Washington Flyer....

VALLEY HIGH:

BIKING VIRGINIA'S SHENANDOAH VALLEY

"Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you. . ."   --"Shenandoah" lyrics

You don't have to fly anywhere to find some of the best biking in the world. There are many excellent bike touring possibilities nearby, as well as throughout the U.S. Touring companies have trips just about everywhere in America you can get two wheels.

Virginia's Shenandoah Valley is ideal for bike touring. It's close to our nation's capital, features lots of scenery and beauty, and there are many country roads perfect for cyclists.

I grew up in the Old Dominion's Shenandoah Valley and have biked much of the beautiful landscape. Though it would be possible to plan your own trip, I've found the trips arranged by bike tour operators to be competitively-priced, efficient, first-class, and convenient.

Made famous by history, song, and sheer beauty, Shenandoah is an Indian word, meaning "daughter of the stars." This picturesque area is flanked by wooded hills and mountains, ranging in elevation from 3,000 to 5,000 feet. The "valley" is generally 10 to 20 miles wide and features many small towns and lots of rolling farmland.

The Shenandoah Valley includes historic cities like Winchester, Strasburg, New Market, Staunton, and Lexington. In between, smaller towns beckon bikers with beautiful settings, a wealth of history, unique accommodations, great food, and friendly people.

"Our area is perfect for bike travel," says Andy Dawson, head of the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association. "The places and the people make this a very special destination."

Backroads offers a unique five-day inn or camping trip starting and ending in Lexington. I went to Virginia Military Institute in this quaint town and it's the perfect base for exploring the Shenandoah Valley.

This trip features meandering rides through the countryside, including a trip to quiet Lake Robertson, the McCormick Farm (of reaper fame), and a ride atop the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America's most scenic drives. Several typical Shenandoah Valley B&Bs are featured or countryside camping for the tree huggers. The current cost is $995 for the inn trip and $598 for happy campers.

VCC Four Seasons Cycling has many options in the U.S., including a fun five-night trip in the Shenandoah Valley. Their trip begins in the northern Valley at Stanley, with a stay at the Jordan Hollow Farm Inn, a 200-year-old restored horse farm near the Shenandoah National Park.

Next, country lanes lead to the Wayside Inn. This quaint inn was once a stage coach stop for weary travellers along the Old Black Bear Trail. Today, it's popular with weary cyclists. I love a bowl of their rich peanut soup after a long ride.

The last two nights are spent in the Inn at Narrow Passage. This log inn has served as a stopover since the 1740s and as headquarters for Stonewall Jackson during the Valley Campaign. It now serves as headquarters for cyclists psyched up for some beautiful rides.

VCC Four Seasons Cycling must believe Virginia is for bikers, as well as lovers. They also offer trips in the wine country around Charlottesville and the Colonial Williamsburg area, as well as many other regional and national possibilities. Their Shenandoah Valley trip currently costs $835.

For those who long to see the Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, their bikes await under the stars.