Damascus to Whitetop | Biking the LEGENDARY Virginia Creeper Trail (Part 2)
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- Опубліковано 11 лис 2023
- Here's Part 2 of my series on the legendary Virginia Creeper Trail in Southwest Virginia. In this video, I attempt to ride UP the mountain - all the way from Damascus to Whitetop. (And then all the way back down.) Travel with me, virtually, as I enjoy rest stops at Taylor's Valley and Green Cove, on our way to the top of the mountain. This trail is rough, rustic and real...featuring an incredible number of impressive bridges and trestles, and an up-close look at the beauty of nature. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Be sure to check out our "Part One" video on The Virginia Creeper Trail, taking you from Abingdon to Damascus. Click here: • Biking the AMAZING Vir...
I explore, review and rate bike trails on this channel...and hopefully find a little joy in the journey. Thanks for watching!
#JoyfulTrails
Wearing a helmet ALWAYS makes sense! I won’t even believe me to my neighbor’s house without a helmet. My worst bike accident happened when I was not going fast at all. My helmet kept me from kissing the road.
@@Teetech37 Amen! I’ve been riding since ‘91 and was really surprised to see so many of these nice folks riding sans helmet. 😳
I don't usually comment; but here goes: rode this trail in 2014. I was 64 yrs old. I've ridden RAGBRAI and many week long tours and rails-to-trails. So I was in great shape. I had an RV and would travel to trails and ride. This one was and is one of my favorites. There is an RV park past White Top at the border. The trail further degrades and is over grown past the border. Drove there, then rode down to Damascus and back. On the way back, I didn't take enough water. I saw a couple outside their house and asked them for water. They were more than nice. Then found an RV park in Damascus, and rode to Abington and back. One of the trestle bridges was not yet complete so it was get off and walk. Some of the places pointed out did not exist. It was in June and the Appalachian trail festival was happening in Damascus.The place was packed. Found my way to a bar and to my surprise the Tour de France was on the TV. I was in Heaven.
Your videos are perfect; photography excellent; music tasteful. Being on radio has been a plus when listening to you. Thank you, keep up the good work. BTW ALWAYS wear your helmet. After a while you won't feel right without it.
Thanks for the kind words…and for sharing your memories and experiences!
I live close, and have been ridding the Creeper for over 25 years. After all these years, every time I ride the trail is like a new experience.
It's very special. Don't ever take it for granted! Thank you for watching...
Just found this channel, very impressed by the videos. Top notch camera work, cinematography an editing. I'm amazed these videos don't have more views yet, but that is obviously coming. Keep up the great narration as well, I'm definitely enjoying the sense of humor. I watch a lot of "bike trails" UA-cam videos, and this is some of the best out there. Keep the videos coming!
Thanks so much for the encouragement! It’s a way of combining two things that I really enjoy - exploring bike trails and video production. I should’ve started a long time ago! 😆
On my many trips to the Creeper, I’ve seen some of the worst crashes when people hit those slick wooden bridges. Another destination trail system would be the carriage roads at Acadia in Maine. You MUST do those.
Yes! The only 2 times I have had a spill as an adult - both times, it was because I applied the brakes too hard/too fast on a wet boardwalk. Thanks for the tip regarding Maine. I would love to visit the New England states...probably after I retire.
The next venture on this trail must be in late JUNE when the cascading mountain rhododendrons are in full bloom. BREATHTAKING! One of the best trails ever!
Ooo…thanks for the tip! I’ve had a cyclist friend suggest that I ride it in every season of the year. That sounds good to me! 🙂
I haven't ridden a bike since I was a teenager but I'm ready to go get one and hit the trails! Thanks for your awesome videos (I'm binge watching...) 😊
Your comment just made my day!
By far the best video ever on the Creeper! You do a outstanding job showing the beauty of the trail.
Btw the only reason I took the shuttle to Whitetop was because I heard a lot of people come down rather fast so I wanted to avoid that. Loved the trail
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, it does feel like you’re going against the flow. Enjoyable either way, though!
I found your channel while I’m sitting at home recovering from a concussion. As a professional photographer I immediately noticed your skills.
I was crossing the street in front of a school bus which was waiting at a stop sign. All of a sudden he decided to go and my head was the point of impact. It broke my helmet but I’m still here to write this. That full head of hair, of which I am envious, won’t protect you. Consider wearing a helmet.
BTW, I have over 50 years of adult bike riding experience without an accident until 4 days ago. I’ll be watching🚴🏻♀️😎
Thanks for watching and I sincerely hope that you recover completely from your accident. Like I said, I wear one when it seems like a good idea based on the trail itself… and I very much avoid riding on roads with cars. I almost never do that. I hate it. I’ve seen and heard lots of personal anecdotes and stories about people that have received head injuries. But I’ve also watched UA-cam videos where they present data that say walking is statistically as dangerous as riding a bike and yet we don’t wear helmets just to walk around. And then there’s one of the countries over in the Scandinavian region where there’s tons and tons of bicyclists… And almost none of them wear helmets. I think it’s Norway or Denmark. And they’re riding through busy city streets in large cities. I don’t know… I mean, I’m open to it and like I said, I will wear one if I feel like there’s a risk. Do I enjoy wearing a helmet? That’s an emphatic no. I have a large head so I think it makes me look goofy. It ruins my hair, it can be hot/uncomfortable, It’s one more thing to have to keep track of, etc. So I guess on this topic, I’m just gonna have to say “to be continued…” Thanks for your input, and I hope you heal up nicely!
Good job Buddy, great video. You've inspired me and have added it to the 2024 goals list. Thx 👍🏼
@@kevinwalker4890 You won’t be disappointed! It’s a GREAT trail.
Thanks for another great video. Your videos are always very entertaining and informative. Yes, the VCT is certainly a great trail. Your sense of humor adds to our enjoyment of your videos. 👍Keep them coming.
Thanks for the kind words!
I agree "Destination Trail" Love the Creeper Trail.. Good for the Soul.. I always feel better after a visit..Glad you challenge yourself.. Riding up does get more challenging the closer you get to the top.. Bonus is you get a different look of the trail.. Fantastic Video..
Thanks! I'm glad I went up. Like I said, you tend to see more and experience the trail in a different way.
@@joyfultrails You could Actually Expand Trails & Greenways
There’s - Greenways & Trails like Cayce RiverWalk great Day Trips😎
There’s - Destination Trails like Creeper Trail let’s make a weekend of it 🚴♂️😎 I would put Swamp Rabbit on this list.. so much to do in Greenville
Then there’s trip of a life time trails
Like - Great Allegheny Passage or Katy Trail.. were you make a week of it 🚴♂️🍁🏕️☕️
@@joyfultrails Speaking of trip of a lifetime.. When get older 🤪
You should look at RAGBRAI 🌽 it’s a bike ride across Iowa starting at the Missouri River bike ride to the Mississippi River now that’s EPIC
Youre pretty handy with that drone camera. Very well produced video.
Thanks! It’s the Insta360 X3. It kind of revolutionized my bike videos.
Beautiful video, one of the best I've watched. I've seen the trail through its railroad days to the battle to create a bike trail to today's increasingly-crowded landscape (and currently live with a few hundred feet of frontage) and your video captures the spirit and diversity of the Creeper. Well done and thank you.
Wow. Thanks so much for your kind words. You have a real gem there. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and look forward to returning someday.
Your best videos yet! I love the scenery and there's just so much LIFE on that trail. I hope to make it a destination someday and try it out. Thanks for being so thorough and giving such a solid review. This is my kind of trail. I have a mountain bike, but I also have an Ebike (Lectric XP). This looks like an e-bike kind of trail (especially going UPhill). May try to book something for next fall...definitely the time to go.
Glad you enjoyed it. Some people say that E bikes are banned on the Virginia Creeper Trail. But I saw nothing posted to that effect and I believe I saw several E bikes on the trail…so you should be fine.
Awesome job! Makes us want to visit the VCT when it isn't cold and rainy like the time we rode it.
Apparently, weather is often a factor there. In fact, I got rained out on the day between my 2 rides there. But when the weather's good...it's spectacular!
You must have been a photographer is a previous life, some of your camera angles are amazing, (ok all of your angles!) good eye for composition, content and points of interest. Thank you!
Thank you! Yeah, I've been a videographer and editor pretty much my whole professional life. I enjoy creating the videos as much as riding the trails. Thanks for watching.
Wow. A work of art. Beautifully done.
Thanks so much!
Just plain fantastic. Excellent part 2! Glad you decided on a helmet. I would definitely build a vacation around this!
Thanks, buddy
Another great video! I love that you rode the entire trail with no shuttle! I've always gone with a group and have never been able to talk the group into riding UP that mountain. Maybe one day!
My wife & I were just talking and it really didn't seem like it was THAT far to the NC border from Whitetop. We have ridden up there a couple of times. The Creeper Trail campground is up there, as well.
As far as wearing a helmet, I always choose to wear one, unless I forget it at home, because some of these trails get crowded & congested. Then of course, you always have that one person, or group that seem to think that they have to establish that new "Fastest Known Time" record for even the smallest of trails. SMH.
I loved it. I might make it a point to try to go in each season of the year. Somebody recommended that. Hey… Needing that picture of the North Carolina border just gives me an excuse to go back!
@@joyfultrails I hear ya!
Just found the channel.....love it
epic
Beautiful Scott!! Lovely fall trail!!
Thank you! I had a blast exploring it...
The VA Creeper trail is beautiful! Looking forward to trying this next year. We’re in Kingsport, TN so starting the trail in Abingdon isn’t very far. Thanks for the vid, info and scenic views! 👍
You're welcome. You will definitely enjoy it!
Nice job Scott ! 👍
Thank you!
Absolutely have this on my “bucket list” of trails to ride in the fall of ‘24! What month were you there?
Third week of October!
Doing this leg of the trail tomorrow with the husband and kids... I CAN'T WAIT!
Awesome!
These videos were great. You've convinced me to add the Creeper to my list of trails I need to ride. I've seen the sign on the highway on the way to Knoxville, but never been able to check it out. I don't understand people taking a shuttle. Best part of the ride is getting to the top! Although 17 miles of uphill....that's definitely a challenge. There's a trail near Youngstown Ohio (of all places) that has almost 12 miles of uphill in about 15 miles of riding. One of my favorite rides in Ohio.
It really is a great trail. Most of the uphill is very gradual; it's just the final 3 miles or so that gets a little tough. Thanks for watching!
Love the video, this trail is now on my list! I saw that you will now have the song artists displayed in the video, could you list them for this video please? A couple of cool tunes that I really liked.
Thanks! Yes, the song featured in this one is “Back Home” by Jake Schlegel.
I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was an adult, and I can barely do it now. Idk why that lady wrecked, but I'm pretty sure I could also manage to fall off my bike for no apparent reason.
😂
Love the Creeper, It is a great trail and lot's of fun descending down the mountain from Whitetop. Hope you get to explore trails that are north of the Mason- Dixon such as the Greater Allegheny Passage.
One day! The day job keeps me tied up right now… But retirement beckons in a few more years!
Nice production! You have another subscriber.
Thanks! Welcome.
Gonna plan a trip for late summer or early fall with my wife. She doesn't ride though. I need an itinerary that breaks it up over 2+ days, where we stay at a nice place and explore the area on foot, once my riding is done for the day. I'm sure I'll find lots of info and suggestions online for just that. Thanks for reminding me that this is a trail I need to make time for.
You will definitely enjoy it!
I very much enjoyed your part 2 of the VCT. Such an enjoyable and through review of the trail and the boroughs it connects. One 1uestion, is there a trail fee?
Nope! No fee.
If you need to rent a bike and catch the shuttle, it runs around $30 or so. Reservations are recommended, especially Easter to Labor Day and on the weekends at other times.
Incredible video, thank You.
FYI: if you get stuck without cell phone service and have an emergency your Phone 14 or iPhone 15 can use Satellite service for SOS.
Thanks for the tip. And for watching… 🙂
Enjoy your video's, keep up the good work! BTW another great trail to try in Virginia is New River Trail State Park, I did that and the creeper trail a year ago, and liked the New River Trail even more!
That one is on my list to get to, hopefully sooner than later. Thanks!
I have rode both trails and agree. They are not that far apart either. We plan to bikepack there next Spring. We just did bikepack the Creeper last September
Well, it certainly has changed a lot since I was there 19 something. Probably late 80s early 90s. It look nothing like that I can promise you. I guess this all means I need to go and ride that again. I won’t be taking horse trailer with me this time though. Great job on the video really.
Thanks! Yes, you should ride it again. You and Michelle can put your own unique spin on it… But she’ll probably want to walk her bike across some of the bridges! 😬
Great couple of videos on the VCT...it's making me wanna go there this weekend! I might know the answer already but do you think it's good during winter too? --- War eagle from a new subscriber here :P
Ha…greatest rivalry in sports! The answer to your question is…I don’t know. BUT… a UA-camr friend of mine who has been on that trail many times told me that I need to experience it in all four seasons of the year. 🙂
Awwwwwwwwwwwww, you went on a short bike ride.
Yes! Took my time and stopped to shoot lots of video. The scenery was gorgeous! Great trail...
Im riding this trail in two weeks! Thanks for all the helpful info and for your beautifully videoed trails. It inspired me to go. Can you tell me the name of the first song and who performed it? It is beautiful too and I would like to hear more. (Was it you?)
Awesome...you will have a wonderful experience, I promise you that. That song is "Back Home" by Jack Schlegel. (Since making this video, I have started including the names of artists and song titles on my videos because people were asking!) Have a great time on The Creeper!
OK I’m sold gotta figure out make plans
You’ll be glad you did!
Awesome Video ! I have rode the Creeper Trail a lot ! You should visit the New River Trail in Virginia, 57 miles long, I bet you would rate it 5 stars as well ! Thanks again .
That one is on my list! Thanks for watching...
One correction- it is only a little over a mile from Whitetop Station to the end of the VCT at the NC state line. As for riding the trail round trip, a gentleman named Lawrence Dye (aka Lawrence the :Legend) would ride from his home in Abingdon to Whitetop and back 4-5 times a week. In all, he logged close to 300K miles on the VCT until he got to where he could not longer physically ride. He's in his 80's or 90's now.
Well, dang! I should’ve gone on. I got some misinformation from some other UA-camr, I guess. As for Mr. dye… Wow. That’s amazing!
@@joyfultrails Since the shuttle services drop bikers off just beyond Whitetop Station, few if any travel that last mile. It is not well maintained but travelble by bike and foot.
Really enjoyed both videos and plan to make a visit next year with friends. Will use your video as my sales brochure . What was the name of the artist and song in this video?
Good! Glad you enjoyed it. You will not be disappointed by the trail. The song is “Back Home” by Jake Schlegel.
Excellent video footage!!! This trail is on my bucket list! Do you have a e-bike?
No…not yet! I have a Townie Men’s 7-D step-over. I’m probably a year away from obtaining an e-bike, though. Thanks for watching!
She grabbed the railing to try to slow herself to let the other guy pass so she did not hav to relase her feet and touch the ground ...... I have done that on a bridge myself .. ( the accident )
How long did it take you to get from Damascus to White Top?
Well… It took me all day. Because I do A LOT of stopping and starting and riding over the same bridge multiple times, etc. because I’m making a video. If I were to just ride it with no video recording, it would be interesting to see how long it would take.
Dude the lowest point on that trail is 1735 ft heading to Whitetop and the final elevation is 2060. 325 ft elevation change over less than 10 miles, that should not be a killer workout.
I never look at elevation or distance, really. I don't have any cycling computers or measuring devices on my bike, I just go by how I feel and how hard it is to pedal up a hill for a long time! From Green Cove to Whitetop was a little difficult for me. The devices I carry tend to be video-related. Lots of action cameras!
; )
Do you have a list of what you deem destination trails?
I have a list in my head… mostly that I’ve learned about from other people’s UA-cam videos. But I won’t know if they’re truly “all that” until I actually go there myself… 😬 As long as I’m working a full-time job it’s gonna be difficult to travel to a lot of these trails. I’ll just have to try to tackle one or two per year until I retire.
@@joyfultrails Sorry I meant of the ones you've visited already and made videos on? Thanks!
The angles on a Townie are great for coasting, but not so good for climbing. You don't get to put your whole body weight into it, and are relying on your legs completely. Kodos to completing the climb nonetheless....it looks easier in the other youtube videos because it literally is on a different bike.
Makes sense!
Avoids prison. Rides the Creeper. About right? 😜
😂
Chicago will give you a ticket for riding on the sidewalk if you catch the right cop .
Yikes!
Did you notice any "cheaters" riding the trail? Wait!! Did you ride back to Abingdon? Not clear from the video.
By cheaters, do you mean E bikes? Yes I saw several E bikes. (Even though some people say they’re banned on the Creeper.) so… The actual order of my trip was different than what is presented in the videos. I actually did the Damascus to Whitetop leg first. Because rain was forecast for Friday, so I wanted to do the whitetop trip on a Thursday to avoid crowds on the weekend. so I went from Damascus to whitetop and back on a Thursday… And then the Abington to Damascus leg on a Saturday. Got rained out on Friday.
@@joyfultrails Most likely they ban e bikes with throttles (class 2 and 3) But on most of them, you can remove the throttle and then they're acceptable.
@@joyfultrails So your car was in Damascus? If so, then you also rode from Damascus to Abington and then back? From the chart you showed us, seem it as all the way up, from A to W and then a long descent back, not much pedaling, I guess.
Think bikes on sidewalks are for the thousands of AT hikers, burdened with 39-50 lbs on their backs, not being nimble enough to get out of the way. Plus bikers, not hikers, may collide with shoppers egressing the Damascus shops, homes and restaurants.
Question: trail’s vertical rise to Whitetop?
Nice video. As a person who has toured extensively in America and Europe, I would implore you to always wear a helmet, if you care about someone else. I feel so strongly about this, I won't be watching anymore or your vids. Good luck to you.
“If I care about someone else?” Explain that to me. That’s a new one. Anyway, the vast majority of trails that I ride are flat. They are rail trails, riverwalks, greenways. Very little chance that I’m going to just mysteriously fall off my bike and zero chance that I’m gonna land on my head. This trail to Whitetop was different, as I explain in the video. I felt like there was a risk of an accident, so I wore a helmet. If you want to wear a helmet, wear it. Whether other people wear helmets is not your concern.
Freedom IS a wonderful thing!
The thing about helmets is they give you a chance WHEN you fall. You even had video of that woman on the bridge that almost went over. I have gone down at 3 mph and 30+ mph. All it takes is a second to hit the ground, and I think you know you can't be super vigilant all the time you ride. Even falling from a completely stopped height of 3 feet, means you hit the ground at roughly 10 mph. The end result is WHEN you go down, someone you care about will have to deal with the outcome. @@joyfultrails
Get back , I really hope you ALWAYS wear a helmet, because it's obvious you have fallen before and received a substantial head injury. Wish you the best of luck in your lifelong recovery. God Bless
Always wear a helmet