Open Door Cycle Fest featuring The Fast and The Fiorini Road Ride & The Hills and The Hollers Gravel Grinder

Saturday, June 17 – Friday, June 30, 2023 Past event

9:00 AM EDT

Wytheville, Virginia

Free–$95.00 · 8 races

5km, Ultra, Sprint

Event summary

Join the excitement at the Open Door Cycle Fest on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Wytheville, Virginia! This vibrant cycling celebration features a variety of rides suited for everyone, from seasoned metric century cyclists to families looking for a leisurely adventure. Participants can choose between the traditional Fast and The Fiorini Road Ride, which aims to combat homelessness through charity, and the newly introduced Hills and The Hollers Gravel Grinder for those eager to explore mixed surfaces.

With scenic routes winding through the picturesque landscapes of Wythe, Bland, and Tazewell counties, riders will enjoy breathtaking views and local flavors. The festival coincides with Wytheville's annual Chautauqua Festival, offering delicious food, drinks, and live music post-ride at the Open Door Café. It's not just a ride; it's an opportunity to engage with the community and support a noble cause! Gather your friends and family and be part of this impactful event dedicated to ending homelessness through the #HousingFirst cycling movement. Come pedal for a purpose and make a difference in your community!

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Previous editions

Jun 15–30, 2024

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Races

Metric Century Advanced Ride

Includes Jersey designed by Starlight Apparel, Bib, & Finisher Medal

FOR EXPERIENCED RIDERS 16 AND UP - 3 CLIMBS, 59 Miles The ride begins at 7:30 am in downtown Wytheville, at the new Open Door Caf'e. View full route details at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29356116. Parking is available at the Caf'e, next door at the HOPE Ministry Center, and across Main Street in a church parking lot. On-site registration open is available on Friday, June 16 from 10 am - 2 pm at Open Door Cafe. Day of, on-site registration is limited, from 6:30-7:30 am. We will serve refreshments immediately after the ride's conclusion. This is a recreational ride, not a race. Riders must follow all traffic laws, signals, and signs as roads are open to automobile traffic. Personal SAG vehicles are prohibited. Minors under 18 must be accompanied/escorted by an adult rider . *Unofficial, self-reported times posted, riders are encouraged to bring their own GPS Time Tracker

Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 (7:30 AM EDT)

$95.00

Entries closed
Intermediate Ride

Includes Jersey designed by Starlight Apparel, Bib, & Finisher Medal

FOR EXPERIENCED OR INTERMEDIATE RIDERS 16 AND UP - 2 CLIMBS, 42 MILES The ride begins at 7:30 am in downtown Wytheville, at the new Open Door Caf'e. View full route details at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30236519. Parking is available at the Caf'e, next door at the HOPE Ministry Center, and across Main Street in a church parking lot. On-site registration open is available on Friday, June 16 from 10 am - 2 pm at Open Door Cafe. Day of, on-site registration is limited, from 6:30-7:30 am. We will serve refreshments immediately after the ride's conclusion. This is a recreational ride, not a race. Riders must follow all traffic laws, signals, and signs as roads are open to automobile traffic. Personal SAG vehicles are prohibited. Minors under 18 must be accompanied/escorted by an adult rider . *Unofficial, self-reported times posted, riders are encouraged to bring their own GPS Time Tracker

Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 (7:30 AM EDT)

$95.00

Entries closed
Beginner Ride

Includes Jersey designed by Starlight Apparel, Bib, & Finisher Medal

FOR RIDERS OF ALL EXPERIENCE AND INTEREST LEVELS 16 AND UP - CLIMB, 32 MILES The ride begins at 7:30 am in downtown Wytheville, at the new Open Door Caf'e. View full route details at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30236377. Parking is available at the Caf'e, next door at the HOPE Ministry Center, and across Main Street in a church parking lot. On-site registration open is available on Friday, June 16 from 10 am - 2 pm at Open Door Cafe. Day of, on-site registration is limited, from 6:30-7:30 am. We will serve refreshments immediately after the ride's conclusion. This is a recreational ride, not a race. Riders must follow all traffic laws, signals, and signs as roads are open to automobile traffic. Personal SAG vehicles are prohibited. Minors under 18 must be accompanied/escorted by an adult rider . *Unofficial, self-reported times posted, riders are encouraged to bring their own GPS Time Tracker

Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 (7:30 AM EDT)

$95.00

Entries closed
Leisure Ride

Includes Jersey designed by Starlight Apparel, Bib, & Finisher Medal

FOR NOVICE RIDERS 16 AND UP - NO CLIMBS, 17 MILES The ride begins at 7:30 am in downtown Wytheville, at the new Open Door Caf'e. View full route details at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30236121. Parking is available at the Caf'e, next door at the HOPE Ministry Center, and across Main Street in a church parking lot. On-site registration open is available on Friday, June 16 from 10 am - 2 pm at Open Door Cafe. Day of, on-site registration is limited, from 6:30-7:30 am. We will serve refreshments immediately after the ride's conclusion. This is a recreational ride, not a race. Riders must follow all traffic laws, signals, and signs as roads are open to automobile traffic. Personal SAG vehicles are prohibited. Minors under 18 must be accompanied/escorted by an adult rider . *Unofficial, self-reported times posted, riders are encouraged to bring their own GPS Time Tracker

Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 (7:30 AM EDT)

$95.00

Entries closed
Gravel Sprint

Includes Jersey designed by Starlight Apparel, Bib, & Finisher Medal

FOR GRAVEL ENTHUSIASTS 16 AND UP - SPRINT, 6.5 MILES Riders gather by 9:00 am at Big Walker Mountain Overlook. The Gravel Grinder Sprint runs along a forest service road nearly four miles out, and back. View full route details at: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38636858. This is a recreational ride, not a race. Riders must follow all traffic laws, signals, and signs as roads are open to automobile traffic. Personal SAG vehicles are prohibited. Minors under 18 must be accompanied/escorted by an adult rider . *Unofficial, self-reported times posted, riders are encouraged to bring their own GPS Time Tracker

Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 (9:00 AM EDT)

$95.00

Entries closed
Mountain Bike

Includes Jersey designed by Starlight Apparel, Bib, & Finisher Medal

FOR MOUNTAIN BIKE ENTHUSIASTS 16 AND UP - ANY LENGTH OF CHOICE Riders gather by 8:30 am at Crystal Springs Recreational Area. View trail details at: https://www.visitwytheville.com/crystal-springs/. This is a recreational ride, not a race. Riders must follow all trail rules and etiquette. Minors under 18 must be accompanied/escorted by an adult rider . *Unofficial, self-reported times posted, riders are encouraged to bring their own GPS Time Tracker

Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 (8:30 AM EDT)

$95.00

Entries closed
Family/Team Leisure 5k Ride

FOR FAMILIES OR GROUPS - ANY BIKE TRAIL AND LENGTH OF CHOICE Families, teams, and groups gather by 8:30 am at a designated bike trail of their choice such as the New River Trail. After completion, post pictures and tag us on social media, and join us for post event activities at Open Door Cafe. This is a free family friendly event. In lieu of registration fees, teams agree to set a minimum $135 group goal to fund 1 month of supportive housing services. Teams that reach their minimum goal receive up to 2 free event t-shirts.

Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 (8:30 AM EDT)

Free

Entries closed
Ride Your Way
Virtual

FOR ACTIVE SUPPORTERS WHO ARE OUT OF TOWN OR WANT TO PARTICIPATE VIRTUALLY Ride any distance and route of your choice from June 1 - 30th. Join our #housingfirst A-Thon. Compete as an individual or create a team to raise funds to end homelessness. Track your progress and share selfies on social media using #ridewythehope. This is a free virtual event. In lieu of registration fees, individuals agree to set a minimum $90 goal to fund 10 nights of safe shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. Individuals that reach the minimum goal receive up a free event t-shirt.

Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 (9:00 AM EDT)

Free

Entries closed

Organiser's description

RIDE TO OPEN DOORS!

USA CYCLING PERMIT 8653

Open Door Cycle Fest is a one-day, two-wheel celebration that offers something for everyone - experienced metric century riders, mixed surface adventure riders, mid-distance recreational riders, novices, and families. Come visit Central Appalachia and experience Southwest Virginia's sights, sounds, local flavors, and artisans. Ride routes include scenic byways, backroads, and National Forest Service gravel and dirt roads in parts of Wythe, Bland, and Tazewell counties. Celebrate after the ride with food, drink, and music at Wytheville's Open Door Caf'e http://www.opendoorcafe.org and it's annual Chautauqua Festival https://www.wythe-arts.org/chautauqua. With multiple attractions, stores, and aid stations along the way, all happening during Wytheville's annual Chautauqua festival, friends and families have plenty of reasons to join cyclists for a day or weekend long trip.

The FAST and The FIORINI (formerly know as the Big Pencil to Big Walker Charity Ride and launched in 2004) is our traditional charity road ride to end homelessness and ensure housing affordability. Celebrating 20 years of cycling in 2024, we've added a new, companion gravel grinder event called The Hills and The Hollers. Together, the two group ride events make up the Open Door Cycle Fest. We also have a new leisure, social ride designed for families, bodies of faith, school groups, and business teams to fight homelessness in Southwest Virginia.

ITS A #HOUSINGFIRST CYCLING FESTIVAL TO END HOMELESSNESS!

With your support Open Door Community activates bicyclists of all interest and experience levels to fight homelessness. Join our #housingfirst cycling movement. Help your favorite rider reach their fundraising goal by pledging to give per-mile or donate a fixed amount. Gifts support Open Door's general charitable purpose and activities.

Your gifts help end homelessness in our community using the Housing First approach. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Housing First is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life.

Raise funds from friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers for #housingfirst! Every local $1 raised helps leverage $4 more dollars in federal and state housing assistance funds.

To contribute, click on the DONATE button above and make your contribution towards a Fast and Fiorini rider! If you want to become a Ride A-thon ambassador yourself, click on BECOME A FUNDRAISER under the DONATE button.

* $10 Leverages 1 night of safe, emergency shelter
* $30 Leverages 3 nights of safe, emergency shelter (each race registration funds social impact at this level)
* $50 Equals 1 month of a utility bill for a newly housed client
* $135 Funds 1 month of supportive housing services to a rehoused client
* $500 Equals a security deposit or 1 months rent to move a household out of temporary housing
* $540 Funds 3 months of supportive housing service to a rehoused client
* $1,000 Leverages 111 nights of safe, emergency shelter

*GIVING LEVELS ARE PROVIDED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. THEY ARE INTENDED TO HELP GUIDE DONOR DECISIONS, PROVIDING EXAMPLES OF GIVING IMPACT. GIVING AT A PARTICULAR LEVEL DOES NOT IMPLY A DONOR RESTRICTION. ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT HOPE, INC.S GENERAL CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES UNLESS OTHERWISE RESTRICTED BY THE DONOR.