Is anybody riding in Bike Virginia this year?

Any comments on the tour from past participants?

I'm thinking about riding this year, but haven't made up my mind yet.

Hey, when is someone going to start a Mid-Atlantic thread?

Hiya! Here's some random thoughts. Be sure to check out the BV facebook page.

This will be my third year. I've had a great time, and look forward to it all winter. This year's route looks like it should be a lot of fun, with plenty of hills for those who want them.

I'm lazy, so I used the sherpa service to set up the tents and for the other services, but plenty of people enjoy using their own tents. Truthfully, sleeping in the gym doesn't seem like a bad way to go, as long as you aren't bothered by the inevitable noise. I use ear plugs, even in the tent, so that wouldn't be an issue for me.

I get the breakfast plan, but didn't bother with the evening meal plan last year, and won't this year. The meals have been only OK, like cafeteria food. I'd rather hit up the local restaurants.

The routes can be crowded, and there's a wide variation in riding skills. Some people seem to think the roads are closed to traffic and do a lot of sloppy and stupid things, like wobbling into traffic and riding 3 or 4 abreast. Don't do that crap

I always leave too early in the morning. My resolution this year is to wait an extra half an hour or so. Last year I got to some of the rest stops, and even one of the lunch stops before they were open.

BV doesn't use cue sheets. They have a nice brochure that describes the day's routes, but you can't really use it on the road for navigation. Instead you need to follow the roadside markers. Watch for them! Last year my "century ride" turned into a 112-mile effort thanks to a missed turn. (I wasn't the only one.) The optional segments are in different colors, so it's a good idea to pre-plan the day's ride in your mind the night before.

These kinds of large-group events aren't for everybody, but it's perfect for me. I get to take some time to just ride, and not worry about carrying too much stuff around, or finding hotels, or driving long distances etc.

Hope you can make it! I think they only have about 100 or so more spots available and registration closes on June 6.

I'm signed up for Bike Virginia this year. It's my first BV, but I've ridden in the area of this year's route before and it is pretty country with decent climbs. I didn't sign up for any of the meal plans as I like to sample the local cusine when touring and it's generally less expensive. Eg, I never spend $10/day on breakfast. I am camping out but won't be ashamed to use the gym if the weather turns very wet. Earplugs are essential if you are camping, indoors or out.

I will be doing this ride and see that the routes are posted on mapmyride, should I print these now. I thought I'd get a cue sheet at the ride? I don't like worrying abut viewing the arrows too much.

They don't use cue sheets at BV. You'll have a hard time getting lost though. There will be plenty of other riders on the routes, and the signs at the turns are really easy to follow. I only got lost once last year That turned a 100 mile ride into a 112 mile ride though...

If you feel more comfortable printing out the mapmyride stuff, that's fine, but you probably won't need them.

Have fun!

This will be my 4th year of BikeVa. Sunny2, you really don't need cue sheets at all. The routes are very well marked. Just remember the color of your chosen distance. I find it much better than cue sheets actually because I can just enjoy the ride and not worry about how many miles to the next turn.

BikeVa is the best-organized and supported ride I've been on. They really know what they are doing.