Recap: 2022 North Bend Rail Trail Bike Packing
Overview: In early spring the idea of pulling together our group of friends to bikepack started to bubble up in conversations. After all the planning was done we headed out on the North Bend Rail Trail (NBRT), which stretches from just east of Parkersburg, WV to just west of Clarksburg, WV. Tim and I parked at the Happy Valley Trailhead conveniently located off of 47 (Staunton Turnpike) and waited. In all twenty-one people showed up for the day. This was the largest bikepacking group ride I have ever helped organize. Of course we had the usual wrangling of gear placement, bag choices, tire pressure, flats and creative Voile strap usage before slowly rolling out in waves. I experienced the first flat of the day and had to plug the tire before we even rolled out.
Weather and more! Both days on the trail were sunny, warm, dry and full of pollen. I am talking runny nose, bloodshot eyes, scratchy throat and non-stop sneezing. Some of the group resorted to wearing masks to help alleviate the issues with some success. Others, like myself, just suffered through it hoping allergy meds would help. There were a few people who didn’t have any issues with the pollen.
For our route length (54 miles) we went through eight tunnels and for the most part the tunnels were in good shape. The humidity was not very high so we didn’t get to experience any fog but the cooler temps inside were a nice break from the heat of the sun. Last year when we rode NBRT we dodged telecommunications construction equipment but this time there were only some trail building equipment in a couple places.
We one again stopped at the trail towns along the way, like Cairo (pronounced Kay-Row), Petroleum, Ellenboro, Pennsboro, West Union for breaks and passed through the North Bend State Park. Cairo was having a small festival in town. Some of the riders explored off trail and found food options. Most people stopped in Ellensboro at the McDonalds for supplies and food and a few stopped at P&H Family Pizza shop in Ellensboro across from the old depot. Tim and I dropped into West Union Shop and Save for some supplies before heading to the campground. Many in the group took advantage of the Subway/convenience store only a mile from the campground to grab snacks and dinner. When heading west we always plan to load up on water in Ellensboro for the 32 mile stretch back to the trailhead because there is no place for supplies except for the convenience story in Cairo that may or may not be open.
Lone Pine Campground: We rented multiple electric and primitive sites, plus two yurts. In addition to electric the larger yurts also include air conditioner and mini-fridge. The camp manager stopped by and let us know that sites can handle 6+ single person tents so the accommodations are quite reasonably priced. The pool at the Doddridge County Park is a stones throw from the campground and several of our group headed there after the ride to cool off. If you do stay at the campground check the closing time on the website since it varies based on special events taking place - like a child’s birthday party.
Sunday: Temps dropped into the upper 40’s overnight which is great sleeping weather if you had the correct gear. Alas, there were a few grumbles in the morning, but everyone survived. Some chose breakfast in camp others stopped for food along the way as we made our way back toward Happy Valley Trailhead. It was nice to spend time talking to different friends along the way as we leapfrogged each other.
And done! Back at the trailhead the group rolled in over time in waves with joy on their faces and excitement in their voices after another fun adventure. Connie recounted that she was riding and looked down for a second only to hear a grunt, a thud and a bear run away from the trail as she screamed at the top of her lungs! We can’t decide who was more scared.
One group dove into a tubeless repair only to quickly find a tube inside resulting in a quick trailside tube exchange. Overall we had a few tire punctures over the two days and 110 miles, plus one front bike rack disintigration from a pothole hit, but for the most part it was issue free.
The wallet saga: As Tim and I dropped down off the cut we came upon Carey on the side of the trail. We asked if everything was ok and he said he lost his wallet when he pulled out his phone from a handlebar bag. So we stopped and started walking up and down the trail looking in the leaves for a brown wallet. John pulled up and started looking. After a few minutes John asked Carey if he possibly moved his wallet to a more secure location so Carey started looking into other bags. I walked over to look around the bike and lo and behold - the wallet. Carey stopped pedaling when the wallet popped out and it dropped between the crank and frame. See photo below.
Searching the trail
Oh, there it is!
Reactions from first time bike packers:
Going on a bike packing trip has been 2 years in the making and it all started with a pair of Amazon sandals. The route was perfect and had all of the remote bike packing feels but with the safety of frequent stops if things went wrong. Next time I will definitely be reading all the trip notes so I don’t forget my light ;). ~ Jen
This was our first bikepacking trip and we found this route was very reaonable. It was well shaded and had limited elevation. It had the feel of a “remote” bikepack trip but there were plenty of food and water stops if one wished to exit the trail to replenish. ~ Deniece
2 months ago, I had never attempted to ride gravel, and this weekend I did my longest ride yet with the group from OGG. The group was welcoming to newcomers and the trail was friendly to beginners. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction! ~ Gerrit
Jen enjoys the pancakes to end all pancakes
Jen’s masterclass on sidewall reinforcement with a GU packet.
Day 1 photos
Day 2 photos
