Grimy throngs are beginning to converge on Damascus, Va., this week for Trail Days, which begin Friday. Here’s a profile of Damascus from Americanprofile.com.

Plenty has changed in Trail Town USA since Patrick started selling outdoor gear 16 years ago. Today, Damascus, which lies at the junction of five hiking, biking and scenic trails, is home to two sporting goods stores, six bike shops, and more than a dozen bed & breakfast inns and hostels that cater to thousands of hikers and cyclists each year.

More Trail Days info here. Seems like there oughta be a Trail Days blog, but maybe the planners have a lick of sense and have decided deliberately not to have one. This is fun: parking for mentally challenged Jeep owners. Also: American Hiking Society will be giving away free stuff.