Sports Backers Announce New Date, One-Day Option for RVA to DC Ride

RICHMOND, VA – Registration is now open for the RVA to DC bike ride, which is back with a new date and new one-day ride option. The two-day, fully-supported ride from Richmond to Arlington, VA, takes place October 7-8, while the one-day option will offer cyclists the opportunity to ride from Richmond to Fredericksburg on October 7th or from Fredericksburg to Arlington on October 8th. RVA to DC will support bike and pedestrian safety and infrastructure projects throughout the state by highlighting some of the best outdoor destinations and historic sites the Commonwealth has to offer. Official event charities will include bike advocacy groups in areas along the course, including Sports Backers’ Bike Walk RVA program.

“In offering the one day option, we hope to reach more riders,” said Megan Schultz, Director of Events for Sports Backers. “There’s an added layer of accessibility with a ride that’s only one day, and we want riders with less experience or those with time constraints to feel comfortable and excited about taking part. The one-day option gives participants the opportunity to experience the fun of the full ride in a shorter time frame.”

Registration for the one-day option costs $75 until September 1st, when it increases to $85. Registration for the two-day ride is currently $150, rising to $165 on September 1st. Registration add-ons include pre-race transportation from Fredericksburg or Washington, D.C., to Richmond on Friday, October 6th, as well as a drop off back in Fredericksburg or Richmond from Washington, D.C., on Sunday, October 8th.

The ride will take participants on a 156-mile route from the capital of Virginia to the nation’s capital, finishing in Rosslyn adjacent to the Key Bridge with dramatic views of Washington, D.C. Aid stations every 15-20 miles will provide water, snacks, and rider support along the course. Additionally, riders will receive cue sheets, and the course will be marked throughout the entire ride to keep navigation simple. On day one, riders will travel 75 miles through Lakeside, U.S. Bike Route 1, Ashland, and Caroline and Spotsylvania counties before ending on a paved multi-use trail in Old Mill Park in downtown Fredericksburg along the Rappahannock River. Day two will take riders across the Rappahannock into Stafford County and Quantico for 35 miles of rural riding and paved trails, followed by low-speed roads through Manassas before a totally unbroken network of paved trails in Centreville at mile 46. These trails will take riders all the way to the finish festival at Gateway Park at the base of the Key Bridge.

“I love the RVA to DC ride because it gives us a chance to show off different types of bikeway infrastructure on the way to the nation’s capital, where we advocate for bicycle-friendly policies and funding every year as part of the National Bike Summit,” said Max Hepp-Buchanan, Director of Bike Walk RVA for Sports Backers. “Along the way, participants get to experience bike lanes, paved trails, and calm neighborhood streets. And like bike advocacy, it’s challenging but doable and very satisfying when you reach the finish line.”

“RVA to DC fits perfectly with Sports Backers’ mission to build active communities,” added Schultz. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate active lifestyles on a great route with plenty of support for riders, with the added bonus of giving participants the chance to bike for their rights to support safe and connected bicycle infrastructure throughout Virginia.”

RVA to DC registration includes course routing throughout the entire ride, food and hydration stations every 15-20 miles, baggage transportation (up to 2 bags), overnight camping in Fredericksburg, a unique participant item, finisher medal, SAG supports, and a post-ride celebration with a complimentary meal and drink. More information on the ride can be found at www.sportsbackers.org.

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