Rapha D.C. + Bluemont Connection Gravel Ride
The gravel cycling scene is exploding all over the country, due largely in part to city dwellers who want to break out of their urban day-to-day environment, into the wide open surrounding countryside. While paved roads are often frantic and hazardous, with high volumes of traffic, rural roads provide for a more pleasant, beautiful and enjoyable riding experience. However, getting from city to country can be an intimidating step into the unknown. Enter The Bluemont Connection. Founded in 2015, by Eric Brewer and his wife, the company originally began as a touring business, with the purpose of setting up the logistics to help DC cyclists get out into the countryside. Brewer explored Loudoun County country roads together by bike with Chris Tank, who was later brought on board to assist with the route planning. For Brewer, the region holds special significance, as his mother grew up in the area, a connection which strengthened the pull to ride there more often.
While bike rentals and both group and individual cycling classes are available through the Bluemont Connection, the business also organizes expert-led, non-competitive group rides out in the picturesque countryside surrounding Washington D.C. After a first exposure to the experience out on the country roads, cyclists are often eager to return for more. It's all about the community and just getting out to have a great time together. As opposed to busy city streets, gravel roads offer the ability to communicate more easily with fellow riders and build friendships. And while there's sometimes optional competition within the group, it's not just the boys club, with a good balance of men and women. Partnering with District Cycle Works and Rapha (RCC) in D.C., beginners and experienced cyclists alike are assisted with the set up of proper equipment necessary for a safe and enjoyable ride.
On Sunday, March 1st, 2020, about 40 cyclists from across the region met up at Market Salamander, in Middleburg, at ten o'clock in the morning, to set out together with the Bluemont Connection and fellow riders. The sun was out, the sky was blue and the temps started off in the upper 20s F (-2° C), and reached the 50s F (12° C) later on. Two route options were available, including a shorter 38-miles (62km), with an elevation of ~2600 ft (790m) and 50-miles (80km), reaching ~3600 ft (1100m). Both routes led riders through Philemont and included a pitstop at the Bluemont General Store. The experience provided a fun way to get out on the open roads, to socialize with fellow gravel riders.
For those looking for an opportunity to get connected to the group, check out the upcoming B3 - Bikes Beers Banjos gravel event hosted by Bluemont Connection in Lost River, West Virginia.
Be sure to check out the video for this blog post and stay tuned as we cover more gravel cycling events coming up this year!
- Wiehan
