There's no better place to celebrate May being National Bike Month than the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains!

As the Mountain Biking Capital of the East, home to "America's Favorite Drive," and a region that always has exciting biking events on the calendar, Virginia's Blue Ridge features a contagious cycling culture.

May was established as National Bike Month in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists as a way to highlight the many features of bicycling, both for functional and recreational purposes.

Our passion for biking in Virginia's Blue Ridge is strong throughout the year, but it's especially noticeable in May, and we invite you to join the cycling spirit!

Here are 5 fun ways you can celebrate National Bike Month in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

1. Bike Shorts Film Festival

Now in its 6th year, the Bike Shorts Film Festival is one of the most unique bike-related events in the region. Held at the iconic Grandin Theatre, this festival features short, bike-focused films that are produced by local, national and international filmmakers.

Prepare to receive some biking inspiration at this year's festival, which takes place on Friday, May 6.

2. Guided Biking Excursions with Roanoke Mountain Adventures

Roanoke-Mountain-Biking

The experts at Roanoke Mountain Adventures are an incredible resource to connect you with the many ways you can enjoy biking in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

This local outdoor outfitter provides the perfect biking gear to rent, shuttle service to the best trail areas, and even offers the option of guided biking trips that will be customized to suit your skills and riding preferences.

3. Virginia's Blue Ridge Downtown Twilight Criterium

 

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You won't want to miss the inaugural Virginia's Blue Ridge Downtown Twilight Criterium, taking place on May 21. The high-speed, spectator-friendly race will host professional cyclists from around the country who will compete on the Downtown Roanoke course as the sun sets.

However, it's not just a cycling race! A full day of fun activities are planned, including a Beer Mile Fun Run, Adult Big Wheel Relay Race, and live music on an outdoor stage located in the middle of the race course. 

4. Join a Weekly Ride with a Local Biking Chapter

 

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It's easy to find local biking enthusiasts in Virginia's Blue Ridge, as local biking chapters and organizations host rides throughout the week.

Whether it's the fun of The Famous Tuesday Night Beer Ride with the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, or one of the regular Mountain Bike Rides at Carvins Cove organized by Roanoke IMBA, you'll feel right at home in our local biking community. 

5. Explore the Trails

Mountain Biking in Roanoke

Hundreds of miles of roadways and trails are waiting to be explored in Virginia's Blue Ridge!

An incredible collection of parks and trail systems are part of what makes us the Mountain Biking Capital of the East, and you can experience it for yourself with a day of riding at Carvins Cove or Mill Mountain Park.

If you prefer road biking, plan an adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway or pedal your way along the portion of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail that winds through the region.


To learn more about planning your next adventure on two wheels, visit our Biking section and subscribe to our e-newsletter to keep up with all the exciting things happening in Virginia's Blue Ridge!