4 lessons from biking the Greenbrier River Trail

Over the 4th of July weekend, I completed the Greenbrier River Trail alongside my friend, Ariel. About 4 hours to the west of DC, this outdoor playground of a trail is quiet, picturesque and well maintained for a bikepacking journey. 

The mountains surrounded us on this flat trail, as we biked over 140 miles from the town of Caldwell, West Virginia to Cass, West Virginia and back, over 3 days. We saw very little trash, there were latrines well stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and the path conditions were quite smooth. 

All to say, I was quite impressed. My butt is still sore though!

Read on to hear 4 of my takeaways from this bikepacking journey.

1- Celebrate the miles 

Ariel and I audibly ‘whooped’ as we passed each of the mile markers, white poles spaced one mile a part. Biking 40, 50, 60 miles is not easy. And my body started to get weary. Celebrating our progress, even if we were not even half way there, was energizing. Celebrate each mile. 

2- Just because a path follows a river doesn’t mean that you will have continuous access to that river. 

Seems clear as day now…. The Greenbrier River Trail does follow its namesake river, however there were many sections (actually most sections) where it was challenging to get down to the river. There were high banks, no path (and therefore you’d be bushwhacking through poison ivy and tick laden greenery) or private property that prohibited our egress to the river. 

This became important because we were counting on either one of the 4 water pumps along the trail or the river for drinking and cooking water. We were able to pivot, but knowing what I know now, I would have brought a dromedary with us. 

3- Just because you are in good overall fitness does not mean your butt is prepared to sit in the saddle for 8 hours a day. 

Honestly, the last time I biked a longer distance was in Idaho along the paved Wood River Valley Trail and that was in September.  Along the Greenbrier River Trail, I got blisters on my butt (even through bike shorts). I should have prioritized a few 2+ hour bike rides before our departure to ready the butt for the discomfort

4- Bring that thing that will help you recover at the end of the journey 

I loaded the car with a lot of gear, as well as some extra layers of comfort for before and after our bikepacking trip (think clean PJs!). And I contemplated at the last minute bringing my roller stick. It would have been too bulky to carry in my panniers, but I could have stored it in the car and used it right before we left the trailhead and to stretch after completing the 3 day journey. But it would see such little use, I thought, and I had a tennis ball. I left the roller stick at home.

One day into the trip, my tennis ball popped and if it weren’t for Ariel and her foam roller ball, I would have lost my mind. And sincerely, I would have joyously used the foam roller stick the moment we got back to the car. 

Bring that thing that will help you recover at the end of the journey. It’s okay if it is bulky. Comfort and care of your body is essential. 

Wheels up, 

Ellen

PS: Do you hear that glee?? It’s because Circle and Spoke is retreating to Ohiopyle, PA this weekend for Pedal, Paddle and Pause. If you have been a serious procrastinator, there is only 2 more spots left and registration closes tomorrow at 10am.