Outdoor Adventures ~ Preparing for The Greenbrier River Trail ~ an Incredible Adventure

Preparing for The Greenbrier River Trail
Discover our World in the Mountains of Virginia and West Virginia

E-mail us at:goto@wvoutdooradventures.com

"It's flat, how hard could it be?"

An incredible journey.....

Beware if your spouse or friends approach you with these pickup lines:

"It's just a flat trail, it couldn't be that hard"

"C'mon, go to West Virginia with me there's a flat trail there that we can conquer this weekend. Knock the dust off of your road bike and let's roadtrip! "

"The people we spoke with about this trail said that it was flat! You don't need to be in good shape to ride a flat trail, go with us and let' s have some fun. We'll carry the cooler and you can just ride!"

      Yes, it is a flat trail, less than 1% grade change for 78 miles. But, we did say 78 miles! Over the past 7-10 years, recreation use on the Greenbrier River Trail has steadily increased, and for good reason! The multiple use characteristics make it attractive for fisherman, cyclists, backpackers, xc skiiers, nature lovers, birdwatchers, fundraisers, events, horseback riders and exercise users.
      The Greenbrier River Trail is a desirable recreation destination, it is truly a vacation waiting to happen! However, as with any intentional exposure to the great outdoors, you must put some thought into your preparation methods and equipment considerations. Outlined below are some considerations regarding acceptable to ideal equipment types, timing and pace suggestions, mileage chunks, essentials of packing, terrain, physical preparedness and logistics, to assist you with making your outing on the Greenbrier River Trail enjoyable.
      Our sincere hope is that you will pre-prepare yourself accordingly in order to focus all of your thoughts and energy toward enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings on the trail and the company of good friends. We think The Greenbrier River Trail is as unique and different an outdoor experience that exists anywhere. Available to all levels of skill, age, interest and ability. Please adequately prepare yourself.


Recommendations for GRT
Bike Types and setup suggestions

Mountain Bikes or bikes with fat tires are recommended. Tire diameters as narrow as 700x38c on cross bikes have held up to the trail conditions, but 26x1.5-2.25 work best.

Suspension: front suspension is good to have, but not necessary. Front suspension will make it easier on your hands and arms. Rear suspension tends to add weight. Seatpost suspension is preferred over frame suspension bikes, mainly because of weight.

Tire air pressure: 40psi on bikes with no suspension; 50-70 for bikes with suspension and smaller diameter tires.

Gears: as with all other types of riding, the more options the better. For GRT 6 speeds are adequate, single speeds work well for shorter distances or for highly conditioned riders for long distances.

Setup for Comfort: comfortable saddles, riser (40 degrees) or adjustable stems, riser bars, fenders optional.

Setup for Camping: Racks for the rear that will accommodate up to 50 lbs, front racks for loads up to 25 lbs. Front & rear panniers, handlebar packs with map case. Under seat pack for tools.

Pull behind Trailers: BOB trailers, or any pull behind trailer are sweet!

Distance and Directions
      Obviously the distance that you choose to travel on the trail will be decided by many personal factors.

The amount of time available to you and your party

Your physical ability and the ability of others in your party

lodging/sleeping/dining considerations

vehicular support (link to shuttle/rent)

equipment and accessory considerations

      Our suggestion is that you consider allowing three days to complete the 78 mile length of the trail. However, we also understand that lodging and dining options affect this determination.
      If you do plan to complete the length in a weekend, realize that you should be physically capable of completing 38-40 "offroad" miles a day by bicycle. North to South riding is suggested:

lodging options at the South are more diverse

although slight grade change, N-S is downriver.

Trail Surface
      Except for a 3 mile asphalt section south of Marlinton, the trail serface is primarily gravel based, with most sections on the south end being double-track wit a grass median. The northern sections of the trail have undergone an extensive resurfacing effort over the past two years and continue to settle nicely. There may be some short (20-30 yards) patches of new gravel where going may be slowed somewhat---a small price to tolerate considering the north trail was closed as recently as 3 years ago due to flood damage!!
Lodging
      Lodging options may be the determining factor for all of the variables you consider when planning your Greenbrier River Trail vacation. There are a number of Inns, B&Bs hotels and cabind on both ends of the trail. You may peruse our recommendations for lodging or make plans on your own. There are State Parks and Forests, camping along the trail, and campgrounds for tents and RV's on both ends of the trail. Whichever accommodation you choose, we are sure that you will find the atmosphere to coincide with the friendly hosts that operate each.
Food & Water
      Trail food is easy-powerbars, sliced fruit, GU or powergel, trail mix and any packable carbohydrate rich energy food is recommended for on-trail snacking. Most of the accommodations that we recommend are prepared to either offer breakfast or have a favorite recommendation. We like the biscuits and gravy at the depot at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park (they have lighter fare also) For Lunch, if you don't pack your own, The River Place and French's diner in Marlinton (mp 56) or the Renick Country Store in Renick (mp25) are good filling stations. These places serve dinner and breakfast also. Watoga State Park also serves lunch and dinner seasonally. There are potable water stations along the trail (mp69,64,56,26,14,3) we recommend that you bring along any personal hydration such as camelback and water bottles. If overnight bikepacking or backpacking, water may be filter ed from the river or moving tributary.

Preparing yourself physically
      Yes, the trail is flat, but just as you would prepare for any other physically active vacation, you should take a coupla-three weeks to prep for The Greenbrier River Trail. Some of the biggest adjustments that need to be made from everyday activities and even gym type exercise is - sitting down. If you run, walk, stairmaster or lift weights for exercise, those are great, however, you should train your bum to be in the saddle for at least 20 minutes at a time. Cycling or rowing gives great bum training for sitting. Best of all though...cycle..be specific. Stairmaster or any other leg pumping/major muscle type of continuous, rhythmic activity, at moderate intensity, for two-three bouts a week are great cardiovascular training modes, but don't forget to cycle.

Equipment & Accessories
      As discussed, bike type is a major consideration. For GRT, fat tires are strongly recommended. Handlebar-ends, mirrors, fenders, water bottle cages and bottles, adequate packs for your bike or backpack worn on your body, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug juice, rainwear, first aid kit padded cycling shorts and cycling gloves are all suggested. Cell phones only work toward the south end of the trail (mp5) and maybe in and around Marlinton. Other than that...leave 'em home. Helmets-we are obligated to recommend and promote the use of helmets. For adults and children over 12 years old, helmets are optional. For children 12yrs and under, they are West Virginia State Law. Bottom line with regard to accessories and packing, be a minimalist! Take only what you will absolutely require. Traveling light is the best way to enjoy your cycling time. If you need a full samsonite to enjoy your nature experience, #1 you should be able to carry it or #2 you ain't getting' far enuf away from your perception of everyday reality, or #3 you need the services of an outfitter .

E-mail us at: goto@wvoutdooradventures.com