ease on any type of surface. The rugged drivetrain allows you to enjoy smooth and reliable shifting no matter the terrain. It also features Shimano hydraulic disc brakes for predictable and safe stopping power wherever you go. The 45mm tubeless gravel tires will give you confidence to tackle any bump in the road. If you want to escape the concrete, and adventure unpaved, let this bike take you there. Learn More

bike

Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7

Take the tailwind with you and leave your limits behind on the all-new Domane+ SLR 7. With a groundbreaking ratio of ultra-lightweight design and electric assist, Domane+ SLR 7 has everything you love in a road bike, with the extra boost to take you farther than ever before. This performance e-road bike will help you on the climbs, hang with the fast group, and venture further on your cycling vacation. So go ahead – take the long way. With Domane+ SLR 7, there’s always room for more distance, more speed, and more fun! Upgrade to the Domane+ SLR 7 on this trip for $399 (3-6 day trips) or $599 (7+ day trips). Available in limited quantities. Please contact a Trip Consultant to check availability. Learn More

View all our bikes & gear

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Four nights of accommodation at a handpicked hotel
  • Two experienced guides to provide local knowledge, support, and camaraderie
  • Daily route support with both guides and our support van
  • Daily breakfast, three lunches, and two dinners
  • Ride a Trek Checkpoint SLR 7
  • Up to three daily route options on riding days
  • Snacks and drinks for each day's ride
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Each bike is equipped with a Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer, a flat pack (containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator), front and rear Bontrager Flare R lights, a Bontrager saddle, and pedals (Shimano clipless mountain pedals or flat pedals)
  • All gratuities for drivers, local experts, and hospitality staff
  • All luggage transfers and transportation during your trip
  • A digital photo album of your trip
  • Entrance fees for all activities, private tours, and events

GEAR

  • Upgrade your ride to the Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7 specially outfitted with 40cm Bontrager GR1 tires (+$399, subject to availability on select dates.)
  • Trek Checkpoint SLR 7 carbon gravel bike with Shimano GRX electronic shifting and Bontrager carbon wheels
  • Tubeless Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tires, size 45 mm
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Shimano SPD dual sided clipless mountain pedals or flat pedals
  • Bontrager WaveCel helmet
  • Bontrager men's and women's specific saddles
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • In-frame storage containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Your coupon will be delivered via email prior to your trip
  • For the most comfortable ride, you may choose to bring your own pedals, saddle, and helmet on the trip. Your guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Guide gratuities are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this Discover Gravel trip, we suggest a tip for your guides between $150-$200 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience. While local currency is preferred, there are other options to make tipping easier. Most guides accept gratuity via PayPal or our staff can help before or after the trip. Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip. 
  • Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
  • Lodging before and after the trip
  • Personal items purchased during the trip
  • Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
  • On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.

More Information

Rider Level: 3 - Active?

AVERAGE DAILY MILEAGE:
50 kilometers / 31 miles
TOTAL MILES:
248 kilometers / 154 miles
AVERAGE DAILY ELEVATION:
701 meters / 2,300 feet
TOTAL ELEVATION:
3,505 meters / 11,500 feet
TERRAIN: ROLLING HILLS TO MOUNTAINOUS
The unpaved surfaces on our Shenandoah Valley Gravel bike tour are rated as Intermediate. About 50% of the riding is unpaved. You can expect gravel roads that vary from smooth, fast dirt roads to stretches covered with loose gravel. At times, there will be short sections of rougher road that may have chunky gravel as well as some potholes, ruts, divots, and washboard-like surfaces. The paved roads vary from smooth new pavement to rough chipseal. Shenandoah Valley consists of rolling farmland situated between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. The terrain on Days 1, 2, and 3 features rolling hills with some short, steep hills mixed in to keep you on your toes. The riding on Day 4 in George Washington National Forest is mountainous with a mix of chunky gravel and generally smooth pavement, with lots of climbing and descending throughout the day. The final ride is mostly paved with one smooth section of gravel, making for a relaxing end to the week. The support van will not always follow the entire route, but will be posted up at strategic points along the way. Our Shenandoah Valley Gravel bike tour is best suited for our Type 3 Riders who have experience riding gravel roads and are accustomed to varied gravel conditions and hilly terrain. Type 2 riders who are comfortable riding gravel but are looking for less mileage can ride the short options and utilize the shuttles as indicated. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage and climbs the avid route options offer. If you have gravel experience but are concerned about your ability to conquer the mileage and elevation, you may want to try our Domane+ electric-assist bike option.
NON-RIDING ACTIVITIES:
This destination is best suited to guests who want to cycle every day. While there are no non-riding options included in this trip, there is plenty to do in and around Harrisonburg (under an hour's drive away) for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities is not included in the trip price. Some non-riding options on this trip are:
  • Take a hike or drive Skyline Drive in Shenandoah Valley National Park
  • Tour Luray Caverns
  • Visit historic Staunton and tour the Frontier Culture Museum among others
  • Visit the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
  • Go for a hike at one of the many nearby parks, like Riven Rock or Hone Quarry
  • Shop in Harrisonburg
  • Tour the Brethren Mennonite Heritage Center
  • Tour the Quilt Museum
  • Visit Civil War sites
  • Download the Visit Harrisonburg App for more recommendations

See itinerary for specific daily ride distances and elevation options. This is a Discover Gravel trip. Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. On our gravel cycling vacations, Trek Travel seeks to find well maintained, non-technical gravel roads and bike paths; unmaintained roads and roads with ruts or deep or chunky gravel are avoided as much as possible. However, gravel roads are dynamic by nature. Road surfaces change throughout the year depending on maintenance (grading, adding new gravel) and weather, particularly rain. Our guides will be constantly monitoring road conditions and may change the routes as needed to provide the best possible riding experience. In addition, as with all of our trips, at times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience.

Averages and totals are calculated from our Today’s Ride options.

Travel Details

How to Get There

FLY INTO:
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO)
MEETING TIME:
11:00 AM
MEETING LOCATION:
Hotel Madison, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Say Farewell

FLY OUT OF:
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO)
DEPARTING TIME:
12:30 PM
DEPARTING LOCATION:
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO)

All Details

Arriving

We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO), however you can also fly into Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD) or a Washington DC airport. Details about each option are below.

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport is one hour from Harrisonburg. American, Delta and United Airlines fly here via various East Coast cities. To get to Harrisonburg, you can rent a car or schedule an Uber, taxi or shuttle. Green Shuttle, greenshuttleva.com, is based in Harrisonburg and costs $100 for up to four people. This includes one carry on and one personal item. Gratuity and additional luggage extra. Call Green Shuttle (540-718-2954) or email greenshuttleva@gmail.com to schedule your ride. There are many taxi companies listed on the CHO airport website. Two Charlottesville-based taxi options are Mario's Cab Service (434-989-9796) or Eagle Taxi (434-566-4611). Rates start at $150 plus gratuity for a sedan. Be sure to schedule in advance and confirm the rate when booking.

Shenandoah Valley Airport is 20 minutes from Harrisonburg but is only served by Contour Airlines, in partnership with American Airlines, with flights to/from Charlotte International Airport. Flights can be booked at contourairlines.com or aa.com or by calling 540-234-8304. You can rent a car or take the SHD Shuttle to Hotel Madison for $50 one-way or $70 roundtrip. Reserve your shuttle seat by calling 540-234-8304 ext.5 at least 48 hours in advance. A taxi will also be approximately $50. A couple of Harrisonburg-based taxi options are ABC Cab (540-564-1214) and Green Taxi (540-810-2074).

Finally, Dulles (IAD) and Reagan National (DCA) airports in Washington DC are about two hours away. You can rent a car or take a bus, taxi, or Uber. Green Shuttle departs at 2:30 PM daily from Dulles airport to Harrisonburg and costs $200 for up to 4 people. Call 540-718-2954 or email greenshuttleva@gmail.com to schedule your ride. The Virginia Breeze Bus (Megabus) departs daily from Dulles 10:40 AM, arriving at 12:50 PM. Rates start at $23 per person, one-way. Find current info and purchase tickets at virginiabreeze.org. Both Green Shuttle and Virginia Breeze Bus drop you off at Godwin Hall. From here, it is a 10-minute walk or drive to Hotel Madison. Estimated taxi fare from Washington, D.C. airports starts at $250. Cabs are available on demand.

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Hotel Madison (710 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. You and your traveling companions will shuttle 30 minutes to the picnic and bike fit location. Please come dressed in riding clothes and have riding gear in a separate, readily accessible bag. Your main luggage will be stored at the hotel and placed in your room when it is ready.

If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Hotel Madison (540-564-0200) and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.

View our pre hotel recommendations

Leaving

Your guides will offer a shuttle from Hotel Madison departing at 11:00 AM and arriving at Shenandoah Valley Airport at 11:30 AM, then continuing to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, arriving at approximately 12:30 PM. Please do not book a flight before 1:00 PM or 2:30 PM respectively in case of for unforeseen delays.

If you are heading to Washington D.C., the Virginia Breeze Bus departs from Harrisonburg at 10:45 AM, arriving at Dulles at 1:00 PM, Arlington at 1:30 PM, and Union Station in Washington D.C. at 2:05 PM. Prices start at $40 per person. You can find current info and purchase tickets at virginiabreeze.org. Green Shuttle departs at 12:00 PM and costs $200 for up to 4 people. Call 540-718-2954 or email greenshuttleva@gmail.com to schedule your ride. Estimated taxi fare to DC airports starts at $250. A couple of options are ABC Cab (540-564-1214) and Green Taxi (540-810-2074).

View our post hotel recommendations

Planning For Your Trip

Packing and Weather

Late summer in Harrisonburg is generally warm with some chance of rain, averaging 84F (29C) for the high temperature and 60F (16C) for the low. In September, there is still a chance of rain and it starts to cool down, particularly in mornings and evenings. Temperatures average 78F (26C) for the high and 54F (12C) for the low. October is cooler still with less rain and brilliant fall foliage at 66F (19C) for the average high and 42F (6C) for the low. Light layers and rain gear is always recommended. Don't forget a jacket for cool autumn evenings and mornings. Packing List»

Before and After Your Trip

before

Before: Richmond, Virginia

The capitol of Virginia is calling! Richmond is a culturally diverse city featuring historic neighborhoods, parks, museums, and the thriving James River. Here a laid-back, eclectic culture has popped up throughout town. Murals cover the walls of local restaurants and shops. Major art museums, like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, have drawn national attention. There is also a long list of highlights to see —the Virginia Capitol Building, the Maymont Mansion, the Museum of History and Culture, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, the Edgar Poe Museum, and various tours available of downtown neighborhoods and historical sights. Food is an art here, too. In fact, National Geographic put Richmond on their list of the world’s—yep, the world’s—“top 10 places to travel for food.” We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:

after

After: Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. is home to legendary museums, world-class dining, and charming neighborhoods lined with historic row houses. You can fill countless hours in the Smithsonian Institution’s 17 free museums, galleries, and the National Zoo. Here is home to some of the most famous landmarks in America, including the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Washington Monument. While the city is steeped in history it is also full of wonderful green spaces and trails. Enjoy fresh air in the afternoon strolling city streets and parks then finish your days with world-class dining and crafty beverages made from the cities finest mixologists. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:

Why Trek Travel

Our Bikes

Our unrivaled selection of Trek Bikes sets the bar for quality and comfort. From the ultra-smooth Trek Domane SL 7 to the Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, you deserve the best ride on your vacation. Plus, we offer a range upgrade options to take you the extra mile.

Our Guides

Our guides are trained to make your trip magical. They aren't just experts in riding; they're trained in delivering uncompromising service in ways you won't believe. We know that it's the unexpected surprises that make a trip magical. That's why our guides pride themselves on anticipating your needs before you ask.

Your Day. You Decide.

Our vacations are built to deliver the ultimate in flexibility, from extreme relaxers to hard-core roadies. You pick your mileage, itinerary and experiences. We take care of the rest.

Similar Trips See all trips