Virginia City Epic

Virginia City, Nevada

Follow the footsteps of Mark Twain and the Gold Rush on this 25-mile loop through western Nevada's mountains of history. Your ride begins in Miner's Park in historic Virginia City-a town that earned the nickname "The Richest Place on Earth" after gold was discovered here in 1859.

This is a town of dramatic transitions. During the gold rush, Virginia City exploded to 30,000 residents in little more than a year. Samuel Clemens came here from Missouri in 1862, took the pen name Mark Twain, and wrote elegant prose for Nevada's first newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise, until 1864.

Your transition will be 2,000 vertical feet as you climb rapidly to an elevation of 7,400. But it won't be smooth. This is a territory of rocks and more rocks, and a maze of old mining roads that would busy a mapmaker for a lifetime. Heading north, you'll enjoy views of Comstock Mountain, site of the $400 million Comstock Lode that produced some of the largest nuggets ever mined.

Hours later, the payoff comes with the long descent back to town - now holding steady at 1,500 residents. Visit the Red Dog Saloon for some local brew, and perhaps catch a show at Piper's Opera House. If you've got an extra day, ride the train from Virginia City to Gold Hill.

Much more than gambling, much more than desert, Nevada is almost sure to become the next Western mountain biking gem. Discover why by riding in Virginia City.

Virginia City, 21 miles southeast of Reno, Nevada,

Location: Virginia City is 21 miles southeast of Reno, Nevada, on Highway 341.

Length: 25 miles

Elevation: 5,400 to 7,400 ft

Climbing: 2,000 ft

Terrain: Technical desert trails and abandoned mining routes

Season: May to September, depending on snow pack

Highlight: The Comstock Lode

Events: Pine Nut Cracker MTB Race, May 28, 2000

Must do: Virginia City and Truckee Railroad

Best friend of Nevada mountain biking: The Bureau of Land Management

Clubs: Reno Wheelmen, 775-787-BIKE, http://www.renowheelmen.org

Shops: Mother Lode Bicycles, Reno, 775-355-6700

Lodging: http://www.vcnevada.com

Brew: Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City

Coffee: Crown Point Restaurant, Virginia City

Most famous resident: Mark Twain

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	Virginia City Epic Virginia City, Nevada Follow the footsteps of Mark Twain and the Gold Rush on this 25-mile loop through western Nevada's mountains of history. Your ride begins in Miner's Park in historic Virginia City-a town that earned the nickname "The Richest Place on Earth" after gold was discovered here in 1859. This is a town of dramatic transitions. During the gold rush, Virginia City exploded to 30,000 residents in little more than a year. Samuel Clemens came here from Missouri in 1862, took the pen name Mark Twain, and wrote elegant prose for Nevada's first newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise, until 1864. Your transition will be 2,000 vertical feet as you climb rapidly to an elevation of 7,400. But it won't be smooth. This is a territory of rocks and more rocks, and a maze of old mining roads that would busy a mapmaker for a lifetime. Heading north, you'll enjoy views of Comstock Mountain, site of the $400 million Comstock Lode that produced some of the largest nuggets ever mined. Hours later, the payoff comes with the long descent back to town - now holding steady at 1,500 residents. Visit the Red Dog Saloon for some local brew, and perhaps catch a show at Piper's Opera House. If you've got an extra day, ride the train from Virginia City to Gold Hill. Much more than gambling, much more than desert, Nevada is almost sure to become the next Western mountain biking gem. Discover why by riding in Virginia City. Location: Virginia City is 21 miles southeast of Reno, Nevada, on Highway 341. Length: 25 miles Elevation: 5,400 to 7,400 ft Climbing: 2,000 ft Terrain: Technical desert trails and abandoned mining routes Season: May to September, depending on snow pack Highlight: The Comstock Lode Events: Pine Nut Cracker MTB Race, May 28, 2000 Must do: Virginia City and Truckee Railroad Best friend of Nevada mountain biking: The Bureau of Land Management Clubs: Reno Wheelmen, 775-787-BIKE, http://www.renowheelmen.org Shops: Mother Lode Bicycles, Reno, 775-355-6700 Lodging: http://www.vcnevada.com Brew: Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City Coffee: Crown Point Restaurant, Virginia City Most famous resident: Mark Twain


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