The morning times., 1896-11-08
THROUGH THE SHENANDOAH
Interesting Ride Down a
Beautiful Valley.
OVER MANY BATTLEFIELDS
It Is Better to Start From
Staunton and Spend Three
Days on the Journey.
OVER MANY BATTLEFIELDS

To othe cycler the ride through the Shenan-
doah valley is full of interest.
1t is so near Washington that 1T can be
taken with ease. 1t is better, though, to
try this run wien one has three days at
his disposal.
The valley is full of historical interest
1t was Il vast covered way through which
whole armies, with their trains and equip
ments, could move on the flanks of the host
contending on the plains OF Virginia during
the war. WHEN the campaign opened in So
jackson was IN command OF the Confederate
army. The battle OF kernstown was fought
at this time.
OVER MANY BATTLEFiELDS.
For some time following that campaign
jackson, Lee ana other generals held pos
session of this valley, with more or less
success. Then caue the clearing of the
valley i'll 1s6i, when ii was swept clean of
its hostile forces and blackcSed py war.
Sheridan in force moved forward, and
then came the battles of Winchester, Fish
er's Hill, TOMS Brook, and Cedar Greek,
and by April of SCI he had gained control
of the entire valley. IL is over a part ofthis
historical valley that the cyclers' route lies
nowadays. He rides along the same road
that has been made famous by Sheridan's
ride, and in fancy can conjure up the scenes
OF those days when bicycles were unknown.
II is better for the rider to start on his
run through this beautiful valley from
Staunton. Take the train to this charming
Virginia town and ride back. II is more
pleasant because tncTci is more down grade.
The favorite time for starting is early in
the morning, so that the beautiful mountain
sunshine can be thoroughly enjoyed.
AN ELEGANT ROAD.
Between Staunton and II Harrisonburg there
is an elegant road. hilly as far BuCkton,
gradually easing up until Mount Crawford
is reached. From this point il is practically
level TO Harrsunburg, twentysiX miles
from the starting point.
HarrSunbIrg to New Market. eighteen and
a half miles, is a favorite hours run. The
country is q succession OF hills, but the hills
are so c!u>p together that the up grad. is
not of much consequence Somuch of n mo-
mcntum is secured by coast down one I'LL
thatthe neXtiS cleared without much effort.
After New Market comes Mount jackson,
seven miles distant, the run being through
rolling country. Then comes Edenburg,
five miles; MauercrstOwn five miles; Toms
Brook. one and eighteenth miles, and 81 ras-
burg, six miles This is the usual stopping
point for dinner.
Mddletuwn lies six miles away, with
Steven City next, five and six tenth miles;
kern>tOtF ii. LIUre ANA piZI.J-trItE HIS iIti
Winchester. three and unc-half miles 1t is
well TO lnqGirc the way out Of town here
he enters, he Will not come out on lie right
road. 1t is also the best stopping place for
the first night. The run from Staunton To
Winchester is alongside the western side
OF The Blue Ridge.
THE SECOND DAY.
The road is one Of the best in the Coun-
try. 1t is made up OF blucstone and lime
stone, and is always in good condition.
1t is a little hard on wheels just after
repairs have been made
Lea wing Winchester, the route leads
through Clear Brook, IL miles; Bun
ker Hill, & miles; ClarkSville, 3 IL miles,
and MariinsburC. Lilo miles. Hagers-
town is 23 miles distant, through roll
ing country. Here the second night is
spent.
From Haccrstown TO Frederick the dis
tance Is &c miles. The Potomac is crossed
at Williamsport and two mountain ranges
climbed. Washington then lies 81 miles
distant, and the run is then finished.