General Information

• Route. Paved, 80 mile long loop starting in Skyline Drive (Front Royal, VA), passing Luray (Shenandoah Valley), crossing the Massanutten Mountain and then going parallel to the Passage Creek (Fort Valley).
• Route profile. At the beggining of the ride in Skyline Drive, one initial long climb combined with short descents (first 21 miles). A second shorter but steeper climb (2.8 miles) in the Massanutten Mountain (mile 45). After that, rolling road all the way to the end of the ride.
• Start point. Parking available in Skyline Drive, 700 ft before the Skyline Drive Park Entrance Station. You may park on both sides of the road.
• Fees. To enter Skyline Drive Park you need a Shenandoah Annual Pass Unlimited Entry for one year. It can be purchased at the Park's Entrance Station on Skyline Drive. Cost of the pass: $40. Each pass covers up to four cyclists. (Entrance Station).
• Refueling. Recommended stop in Luray, 7-Eleven (mile 40, 610 E Main St, Luray, VA 22835). Bathroom available. After mile 40 there are no more refueling points. Bring two bottles for liquid and extra power bars.
• Duration of the ride. Five to six hours.
• Safety weather. Early in the morning, as you climb Skyline Drive, temperature may decrease up to four/five degrees. Also, you can expect fog once or twice a week in Spring and Summer. Bring arm and leg warmers, windbreak and front and back lights (these are mandatory in Skyline Drive).
• Safety traffic. Road conditions are excellent. Because of narrow shoulders and two-way roads, "single line all the time".
• After the ride. Plenty of options for restaurants in Front Royal. Suggestion for a good hamburger and beer: PaveMint Taphouse and Grill (9 S Commerce Ave, Front Royal, VA 22630). Downside, service could be slow.

Route

• Initial climb from the Entrance Station to the Dickey Rich Visitor Center, 4.5 miles.
• Second climb from mile 8 to mile 16; followed by a 3.1 miles descent into the Elkwallow Picnic Area. Bathroom, water and food available.
• Third climb from mile 18 to mile 21. It ends in Hogback Overlook (altitude 3,386 ft).
• Warning! Route 211 descent to Luray with traffic and switchbacks. Stop before entering Route 211 from Skyline Drive. Control your speed. Refueling in Luray in mile 40.
• Fouth climb to the Massanutten Mountain. Steep 3 mile climb, starting in mile 45.
• Warning! Camp Roosevelt descent, narrow road and sharp curves.
• Rolling terrain for the last 28 miles to the end of the ride.