What is Bike the Gravel?
“A one-of-a-kind ride on scenic gravel roads through gorgeous private properties of Loudoun and Fauquier Counties that are all in conservation easement and only viewable on this day! There is no other ride like this in the world.”
This ride started and ended at The Virginia Tech Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MARE), Middleburg, Virginia. Presented by the Land Trust of Virginia.
Bike the Gravel Ride Experience Video
Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription
In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew rides the 7th edition of Bike the Gravel, Middleburg, Virginia. An absolutely amazing ride sans racing, pro riders, prize money, and so on. Grass roots gravel cycling that supports an excellent cause, thank you Land Trust of Virginia!
Continued from Above:
The ride consists of three routes ranging in distance and traveling through beautiful private properties in North Virginia. Tourist (20 – 25 miles), Traveler (30 – 35 miles), and Cross Country (60 – 65 miles).
What Makes Riding through a Property So Special?
“Each year, we secure five or more properties in conservation easements. These are large tracks of land with interesting topography and structures, and many have a unique history and notable conservation values. It’s not uncommon for these properties to have buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, and several are working farms or equestrian centers.”
“Each property is immaculately kept and traversed with gravel roads, which allow us to interconnect our course from one property to the next and offer gravel segments that are often 10 to 15 miles long.”
About Land Trust of Virginia
“Founded in 1992, Land Trust of Virginia was formed out of concern that our beautiful countryside, agricultural fields, and historic sites were being lost to development. Volunteers rallied to contact private landowners and encourage them to permanently retire their properties’ development potential through a legal process called a conservation easement. These easement documents are recorded in the land records and forever travel with the property’s ownership.”
“Bike the Gravel is designed to highlight the effectiveness of LTV’s work protecting land with permanent conservation easements. For this event, we offer supported bike rides on the many local gravel roads and one-day access to several local estates protected with conservation easements. This allows our hundreds of riders to see these protected farms and resources up close; a unique experience only offered with Bike the Gravel.”
About The Virginia Tech Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MARE)
“This 420-acre working farm, protected by a conservation easement, was given to VT by Mr. Paul Mellon in 1949. Its sprawling acreage of rolling hills, meadows, and paddocks is located at 5527 Sullivan’s Mill Road in Middleburg, VA. The MARE Center conducts important equine research and plays a major role in supporting local equine businesses and traditions.”
About Middleburg, Virginia
“Middleburg was established in 1787, and its main road, Washington Street, looks much the same as it did when it was founded. Middleburg is the epicenter of gravel riding in Loudoun County, with access to over 300 miles of unimproved gravel roads.” – https://middleburgva.gov/visit
Reminder: ALWAYS BE A STEWARD FOR GRAVEL CYCLING: Respect the roads, respect the locals, respect the land, respect your fellow cyclists.
Additional Photos
Learn more at the Land Trust of Virginia Website
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Links of Interest:
- Land Trust of Virginia
- Middleburg, Virginia
- North Florida Freeride Gravel Series
- How to Create Amazing & Fun Gravel Routes!
- Gravel Cyclist’s Route Library
- Gravel Bike Tire / Tyre Pressure Recommendations
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