I rode the whole TransVA 550 this summer. The route is beautiful, breathtakingly rugged. And logistics couldn't have been easier, as the route is very well planned, with great resupply points, camping, water, etc.
It made for a fantastic introduction to real backcountry touring.
Nice! We should have a group of 5 or so riding it. Pretty sure most will opt for the Valley route, but it looks like I might be able to split off and do some of the original route (possibly past Harrisonburg). Just need to sit down and do the mileage math to see if it actually works out on meeting back up further south.
It made for a fantastic introduction to real backcountry touring.