ery where stories are exaggerated and climbs immortalized.
The recently approved Gravel Rat motto,“ We’ ll See What Happens,” represents the group’ s pre-ride optimistic attitude, and well their prevailing belief that regardless of circumstances, opportunities for friendship are possible wherever one decides to create them. The group bestows rat names on all members, like Lying Schnitzel( Marcus), who builds the routes and routinely and intentionally misrepresents the climbs; Snax( Tina, who is always prepared); Big Mama and Amazon Princess Warrior( McKenna Smet and Josi Pinheiro, owners of Elite Wellness Performance and Recovery in Ashburn); and Mad Mex, Bokeron Square Pants, Big Ring, and The Caboose, to name a few.
The BikeLoudoun Leadership Team, from left: Matt Shaffer, Lisa Campbell and Bruce Werner.
Some Rules of the Road
Not only will you discover history and heritage on your travels along the unpaved roads of western Loudoun, you may also come upon people riding horses, perhaps even the excitement of an entire foxhunt. The most important part for cyclists making this a safe encounter is to communicate and make riders aware of your presence. If approaching from behind, let them know you are coming with a clear“ good morning” or similar greeting. Do not shout loudly but don’ t be too tentative either. A horse is far less likely to be spooked by the sound of your voice than by being suddenly surprised by you appearing next to him. Wait until the rider has acknowledged your presence and follow any instructions they may give you for passing. Whether approaching horses from behind or head on, slow down and be prepared to stop. Allow plenty of time and distance for the horse and rider to become aware of your presence and pass widely when it’ s appropriate to do so.
Pay attention and watch your speed, especially on downhill sections with blind turns. Many gravel roads are narrow with little or no shoulder. For your safety, and as a show of courtesy when you see a vehicle— whether in front or behind— pull over to a safe location and allow the vehicle to pass. Fortunately, you probably won’ t see many vehicles on your ride, but when you do, show the residents of the area that you’ re a grateful visitor with a smile and a wave.
Loudoun’ s old farm roads not only support many residential communities, but they also bring people together in community on the roads themselves, just like they have for hundreds of years. History is inescapably embedded into the landscape of western Loudoun, and as you ride along its quiet roads you can’ t help but feel like you’ ve delightfully entered into a time gone by.
Matt Shaffer is a co-manager of BikeLoudoun and an avid bike commuter and trail advocate. He works for the Loudoun County Office of Mapping and Geographic Information. He moved to Loudoun County in 2005. Bicycling became a passion and way of life for him after living for many years in Fort Collins, Colorado. He currently resides in Lincoln, VA with two large chocolate labs, and when not on his bike can usually be found on a disc golf course, at a concert, or in his organic garden.
20 wander I spring • Summer 2021