The following is a paid posting
What’s the best way to see Richmond during the fall? By joining in the “big ride” and cycling through the eight jurisdictions of nearby Chesterfield, Powhatan, Goochland, Louisa, Hanover, Ashland and Henrico counties. Join Sports Backers and MARTIN’s for the first annual MARTIN’s Tour of Richmond Gran Fondo. Enjoy beautiful views of both the city and the country as you participate in event offering a full 102-mile, or shorter 59-mile and 29-mile options.
The event is open to both recreational and competitive cyclists. All abilities are encouraged to participate. Enter for the challenge of making it to the finish line, or simply for the goal of pushing yourself and your friends. At the end of your journey plan to stick around for a BBQ feast at the finish line located at Richmond International Raceway.
The ride will take place on Oct. 6, with registration available online until Oct. 3 at 11:59 p.m. Walk up registration will occur on Oct. 5 & 6. Entry fee includes an event t-shirt, finisher medal, chip timing, and post-race celebration (lunch/dinner, beer or soft drink and live entertainment).
For more information and links to registration visit http://www.sportsbackers.org/events/tour-richmond or visit us on Facebook.



My in-laws live in Richmond and this goes right by their house, so my wife and I are trying it out. I'm doing the 102 mile, and my wife and father-in-law are doing the 59 miler. I'm a little wary, since this is a new event, but it looks like a relatively leisurely ride, with less than 3k of climbing over 102 miles, so even if the ride support is crappy, it won't be too big of a deal.
Posted by: MM | September 04, 2012 at 08:38 AM
This is put on by Sports Backers, which are the folks that run/support all the major events in the Richmond area including the 30,000 participant Monument ave 10k, the Richmond marathon, Riverrock festival, and a slew of others. I've done the three mentioned here, and they were run every bit as good as Marine Corps marathon, Army 10-miler, and Cherry Blossom 10-miler. Just some reference for MM and any others. Richmond hasn't really done any (many?) big rides, I'm sure they'll be just as good as their run and off-road bike events. I'm from Richmond, so I know some of these roads. This is sure to be an excellent route. Especially miles 50-80.
I'm glad to see stuff like this pop up in Richmond. I know they're trying to become more bike-awesome as they are hosting the 2015 Worlds, http://richmond2015.com/
Posted by: Daniel Gohlke | September 04, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Yay Powhatan!The route it takes through the county should be fun and pretty.
Posted by: drumz | September 04, 2012 at 03:40 PM