My wife has a job opportunity in Reston, Virginia (we're from Ontario, Canada) and I'm wondering what the cycling culture is like in and around there. Currently I race competitively in the Provincial circuit here in Ontario. I'm wondering if anyone from the area can give me some insight about the races, culture, clubs and terrain of this area. I know almost nothing about the races in the US aside from the standard organizational structure (cat 5,4,3,2,1 etc). Basically what I'd like to know is if there is good riding in that area (hills, good roads, etc) and if there are a reasonable number of races (not just local and club races but points and UCI or equivalent sanctioned events) within a reasonable driving distance. 8 hours is about the most I have to travel for provincial races here in Ontario. Somewhere around that would be great. It doesn't have to be an exhaustive list of all the races but just a simple, "Yea, you'll have your fill," is fine.

Cheers,

AD

Note: I forgot mention that I'm referring to road cycling and racing (crits, RRs, TTs, etc.). Not so much concerned with MTB or Cyclocross unless it's particularly awesome in that area.

I don't live in that area anymore but Reston, being a suburb of DC should have a pretty good cycling scene. Check the USCF (US cycling) for sanctioned races in the area. You can also check this site - https://www.bikereg.com . It is used by a lot of races here on the east coast. I lived closer in to DC years ago and traffic-free roads are hard to find, but once you get out into the country, pretty nice riding. Gentle rollers in that region with the Blue Ridge Mountains a little less than an hour away (by car).

If you're willing to drive 8 hours, you'll find plenty of races, you'll probably find enough if you're willing to drive 4 hours.

Years ago there was a fairly aggressive circuit ride, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Hanes Point in DC. Only group ride I can remember but that was a long time ago and I was more into mountain biking then.

Aweseome. Thanks for the info.

You might want to post in the race forum as well.

I don't race, but there are a few events around DC I've heard of. The Air Force Classic (formerly Clarendon Cup) is the big one. There has also be one in Tysons Corner, but I don't know who sponsors that one.
The Air Force Association Cycling Classic | CyclingClassic.org

There are also many non-race tours, like the Reston Century (which starts and ends at the Reston Town Center). The Reston Bike club will have info later.
https://restonbicycleclub.wildapricot.org/

There are also many clubs and teams in the area.
Potomac Pedalers
District Velocity Racing | A cycling team and club in Washington, DC.
District of Columbia Velo Club
https://evolutioncycling.wordpress.com/
NCVC - National Capital Velo Club

And for general info
Washington Area Bicyclist Association | Advocacy and Education in the Washington Area
Bike Washington

Hope that helps