
Ride Features
The Ride - 250 Years In the Making
Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to cycling events, the Waterford Bicycle Classic offers something for everyone. Choose from three thoughtfully designed routes featuring a picturesque but challenging blend of gravel roads and smooth pavement, winding through some of Loudoun County’s most historic and scenic areas. These routes will sample some of our 300+ miles of gravel roads in Loudoun county, some of which are more than 250 years old, so you'll have plenty of reason to come back.
Our routes are being developed with the support of some of the region’s most experienced and competitive gravel cyclists. The routes include:
“Half-pint.” Short Route (~20 miles)
Perfect for riders seeking a more leisurely experience or newcomers exploring their first gravel adventure. This route meanders through rolling countryside, historical landmarks, and charming farms.
“Full Pint.” Medium Route (~40 miles)
Ideal for riders looking for a bit more challenge and adventure, tapering from the race circuit, or seeking a new personal best. Featuring a balanced mix of scenic gravel and pavement, you'll traverse through breathtaking views and significant historical sites.
“The Stein.” Long Route (~60 miles)
Designed for the more ambitious cyclist, this route tests your endurance through stunning vistas, historical backdrops, and delightful rural roads that go up, down, up, down, up, down, etc. Expect rewarding climbs and exhilarating descents.
Detailed route maps and GPS files will be available soon.
The Celebration - New Friends, Great Beer, Delicious Food
After you crush the course, you'll return back to Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery, greeted by friendly WBC volunteers.
You'll receive a commemorative Chalice of the Gravel pint cup and one free pint of locally-crafted Wheatland Spring beer, and a commemorative wood medallion you can show your friends on Monday.
If you haven't visited Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, you're going to fall in love with it. The owners are passionate advocates for making local products with local ingredients supporting local businesses, all while producing award-winning beer and an unmatched experience of Waterford's warm welcome.
Food from our great friends at Pizzaria Loco will also be available for pre-purchase during registration (which we strongly recommend) and limited quantities will be available for same-day purchase.
Other information:
Packets. We will have WBC team members at Wheatland Spring Brewery signing out ride packets to riders Friday between 5 and 7pm, Saturday between 3 and 6pm, or Sunday morning starting at 630am.
Ride times. The 60-miler starts promptly at 8am. The 20- and 40-milers start at 9am.
Ride type. This is a ride, not a race, and we hope you'll enjoy the routes at a comfortable pace. This ride routes you through beautiful roads paved and unpaved, and the route will not be closed. This means you need to take care and ride like you normally ride at home - carefully, with caution, and carefully!
Weather. This is a rain-or-shine event. This event will not be canceled on account of weather. As many of you know, late October in our region is fun. It can be sunny and delightful or cold and stormy. Just be ready for both.
Routes. Our routes have been carefully designed by our some of our region's most experienced cyclists. They're bound to please even the most salty riders.
Aid stations. We will have well-stocked aid stations for each route. Expect one for the 20-miler, and three each for the 40 and 60. More details will be shared as we get closer to ride time.
We're making this event about, from, and for our community. Our goal is to put on the warmest, “localist” gravel ride in the country so you fall in love with our region, keep coming back, and start bringing all your friends.
Please email waterfordbicycle@gmail.com with any questions whatsoever.
Enjoy!