2023 Bike How You Like Ride Guide

Ride date: Saturday, May 6, 2023

The Bike How You Like Ride is a recreational social ride that invites riders to join WABA to celebrate the many ways we use bikes in our everyday life by choosing 1 of our 4 routes: 2 Mile Fun Ride, 10 Mile Cruiser Ride, 30 Mile Explorer Ride, and 50 Mile Road Warrior Ride. The 2023 Bike How You Like Ride will take place on Saturday, May 6th starting at Franklin Park in Downtown DC. Choose from one of three routes:

  • The 2 Mile Fun Ride: an easy 2 mile ride down the 15th street cycletrack to the Washington Monument. This is perfect for the little ones in your life or anyone who’s not yet ready for a long ride.

  • The 10 Mile Cruiser Ride: 10 miles through Downtown DC is the perfect way to see all the highlights. This ride is great for those that enjoy a low-stress casual bike ride with friends or family.

  • The 30 Mile Explorer Ride: 30 miles of neighborhood streets and trails that take you through Downtown DC & Northern Virginia.

  • The 50 Mile Road Warrior Ride: 50 miles through the streets of Downtown DC and over to Northern Virginia. This ride is great for those who are looking for a more challenging bike ride.

This ride is a fundraiser. Registration fees support WABA’s work in the DC region and our mission empowering people to ride bikes, build connections and transform places. Thank you.  

Quick Links

COVID-19 Safety Precautions — Event Code of Conduct

Ride Routes— Ride Support — Ride Safety

WABA Hotline — Check In — Finish Line & Afterparty — Ride Marshals — Ride with GPS

Pit Stop — Time Limits

What to Bring — Food and Water —Bathrooms— FAQ

Ride Routes

The 2023 Bike How You Like Ride routes are now available here on Ride with GPS!

COVID-19 Safety Precautions

Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, all participants are expected to adhere to WABA’s health and safety guidelines for in-person events. Thank you for your patience and compassion as we continue to navigate this pandemic together.

Masks 

This event is mask optional. WABA respects anyone’s decision to wear a mask and encourages all people to advocate for themselves. WABA will not tolerate any disrespect towards WABA staff or participants who choose to wear a mask for their own safety and peace of mind.

If you feel sick…

Participants should not attend this event if they feel sick or show symptoms of illness. Because this is a fundraising event we do not offer refunds. You will have the options of converting  your registration fee to a 100% tax deductible donation or transferring the fee to another WABA ride. Please reach out to Akyra at events@waba.org to discuss your options.

Guidelines May Change

WABA reserves the right to update these guidelines and expectations if regional case trends or CDC guidelines changes make that appropriate. 

Event Code of Conduct

WABA’s first priority is to provide a fun, inclusive and safe environment for all participants.  Below is the Code of Conduct that you commit to when you enter a WABA space. Learn more at waba.org/code.

“As a member of the WABA community, I commit to the following whenever I am in a WABA space:

  1. I acknowledge that I exist in a society built on unequal, and unjust power structures. I agree that I have a responsibility to interrogate my privileges and use my power to help make WABA spaces increasingly safe, inclusive, and supportive for everyone. 
  2. I acknowledge that WABA has a zero-tolerance policy for racist behavior, sexual harassment, physical or verbal abuse, microaggressions, tokenism, and all other harmful actions. I agree that these actions have no place in a supportive, inclusive community, and to make it a priority to never harm another person in any of these ways.
  3. I acknowledge that my behavior — not my intentions—is what affects the people around me, and that it is possible for me to harass or otherwise harm others even when I don’t mean to. I agree to be respectful, kind, compassionate, and supportive to those around me in both word and in action—and, if someone lets me know that my behavior is harmful, to immediately adjust that behavior with the goal of preventing future harm.
  4. I acknowledge that the work of mitigating the harmful effects of unjust power structures is never done. I agree to take on the responsibility of speaking out against instances of racism, sexism, ableism, and other discrimination or manifestations of prejudice, whenever I have the power to do so.
  5.  I acknowledge that if I cannot adjust a behavior that is harming other community members, it makes sense for WABA staff to ask me to leave the community space. I agree that if WABA staff asks me to leave a WABA space because of a Code of Conduct violation, I will do so. “

If you experience a code of conduct violation at the hands of another participant, staff member or volunteer, or witness unjust behaviors by another individual, please notify a WABA staff member. 

Ride Support

The Bike How You Like Ride is an unsupported ride. This means: 

  • Streets are not closed for this ride. You will ride on streets with motor vehicle traffic.
  • The route is unmarked. 
  • There is no support and gear vehicle to pick you up.  

Participants are expected to:

  • Call 911 in case of an emergency.
  • Have an emergency-contact who is not a ride participant “on call” during the ride.
  • Carry a charged cell phone (and charged battery pack for the longer rides).

Ride Safety

Ride participants have a responsibility to bicycle safely, respectfully, and lawfully to maximize safety for all trail and road users.

When you are on this ride, you are a representative of WABA.

We ask you to:

  • 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.

Check In

Check-in Location

Franklin Park (1332 I St. NW Washington, DC 20005)

Check-in Schedule

Road Warrior Ride – Check-in: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM; Group start: 9:00 AM; Buddy ride start: 9:10 AM

Explorer Ride – Check-in: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM; Group start: 10:00 AM; Buddy ride start 10:10 AM

Cruiser Ride – Check-in: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM; Group start 11:00 AM

Fun Ride – Check-in: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM; Group Start 11:30 AM

The closest Metro station to Franklin Park is McPherson Square (Blue, Orange, & Silver Lines) and is located across the street from the park (exit on 14th and I Streets). The Metro Center station servicing the Red Line is 0.3 miles from the park. Gallery St – Chinatown station servicing the Green Line is 0.5 miles from the park.

There are pay-to-park lots and street parking near the park. You can use Spot Hero to find available parking. Or, our hosts at the Downtown BID have this list of parking garages within a few blocks of the start point.

Finish Line and After-Party

Finish Line Location

Franklin Park (1332 I St. NW Washington, DC 20005)

Wii Jammin and Halal Grill Food trucks will be parked at the after-party for riders to purchase food. We will also be joined by some of our partner organizations during the post-ride party to celebrate all things bikes with us.

  • BellRinger
  • Bunch Bikes
  • Dashcam
  • Downtown DC BID
  • Girls in Gear
  • Pedego

Ride Marshals

Ride Marshals are WABA volunteers who are there to help you navigate and offer encouragement and support.  Marshals receive a training from WABA staff before the event and know participants may look to them with questions, for assistance, or to be a buddy. Marshals carry basic first aid supplies, and are instructed to call 911 in the case of an emergency on the ride.

Ride with GPS

To get free RideWithGPS turn-by-turn navigation on your smartphone, you will to do a few things, all pretty easy:

  1. Sign up for a free RideWithGPS account.
  2. Join the WABA RideWithGPS club by clicking here while logged into your account on your web browser.
  3. Install the mobile app on your phone and log in.
  4. On the web browser, go to the ride routes here and find the correct route for your ride. Then click “send to phone.”
  5. Open the app on your phone, find the route, and click “Navigate.”

Route Links

The routes for all four rides can be found here on Ride with GPS!

Pit Stops

50-mile Road Warrior Ride

  • Short Bridge Park (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
  • Conte’s Bike Shop – Arlington (11:00 AM – 2:30 PM)
  • Zachary Taylor Park (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

30-mile Explorer Ride

  • Short Bridge Park (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
  • Conte’s Bike Shop – Arlington (11:00 AM – 2:30 PM)

10-mile Cruiser Ride

  • Rolling pit-stop

2-mile Fun Ride

  • Rolling pit-stop

Time Limits

There is no time limit for the ride — since this is an unsupported ride and no roads are closed for the ride, WABA will not ask anyone to stop riding.

However, you will not be able to get snacks or water at any of the ride sites after they close— see pit stop schedule above (or in your cue sheet on ride day!) for details. 

What to Bring

  • Bike
  • Helmet (Required by our insurance. You can’t ride without one.)
  • Bike lock (Even if you don’t plan to stop during the ride, it’s good to have a lock with you during the ride, in case of an unanticipated or emergency stop along the ride route.)
  • SmartTrip card
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • Water bottles (you can fill it at the check-in area if you need to)
  • Saddle bag (to carry spare tube, tire levers, and pump or patch kit)
  • Spare tube (especially if you have a non-standard rim size!)
  • Charged cell phone and charger
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Additional snacks
  • An adventurous spirit!

Food and Water

Water

There will be water jugs from which you can fill your reusable water bottle at pit stops, check-in, and the finish line. WABA does not provide cups or plastic water bottles—bring your own!

There will be hand sanitizer by the water jugs and provided in your check-in packets. Please sanitize your hands before and after touching the water spout.

Snacks

Snacks will be vegetarian. There will be fresh fruit as well as sweet and salty, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Snacks will be single-serving and pre-packaged.

Food

Wii Jammin’ and Halal Grill food trucks will be at the park post-ride and have food available for purchase.

Bathrooms

There will be restrooms (either public restrooms or port-a-potties) available at all ride sites (start/end points and pit stops).

FAQ

You may want to check out this blog post about What to Expect at a WABA Ride as well!

Questions about who, what, where, when, and why! 

What is this event?

The Bike How You Like Ride is a bicycling event to raise funds for the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA)’s work in the DC region and our mission: empowering people to ride bikes, build connections and transform places.

Where does this event take place?

The ride will start and end at Franklin Park in Downtown DC. Please note there is not reserved parking for the event. All parking is first come, first serve.

How should I get there? Is there parking?

We encourage participants to reach the ride by bike or public transportation. Franklin Park is located at the McPherson Square stop off the Orange, Blue, & Silver Lines. If driving is your only option there is a paid parking garages and street parking available. Please check out Spot Hero for available parking garages

When is this event?

The Bike How You Like Ride will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023. 

What time does this event start?

Check-in is open from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM. The post-ride party will be open from 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Are the roads closed for this ride? Are there cars? 

Roads are NOT closed for this ride. This means:

  • The route is NOT closed to motor vehicle traffic. 
  • All three routes are on a combination of bike lanes, quiet neighborhood streets, and trails.
  • All three routes have places where participants will share the road with cars

Is this ride supported? 

No. All ride routes are unsupported. That means:

  • Streets are not closed for this ride. You will ride on streets with motor vehicle traffic.
  • The route is unmarked. 
  • There is no support and gear vehicle to pick you up.  
  • WABA staff will have basic first aid materials at the check-in, finish line, and pit stop areas. Staff will make these materials available to participants in case of minor injury.  In case of an emergency, WABA staff or volunteers will call 911.

Participants are expected to:

  • Call 911 in case of an emergency.
  • Have an emergency-contact who is not a ride participant “on call” during the ride.
  • Carry a charged cell phone (and charged battery pack for the longer rides).

Is the route marked with signs or arrows?

No. The route is unmarked.

Participants should navigate using the physical cue sheet provided in their check-in packet, or with free turn-by-turn navigation on their smartphone using the Ride with GPS app. 

Will there be ride marshals?

Yes.  Ride Marshals are volunteers who are there to help participants navigate and offer encouragement and support. 

Lead Ride Marshals will lead an optional group start for those who wish to start with the group

Sweep Ride Marshals will bring up the back of each group. 

Want to stick with a Ride Marshal for the whole ride? Look for the “ride with buddies!” sign at check-in (or ask at the info table) to find a Ride Marshal designated to stick with a smaller group. 

Where can I find information about the routes?

Route information will be posted the week of the ride.

I’m not sure which route is right for me! 

We’d love to talk to you about this and help you pick the route that is the best fit for the ride you want to have! Email Akyra at events@waba.org if you’d like to chat about it.

Do I have to follow traffic laws?

Yes.  WABA asks and expects all participants to ride lawfully and with respect for other road users. This means:

  • 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.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes. WABA’s insurance requires that everyone riding a bicycle on a WABA ride wears a helmet while riding.

Click this link for a resource on how to properly fit your helmet.

Can I ride my e-bike?

WABA welcomes e-bikes on our ride. We ask that you choose a route that is suitable for your bike and have a fully charged battery the day of the event. Since this is an unsupported ride we will not have any way to recharge batteries or pick-up any stranded riders.

Will food and drink be provided?

There will be a selection of snacks provided at registration, pit stops and the finish line. We will also have water stations available for you to fill your water bottles. WABA will not be providing water bottles so please make sure you bring your own bottle with you for the ride. 

Questions about Registration and Check-in

I selected a ride route but now I want to change it.

No problem! Please email Akyra at events@waba.org and we will get you switched to the route of your choice. 

Note: You will be responsible for paying the registration fee difference if switching from a shorter route to a longer route. We are not able to issue refunds for any registration.

Do I have to be a WABA member to register for this ride? 

Nope! If you’re not a WABA member, you’ll get the non-member rate. It includes an annual Digital Membership. So if you’re not a member before you register, you will be one after! 

What is your refund policy?

Because this is a fundraiser there will be no refunds for this event.

If you are feeling sick or have symptoms of an illness, do not come to the event. Email events@waba.org and let Akyra know you cannot come because you are sick, and we will transfer your registration fee to a 100% tax deductible donation or put your registration fee towards a future WABA ride

Can I transfer my registration to another individual?

Yes. However, there is a $15 admin fee for transferring registration. Please email Akyra at events@waba.org to make your transfer.

Is there a youth rate for this ride?

Yes. Participants age 15 and under are eligible for the youth rate.

Can I register a guest for this ride?

Yes. You can register multiple people at one time. However, you must provide the name and email address of every attendee. 

I want to register a child or person who does not have their own email address.

Please email Akyra at events@waba.org and we will get this worked out. 

I can’t make it to the ride, is there anything else that I can do?

Yes! If you are unable to make it to the ride or would like to do something extra you can sponsor a ride for someone. You can choose the Sponsor A Ride option on the ride registration page.

Is there a wait list for the ride?

No.

Can I register onsite the day of the ride?

Yes!  Online registration will close at 5pm on Friday, May 5th. However you will be able to register onsite the day of the ride until check-in closes. You can register yourself on your phone or with WABA staff at the info table can help you register at check-in.

 I have a question that you haven’t answered here.

We are happy to help! Email your question to Akyra at events@waba.org.

Page last updated by Colin Browne on May 5, 2023.