Harrisonburg offers the prefect blending of craft beer, local cuisine, casual atmosphere and a vibrant biking culture all within close proximity to incredible cycling. Within 30 minutes you can leave a café or craft brewery downtown and be on the Western Slopes of Massanutten or on a gravel ride through scenic farm country. Cycling opportunities abound for experienced and recreational cyclists. Harrisonburg is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, challenging terrains and a dedicated cycling community which makes it a haven for those who love to explore on two wheels.
Cycling Races:
September brings a busy month of cycling to the Harrisonburg area. One of the most notable cycling events in Harrisonburg is Jeremiah Bishop’s Alpine Loop Gran Fondo where riders compete for the coveted King/Queen of the Mountain Jersey. This annual event attracts cyclists every September from all over the country to tackle the challenging 100-mile route from the picturesque Shenandoah Valley into the George Washington Mountains achieving 11,000 feet of climbing. The area is also home to the Shenandoah Valley Century, the oldest bicycle event in the Shenandoah Valley. This event helps support the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and their efforts towards building better communities in the valley. Another popular cycling event is the Shenandoah Mountain 100 celebrating 25 years, it is held the beginning of September. Races happen throughout the year, not just in September, like the popular Harris-Roubaix in April. Local businesses also promote monthly local rides for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Terrain:
Aside from these organized events, Harrisonburg offers cycling options for riders of all levels. Road cycling enthusiasts can take advantage of countless scenic routes, many on soft gravel roads that wind through the rolling hills and farmland surrounding Harrisonburg. For those who prefer off-road adventures, Harrisonburg is home to mountain biking trails that cater to different skill levels. Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park, a popular choice located in the City of Harrisonburg, offers 12 different sustainable shared-use trails with three levels of difficulty developed in part by the IMBA and the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition. Enjoy a mix of easy singletrack and wider more challenging paths. IMBA recognizes Harrisonburg as a Bronze Level Ride Center™ thanks to numerous green, blue and red-blazed loops. Nearby, Massanutten Resort’s Mountain Bike Park features a lower lift which provides access to beginner and intermediate trails and an upper lift which offers advanced jump and singletrack trails for experienced riders. Their Western Slope offers more technical challenges for experienced riders with its rocky terrain and steep descents. The new Harrisonburg Rockingham County Trail Guide offers detailed trail information on several local favorites.
Gear Shops:
To cater to the needs of the local cycling community, Harrisonburg is home to several bicycle shops that provide a range of services and products from bike repair, bike supplies and gear: Bluestone Bike and Run, Rocktown Bicycles, and Shenandoah Bicycle Company.
Local Athletes:
Harrisonburg’s incredible cycling has attracted numerous accomplished cyclists to settle here including Timothy Rugg, who recently competed live for the 2023 UCI eSports Cycling World Championship as part of Team USA (One of only 100 cyclists selected to compete in the world.), Amanda Presgraves, a professional USA Triathlete and 3rd place finisher at the 2022 XTERRA Off Road Triathlon and Abe Kaufman, a pro-cyclist who placed 4th in the 2022 Tour Divide and set a new record in the 2023 Trans North Georgia Adventure (TNGA).
Cycling in and around Harrisonburg offers a wide range of options for cyclists of all levels and, at the end of the day, great libations, and plenty of lodging. Whether you prefer to cycle to a vineyard or grab a pint of craft beer, delicious local refreshments in a friendly atmosphere await in Harrisonburg, the perfect basecamp for those who love to pedal.
