#newrivertrail

The New River Trail is a 57-mile rails-to-trails Virginia state park that runs from Pulaski to Galax, with a short spur to Fries.

We set out on the New River Trail from Galax, VA in late June 2020.  This 43 mile trail snakes along one of the oldest rivers in the world. The New River is part of the Ohio River watershed, passing through the states of NC, VA, and WV. It is estimated to be between 10 and 360 million year old (that’s a range!) .   We settled on this gravel path for a biking adventure due to its length, remoteness and ease of logistics. 

Although every other trip and bike endeavor has been cancelled due to COVID, we kept this trip because of our need as a family to getaway from quarantine miasma, and due to the remoteness of the trail and confidence we would be safe and properly distanced. Traveling during COVID certainly adds to the logistic challenges. We brought all our food for the drive, and opted for ‘nature pee’ stops over gas station etc. 

Along for the ride was Iver, 4 , Eleanor, 7 , and our aussiedoodle pup, Zero, 6months.  We carried in all of our food and camping gear etc.  Along the route, occasional potable waters spickets and ample porta-potties , though stores were nonexistent. 

Each kid rode their own Early Rider bike and had various ways to be supported by us parents. Llama was on a Jamis Renegade gravel bike. And I was on the venerable Surly Big Dummy cargo bike - a steed that made this trip possible due to it’s hauling capacity. Zero rode in a Burly Tail Wagon trailer , and jogged when we went at Iver’s slower pace. 

In 3 days we covered 43 miles. It was manageable, properly challenging, and entirely exciting! We camped for 3 nights and ended our trip at an airbnb. The next morning I rode the 43 miles back to the starting point to get our car.

Before digging in.. I’ll remind you that family (or any!) adventures start the moment they are planned.  Just put something on your calendar and the fun starts.  From the planning, to the excitement of the kids, to figuring out the unknowns, (acquiring new gear) - the adventure starts as soon as you set the intention. After a few trips like this, the logistics get really easy. Family bike adventures are low cost, super health, challenging, and clearly support confidence in our kids. Do it!  

Photos tell the story best of all:

We coupled this trip with a visit to family in Asheville, NC, so there was A LOT of driving. Using google maps we found green-spaces, parks, and  arboretums to stop at. Often for 1-2 hours, to properly romp the dog and the kids. 

Zero had the entire trunk to himself, yet often preferred to nuzzle between the kids. Cuteness galore. 

Perhaps it could have been packed with more grace. The Surly Big Dummy just swallows gear and is stable under weight. The dog trailer by Burly is not the lightest pull-  I call this training weight. Even a 1-2% grade change felt like a big deal. 

Llama had the heavy food and a Follow Me Tandem for occasional Iver towing.

We rarely rode for more than 1 hour without stopping at one of the many shelters and picnic spots. 

The New River Trail was beautiful and well maintained the entire way

One of several tunnels - very exciting .

Family bike trips may lack in romance, but they deliver in connection and sense of accomplishment. Before the end, we began brainstorming a trip for just the two of us. 

Amazing camp spot near Fries Junction .  Private beach, naked swimming, glorious sunrise, and really weird bugs. 

Speaking of weird bugs.  We deemed this creature a Dragon Horse Fairy Fly . (4″ long) 

Zero claimed the second picnic table as his own

Eleanor , 7, was amazing as she pushed herself to ride 95% unsupported 

Iver , 4 , would hammer for a while- up to 7 miles continuous ! -  and then get some support. This Follow Me Tandem is an amazing piece of gear.  

He could even fully chill out on the Big Dummy. 

Sometimes Big Sis helped out

Smiles despite the grime at camp. JugWa and mac and cheese 

Sugar fuels

We got caught in a violent thunder storm. Sideways blowing rain soaked us fast. We just huddled and laughed at it. When there is nothing to do, but get to next camp, you can enjoy the unexpected. 

Wet dog 

Beautiful long tressles. Llama wasn’t too psyched about this one

#coffeeoutside 

camp at Foster Falls. Every night we slept by the rushing river.  It’s amazing how quickly camp routines fall in to place.

Iver hamming it up....all the time. This was seconds before an underwear malfunction that resulted in him soiling his only pair of shorts...and this sign.

History abounds

Along the entire route there were amazing rock formations and cliffs 

The final 3 miles were rough. We left the trail and rode up 2x 300′ hills.  It was hot and we had to manage cars. Dry mango, shade rests, and promise of ice cream , kept us moving with little fussing. Our Airbnb was along the river, with some splendid swimming. We dried out our gear dined on fine frozen pizza, beer, and a large beef bone for Zero. 

The next morning I mounted the naked Big Dummy and retraced our route in under 3 hours (15 mph !) to get the car. 

We highly recommend the New River Trail as a family cycling adventure destination. No frills, rugged, and beautiful.