Skyline Drive Endurance Ride
Date: Sunday, May 17
Departure from DC Area: No later than 6:00 AM
Ride Start: Before 8:00 AM in Front Royal (about 70 miles / ~1 hr 15 min from DC via I-66)
Expected Return to DC: Approximately 5:00–6:00 PM
Join us for a full-day endurance ride through Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding valleys. This scenic but challenging route includes long climbs, beautiful overlooks, rolling farmland, and a rewarding lunch stop in Luray. Raúl Fainchtein will be leading this event.
Ride Overview
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Distance: ~82 miles
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Elevation Gain: ~6,594 ft
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Maximum Grade: 11.4%
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Terrain: 100% paved
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Difficulty: Endurance / climbing day
The ride begins in Front Royal and immediately enters Shenandoah National Park, where riders will climb roughly 20 miles along Skyline Drive at a steady ~6% grade with frequent scenic viewpoints. We’ll stop at overlooks and at park waysides that offer water, food, and restrooms.
After exiting the park, riders descend into Luray for lunch at:
Broad Porch Coffee and Café
20 W Main St, Luray, VA
Following lunch, the route heads toward Massanutten Ridge, the steepest climb of the day: about 3 miles averaging 7%, with the final mile reaching ~10%. Riders regroup at the top before descending into Fort Valley and continuing through rolling countryside back to Front Royal.
Route Highlights
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Mile 0 – Roll out of the Martin’s parking lot in Front Royal go just over a mile before you enter the park gate.
Mile 1.5 – Once through the gate dive right into 20 miles of mostly climbing up a gentle 6% average gradient with some spectacular views.
Mile 24.5 – Elk Wallow Wayside (Food + Water)
Mile 32 – Leave the park and enjoy a twisty 4 mile descent down US 211 into the valley.
Mile 41 – Luray, good opportunity for lunch. Bout halfway!
Broad Porch Coffee and Café
Address: 20 W Main St, Luray, VA 22835Mile 45 – Cross the southern fork of the Shenandoah River then turn left and immediately start climbing 3 miles up the Massanutten ridge. The climb averages 7% and then kicks up to 10% for most of the final mile. Stop at the top, and take a look at the valley, and the Peaks you just rode across. Then chill out, but stay alert down the 2 mile descent into Fort Valley.
Mile 50 – Enjoy the rollers through the beautiful Fort Valley.
Mile 62.4 – Fort Valley Country Store
Mile 67 – Enter the George Washington National Forest, and enjoy some shade.
Mile 77 – Country Store
Mile 81 – Cross back over South Fork of the Shenandoah, and roll back into Front Royal.
Park Entrance Fee: $15 per person unless you have a National Park pass.
RSVP & carpooling:
Please RSVP by clicking ‘attend’ on this event and add your name to the ride coordination spreadsheet that can be found in the group linked on this page to offer a ride and/or to request a ride (for yourself & your bike).
Interested in a shorter option?
If you are interested in a ~40-mile adjusted route, please reach out to Raúl Fainchtein in the group or email [email protected]. If there is enough interest and we can find a ride lead, we will organize a 40-mile option.
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