September 11, 2020
We left Lewisburg for the trailhead in Renick. Through no fault of our own (??) we missed a turn and crossed the river. The narrow road became narrower and narrower until it was only one lane. After several miles we turned around, with much difficulty, and headed back across the river. Amazing, there was the trail!
It was our good fortune (God’s blessing) that we crossed paths with Glen and Twyla Diehl. They happen to have a campsite on a lot near their home and offered it to us for a minimal fee. We had water and electric and use of their dump station. They are an interesting couple and have traveled all over the US in their RV. Renick is a small town and I think they own most of it.
After we were settled we headed north on the trail toward Beard which is the halfway point of the trail. The forest was beautiful, sometimes we could look right into it and other times it towered above us on cliffs over looking the trail.
About a mile from where we started there was a swinging wooden bridge. We would have loved walking over it but there were no trespassing signs. Also, when we stopped to take pictures we were swarmed with mosquitos.
Six miles from where we started was the Droop Mountain Tunnel. Our favorite part of the ride. Traveling through the tunnel heading north you begin to see the light at the other end within a few yards of entering. It’s very different when entering traveling south. There are a few seconds when you are pedaling in total darkness. It’s a very unsettling feeling.
The trail was not busy and we only saw 4 other bikers and a couple walkers. There are areas for camping and shelters along the way.
This was a great trail. There was plenty of varied scenery to keep it interesting. The trail surface was constantly changing too, so we had to keep our eyes on the road.
The Greenbrier River Trail is a Hall of Fame Trail. I have been looking forward to riding this trail since we began this journey. The trail is 77 miles long and we rode almost all of the southern half between Beard and Caldwell. We hope to ride the northern end from Cass to Marlinton in the future.
We have completed 82 West Virginia miles. Tomorrow we are going to Maryland to begin our 100 there. We plan to complete our WV 100 on our way home from Maryland.
