Who it's for
Street-legal 300cc thumpers and up. Heavier ADV bikes need more skill and control. If you haven't ridden loose gravel and water crossings with confidence, this is not your first dirt ride.
Currently Planning 2027
The Dragon's Loop
The Dragon's Adventure Bike Loop
Adventure dual-sport ride circling Roanoke, Virginia — gravel, mountains, switchbacks, and creek crossings, tied together by paved scenic routes. Takes some skill and bike control. The dirt counterpart to the pavement legends.
The Dragon's Loop — ADV Loop Ride off the MABDR in Craig, VA.
What it is
Circle Roanoke on gravel and scenic pavement.
Not a trail ride. A linked loop of public state routes through Virginia mountain country — dusty gravel, steep hills, switchbacks, and multiple creek crossings — tied together by paved scenic roads. Built for street-legal dual-sports and ADV bikes. You need some skill and bike control: loose gravel, wet rocks, and real water will test you. Same mountains as the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route — and a short shared piece of VA-311 in Craig.
Areas on the loop
Skill & bike control
Loose gravel, wet rocks, steep pitches. If you can't pick a line, stay home.
ADV / Dual-Sport
Adventure motorcycle energy — not pavement touring.
Near the MABDR
Short ride-along on VA-311 in Craig. Not a BDR — a Roanoke loop next door.
State routes only
Public roads. Gravel and paved scenic stretches tying it together — no singletrack.
300cc+
Street-legal thumpers and up. Heavier ADV needs more skill.
Not beginner
You need bike control. Wet rocks, steep pitches, real water — not a first-dirt ride.
Terrain
What you'll ride.
About a third of the ride is dirt and gravel roads. At least a dozen creek crossings. Up to 30% grades. Paved scenic connectors tie the loop together. Bring the right tires.
Gravel
Paved scenic routes
Mountains
Steep hills
Switchbacks
Creek crossings
Status: dates, routes, and the full GPX are still being developed for 2027. The Dragon's Loop Qualifier GPX is a fair representation of the ride and is available now. Open to everyone — you don't really have to "qualify."
Difficulty honesty
Know before you go.
This ride takes skill and bike control. Read this twice.
Rt 611 / Greyledge Rd
Wet rocks and water. Expect the most technical footing on the loop here — pick lines carefully.
Rt 622 / Buffalo Rd
Near Buchanan — use as a bypass if you want to skip the nastier stretch and keep rolling.
Grab the track
Get the Qualifier GPX.
Open to everyone — you don't really have to "qualify." The Dragon's Loop Qualifier (I-81S Buchanan to Rt 220N Eagle Rock Alternate) is a fair representation of the full ride. Join the list, grab the GPX, and stay close as 2027 routes firm up. Sponsored by Dragon Adventure Motorcycle.
Support the 2027 Dragon’s Loop — maps, scouting, and GPX updates.
Support the Loop