Who Am I ?  

My name is Tom Horsch and I live here in beautiful Damascus,Virginia. This Web Site was done as a service to tourists, local bikers and people who are interested in learning more about the extensive trail system that surrounds Damascus, VA. I plan on continuing to improve my skills and adding to my Web Site, so you should bookmark my page and check back from time to time to see what's changed. Comments and suggestions are appreciated!

My interests include Mountain Biking, trail maintenance, and almost all types of outdoor recreation as well as computers. I’ve been Mountain Biking enthusiastically since 1992 and have really embraced the sport. I have enjoyed making friends with others who are also mountain bikers, as well as those friends who share my interest in advocating for and preserving our public lands. In 1998 I began to do some self-contained bike touring and completed the inaugural ride of "The Heart of Appalachia" bike route as part of my Mission Velocipede project. I plan on doing more Mission Velocipede rides as well as plain old self-supported road touring in the near future.

I am the former president of the Virginia Creeper Trail Club and on the Board of Directors of the Iron Mountain Trail Club. Both of these clubs are also active in helping to maintain and promote the great natural resources we have around Damascus. I have served as a Board Member of the Virginia Bicycling Federation, a state organization that advocates for Virginia cycling issues and I am also a member of the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA)and served as the Virginia Representative for the state for 2 years. I am a proud member of the Rails -To-Trails Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy. All of these are great organizations that deserve our support.

In March of 1998 I completed the second edition of the book "Mountain Biking the Appalachians, SW Virginia and NW North Carolina" by Lori Finley and Thomas Horsch. The publisher is John F. Blair Publishing of Winston-Salem NC. This book has 33 different rides in the area and includes detailed maps, descriptions, mileage notes and access directions. It was really fun riding in some different places and meeting new "bike folks". It was alot of hard work doing this revision, but I can't imagine a better way to earn a little bit of money. You can get this book at most local bike stores, book shops and outfitters and from the various Internet bookstores.

A person who I was talking to the other day about one of my projects asked me "do you work any place?" I'm proud to say that after 15 years in the Mental Health business, I have now joined Adventure Damascus as a co-owner. We are a full service bike shop, shuttle & bike rental and guided tour business. My main focus is coordination of Adventure Damascus Tours, Inc., a cycling and walking tour company. I will be guiding trips to various regional destinations for both day tours and three-day tours. I am also working the floor in the retail shop and helping customers find the best bikes, equipment, rides and prices on the planet! Come by Adventure Damascus on the main street in downtown Damascus and say hello. I'll point you toward some cool bikes and great riding!

I also like to travel and have been to some very interesting places. China, Japan, Hong Kong , Korea, Canada, Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, Lodi, Portugal, France and all over the Caribbean. I have found that bicycle tours are a great way to see a country as well as to stay active while on vacation. I have toured several countries in this manner. In 1996, I talked my father into going with me (he is a 71 year old hammerhead) on the Portugal Trip and he was hooked! We recently completed the tour of Provence,France in May of 1997 and in 1998 we toured southern Spain. In July of 1999 my father and I went bike touring in Italy to ride the Italian Dolomites. My Dad turned seventy and he hammered in these mountains too. In your face John Glenn! I have found another bike tour company (besides Adventure Damascus) that I really like and will now give them a plug. Check out doing some bike touring with Experience Plus! Bicycle and Walking Tour Company. If you are interested in overseas bike tours, these are the people to talk to. They are a first rate tour company that is small enough that they can give you some great personal service.

Pictures of Me and Some Friends

I Need More Espresso!