LANCASTER—This fall, cyclists from across the Mid-Atlantic are invited to discover a side of the Northern Neck that is best experienced on two wheels.
LANCASTER—This fall, cyclists from across the Mid-Atlantic are invited to discover a side of the Northern Neck that is best experienced on two wheels.River Ride 2026, presented by Chesapeake Bank, will take place October 10. Riders will depart from Kilmarnock, to explore a landscape of winding wooded lanes, quiet farm roads and countryside dressed for autumn, said organizer Matt Cunningham.
Riders can choose 10-, 20-, 30-, 40- or 65-mile routes, creating options for families and casual cyclists as well as experienced riders looking for a full day on the bike.
The 10-mile beginner/casual loop will start and finish at Shiloh School and Balls Neck roads, Kilmarnock. The other options will start from Lancaster Elementary School, 191 School Street, Kilmarnock, and finish at Town Centre Park, 150 North Main Street, Kilmarnock, where riders will be able to enjoy the festivities at the town’s annual Fall Festival.
Along the way, rest stops will give participants opportunities to refuel and take in the surroundings. An interactive map powered by Ride with GPS also will be available to cyclists. An after party is planned from 6-8 p.m. at Camp Irvington, 170 White Fences Drive, Irvington.
Long known for its waterways, seafood and boating, the Northern Neck also offers miles of scenic backroads that remain relatively undiscovered as a cycling destination, said Cunningham. River Ride aims to change that by bringing back a regional cycling tradition that once drew riders from throughout Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay region.
“At one point in the 2010s, the River Ride consistently drew hundreds of riders to town,” he said. “We’re excited to show those riders–and a whole new generation of cyclists–that this area is still an incredible cycling destination.”
The ride also has a larger purpose. Proceeds will support the Northern Neck Bike Club, an organization working to create positive outdoor experiences through bikes, trails and community. Funds raised through River Ride 2026 will help support the club’s effort to develop the first public mountain bike trail system at Town Centre Park, the first such trail in the Northern Neck.
Registration fees range from $50 for the beginner/casual loop to $75 for the others. A day-of event surcharge, if offered, will be $15. Registration will cover event insurance, rest stop food and drinks, advertising and logistics, a ride t-shirt and a ticket to the after party. Additional tickets and other merchandise also are available through the website.
Registration, event details, routes. and merchandise are available www.rbcbikes.com/rr25-home.
Contact Cunningham at contact@rbcbikes.com, 513-519-0962,
or Chris Cornwell of the Northern Neck Bike Club, nnbikeclub@gmail.com, 436-3301.
