RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, along with cycling enthusiasts, announced the first annual RVA to DC ride set for July 23-24 on the steps of the Capitol Wednesday.
The two-day ride will start at Sports Backers Stadium in Scott’s Addition and take bicyclers on a 156-mile route to Gateway Park in Arlington.
“We want more people on bicycles, it’s obviously better for the environment,” Governor McAuliffe said, “We are trying to be a leader here in the United States of America showing Virginia leads on healthy lifestyles and doing what we can for the environment.”
The announcement arrived on the heels of the UCI Road World Championship in September, which made a $161 million impact to the region, according to one study. The 10-day event brought in 645,000 people and generated $3 million in tax revenue.
Agee's Bicycles in Carytown said during the race they saw their sales double.
“The week before people were told roads would be shut down and wouldn’t have a place to park. So they bought a bike to get to work which was nice," Erin Sheehan, a sales associate at Agee's, said.
Sheehan said she expects the “RVA to DC” event to bring out more sales, as well.
But, at least one restaurant said they saw their bottom line suffer during the event. Can Can Restaurant in Carytown Manager Sho-Dan Epps says his regulars left town or stayed home when they heard of the thousands of people expected to enter the region from around the world.
“We were fully stocked in the kitchen, we were fully stocked in floor staff, we had extra people in the kitchen,” Epps said. “And the people weren't actually coming into the restaurant. We saw a slight diminish.”
The ride will help support bike and pedestrian safety and infrastructure projects throughout the Commonwealth, according to Sports Backers Communications Manager Pete Woody.
“Virginia has so much to offer visitors, including culture, performing arts, great culinary experiences, and outdoor activities, and 'RVA to DC' will be another great addition for visitors," Virginia Tourism Corporation President and CEO Rita McClenny said.
Registration pricing through June 30 is $150, July 1- July 20 is $165, and walk-up registration is $180. The cost includes course routing, baggage transportation, and overnight camping in Fredericksburg. Click here for more information about the event.
