Becky, I've done many supported tours, and this year will by my 4th Bike Virginia. I'm no camper though, I stay in the motels. Bike Virginia is an extremely well-organized event, and alot of people do the camping every year.

Are you taking advantage of the tent service or will you be bringing and setting up your own tent? If you do the tent service, you won't have to bring a tent, obviously. They may also provide towels, but I'm not sure. If you bring your own tent, you can decide where to put it. The tent service people seem to set up the tents awfully close together!

In past Bike Virginias, the camping has been at a school and so the campers can use the indoor plumbing, including showers. That seems better than a shower truck to me. I'm not sure about this year; you might want to call and check.

There will be serious climbing this year. I'll be riding my bike with the triple crankset. The compact double just will not do in the Shenandoah over five days. I've ridden Skyline Drive for two days in a row with the compact double, but I really could have used a triple.

Everyone has really good suggestions. I second the earplugs and flip-flops. Oh, and don't forget the sunscreen and bug spray!