From the moment volunteers rolled up to help us arrange the campground to the final rides rollin’ in for lunch on Sunday, the fall weekend was filled with easy, playful energy, new connections, and memories I’ll long cherish.
Whether you were a seasoned camper (this was our 24th year!) or experiencing the campout for the first time, it was clear that this weekend was more than popping a tent and riding your bike—we were building a sense of connection that extended far beyond the campground.
For me, this year was different. As someone who’s spent past campouts as a participant, stepping into the role as an organizer opened my eyes to the beauty of seeing this event from a new perspective.
Here are a few of my favorite, heart-filling memories.
Favorite Memories from The Great Stokesville Campout
1. The Family Ride:
Many of you have shared this was your weekend highlight! Families and kiddos of all ages wrapped around the entire campout!! From striders to trailers and kids on mountain bikes, the thrill was high as we biked through big bubbles and were on our way around the campground.
2. Group Rides, Trail Work and New Activities
Yes, Lynn trail work happened (thank you Lindsey and Sam!)! And Lindsey even managed to squeeze in a two-page-long list of riders for the six-pack on Grindstone! Watching each group ride roll out—some with over 30 people, like the women’s ride and the gravel ride—was exhilarating. I think we’ve learned we need more rides next year, so start brainstorming! We also learned y’all loved the addition of new activities like rock climbing.
3. Friday Kitchen Improvisation (and all kitchen volunteer time!)
I tend to enjoy a little chaos 😉 and when way over 300 hungry campers showed up for dinner with an appetite for pasta, midway through the dinner shift, I bolted to the Stokesville Market and bought out all the spaghetti they had. Alongside Claire and Liz (thank you!!), we improvised a savory chickpea mushroom dish that became the night’s hit. We rolled with it and thrived, and loved setting the tone of a record-breaking weekend of numbers. All weekend, we had a blast in the kitchen, big thanks to everyone who helped keep the campout well-fed. The Campout doesn’t happen without the help of folks pitching in, and we believe that’s what also makes this feel unlike any other event.
4. Everyone’s Pixie Dust
The campout wouldn’t have been the same without the little personal touches. Kyla dressing up the skeleton (which quickly became a comical selfie station, dress-up doll for kids, and naptime couch companion), volunteers adding their flair to meals, and creative rides—it all came together to create something so much better than we could’ve done alone. That’s pixie dust.
5. Women’s Wine and Cheese Tent
Golden hour with every woman, trans, femme, and nonbinary camper gathered under the big white tent. The chatter was loud, the snacks were needed, and the wine flowed. Adorned in costumes we shared stories, laughter, and the evening’s energy. Fairy wings were placed on my back, which reflected how I felt, as I offered my own sprinkle of magic (or, maybe black beans on your plate ;)) as the evening unfolded.
6. Burrito Night Connections
One by one, serving each of you black beans from Cuban Burger on Saturday night’s burrito bar was a delight. Whether you accepted the beans or not, we at least exchanged smiles and a moment of conversion. This was my unofficial way of registering who all joined us that evening – I remember each of your faces.
7. Fireside Conversations
As the evening slowed, gathering around the fire to toast marshmallows provided the perfect nightcap for a buzzing, beautiful day.
8. Stargazing at the Observatory
Seeing Saturn and Neptune!! To celebrate World Astronomy Day, the Shenandoah Valley Stargazers opened the observatory to us, and the surprise rippled through the campground as folks lined up behind the telescope.
9. Dreamy Sunrises and Sunsets
Every morning and evening, the sky put on a show. The pink and orange hues woke the campground, and as dinner time approached, the Massanutten Blue Ridge silhouetted the quintessential Shenandoah Valley sunset.
10. The Bounce House
After a weekend of their requests, I finally joined them on Sunday, and it was just as fun (and maybe rowdy) as they said it would be.
A Special Mention: The Kids’ Nature Scavenger Hunt
This one deserves its own spotlight.
We tasted persimmons straight from the tree and searched for the smallest wonders—a wet goose feather by the pond, pieces of moss, a tiny mushroom, and bird nest. The kids led the way, spotting nature’s treasures faster than I could. It reminded me of how often we adults overlook these simple yet wondrous details.
As we slowly wandered through the campground with eyes and minds wide open, it felt symbolic of what made this campout so special. We were present, tuned into what was simple, joyful, and absolutely extraordinary—being outside, embraced by our community, and of course, riding bikes.
This campout was more than just fun; it was a chance to reconnect with the core of why we do what we do at the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition. We believe in creating these shared outdoor spaces where people can connect, whether walking, riding, or just being together. This weekend was a celebration of that mission—to make trails accessible, build safer streets, and create networks that bring us all together.
There were many folks who told us this was their first time attending and even hearing about the Coalition, which shows just how much our community is expanding. All of the weekend—slinging potatoes, leading rides, handing you bandanas, finally meeting you all—it filled me with energy and hope for what we’re building together.
For those that joined us, I hope you left feeling the same.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors Blue Pallet Events, Massanutten Resort and Pure Shenandoah for making this event one we will talking about until next year.
I’d love to hear your favorite moments! Here’s what some of you have shared so far.
Campout Photos were taken by Andrew DeVier-Scott, and Rachel Mae, capturing the Bubble Kiddos and Family Campground Ride
