Based on our experience last year, we have retained the two-day “out and back” ride format. To keep expenses low and maximize our fund raising program, riders are responsible for their own lodging and meal arrangements. You will enjoy the same wonderful ride experience, camaraderie, and full ride support (all snacks, drinks, technical assistance and a friendly lift up a hill if you need one), while being able to choose your own lodging and evening meal arrangements.
The beautiful and historic Mimslyn Inn is providing a special Tour de Skyline Drive rate to support our prostate cancer awareness program, and we are working on special lodging pricing in Front Royal. If you have the time, we suggest you stay over Sunday evening in Luray and enjoy the famous Luray Caverns, located just on the outskirts of town.
The donation to ride in this year’s event is $145; $195 if you would like an event jersey.
This is Not a Race
The Tour de Skyline Drive is not a race, but it is a reasonably challenging event, with approximately 50 miles ( a half Century ride) and 4,000 vertical feet of climb each day, so we can promise a good workout and a memorable weekend. If you have family members that are strong riders, this will be a great father-son, father-daughter, or husband and wife adventure. The Farmer’s almanac is promising good weather!
Meeting Location
The experience begins Friday evening at a reception in the Mimslyn Inn. This is a PCAP sponsored mixer with refreshments, a review of Saturday’s course and distribution of ride cue sheets, followed by a good night's rest.
Route
Day 1
This year’s route begins at the Mimslyn Inn, Luray, Virginia (one of our event sponsors). We depart Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., ride through the town of Luray where we will begin the climb to the Skyline Drive. Once we enter the park, we will ride along the beautiful Skyline Drive before dropping down into historic Front Royal, Virginia, where we will spend the late afternoon and evening.
For a history of Skyline Drive and some great photographs, click here for a visit to the National Park Service website. The famous Luray Caverns are just a short distance from the center of Luray.
The Day 1 route is approximately 47 miles, with 4,373 vertical feet of climb. Click on the Day 1 button in the sidebar to view the route. The route profile is available as a jpg image or you can view the profile and map on this link at MapMyRide.
Day 2
Sunday’s ride is the reciprocal of Saturday’s course. The distance is the same, but there is slightly less climb, 3,704 vertical feet. The ride begins at Hawksbill Bicycles, with departure at 9:30 a.m. The PCaAP will collect your baggage (one bag per participant) at your lodging. The ride ends back at the Hampton Inn in mid-afternoon.
The Day 2 route is approximately 47 miles, with 3,702 vertical feet of climb. Click on the Day 2 button in the sidebar to view the route. The route profile is available as a jpg image or your can view the profile and map on this link at MapMyRide.
Full Ride Support
The PCAP team provides full ride support both days, including all snacks and drinks during the ride, full technical support, and transportation of baggage (one equipment bag per participant, please), and catered receptions Friday evening, Saturday afternoon in Front Royal, and Sunday afternoon at the Mimslyn Inn in Luray.
Lodging and Meals
Participants are responsible for their own lodging arrangements and meals on Friday and Saturday evenings. We have arranged special rates at the Mimslyn Inn in Luray and several inns and motels in Front Royal. The telephone number for Mimslyn Inn reservations is (540) 743-5105. Just tell the front desk that you are with the Prostate Cancer Tour de Skyline Drive event. We will be posting our lodging partners in Front Royal, Virginia over the next month. If you plan to make it a weekend trip, Luray is the official “cabin capital” of Virginia. Just ask and we will put you int touch with the Chamber of Commerce. There also are lots of camping and RV areas in Luray.
Donation Use
The Prostate Cancer Awareness Project is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity, FEIN 20-4509127, with a mission of significantly reducing the annual prostate cancer death toll by increasing the number of men that test and track their prostate cancer risk annually. Funds generated by the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project's Black Tire Affair® cycling events will create a nationwide series of cycling events to reach the 48% of men who do not test for prostate cancer.
Future Black Tire Affair® Events
If you are an adventurer and like to travel, we are planning future events in Death Valley, California; Quebec, Canada. We climbed the fabled Alpe d’Huez in France on July 14, 2009. If you are a climber and like France, think about joining us in September 2011 as we climb Mt. Ventoux and the Galibier. S
If you would like to be added to our Black Tire Affair® notification list, just send an email to Robert.Hess@29000men.org or complete the form at the Contact Page tab.
Next Steps
1) Look at the great pictures of Skyline Drive, 2) check your calendar, 3) register at Active.com, 4) start you training program. We have only 10 slots for the full ride and we would love for you to be one of them.
See you in June!