The 50 States Ride

Presented by Signal Financial Federal Credit Union

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This bucket-list ride sells out every year. The 50 States Ride is an urban adventure by bicycle, and a crowning achievement for many area bicyclists. It can be a tough ride, but with good company—and, you have the chance to make friends in every state! This ride is a community event where riders encourage one another and share in the feeling of biking through our nation’s capital.

Register

As WABA’s biggest event of the year, the 50 States Ride helps further WABA’s mission and impact. The ride embodies the spirit of community and inclusion that is core to WABA’s mission of growing bicycling throughout the region. And, your registration fees  support WABA’s advocacy, education, and outreach work that makes bicycling more safe, fun, and accessible around the region!

Choose from one of three routes that take you all over DC:

All riders are welcome to join WABA at the post-ride celebration in Adams Morgan to pick up a free treat, and swap stories of this gripping ride!

Fine Print

The 50 States Ride will take place rain or shine. There will be no refunds, exchanges or transfers for this event, even in the event of inclement weather. Helmets are required for all riders.

You must be a current dues-paying WABA member to participate in this ride. Each WABA member is allowed one non-member guest only. Children under 12 may join you at no additional cost. You can become a member with your registration below or at waba.org/join!

Do you need accommodations to make this ride accessible to you? Contact Cyrus Chimento at events@waba.org.

Read our FAQs below for more details!

Volunteer

Scroll through the volunteer jobs below to find one that works for you. If the timing works, feel free to sign up for more than one!

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I registered for the 50 States Ride?

All registrants receive a confirmation email after they complete registration online. If you personally registered but have not received a confirmation, please check your spam folder, then email events@waba.org to confirm your registration.

What’s included with VIP registration?

All the usual good stuff (including lunch) plus:

• Exclusive 50 States Cycling Cap—not available any other time!
• Expedited VIP morning check-in with VIP wristband
• Special breakfast treat to get you ready for the ride
• Free beer at the post-ride celebration!*

*You’re a grown up. We know you can handle this, but please drink responsibly.

Is this a supported ride?

The 50 States Ride is an unsupported ride—we will not have a SAG (Support And Gear) van to pick you up during the ride. If there is a medical emergency, call 911.

There will be ride marshals along the route to ride with you and guide you in the right direction. (There are a LOT of turns, though, and you should plan to miss a few!) There will also be paper cue sheets and turn-by-turn Ride with GPS directions available. Ensure that you have a loaded Smartcard, cab fare, charged phone, and/or a friend or family member who can pick you up in case you cannot complete the ride.

Is there a cutoff time for riding?

Since this is an unsupported ride, we will not cut you off. However, the pit stops have closing times. We suggest showing up at the beginning of check-in so that you have the maximum amount of time to ride.

Will roads be closed to cars during the ride?

No. You will be riding on roads and trails with other vehicles and users during this ride. Don’t feel confident riding next to cars? Look into our City Cycling classes to increase your comfort level! (They’re free for WABA members!)

Will I get a refund if it’s raining?

No. The 50 States Ride is a rain or shine event!

Is the 50 States Ride a fundraiser?

Yes! Our signature events, like the 50 States, are the only rides we organize for WABA members that cost money for members. All proceeds from this event benefit WABA and the work that we do to make bicycling safer and more fun in the region. Don’t know much about our work? Read about our advocacy, education, and outreach work and keep up to date on our latest projects on our blog.

Can I apply for a scholarship for this ride?

Through our Free Ride Fund we provide free rides to community members who could otherwise not participate. This is one way that WABA is making sure that bicycling in the DC region is accessible to everyone. If you want a free ride, or, if you want to donate to the Free Ride Fund but already registered, contact Cyrus Chimento at events@waba.org.

Are children allowed on this ride?

Children ages 11 and under can ride for free, accompanied by an adult. The accompanying adult must register themselves and the child(ren), be present at check-in with their entire group, check-in the youth riding with them, and sign a waiver on their behalf. Children twelve and older must be registered independently (at a reduced rate), and check in with a guardian who will sign a waiver on their behalf. WABA members can bring as many children as they can manage!

Will you feed me?

Riders receive snacks and water at each pit stop. There will be food available for purchase at the post-ride celebration. If you want additional snacks or meals, please plan to pack or buy them along the route. Food and drink options at local businesses along the route will be plentiful—feel free to make your own pit stops! Please note: we do not provide bottled water. You must bring your own water bottles. Restrooms are available at each pit stop.

Where can I find information about the routes?

We will post the routes to this webpage as soon as they are finalized. Riders will receive access to online files of the route the week leading up to the event, and a paper cue sheet at check-in.

Do I have to stop at stop signs?

Yes. We can’t control what you do on the roads, but, through participating in a WABA ride, you are setting an example for other road users. We ask you to ride safely, respectfully, and lawfully to maximize safety for all the ride participants and other trail and road users.

Stop at all red lights and stop signs. Always yield to pedestrians. Use hand signals when turning. Communicate verbally with other riders. Do not ride more than two abreast, and do not take up more than one lane of travel. When riding on sidewalks, trails, or paths, be cautious when passing other users and slow down.

How do I ride in the city?

To get familiar with riding in the city, take a WABA City Cycling class (free for WABA members)! You can also find video tutorials on city cycling on the League of American Bicyclists’ website.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes. WABA’s insurance requires it. This is standard for organized rides across the country. Learn how to properly fit your helmet here. (We can help at check-in, too.)

I’m not sure my bike is ready for this.

We’ll have bike mechanics at check-in, who can help you get air in your tires and make any quick adjustments. Or, you can bring your bike to a participating shop and use your WABA coupon for a tune-up! Email membership@waba.org for details.

Is the route signed?

No, but we do our best to make the route directions clear and comprehensive. If you get lost, you can check the map on your phone, or hang out for a few minutes and see if you can connect with a rider or marshal who is familiar with the area.

Can I take shortcuts?

Of course! There are many places throughout the ride where you can skip a few miles if you’re tired. Furthermore, there’s no shame in bailing out early. You should do however much of the ride you feel good about—don’t push yourself to ride until you’re not having fun. Just join us at the post-ride celebration!

Can I change which route I signed up for?

Yes! Just show up at the correct start time for the route you’d like to ride. You can decide to ride any of our available routes!

Will there be marshals?

There will be ride marshals. They will be wearing vests with numbers on them. Marshals are WABA volunteers that are the first line of response in incidents that involve ride participants and be an avenue of communication between ride participants and WABA staff members. The numbers on their vests allow you to identify them: if you see a great marshal, be sure to tell us in the post-ride survey!

Should I bring a lock?

Yes. You may want to stop for more food along the ride, or spend time lounging once you finish, so you should plan to lock your bike up. (You can leave your lock with us when you check in, too, if you don’t want to ride with it, and we’ll have it at the post-ride celebration.) Don’t know the best ways to lock up? Check out this handy guide on preventing bicycle theft!

How do I get there?

The start location, Walter Pierce Park, is in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of DC. It is accessible by bike from the Rock Creek Park Trail and surrounding neighborhoods. If arriving by public transit, the closest metro stations are the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station on the Red Line and the Columbia Heights station on the Green/Yellow Line (bikes are allowed on Metro at all times). There are also several bus lines that go through the area. (Find out more here.)

If you plan to arrive by car, there may be limited on-street parking available in the neighborhoods near the start, but double check any street parking restrictions. There are also pay-to-park garages located close by (find out more here).

How many people will do the 50 States Ride?

We typically sell out our rides at 700 registrants.

Do I need to register separately if I plan to ride a tandem bike with someone?

Yes. All adult individuals must be registered.

When is the next WABA signature ride?

The next rides are WABA in the Wild (register by the end of July!) and Cider Ride (November 2nd)!

Got another question?

Send us an email at events@waba.org or give us a call at (202) 518-0524 x218.

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