Bike Virginia questions

[Becky]

Rather than continuing to hijack the 2010 ride thread, I thought I'd start a new one...

Can I torture those of you who have done Bike VA before with some questions? I've been reading the FAQs and the planning guide, but I'm still wondering about a few things.

DH and I would probably camp- what happens to your stuff while you're out riding? It doesn't look like the camp moves every day, so do you leave your tent pitched and your stuff with it?

Any lessons learned to share? Things you brought and didn't need, things you wish you'd had, etc.?

Thanks in advance!

[tulip]

Bike VA is very well-organized. This year they are not moving accommodations every day like in previous years, so your campsite (or motel) will stay put for a few days and then only move once.

I have done Bike Virginia for 3 years, and this will be my 4th. I don't camp, though, so I stay in the motels. Something about a hot shower and clean sheets after a long ride...For the motels, they pick up your bags and bring them to the next motel. For the campers, if you go with Pedros (or whichever camping service they are using), they set up the tents for you. You take your baggage to the truck and they move it to the next campsite. I don't know what system is in place for the baggage when the days that the camp stays put. You might want to call them and ask them, especially since this is the first year they are doing more of a hub-and-spoke arrangement.

The rest stops are well-stocked and are located about every 10-15 miles. It's really a fun, fun ride. There are different distances you can ride, too. There are lots and lots of riders, and it's a good time.

[AnnieBikes]

Becky,

My husband and I have done Bike Virginia and it is wonderfully well organized and run. We camped this year (always do!) and we just put all our stuff in the tent during the day. We never had any problems. There is nothing particularly valuable in the tent, some off-bike clothes, extra bike clothes and sleeping bag and pad, toiletries, etc. I carry my wallet with me on the bike in a handlebar bag. It is really nice not to have to move camp every day as we had to do at Cycle North Carolina. We liked coming back to the camp and enjoying the camaraderie in the campground. The showers were great, with plenty of hot water, though sometimes a long walk from the tent sites. Definitely bring a pair of crocs or shower worthy flip flops.

On the day you do move the camp (and I have not really looked into the schedule for this year yet) you pack up in the morning and take your bags to the truck. When you arrive at the next campsite, you go to the luggage area with the color of tags on your luggage (you get a color at the check-in). Then you haul your luggage to the campsite and set up! Moral of the story...travel very light!!! You don't need alot of clothes. It is very casual and you only wear the off-bike clothes a few hours in the evening, so you could wear the same shorts or capris for several days.

We switched to a three man tent after our first state ride in 2006 because our two man was just not big enough for us and gear! If you have one, I would definitely recommend it! We do not use a "sherpa" like Bubba or Pedro, as Tulip mentioned, because we have our own gear. It is great if you don't feel like putting up your tent. They also give you a dry, clean towel each day. There are pros and cons to using one of the services but we just like to do our own, not to mention the added expense.

The whole event was just so much fun. We talked our ride group from home into going and some stayed in a motel and some did the camping thing and we met up in the morning. We did the same routes (there are several choices each day) and everyone rode more or less together. There is always someone to talk to on the road and the rest stops were very well stocked. It was a really great vacation...I did not have to cook and we got to ride every day through some gorgeous countryside.

If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask. You will love it! ...so much fun!!!

[Becky]

Oh my gosh, this is such great info! Thanks ladies!

We will definitely camp. Our tent is only 2-person though, but we've been talking for years about a bigger one. Something else to consider for the shopping list... I'm also considering a Detours High Tail or maybe a nice handlebar bag for all of my important stuff that should come on the bike. *chuckles* Between the stuff I want for this trip and the new steel bike that DH wants, this is going to be an expensive vacation!

How many sets of bike clothes would you recommend? One for each day, or 2 sets to wash and rotate?

[tulip]

I think I brought 2 pairs of shorts and 2 jerseys. That way, I washed the day's clothes and they had plenty of drying time and I always had a fresh pair. If I were camping, I would bring 3 pairs since the drying time might be longer.

Pack as lightly as you can. There's no need for a big bag on your bike. The rest stops are great and convenient, so you don't need to bring food with you other than a power bar. I use my under-seat bag for a couple of tools and tubes and a power bar. One year I had a trunk bag and it was unnecessary. I do bungee a rain jacket to my rear rack, however.

[Becky]

*nods* that's what I'm thinking.... We should have plenty of time to wash stuff out.

I was thinking about space for my wallet, keys, meds, etc....I don't think I want to leave those at the campground! Insulin complicates everything

[AnnieBikes]

Becky, I have been on many supported rides and I still find that my handlebar bag is wonderful. It holds my meds, cell phone, camera, rain gear, and sunblock...all close at hand. I agree with Tulip that the trunk rack and bag was overkill, though I had one the first trip I went on.

I took three shorts and three shirts just because it can be humid and then stuff does not dry as well. But when you get in to the tent site, you can shower with your clothes on and then take them off for your shower! Then hang the stuff out at your tent and if it is sunny, they will get dry. Let us know if you need any more advice!!