Bike Wheels to Roll Through Reston Town Center

Wheels will be turning Sunday as the Reston Town Center hosts the 28th Annual Reston Century bike event Sunday.

The Reston Century is the premiere event for the Reston Bike Club.  The Reston Century, which  will benefit local non-profit organizations,  has become a summer staple
on the regional cycling circuit.

"We expect around 1,100-1,300 riders, in line with registrations for the last five years," said Ed Robichaud, a Reston Bike Club board member.

Beneficiaries of this year's event include the Ashburn Volunteer Fire
and Rescue Department; Loudoun Amateur Radio Group; Town of
Purcellville; Town of Hamilton; Hamilton Fire and Rescue Department;
W&OD Trail; and Herndon Art Space.

Bicyclists don't have to be accomplished riders participate  in the event,
which consists of three distinct courses.

"We offer different levels and distances for all recreational riders
and have a large percentage of repeat riders," Robichaud said. "Ours
is the only local event in August and has become a fixture on many
folks' calendar."

Novice cyclists will be competing in the Half Metric Century race that spans 35 miles predominantly around Ashburn. For a greater challenge, cyclists can ride in the flat- terrain, 65-mile Metric Century, which goes as far as Hamilton.

Advanced riders - or those looking for something that resembles a stage in the Tour de France - can compete in the more difficult 102-mile Century. The Century course will roll through loops around Hamilton to Waterford, Lovettsville and Stumpton. The trail will also pass historic towns such as Leesburg, Purcellville and Round Hill.

All three courses start and finish at the Reston Town Center.

The Reston Bike Club says 98 percent of Reston Century riders complete the course.
Race festivities start rain or shine at the Reston Town Center

Century activities begin at the Reston Town Center pavilion at 6:30 a.m. All riders competing in the Century race course must start by 9 a.m. Cyclists in the Half Metric Century and Metric Century races must start before 10 a.m.

Last year,  over 1,200 riders took part in the event. This year, registration is limited to 1,500. The cost to sign up on the day of the race is $50, which includes a race T-shirt and lunch.

Routes are open to riders of all ages, but any rider below the age of
15 must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone under 18 must have a signed waiver from a guardian.

Participants should bring an extra water bottle and have a well maintained
bicycle in solid working condition. Rest stops will be situated every 15-20 miles and will provide food and drinks, along with first aid and mechanical stations to help with bicycle support and gear issues.

There will be a post-event party for riders at the RTC pavilion from 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. The party is free for riders and $15 for the general public.