2024 50 States Ride- Ride Guide
Ride date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
What began over 20 years ago as a kooky scheme by a die-hard bicyclist to ride all of DC’s 50 state-named avenues has evolved into a beloved annual DC bicycling tradition.
Don’t miss the chance to cross this challenge off your bucket list or, if the 60 mile title route isn’t for you, join the fun of exploring DC by bike on one of two other ride routes. With an unforgettable ride experience and an amazing after-party in store— this is the perfect year to do it!
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
Ride Support — Ride Safety— Ride Marshals —
Pit Stops — Time Limits — Finish Line & After Party
What to Bring — Food and Water —Bathrooms— FAQ
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Routes
The 50 States Ride provides the option to take on one of three routes:
Diamond Route (60 miles)
- The signature route that started it all. A hair-brained, quirky route with hills, sharp turns, and bragging rights that you’ve biked on all 50 state-named avenues and explored every nook and cranny in DC… despite the 2700+ feet of climbing.
Roundabout Route (30 miles)
- Come full circle with this route exploring 10 of the city’s traffic roundabouts designed by Pierre L’Enfant.
Triangle Route (10 miles)
- Sharing the same spirit of its siblings, this shorter jaunt takes riders on an exploration of great bike infrastructure and corners of the city that every local deserves to know and love.
Route Maps:
Stay tuned for updated route maps for 2024. For now, feel free to reference last year’s routes which will be similar for this year’s event.
Ride with GPS
To get free RideWithGPS turn-by-turn navigation on your smartphone, you will to do a few things, all pretty easy:
- Sign up for a free RideWithGPS account.
- Join the WABA RideWithGPS club by clicking here while logged into your account on your web browser.
- Install the mobile app on your phone and log in.
- When the final ride routes have been released, on the web browser, go to the ride routes and find the correct route for your ride. Then click “send to phone.”
- Open the app on your phone, find the route, and click “Navigate.”
Venue/ Getting There
Each ride route starts and finishes at Kraken- Bryant Street (Kraken Kourts & Skates):
514 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002. map
The venue is conveniently located just off the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
It is also accessible by Metro at the Rhode Island Avenue Metro stop on the red line. Keep in mind that Metro opens at 7am on Saturdays.
If you plan to drive, there is a paid parking lot at the site of the venue for which you must pay online (no cash). Alternatively, there is free parking on the weekend at the nearby Metro parking garage and there is street parking nearby. You should be able to park fairly close, and can plan to ride your bike a short distance to the venue. Consider doing some advance scouting or planning.
Check In
Following is the schedule for checking in and starting each route:
Diamond Route (60 miles)
- Check-in: 7:00am- 7:45am
- Group Start: 8:00am
- No Drop Groups Start: 8:05am
Roundabout Route (30 miles)
- Check in: 8:00am- 8:45am
- Group Start: 9:00am
- No Drop Groups Start: 8:05am
Triangle Route (10 miles)
- Check in: 9:30am- 10:00am
- Group Start: 10:15am
- No Drop Groups Start: 10:20am
Upon checking in, participants will be asked to sign a waiver and will be given a bracelet. They can then pick up cue sheets and snacks.
It is recommended that participants bring locks to secure their bikes at the completion of the ride. Participants will be able to drop off their lock at the ride start (to be labeled with their name) so that they can retrieve it and use it after the ride.
Mechanical support will be provided and on-site mechanics will be able to check over your bike and help ensure it is in great shape prior to riding.
Ride Support
The 50 States Ride is generally 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.
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 as appropriate. Cyclists can use the leading pedestrian interval at stop lights and yield at stop signs except when others have right of way at the intersection.
- Always yield to pedestrians.
- Follow posted signs.
- 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.
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.
Pit Stops
On each route there will be a pit-stop or pit-stops along the way.
Pit-stops will feature snacks and refreshments (including pre-packaged snacks, fruit, and water). And, WABA staff and volunteers on hand will have basic first aid and bike repair kits.
Locations and schedule will be shared soon!
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.
Finish Line and After Party
The ride will conclude where the ride started, at Kraken-Bryant Street (Kraken Kourts & Skates), which will feature:
- Optional boxed lunch
- Drinks and snacks available for purchase at the bar.
- Tables and chairs to mingle and hang out.
- Bike valet
- WABA partners
- Fun games and activities
We hope you enjoy yourself after the ride. It will be a perfect chance to meet and interact with other riders who are all feeling unified in their support of bicycling.
What to Bring
- Bike
- Helmet (Required by our insurance. You can’t ride without one.)
- Bike lock (You can drop off a lock with us at the ride start to ensure you can secure your bike if you stay for the after party. Or, consider bringing one with you throughout the ride. Even if you don’t plan to stop during the ride, it’s good to have a lock with you in case of an unanticipated or emergency stop along the 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!
Refreshments
Drinks
There will be water jugs at the ride start and pit-stops 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
A variety of single-serving and pre-packaged snacks will be served at the pit-stops. There will be fresh fruit as well as sweet and salty, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Bathrooms
There will be restrooms (either public restrooms or port-a-potties) available at or nearby all ride sites (start/end points and pit stops).
At the start and finish, participants can access restroom facilities.
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 50 States 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?
This event starts and finishes at Kraken-Bryant Street – 514 Rhode Island Avenue NE (map)
The ride routes have participants travel through streets in DC and trails and quiet roads in Northern Virginia.
How should I get there? Is there parking?
Kraken- Bryant Street is conveniently located downtown and accessible by bicycle on the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
It is also accessible by Metro at the Rhode Island Avenue Metro stop on the red line. Keep in mind that Metro opens at 7am on Saturdays.
If you plan to drive, there is a paid parking lot at the site of the venue for which you must pay online (no cash). Alternatively, there is free parking on the weekend at the nearby Metro parking garage and there is street parking nearby. You should be able to park fairly close, and can plan to ride your bike a short distance to the venue. Consider doing some advance scouting or planning.
When is this event?
The 50 States Ride will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
What time does this event start?
For the 60 mile Diamond Route, check-in will be open from 7:00am – 7:45am and the main group start will be at 8:00am.
For the 30 mile Roundabout Route, check-in will be open from 8:00am – 8:45am and the main group start will be at 9:00am.
For the 10 mile Triangle Route, check-in will be open from 9:30am – 10:00am and the main group start will be at 10:15am.
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?
All ride routes are generally unsupported. That means:
- Streets are not closed for this ride. You will ride on streets with motor vehicle traffic.
- The route is unmarked.
- 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? Ask about no drop groups at check-in or look for groups forming at designated cones to find a Ride Marshal assigned to stick with a smaller group.
Where can I find information about the routes?
Stay tuned. The final ride routes will be released soon. In the meanwhile, you can reference last year’s routes which will be similar this year here.
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 us 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 as appropriate. Cyclists can use the leading pedestrian interval at stop lights and yield at stop signs except when others have right of way at the intersection.
- Always yield to pedestrians.
- Follow posted signs.
- 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.
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.
The post-ride picnic will have optional boxed lunch available to those who purchased lunch as an add-on while registering for the event. There will also be snacks and drinks available for purchase at the bar.
Questions about Registration and Check-in
I selected a ride route but now I want to change it.
No problem! Please email us 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 us 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 $25 admin fee for transferring registration. Please email us at events@waba.org to make your transfer.
I am riding a tandem bike with another individual! Do we need two registrations?
Yes, unless riding solo is not an option available to one of the participants. If so, please register for one person and send us an email with contact information for the other rider so we know who is coming at events@waba.org.
Is there a youth rate for this ride?
Yes. Participants age 18 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 us at events@waba.org and we will get this worked out.
Is there a wait list for the ride?
No.
Can I register onsite the day of the ride?
Yes! You can register yourself on your phone or with WABA staff at the info table who can help you register.
I have a question that you haven’t answered here.
We are happy to help! Email your question to us at events@waba.org.