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Trail

Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, VA: 3: 05 Sep, 2009 (68 miles)

Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National ParkThe Panorama Visitor Center of the Shenandoah National Park is about 74 miles from Arlington, VA. Take I66 West to Exit 43B. Take 29 South to Warrengton. Join 211 West until the signs guide you to the park entrance. At the park entrance head south about a quarter of a mile and you come to the visitor center. It was another great day, cool with temperatures in the 60s. I was out on the trail at around 9:00. Biking was far better than the two previous rounds I had at the park; I was definitely getting used to the uphills. There were a lot of deer out. I was afraid I would run into one on the road when I was cruising downhill at 30mph. To my surprise and utter delight I almost ran into a black bear cub. He was happily prancing down the road. This is a memory I will never forget. I was at about 25 mph. I had to hit the brakes hard. I pulled out my iPhone, but he was gone. I thought I would follow him, but if his mother was in the vicinity I was in for trouble. I did not have anyone to outrun if she came after me. Ah! if only Fernando was with me I would have taken my chances; I think I could outrun him. :)