Lost in Ashburn (100K Populaire)

A beautiful 136k gravel-centric populaire through the outskirts of northern Virginia. The start of the ride is Metro accessible, using the end of the Silver Line. For those interested, this ride serves as a good option for one of the five rides needed for RUSA’s Rouleur award.

Kyle’s Pre-ride Report:

First things first, know that this ride is a majority gravel ride. I would not recommend riding it on anything smaller than 38mm tires, and ideally something much larger, but to each their own. It’s also quite hilly, so easy gears will be very appreciated.

Mimo, Dan Swenson, and I did the pre-ride on Saturday morning, starting at 8:30am, the same time as the official start on the 23rd. We all took the Metro out to the end of the Silver Line. I highly recommend this option if possible, but there is also plenty of parking at Lost Rhino brewing where we’ll be starting and finishing the ride. I’ll be there to check everyone in.

The very start (and end) of the ride unfortunately requires less than a mile on some roads not ideal for cycling, but certainly ride-able. You are very soon on to the W&OD bike path as a nice entree to the rest of the day. There were quite a few fellow users of the trail on our pre-ride, so remember to be courteous and respectful, especially if you’re wearing a new DC Randonneurs jersey 😉

In a little less than 10 miles you’ll be dumped into Leesburg. If you’re out for a leisurely day, no harm in stopping for some coffee at one of the many local coffee shops. If not, then continue north out of Leesburg. As you pass the library on your right, the eagle eyed among you will have noticed this route is almost entirely a copy of the Grav Pop Coffee Stop permanent with some W&OD tacked on to meet Rouleur requirements, as the library is the official start of that route. In any case, the road transitions into gravel and you head what feels like straight up. Don’t be frustrated, as I think these first two hills are actually the most difficult on the ride.

You’re up for some fun (or harrowing, if you’re us) gravel descents as you make your way to Purcellville, which is less than 20 miles away. There is a water fountain to fill bottles at the terminus to the W&OD, as well as a coffee shop with some pastries across the street. For those who want to not stop so long, there is a 7-11 on route as you head out of town (and for those looking for a late breakfast, there is a McDonald’s but it is off route.)

From Purcellville, it’s only 10 miles to the next stop, which is the Bluemont General Store. Don’t hesitate to get some chili. Make sure to stock up on supplies because this is the last stop before the real meat of the ride: a more than 20 mile section before reaching the Philomont general store.

The store at Philomont is great, but know that it isn’t a full-service stop. Focus on things like ice cream, a salty snack to replenish some electrolytes, and your sugary beverage of choice. And don’t forget to have a nice conversation on the front porch with the locals. Leaving Philomont, you’ll make a u-turn back the way you came.

It’s about 23 miles back to the finish. Know that it trends slowly, and then quickly, uphill after Philomont where you’ll eventually reach the highest point on the route, but then it’s one of the best descents in randonneuring as you make your way back down to Leesburg on smooth pavement after almost all day spent on gravel. Plenty of places to stop in Leesburg if you want some recovery before enjoying the last 10 miles on the W&OD.

The end will be at Lost Rhino brewing as stated before, where hopefully I can hear some stories of everyone’s gravel prowess. See you all there.

-Kyle McKenzie