Gravel: Aldie, VA, 41 miles, 3000+'

Eric Veit will lead a gravel ride out of Aldie, VA. A little less than 41 miles, somewhere between 2800' (according to Ride With GPS) and 3500' (per Strava and Garmin Connect) of climbing. 

10 am out of Aldie Elementary School. Should that parking lot be full, Aldie Mill Historic Park, 39401 Little River Tpke, Aldie, appears to be another option.

Ride With GPS route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45488383?privacy_code=ziOqvH8F1ijdLQBs0reLvjN6L60iWjh2

No anticipated speed - we'll push it when it's safe, but safety comes first, and we'll regroup as necessary (unless you come on 23 mm tires and flat every mile - then you're on your own!) Obtained this route from Canyon bicycles some time ago. It appears to be at least 70% gravel back roads through VA wine country, with a few short, steep climbing sections, and one 3 mile, nearly 500' climb (half paved) - and descent (on gravel). Ride what you got - Eric will be on a road bike with 32 mm tubeless tires, but bring a mountain bike if you like. Wouldn't recommend anything less than 30 mm tires. Wider & knobs are better for traction, tubeless is better than tubes to avoid pinch flats, but some gravel roads are perfectly fine on 28 mm road tires. No guarantee of that here though - the unknown is part of the adventure. 

We can refuel if necessary around mile 26 in The Plains. There's a combo coffee/bike shop, Doppio Bunny Coffee/Haymarket Bicycle Studios @ 6485 Main St.

Multiple vineyards and food options nearby afterwards. Middleburgh is just down the road.

Posted by EV 2/1/24