A large part of this route follows the Wilderness Road. Originally a buffalo trail extending down the Valley of Virginia, the route gradually evolved into a roadway for early settlers. The road extended westward through southwest Virginia, the Cumberland Gap, and into Kentucky. This variation shortens the ride to 21.8 miles and is similar to the Childress Mudpike Loop.
Starting Point: Montgomery Museum on Pepper St. in Christiansburg.
Distance: 21.8 miles.
Terrain: Challenging hills, but shorter, easier options are available.
| Mile | Directions |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Proceed to the left (southeast) on Pepper Street. |
| 0.1 | Left onto S. Franklin. |
| 0.5 | Cross I-81. |
| 1.7 | Leave Christiansburg, continue ahead on Pilot Rd. (SR 615). |
| 3.7 | Cross Elliott Creek. |
| 4.1 | Right onto Nolley Rd. (SR 679). |
| 5.8 | Right (straight) onto Union Valley Rd. (SR 669). |
| 7.6 | Riner, intersection with Five Point Rd. (SR 671). Continue on SR 669. |
| 7.7 | Cross Riner Rd. (SR 8), continue ahead on Fairview Church Rd. (SR 669). |
| 11.0 | Cross Piney Woods Rd. (SR 600). |
| 11.6 | Right onto Childress Rd. (SR 693). |
| 11.7 | Left onto Tyler Rd. (SR 693). |
| 14.6 | Cross bridge over I-81. |
| 15.0 | Right onto Mudpike Rd. (SR 664). |
| 20.3 | Enter Christiansburg. Left onto College St. |
| 21.1 | Right onto Radford Rd., (one block) left on Main, (one block) right on Phlegar, (one block) left on 1st St. |
| 21.7 | Right on Pepper St. |
| 21.8 | Return to start. |
Notes:
There are stores in Riner at 7.7 miles.