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Who Rides?
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Bicycling and Barbeque is a non-competitive cycling event held on the roads in and around Galax, Virginia. Last year's participants ranged in age from 12 to 80 all of whom completed the ride successfully. |
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Ride Where?
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We ride on paved roads in and around Galax. Although we provide support vehicles, volunteers, police, etc... the roads are open to traffic. We have carefully chosen this year's routes to include scenic, lightly traveled backroads where there will almost certainly be more miles pedalled than cars seen. This year cyclists will visit the outlying communities of Carsonville, Peach Bottom, Independence, Pine Mountain, Delhart, Savanah, and Fairview.
All routes begin at 9:30 at the Galax Recreation Center on Main Street
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Routes?
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We have routes for every level of rider. Beginning cyclists will enjoy the Delhart valley/Fairview loop while experienced cyclists looking for a challenging ride will "enjoy" combining both loops into a wonderfully challenging 64 mile ride.
One of the things that sets Bicycling and Barbeque apart from other rides is our routing. Specifically, we allow you to choose your route during the ride. At several points during the ride you can choose to add or eliminate mileage. Feeling good -- add on loop #2. Having a challenging day -- cut back the mileage, and still enjoy the day by riding only loop #1 (46 miles) or loop #2 (25 miles).
This year we will offer the same 25 mile loop #2 as last year. This year loop #1 expands to46 miles. Experienced cyclists should combine loops #1 and #2 for a total of 65 miles. Terrain varies from rolling along the river and creek vallies to long climbs to typically appalachian short, steep walls. Loop #1 has several very steep ridge climbs (and subsequent very steep descents) and, by your request, include one additional long climb. See the route maps and profiles by clicking the graphics above.
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Support?
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We take pride in supporting Bicycling and Barbque with friendly expertise. You will see SAG vehicles on every route. There will be a mechanic at the start of the ride as well as circulating thoughout the routes and rest stops. There will be at least three rest stops fully stocked with plenty of goodies and friendly volunteers. We will also offer fresh porta-johns at each rest stop. No left-over constuction site facilities for us!
The routes will be marked with paint on the road surface and supplemented by vertical signage in important areas. Each rider will be given a cue sheet at registration.
Again this year, we will have a police escort out of Galax at the start of the ride and a following mechanic's car to ensure a safe passage out of the city.
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Post-Ride?
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Our event doesn't stop after you unclip from the pedals. We offer clean showers at the newly renovated Galax Recreation Center. After your shower, come by the registration area for a free BBQ lunch including last year's hit - the pound cake assortment. Leave your car parked and walk two blocks to the festival. Plan on spending the afternoon exploring downtown Galax and stay for the evening's outdoor concert (performers to be announced). |
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New this year?
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In direct response to last year's riders we have improved our event for 2008.
- We have simplified the routes (loop #1, loop #2, or loop #1+ #2). Last year's "challenge loop" is now part of loop #2 (all but three riders chose the challenge last year).
- Larger arrows -- this year the arrows will be twice as large, in brighter paint, and located farther in front of the turns.
- 2 Cash Prizes! BBBQ is not a race but we thought a few "performance" prizes would add to the fun. There will be two random drawings for cash: one drawing for the 1st ten riders to complete the entire route and one drawing for all other riders. That's right, riding faster will increase your chances of winning the money!
- Electronic timing -- Details to be announced soon.
- New finishing line will eliminate the downhill speedbumps and instead will finish on a flat (sprinting) road!
- Categorized climbs -- you asked for it! We'll catagorize the climbs and put KOM lines at the top so that you can challenge your riding partners.
- Lower prices! That's right, for 2008 there will be no upcharge for ride-day registration. It seems that lots of you don't like to preregister and we're going to make it better for you. There will have to be an ordering date for T-Shirts so pre-registering will ensure that you receive all of the goodies. Pre-registering also really helps me plan the ride-day logistics (please).
- Pre-register 5 riders and the 6th rider is free! Take the free entry or split the price break between 6 riders. (This offer only for mail-in preregistration. Please include all 6 entries in one envelope.)
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Who Benefits?
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All proceeds benefit the Free Clinic of the Twin Counties (our area's only provider of free medical care to local residents who can't afford any other option). Galax Outdoors is proud to be a sponsor of this year's event and will be providing all ride services for the Free Clinic. The Free Clinic is staffed by a dedicated group of medical professionals who donate their time, expertise, and materials to ensure quality health care. A large portion of the funds raised by our event are used to underwrite the cost of prescription medicines (which aren't donated) for free clinic patients. |
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Cost
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All of the fun of last year with the improvements of this year offered to you at the same price. That's right, no price increase. With the support of our sponsors we are able to add to the event without charging you more. Our motto is "more pedal for your drive". This year there is no upcharge for ride-day registration. Don't wonder about where your money goes. Checks are made out directly to the Free Clinic of Galax and are tax-exempt to the fullest extent of the law. Online registration is processed by ActiveZach and payment is made directly by them to the Free Clinic. (The Free Clinic is a 501c3 organization)
$30 in advance and on day of the ride (pre-registration will ensure that you receive all of the goodies).
Pre-registrer 5 riders and the 6th goes for free! (Please send all 6 registrations in one envelope).
Online Registration is now open!
2008 Mail-In Registration Form
Ride Day registration opens at 8:00 a.m. at the Galax Recreation Center on Main Street in Downtown Galax.
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Directions
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We'll be adding driving directions to the start of Bicycling and Barbeque soon. |
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Lodging
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Contact us for a list of local hotels, cabins, and bed and breakfast choices. |
