1 cycling event in Kilmarnock, Virginia

DATE AND LOCATION

The ride is on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Riders choosing the full event ticket can choose from four distance options (20, 29, 40, and 65 miles), each visiting some of the most scenic backroads in the region.

• Start and Finish for the 20-mile, 29-mile, 40-mile, and metric century routes:

Lancaster Elementary School, 191 School Road, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.

Newer and casual riders may register for a Beginner/Casual Ride, a 10-mile loop on quiet farm roads that starts and ends at historic Shiloh School.

• Start and Finish for the Beginner/Casual Ride:

Shiloh School, State Rte. 606, Kilmarnock, VA 22482

REGISTRATION FEES

20-mile, 29-mile, 40-mile, and metric century routes: $75

Beginner/Casual Ride: $50

Day-of Event surcharge (if offered), Registration fee + $15

WHAT DOES MY REGISTRATION COVER ?

Event insurance, rest stop food & drinks, advertising and logistics, and ride T-shirt.

A portion of your entry fee will benefit the Northern Neck Bike Club, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on building trails, mentoring youth, and empowering our community through cycling.

IS THERE A T-SHIRT FOR SALE?

Yes, each registrant will receive a T-shirt. You can purchase additional T-shirts for non-riding friends and family during registration.

River Ride 2026 participants may also purchase a club-cut cycling jersey for $70 during registration.

Depending on size and quantity, T-shirts and jerseys purchased after Sept. 15 may be mailed to participants after the event.

THE ROUTES

The event will feature four course options: a 10-mile beginner/casual route, and main routes of 20, 29, 40 and 65 (metric century) miles. All routes wind through some of the most scenic and peaceful roads in Virginia’s Northern Neck.

RideWithGPS will be available to all participants, and the course will be marked with painted arrows before and after every turn. Preliminary maps are available here: River Ride 2026 Preliminary Routes. Final versions will be published the week prior to the event.

STOPS/TREATS/RIDE SUPPORT

Well-stocked rest stops will be available along the routes, each offering essential supplies and a warm, helpful team of volunteers. Our SAG (Support and Gear) team will be monitoring the routes for your safety.

Afterwards, enjoy Kilmarnock’s Fall Festival at Town Centre Park, and then join us at CAMP Irvington for the River Ride After Party from 6:00-8:00.

CAN I CHECK IN EARLY ?

Yes. We offer early check-in from 6:00pm–8:00pm on Saturday, October 10 at Lancaster Elementary School.

WHEN CAN I CHECK IN ON RIDE DAY ?

Check-in opens at 6:30am at Lancaster Elementary School. Please park first, then come to the check-in table and pick up your t-shirt and rider packet. A ride concierge will be available answer questions about the routes and provide safety information.

WHEN CAN I START THE RIDE?

Check-in opens at 6:30am and closes at 9:00 am.

After checking in, riders depart at their own pace, but should plan their ride so they finish no later than 3:00pm.

The last rest stop will close at 4:00pm. Our support vehicles will sweep the course throughout the event day to ensure all riders return safely.

WHERE DO I PARK ?

Registration/Check-in/Main Ride: Please park at Lancaster Elementary School, or in the Town of Kilmarnock parking lot on the corner of West Church Street and School Street.

Beginner/Casual Ride: (Please check-in at Lancaster Elementary School before driving to the beginner/casual ride start). Park in the designated parking area at Shiloh School. Due to the heavy cycling traffic at this location, a volunteer will guide you to safely depart from the parking area when you have finished your ride.

ARE RESTROOMS AVAILABLE AT THE START?

Yes, the elementary school has agreed to open restrooms during check-in and registration. Additional port-a-potties will be provided, if needed.

REFUNDS/DEFERRALS/TRANSFERS

As with most events of this caliber, there are no refunds. This is a rain or shine event. In the unlikely event that the ride must be canceled due to extreme weather (hurricanes, flooding, etc.), participants may receive credit toward registration for the make-up date, if scheduled, or toward the 2026 River Ride.

ARE E-BIKES ALLOWED?

Yes. Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes are allowed because they are pedal-assisted. Mopeds, scooters, and throttle-activated Class 2 e-bikes are not allowed.

ARE HELMETS REQUIRED ?

Yes. An ANSI or SNELL certified helmet is required when riding a bike during this event. All Virginia traffic laws must also be followed.

CAN MY YOUNG CHILDREN RIDE ALONG ?

River Ride 2026 includes a 10-mile beginner-friendly route that takes place on quiet farm roads; children under the age of 18 who participate in this route must be comfortable riding on open roads, and must be accompanied by a parent who must sign a waiver on their behalf. Children in baby seats or trailers are not permitted.

IS FOOD PROVIDED ?

Yes. Every rest stop will be stocked with water and a variety of snacks. Also, the 20-, 29-, 40-, and 65-mile routes pass by convenience stores, farm markets, and agribusinesses that may be open on the day of the ride.

Riders planning to complete the metric century route should select a box lunch option during registration. That lunch will be ready for them at the lunch stop (Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern).

WHO DO I CONTACT IN CASE OF A CHALLENGE ALONG THE ROUTE ?

Because cell service can be limited, we strongly encourage riders to stay in groups. If assistance is needed, call the number on your wristband at 804-480-2776. Our team will locate and support you. We also have volunteers and HAM radio operators driving the course to provide SAG support. If you need SAG support, please stay in a safe location along the route and watch for a SAG vehicle to come by.

WHERE CAN I STAY OVERNIGHT ?

The Northern Neck has a wonderful variety of lodging options, from boutique hotels and waterfront rentals to world-class luxury lodging. Visit Virginia’s River Realm to learn more about lodging options for the ride weekend.

CAN I VOLUNTEER TO HELP?

Absolutely! We’d love your support. Please click here to contact the River Ride team directly.