Oink At The Moon

OVERVIEW: 

Come join us for the VeloPigs Beer and Bicycle Social Club’s 4th annual Oink At The Moon! This ride is a non-competitive NIGHT GRAVEL ride that takes place on the rural farm roads of western Loudoun County.

This ride originally began as a single, standalone charity ride in October 2020. VeloPigs’ founder, Kasey Clark, attempted to ride every gravel road in Loudoun County (over 285 miles!) in a single day. The ride was a success and raised significant funds for America’s Routes, a Loudoun-based non-profit whose mission is to protect and preserve these historic roads.

In 2021, to pay homage to Kasey’s big ride, the VeloPigs organized a night gravel century and opened it to club members. Each year since, Oink At The Moon has continued to grow into one of the highlights of the Loudoun County cycling calendar. It is a true grassroots gravel event. We do this just because it's rad and we love it - not to turn a profit. And we would love for you to come share this experience with us!

This year we are being hosted by VeloPigs’ brewery sponsor, Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery. They have graciously allowed us to start and end our ride at their venue and have agreed to stay open late to accommodate this event. Food and drinks will be available for purchase before and after the ride from Wheatland Spring – please support them for supporting us!

Even if you’ve ridden Loudoun’s gravel before (perhaps every Saturday morning with the VeloPigs), riding at night completely changes the experience. Prepare for an exhilarating new adventure traversing some of the lost corners of the county and camaraderie you can only find on a ride like this!

 

DETAILS:

The ride will take place on open roads, both gravel and paved. We will begin approximately one hour before sunset and will finish well after dark. Riders are expected to follow all rules of the road and act as responsible stewards for the sport of cycling. The route will be unmarked, though GPS routes are provided (see below). Road conditions will range from hardpack (almost as smooth as pavement) to sometimes deep, loose gravel with potholes and washboard. We recommend at least a 32mm tire width, though 35-40mm is ideal. We also recommend tubeless tires - changing a flat in the dark is not easy!

Riders are expected to have appropriate fitness, equipment, and bike handling skills to complete their selected route. Mechanical support will be provided before the ride at Wheatland Spring by VeloPigs’ bike shop sponsor, Plum Grove Cyclery. SAG support will be available for riders who experience mechanical difficulties and are unable to complete the ride.

There are no designated rest stops, though each route passes by several convenience stores. Riders are expected to bring their own hydration and nutrition, and/or money to purchase more from any of the convenience stores along the way.

We have two route options (63 miles and 40 miles, see below), each with two pace groups. Each pace group will have one or more ride leaders to set the pace, provide guidance, and assist riders as needed. Ride leaders will stop for several minutes at each convenience store to allow riders to purchase more hydration and nutrition as needed. Riders are encouraged, but not required, to stick with their ride leaders.

The VeloPigs follow the “Mullet Protocol” for all our rides: business at the front, party at the back. The metric century (63 mile) route will have two pace groups: THE BUSINESS (average speed 16+ mph) and Business Casual (average speed 14-15 mph). The 40-mile route will also have two pace groups: Business Casual (average speed 14-15 mph) and Party Pace (average speed 12-14 mph). Please register for the route and pace that will best suit your riding abilities.

Riders are asked to stage in the gravel parking lot 5-10 minutes before the ride begins. Groups will roll out at 5-minute intervals to avoid congesting the small roads with too many riders.

We have set the registration fees to run this event at cost. Your registration fee will cover the cost of permitting and insuring the event through USA Cycling, and will allow Wheatland Spring to stay open late to accommodate our event. Please consider donating to the VeloPigs on the registration page, as you are able, so we can continue to host fun bike rides like this one! Riders are encouraged to purchase food and drinks from Wheatland Spring before or after the ride to thank them for hosting us. Registration may be edited or transferred at no charge up until the day before the event, however refunds will not be granted. If you would like to participate in this ride but are unable to cover the registration cost, please contact the Event Director.

 

ROUTES:

63 Miles (Metric Century): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48094173

40 Miles: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48094917

 

RULES:Do good.Be kind.In case of emergency, dial 911.All riders and volunteers must sign the USA Cycling waiver.All riders must check in at the registration tent prior to beginning their ride and again at the end of the ride.All riders must complete their ride no later than 11pm. The brewery will close at 11:30.Front (white) and rear (red) lights are REQUIRED. Lights will be available for purchase from Plum Grove Cyclery.Helmets are REQUIRED.Riders must abide by all rules of the road. Yes, that includes stop signs.No outside food or beverage allowed at Wheatland Spring (hydration and nutrition for the ride are acceptable).Intoxication during the ride is strictly forbidden. Riders who choose to consume alcoholic beverages before the ride must do so responsibly and may be asked to leave by a ride leader or the Event Director if they pose a safety risk.Obey ride leaders’ instructions – they’re there to keep you safe.

 

FAQs:

Q: Is this a race?
A: No.

Q: Is there a KOM competition or other competitive aspect to this event?
A: No.

Q: So what's the point?
A: Because it's fun to ride bikes in the dark with friends!

Q: But can I ride fast if I want to?
A: Of course! THE BUSINESS is our faster group. It may be quite spicy at the pointy end.

Q: Do I need a USAC license to participate in this event?
A: No.

Q: Do I have to stay with my group's ride leader?
A: No, but we encourage it. They're there to provide guidance and offer riders assistance if needed.

Q: Is parking available on site?
A: Yes. Carpooling is encouraged.

Q: Are restrooms available on site?
A: Yes.

Q: How late will Wheatland Spring stay open?
A: Until 11:30pm.

Q: What time is last call?
A: 11:00pm.

Q: Can my friend/spouse/significant other come join for drinks afterward?
A: Yes, we encourage it!

Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Yes. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Q: Are kids/families allowed?
A: Yes!

Q: Does my registration include food and drinks?
A: No, but food and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from Wheatland Spring.

Q: Will there be rest stops during the ride?
A: There are a few convenience stores along the route. Ride leaders will stop for several minutes at each one to allow riders to purchase hydration and nutrition as needed.

Q: So what exactly am I getting for my registration fee?
A: Primarily, insurance coverage (through USAC) and a place to host the ride (Wheatland Spring). Plus a small token of our appreciation.

Q: What's stopping me from just showing up and riding without registering?
A: You wouldn't do that because you're an ethical person with moral standards, who understands that a tremendous amount of work goes into putting on even a small event like this, and that “banditing” an event is stealing from the organizer :)

Q: Will there be day-of (walk up) registration?
A: Unfortunately no, all registrations must be completed electronically before the event. If you miss the registration deadline please contact the Event Director and we may be able to accomodate you.

Q: If I decide to ride a different route or with a different pace group, can I edit my registration?
A: Yes.

Q: If I can't make it, can I transfer my registration to another rider?
A: Yes.

Q: Is there a fee to edit or transfer my registration?
A: No.

Q: When is the registration/edit/transfer deadline?
A: October 18, 2024 at 5pm EST.

Q: If I can't make it, can I cancel my registration for a refund?
A: Unfortunately, no. There are significant fixed costs organizing an event like this (principally permitting and insurance) which have already been paid. As much as we would love to offer refunds, we have to recoup our costs for organizing the event. We may consider offering a refund if and only if there are riders on the waitlist at the time of your request.

Q: What if the weather sucks?
A: The event will run rain or shine. Dress accordingly!