MATES 2018 – July 20-22 will be held in Lexington, Virginia
Our host city of historic Lexington offers a perfect blend of beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain and river valley cycling on Virginia’s scenic back roads, and easy walking access to Lexington’s well-preserved downtown found on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. In addition to 46 historic sites, our host city offers cycling highlights including Goshen Pass, Wade’s Mill, Blue Ridge Parkway and the Maury and James rivers.
Here is the Welcome to Lexington web page especially for MATES cyclists: Welcome MATES Cyclists
The rally headquarters will be at the newly remodeled Hampton Inn Lexington – Historic District within walking distance of Main street Lexington. Socialize on the lawn or cool off in the pool.
Registration:
Forget the city your car and city traffic – join your friends on MATES 2018. Registration opens April 2nd at a cost of only $230 per couple (50 couples maximum). If you have any questions, please email your MATES 2018 hosts Roxanne and Hank Theiss at r28moody@yahoo.com
Lodging:
The Hampton Inn Lexington Call (540) 463-2223 will reserve your room today when you ask for the “Mid-Atlantic Tandem Rally” rate of $185 (Fri – Sat) and $159 (Sun). Free breakfast each morning is included.
Agenda:
Enjoy three exciting days of tandem biking, fun, and fellowship with old friends and new, as follows (mileages are approximate and subject to change).
The Ride With GPS page for MATES 2018 is here: Ride With GPS page for MATES 2018
Friday:
Upon your arrival park the car for the weekend and stretch your legs after your journey to Lexington. Let your worries wash away as you flow along the Maury River and through Buena Vista. Start from our hotel for a 40 mile loop south of Lexington; or remote start from Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista for a 26 mile loop. After the ride, check into your room at the Hampton Inn. Stroll the ½ mile to one of Lexington’s many bistros for dinner, then meet your MATES at an evening ice cream social.
Saturday:
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, and contemplate your three ride options for today. Option 1 is a beautiful, challenging 50-mile loop through the valley with 3419 feet of elevation gain; option 2 is the same route with a remote start to make 39 miles; while option 3 is a still beautiful remote start 31 mile ride through the valley. The two longer routes head northeast to Wade’s Mill, the oldest continuously operating grist mill in the Shenandoah Valley since 1750.
Our Saturday lunch stop will be at McCormick Farm Circle. Saturday Lunch provided by Foothill Momma’s BBQ.
After returning to Lexington, stroll the Chessie Nature Trail and explore the old mule towpath supporting bygone locks and dams along the Maury River; or enjoy downtown Lexington.
Saturday banquet will be held at the Robert E. Lee Hotel downtown Lexington beginning at 5:30 PM with a cocktail hour followed by buffet dinner (chicken breast and salmon).
Sunday:
Once again enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, and contemplate your three ride options for today. Your choice of 63, 48, 18 miles. We will start at 8 AM. The two longer routes will take us northwest out of town to conquer Goshen Pass, one of Virginia’s most beautiful areas. The 18 mile ride will also enjoy Goshen Pass but will do an out and back route, remote starting from Rockbridge Baths Fire Department.
Sunday Lunch boxes provided by Sweet Treats with sandwich choices of turkey, ham, roast beef, or vegetarian. Available for pick-up between 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Hampton Inn.