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Rough Riders will return later this month for the 28th annual biking event.
Rappahannock County is gearing up to host the 28th annual Rappahannock Rough Ride, a one-day multi-course bike tour, on Saturday, Sept. 21.
This year’s event is comprised of several courses ranging in distance and difficulty. Riders can choose from two rough ride options — one 20-mile route or a new 59-mile mixed-surface route — or a 12 or 30-mile “not so rough ride.”
Proceeds from the event benefit the Fauquier Free Clinic, which provides free health, dental and mental health care in Rappahannock and Fauquier counties.
Rob Marino, executive director of Fauquier Free Clinic, said the mixed-surface ride was added this year to replace a 60-mile, mostly paved route. Marino said the new route follows the growing trend of riders wanting to bike on gravel rather than paved surface. It is also a much safer course because riders will not be sharing main roads with vehicles as much, and the ride is more scenic.
“It’s a better ride for people who have bikes that like to go off of the pavement,” Marino said. “It’s also just very beautiful.”
The Rappahannock Rough Ride is one of the clinic’s largest annual fundraisers. Marino said hosting the event in Rappahannock gives the clinic an opportunity to spread awareness about its services.
“I think it’s important to have this event in Rappahannock County, called Rappahannock Rough Ride, just to remind people in the community that if they need help, that we’re there for them,” Marino said. “The organization is called Fauquier Free Clinic, and we worry that maybe people don’t understand that they are welcome if they live in Rappahannock County too.”
All routes will start at the Washington Volunteer Fire and Rescue department, 10 Firehouse Lane, Washington. In-person registration runs from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and rides begin at 9 a.m.
Registration is open online, and riders can sign up and preview route maps on the event website, rappahannockroughride.org. Registration is $50 in advance or $60 the day of the ride. It includes breakfast from Before & After and food at rest points along the bike routes.
