Still mostly full from dinner the previous night, we munched protein bars while packing the bikes before rolling on 8 (see what I did there, 4 bikes each with 2 wheels… well, I thought it was amusing) on section 1 of the MABDR.

Our morning was spent in the Jefferson National Forest, hitting Dismal Creek Rd, Kimberling Rd, and Wyrick Trail. The BDR then takes Hwy 42 west to Poor Valley Rd, but I found what I thought would be a fun addition – north and west on Burkes Garden Rd / Round Mountain Rd to Burkes Garden, then south on Burkes Garden Rd / Sharon Springs Rd back to Hwy 42.

It was going great until we encountered a locked gate across Round Mountain Rd 3 miles east of Burkes Garden. This resulted in a 38-mile detour: Round Mountain Rd northeast to US 52 to Hwy 61 (because I missed Hwy 614), then Hwy 61 southeast to Burkes Garden where we rejoined my original route. Round Mountain was fun gravel; everything else to Burkes Garden was paved.

Burkes Garden Rd / Sharon Springs Rd consisted of steep, rutted gravel switchbacks.

Poor Valley was a blast – everyone’s favorite gravel road on the trip! Somehow Terry had never been on it, even though it’s only an hour from his house, in an area he frequently rides. We dropped into Marion, VA for lunch at Moon Dog.

At this point, we broke from the MABDR, heading to Independence VA. We took fun gravel forest service roads – Glade Mountain Rd, Pugh Mountain Rd, and Comers Creek Rd – to Hwy 16. Matt peeled off, proceeding directly to Independence on paved roads. The rest of the group enjoyed more gravel: Dry Creek Rd, Hale Lake Rd (I dropped my bike at walking speed when the front washed out – that’s three if you’re counting), and Greenhouse Rd (our deepest water crossing) to Americas Best Inn.

Matt had cold beer waiting at the hotel! We moseyed over to Ciro’s for wings and pizza. After supper, we performed minor maintenance on the bikes (cleaning and lubing chains, tightening bolts, repairing a torn luggage strap) while enjoying beer and whiskey. At 240 miles, this was our longest day.