Loudoun 1725 Gravel Grinder

The Loudoun 1725 Gravel Grinder, a scenic bike ride along historic gravel roads in Northern Virginia, returns on June 9, 2024!  Located east of the Blue Ridge, in lush Loudoun Valley, these crushed rock roadways meander through awe inspiring beauty, past stone walls, grand estates, horse farms, wineries, bubbling creeks, tiny hamlets, and significant historical sites.  Riding these roads is a sublime experience - like stepping back in time and cycling through history.

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Check out the ride guide!

With over 300 miles of gravel road dating back to the early 1700s, Loudoun County Virginia boasts the largest and oldest intact network of gravel roads in the United States.  When settlement in this area officially began in the year 1725, these roads were first used by mills and farms to get goods to market and by settlers to get to town and church.  Today these special routes are used by residents, farmers, visitors, equestrians, and cyclists.

From the ride staging area, riders will embark along a 40, 60, or 80-mile route.  The ride will be fully marked and supported, with well stocked rest stops, mechanical and SAG support, and great post-ride food and beer!       

To help preserve Loudoun’s unique and precious gravel roads, 5% of gross ride funds received will be donated to America’s Routes, a group that is advocating to save these historic rural roads from being paved over by development.  Riders may donate additional funds during registration. 

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Ride Start Times

To space out the field of riders, we will be using staggered check-in times. The 80 miler riders will check in from 7:30am-8:15am; 60 mile riders from 8:15am-9:15am; and 40 mile riders from 9:15am-10:45am. Approximately one month before the ride, riders will select a 15-minute check-in window within their distance. 

Your check-in time is an assigned window when you will check in for the ride and get your bike plate.  Riders will select a 15-minute check-in window within their distance approximately one month before the ride.  After you check in, you will enter the start queue.  We will be starting small groups of 10 riders every few minutes.  Please plan on arriving at the Foxcroft School 20 to 30 minutes before your assigned check-in time.  This will allow you time to park, get your bike ready, and use the bathroom before you check in and start the ride. 

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Entry Fee Includes:

Awe inspiringly scenery and very little vehicle traffic.  Soak it in!Cycle through history on roads dating back to the early 1700s. 5% of GROSS funds will be donated to America's Routes, a non-profit whose mission is to help preserve Loudoun County's historic gravel roads. Super fun and well stocked aid stations complete with food, hydration, gels/bars, mechanical support, portajohns, music, and jousting (OK, well maybe not jousting).SAG and medical support along the course - we got your back!    Plentiful and energetic volunteers eager to feed and water tired and thirsty riders.  Finishers pint glass and special swag item - both are way cool.Post-ride giveaways from sponsors.

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T-Shirts, Food, and Beer

T-shirt and/or Post-Ride Meal - you decide - looking for an awesome, fully supported ride but you've got to bolt right after or you don't need another event shirt?  Well, here ya go, skip the t-shirt and meal and save some cash.  

Pre-orders for post race meal is $20.  Food options are Jeremiah's BBQ, Taco Platters – 3 tacos served with Rice and Beans (Choice of Chicken, Pork or Veggie), or Grain Bowls (Choice of Chicken, Pork or Veggie). Beer onsite sold and provided by Bike Lane Brewing (Kolsch or IPA).

Food and event shirts (limited quantities) will be available for purchase on-site FOR AN ADDITIONAL COST.

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Ride Routes

40-Mile (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35029782)

The 40 mile route starts and finishes at Foxcroft Schoo in Middleburg, VA, measures 42.4 miles of gravel and paved rural backroads and includes 2379’ of elevation gain.  In order, this ride travels through or near the towns and hamlets of St. Louis, Unison, Willisville, Trapp, Bloomfield, Bluemont, Airmont, Unison, St. Louis, and Leithtown.  40-mile riders will check-in from 9:30am-10:45am.  It will take most riders 2.5 – 4.5 hours to complete.

 

60-Mile (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35029791)

The 60 mile route starts and finishes at Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA, measures 61.3 miles of gravel and paved rural backroad and includes 3529’ of elevation gain.  In order, this ride travels through or near the towns and hamlets of St. Louis, Unison, Willisville, Trapp, Bloomfield, Bluemont, Airmont, Unison, Philomont, White Pump, Lincoln, Philomont, St. Louis, and Leithtown.  60-mile riders will check-in from 8:15am-9:30am.  It will take most riders 3.5 - 7 hours to complete.  

80-Mile (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35029799)

The 80 mile route starts and finishes at Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA, measures 78.4 miles of gravel and paved rural backroad and includes 4803’ of elevation gain.  In order, this ride travels through or near the towns and hamlets of St. Louis, Unison, Willisville, Trapp, Bloomfield, Bluemont, Airmont, Unison, Philomont, White Pump, Lincoln, Woodburn, Philomont, St. Louis, and Leithtown.  80-mile riders will check-in from 7:30am-8:15am.  It will take most riders 5 - 9 hours to complete.  

 

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Venue

Foxcroft School
22407 Foxhound Lane
Middleburg, VA 20117

The ride will stage out of the beautiful Foxcroft School located just outside the town of Middleburg.

 

Nearby Lodging

TBD

Cover Photo by Douglas Graham/WLP