Floyd Fest 2011

This is a very, very good lineup for Floydfest. I would like to make it this year, but we'll see. I live so close.

Floyd and the Bicycling Backpacker (I hope not too long)

Floydfest is one of my favorite music festivals. This outdoor venue is located in the heart of the mountains just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, and is about a seven hour drive from my home in Georgia. The eclectic mix of music genres means there’s something there for everyone: Bluegrass, folk, jambands, and world music to name several. A mellow vibe emanates from the artsy crowd of music lovers and sub-culture tribal types, and performing artists rub elbows with the crowd daily; an ethereal "Welcome Home" sign, you might say (if even for only three days).

You can camp on site (a wooded area is located on the premises), but you must park your vehicle a mile or so away and catch a school bus or tractor-wagon shuttle to the festival grounds. A few people walk in and pull their supplies behind them in their radio flyers. I backpack-bike it.

My first trip to Floydfest took place several years ago. Knowing the festival was located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, it was a gimmie that I’d take my bike. I figured early morning rides on the parkway would be icing on the carnival cake; historic and postcardish Mabry Mill is located just a few miles away, for example.

Upon arrival early that Friday afternoon, I prepared my backpack in the lot where I parked my car. I had the usual primitive camping fare: Ground pad, sleeping bag, tent, headlamp (you go into a JOTS at night, you’ll NEED one of those), a few granola bars, and sundry other accoutrements. Knowing that there was a beer garden and at least one food vendor who would be selling $1 cheese toasts on site, I was able to lighted my pack considerably in the liquid and victual departments (I love it when survival food and ambrosia are one and the same). At least I wouldn’t be terribly top-heavy riding my bike while wearing a backpack!

So I was finally ready to ride, all donned up in my faded tie-dye shirt, fedora hat adorned with hairpipe beads and a turkey feather (which I call macaroni), Hay-Zeus sandals, and backpack on. My bike was set to go with campchair positioned across the handlebars so I climbed aboard and trundled off. The cup and bearbells still tied to my pack gave off a nice, melodic jangle as I made my way across the grassy parking lot.

I soon hit the parkway pavement and turned toward the festival grounds. As one of the shuttle buses passed, I noticed a kid with his face pressed against the window waving at me. I made a quick wave back. I then approached a group of LEOs positioned conspicuously at a junction in the road and I waved again; one lifted a finger in a friendly though measured salutation. I’m sure some people felt safer knowing that John Law was present and en force, after all there were hippies and banjo playing mountain men all around, and I’d heard that fire spinners, stilt-walkers, and drum-beating Africans would be present!

I finally arrived at the gate, gave the gatekeeper my ticket, and continued inside. Nearby a group of young men milled around, and as I walked my bike past them the Rasta-capped pack leader looked my way and asked: “Dude, where did you come from?”

“Georgia,” I answered.

“Awesome, man!” he exclaimed.

I heard other accoladish mumblings from the group as they looked me over with wide and applauding eyes. The last dude and I even exchanged a high five as I passed. Two paces later it dawned on me what they had thought: That I had ridden my bike all the way from Georgia instead of the parking lot a mile away! And I know I looked the part--some two-wheeled, wizened gypsy-looking entity of the road carrying his house on his back. Turtle could have been my road name.

But I didn’t turn to clarify my answer any further; they were obviously amazed at me and I rather enjoyed the warm glow of their amazement. Never negate a win-win situation my father always said!

Floydfest is AWESOME!!!

Went last year for the first time and had a blast. Perfect festival size, great acts. I also loved that the camping was kind of intermingled with the stages. Our tent was literally steps from the dance tent stage.

Awesomeness. I'm glad this little festival is getting more exposre.

looks like a cool little fest. john brown's body and carolina chocolate drops are fantastic.