Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 14, 1994 TAG: 9408190037
SECTION: DISCOVER PAGE: 19 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DIANE STRUZZI STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Navigating Roanoke city streets can be arduous at best - many are too narrow and too congested, biking enthusiasts say. And while on-road cyclists often can be found hugging the shoulder of Virginia 419, the major thoroughfare is not a pleasant experience for beginners, said Scott Leweke, owner of Cardinal Bicycle in Roanoke.
"The worst thing for a beginner is traffic," Leweke said. "They're learning to ride, learning to shift 21 gears and they need some leeway. Drivers in Roanoke don't usually give it to them."
His advice to those just beginning to bike is: Find a level road that isn't a major highway and drive the route before you actually bike it so you become familiar with the terrain.
"You don't have a big college here so [motorists] are not used to hordes of bikers," Leweke said. "If you go to Blacksburg, they have bike lanes and 20,000 students - the best way for them to get around is on bike."
Leweke, who bikes to work from his home in Vinton, said he comes to work early and goes home late to avoid the traffic.
But the Roanoke Valley is improving, especially since the Tour DuPont pedaled through the area for the first time this year, said Mark Deardorff, former president of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, Inc. The bike club sponsors rides each weekend for all biking levels and helps support a racing team.
Deardorff contends that the Tour DuPont, coupled with the publicity given to the group of Roanoke police officers who use mountain bikes to patrol the city, has made citizens more aware that biking is around and a viable sport.
John Corliss, manager at East Coasters Cycling and Fitness in Roanoke County, suggests bikers wanting to leave the urban atmosphere try any rural road between Roanoke and Franklin County or from Roanoke County to Boones Mill and Bent Mountain.
Corliss rides between 60 and 80 miles a day and helps organize rides from East Coasters on Starkey Road every Monday and Wednesday evening.
"You can do some nice rides in the city limits but you have to know where you're going," Corliss said.
Salem has about 15 or 20 miles of bike trails that weave through residential neighborhoods and generally are flat terrain. Leweke, who grew up in Salem, said that since most of the roads north of the city connect, riding can be continuous and easy.
The Roanoke Valley "is one of the prettiest parts of the country to ride," Leweke said. "People come here all the time to ride - once they get used to the hills. Just persevere. The biggest mistake is that beginners go too far the first time. Their seat hurts, their arms hurt. Start gradually, work up to it and realize your limitations."
For beginners, biking enthusiasts suggest:
nBradshaw Road, off of Virginia 311: A two-lane, well-paved road with a shoulder. Carries mostly local traffic. The road sits on the edge of Roanoke County and runs into Craig County. Generally rolling and most bikers can ride the terrain fairly easily until it runs into Christiansburg Mountain. Suggestion for beginners is to ride 10 miles, then turn around. Parking is available at Mason's Cove School.
Other alternatives are Newport Road and Blacksburg Road - each runs parallel to Bradshaw Road. The Blacksburg Road, or Virginia 785, is part of the nationwide Bikecentennial trail.
U.S. 11 in Botetourt County. Replaced by Interstate 81, it's a four-lane, well-paved highway that consists of gradual climbs. From Troutville to Buchanan is about a 25-mile ride. Traffic along the highway is about 55 mph. But the road has a wide shoulder and is ample for bike riding.
The back roads in Fincastle and Troutville are also good alternatives and offer bucolic scenery.
The Blue Ridge Parkway between Roanoke Mountain and Virginia 24 is rolling and flat. But south of U.S. 220 or north of U.S. 460 to Peaks of Otter is very hilly and recommended for intermediate to advanced riders.
For beginning off-road bikers:
Carvins Cove - U.S. 11, north of Hollins Road to Virginia 648. Generally rolling terrain.
Side roads into the national forests from the Blue Ridge Parkway are graded for vehicle use and can be good for off-road riding. Off-limits to all riders is the Appalachian Trail.
Any of the forest service roads off of Virginia 311 are good for off-road riding.
For biking experts:
Take Bradshaw Road all the way to Blacksburg. It starts out with gently rolling terrain and becomes a steep climb to Christiansburg Mountain.
Mountain bikers with a lot of stamina can bike North Mountain, also known as Dragons Back. Bike to Deer Trail, about 2.5 miles from Virginia 311. It's a steep climb to a rocky ridge. There are two descending trails that are side-hill single trails taking you back to Virginia 224. The ride can take between 11/2 to 4 hours, depending on which descent you choose.
by CNB