ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 11, 1996 TAG: 9608090133
SECTION: DISCOVER ROANOKE VALLEY PAGE: 80 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JON CAWLEY STAFF WRITER
So, you've sat around all summer because it's too hot and there's nothing to do. Well put down the remote control, wipe the potato chip grease from your fingers and get ready to beat the summertime blues with two excellent getaways.
Both destinations are located two to three hours from the Roanoke area and do not require an overnight stay to fully experience what these activities have to offer.
Mountain biking at Snowshoe Mountain Resort: Cool West Virginia mountain air, technical - make that torturous - singletrack, fast, very fast mountain track access roads; lush forests; wildlife sightings; and a shuttle bus to the top of the mountain. Ah, it's summer at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
Snowshoe contains more than 100 miles of trails on 11,000 acres of resort property, and all are open to bicycles. An adventure awaits all skill levels at this mecca of eastern mountain biking.
"It's a playground for mountain biking," said Joe Stevens, communications director for Snowshoe.
Trails vary from singletracks that are at times only inches wide winding through rock gardens and down steep, boulder-laced descents, to wider jeep trails and old logging roads that offer relief to burning forearms and provide inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The trail system is expertly mapped out [maps are available at both bike centers, located at the Inn at Snowshoe and the Silver Creek Lodge] and marked with color-coded trail markings and signs denoting difficulty. Green signs indicate easier rides such as "Short and Sweet," "The Enchanted Forest" and "Powder Puff." Moderately difficult trails with names like "Airport Runway," "Chain Grabber," and "Bear Din" are blue. Hardened "Hammerheads" will be humbled by a multitude of orange blazed trails including: "Nose Dive," "The Plunge" and "The Gauntlet" that drop 1,500 feet down the mountain.
One cyclist waiting for the shuttle remembered "The Plunge" fondly as: "A great trail to ride ... but just once a year, to remember what it's like."
Throughout the mountain biking season, which runs April 27-Nov. 3, Snowshoe offers four big events. The last of this season: "Master the Mountain Weekend," will be held Sept. 14 and 15. The Cupp Run ski lift will be opened to bikers for a lift to the top.
"It takes a little longer than the shuttle, but its different," said Snowshoe bike center employee Brian Marshall. "Its a good, scenic alternative to riding in an old bus."
While at Snowshoe, cyclists should be aware of two potential party crashers: black bears and itchweed.
Black bears are active in the Alleghany Mountains surrounding Snowshoe and are known to pilfer trashcans and food supplies. A chance encounter will most likely result in nothing more than a life-long memory; however, caution should still be observed.
Itchweed is a different story. This small, spade shaped, leafy plant grows along most of Snowshoe's trails and looks innocent enough. Closer inspection, such as when a rider is ejected from his/her bike into a patch of "nettles," results in an intense burning sensation that subsides in a few minutes if scratching can be avoided. Disobey the no-scratching rule and the victim can look forward to hours of irritating burning.
Aside from the itchweed, Snowshoe's vast forest area provides riders with ample protection from the sun's hot summer rays and spectacular landscapes below the canopy. Towering hardwoods stand as sentries on the trails, stretching skyward with the feel of old growth, while huge ferns carpet the rich soil like a bad '70s shag rug. The sheer beauty of this area rivals the perfection of its trails.
Call (304) 572-1000 for more information.
River running with the James River Runners: Maybe adrenaline-supplemented, forearm-burning trail rides aren't your game and you're looking for something more relaxing, yet still exciting. The James River Runners will get you out on the river and shooting the rapids in no time.
James River Runners offers day or overnight canoe and tubing trips down the James and Rockfish Rivers in Scottsville. A day trip covers nine river miles, and during the week, a shorter three-mile afternoon trip is offered.
The James River is the primary route and trips on the river are self-guided. When the James' water runs too high, the Rockfish offers an alternative. The Rockfish requires more skill, so guides ride along, said Dan Wheeler, manager of James River Runners.
Before departing, visitors are given maps and novices are provided with complete safety and paddle instruction.
"Absolutely anyone can have a good time," Wheeler said. "The instruction ensures they can handle anything that comes up." However, children under 6 and nonswimmers are restricted from river trips.
James River Runners has been providing river adventures since 1979. "We try to open as early as possible in the spring," Wheeler said. "We usually expect to be canoeing by April 1 and continue through Oct. 15; occasionally longer, but that's unusual."
Canoeing trips leave daily at 8 and 10 a.m. Tubing trips leave every half-hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
An average of five canoes a day are on the river; however, reservations are recommended because at times all 60 boats are booked, Wheeler said. Those interested in tubing or canoeing during the week need only call one day in advance; for weekends call by Monday or Tuesday if not earlier.
All skill levels are represented on the river and a wide range of people show up to take trips.
Canoeists and tubists can expect: "nice scenery, crystal clear water, good smallmouth bass fishing and a generally relaxed float with a little bit of excitement interspersed," Wheeler said.
The number of rapids encountered on a trip varies depending on water levels and which river is taken, Wheeler said. The James usually has more rapids.
Rapids are classified between one and six; one being easiest and six unridable. The James River has class one and two rapids, while the Rockfish is slightly more difficult with class two and three rapids.
A canoe can be maneuvered in up to class four rapids. However, "a novice should not go on a three unless they are with a guide and have had some instruction," Wheeler said.
Day trippers can bring lunch along and picnic while floating on the river or on one of the numerous islands with sandy beaches. Larger groups may reserve picnic grounds for a post trip cook-out. Lunch should be stored in a cooler that can be lashed to the canoe or tube with a rope. Wheeler emphasized Styrofoam and glass should not be taken on the river. Plastic or metal coolers and cans will not get broken up, so less trash ends up in the river, he said.
Call (804) 286-2338 for more information or to make reservations.
LENGTH: Long : 115 linesby CNB