Exploring West Virginia Bikepacking & Grinduro PA with Mid-Atlantic Gravel Travel

Join Brian and Joey as they dive into the vibrant West Virginia bikepacking scene, sharing insights on the Mon Forest project, upcoming events like Grinduro Pennsylvania, and the evolving bike models fueling these adventures. Whether you're planning your first trip or a seasoned rider, this episode is packed with tips, route highlights, and community updates to inspire your next ride.

Main Topics Covered:

The Mon Forest Bikepacking Routes: An overview of the regional loops, key towns involved, and the route diversity in West Virginia

Upcoming Events & Community Initiatives: Details on the Mon Forest Bikepacking Summit, Grinduro Pennsylvania, and local engagement opportunities

Bike Recommendations & Gear Tips: Insights on bike types suitable for various routes including terrain considerations and bikepacking-specific gear

Strategic Route Planning: When to ride, logistical considerations, and scenic highlights like Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley

Social & Community Building: The power of local meetups, Discord interactions, and shared experiences fostering the bikepacking community

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & episode overview

02:03 - Joey's bike and office tour sneak peek

06:03 - Details on West Virginia’s route network & key towns

10:09 - Comparing East Coast gravel events and community diversity

15:11 - Highlights of Mon Forest mountain loops and regional routes

20:05 - Water, lodging, and gear considerations for remote routes

21:28 - Upcoming bikepacking summit recreation & social activities

24:12 - Reviving Grinduro Pennsylvania with community vibes

30:06 - Bike choices and recommended setups for tough terrain

33:00 - Discord community insights & future meetups

42:38 - Philosophical musings on long-distance adventures & personal growth

48:08 - The cultural and traditional significance of the Masters golf tournament

50:43 - Closing thoughts & gratitude for the bikepacking community

Resources & Links:

Mon Forest Bikepacking Roots Project - https://bikepackingroots.org/projects/mon-forest-bikepacking

Mon Forest Bikepacking Summit - https://bikepackingroots.org/2026/02/monforestsummit/

Grinduro Pennsylvania - https://grinduro.com/pennsylvania/

Note: Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring guest interviews on bike models, route design, and community stories.