Virginia Outdoor Adventures Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast

“The actual day-to-day maintenance of the trail is almost 100% done by volunteers. We need to take good care of it for ourselves and for future generations.” -Diana Christopulos

Often referred to as “one of the most spectacular hikes in the US,” McAfee Knob attracts hikers from across the world and is one of the most photographed spots on the entire Appalachian Trail. Former Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club President, Diana Christopulos, shares everything you need to know before hitting the trail in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, including where to gear up, what to do while you’re in town, and where to find the best local brew at the end of the day. Diana also gives us insight into what it takes to maintain and preserve a trail that receives 70,000 visitors a year. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
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Links:
Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club Website I Facebook I Meetup I Store I Specialty License Plate
Diana’s Blog
Virginia’s Triple Crown
McAfee Knob Hike
Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine
Blue Ridge Marathon
Cox Conserves
Blue Ridge Land Conservancy
Roanoke Outside
Olde Salem Brewing Company
Parkway Brewery
Roanoke Brew Pubs
Roanoke Wineries
Walkabout Outfitters
Hotel Roanoke
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“We always joke about whether we spend more time riding or hanging out in the parking lot, eating and drinking. But that’s the mountain biking community, and that’s the Virginia outdoors. It’s about people.” – Thomas Jenkins, Shenandoah Bicycle Company

Virginia has earned bragging rights as one of the best places for mountain biking on the east coast. From the well-maintained slopes of Massanutten to over 100 miles of backcountry trails within George Washington National Forest, Harrisonburg, Virginia has something for every experienced or beginner rider. Fueled by his love for two wheels, Thomas Jenkins, co-owner of Shenandoah Bicycle Company in downtown Harrisonburg, has spent 25 years working to improve trails and transportation in his community. A former mountain biking competitor, Thomas shares how to access the best local trails for all experience levels. Whether you want to cruise a country road or shred on a downhill, Thomas shares the tips and tricks you need to plan your off-road adventure. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Enter code "VIRGINIA10" at checkout for 10% off at Appalachian Gear Company
Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Thomas: Instagram I Facebook I Website I The Pulp Smoothie Cafe
Mountain Bike Ride in the Burg!, Article by Visit Harrisonburg
Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park, Harrisonburg
Massanutten Western Slope Trails
Friends of Shenandoah Mountain
George Washinton National Forest Mountain Biking
George Washington National Forest Trails
Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition
Massanutten Resort
Cycling Virginia (Bike Clubs)
MTB Project
Trailforks
Carvin’s Cove in Roanoke
City of Harrisonburg
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“Some of the things that continue to draw me back to the outdoors are the connections I make with others, which tend to be richer when I'm connecting with them outside. The connections I make with myself tend to be more introspective and fuller when I'm outside, and the spiritual connections I have with nature are things my eyes are significantly more open to when I'm lacking the distractions of the front country.” -Kristen Musselman, Chief Hiking Officer

Imagine your outdoor dream job. It might look something like this…Kristen Musselman spent six months hiking and camping full-time as the Chief Hiking Officer for Devils Backbone Brewing Company in Nelson County, Virgina. She traveled from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail and many other local trails along the east coast. Kristen speaks to the unique joys and challenges of solo backcountry travel and her deep love for getting outside. She also tells us what is in her pack, shares tips for long distance backpacking, and reveals some of her favorite trails in Virginia. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Use code “VAOA” for 10% off your order at The Freckled Farm Soap Company
Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Kristen: Instagram I Chief Hiking Officer Blog
Appalachian Trail
Shenandoah National Park
Bear’s Den Trail in Bluemont/Leesburg
Harper’s Ferry, Loudon Heights Trail 8 miles
Old Rag Trail, Shenandoah National Park
BearFence Rock Scramble Trail, Shenandoah National Park
Grayson Highlands State Park
Appalachian Gear Company - Use promo code "VIRGINIA10" for 10% off
Facebook groups:
Solo Female Hikers & Adventurers
Virginia Backpacking
Appalachian Trail, Virginia
Women over 40 Who Hike and Backpack
Women Hikers & Outdoor Adventurers
Shenandoah National Park Hikers
Northern Virginia Hiking Group
Virginia Hiking Adventures
Virginia Hiking
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In this Season 2 Trailer, Brian Bell, Founder of Keep Virginia Cozy, joins me for a sneak peek into upcoming episodes of Virginia Outdoor Adventures. 
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Mentioned in this Episode:

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Episode 1 with Brian Bell
Episode 3 with Phil Riggan
Episode 4 with Donna Shaunesey
Episode 8 with RVA Hiker Girl
Episode 13 with Lynn Cameron
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
Explore Park, Roanoke
Shenandoah Bicycle Company
Abingdon Hikes
Reddish Knob
Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness
Shenandoah Mountain Hikes
Hone Quarry Recreation Area
The Channels Natural Area Preserve
Douthat State Park 
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Hi, Friends. Jessica here, Host of Virginia Outdoor Adventures, coming to you with a bonus episode. But before I get to that, I have exciting news about Season 2. Stay tuned for an announcement about a launch date for the second season in the upcoming weeks. My friend and keeper of the outdoors, Brian Bell from Keep Virginia Cozy, sat down with me to record a trailer where we reveal a sneak peek into upcoming episodes of Virginia Outdoor Adventures. Keep an eye on my Instagram page @virginia_outdoor_adventures and Facebook page @vaoapodcast for news and announcements. 
And now, the bonus episode. You may remember Linda and Mandi from She Opts Out who where my guests in Episode 14. After appearing on Virginia Outdoor Adventures, they invited me to be a guest on their show, which recently aired on She Opts Out Podcast. As a show host, I’m more used to asking the questions rather than answering them, but it was fun to chat with Linda and Mandi about my background, how I got into the outdoors, and how Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast started. I also got to talk about building an outdoor community in Virginia, completing Trail Quest by visiting every Virginia State Park, and some of my most memorable hikes. Also included in our discussion – solo hiking and solo adventuring, outdoor safety, my gear, four-season hiking, one of my personal fears (which is probably not what you would expect), and my advice for beginner adventurers. 
Without further ado, here is my first guest appearance on She Opts Out Podcast. Let’s Go!

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Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with She Opts Out: Instagram I Facebook I Website
Podcast Host Jessica Bowser Discusses the Value of Journaling About Outdoor Experiences, by Amanda Creasey 
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Thanks for joining us for the first season of Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast. We'll be taking a short production break to meet with future guests but we’ll be back with more adventure stories and recommendations from across the commonwealth in Season 2.

We would love to hear your suggestions for guests or topics to cover in the future. Please contact us by email at jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com or connect with us on social media.

In the meantime, stay in touch with updates, new episode announcements, tips and travel ideas on our social media pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Until next season, Adventure On.

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