Eat the bear

Road Ride

Our 4th Annual

Save the Date!
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Lexington, VA

Get ready and save the date! The Beefalo Bike Ride has a new name, the Eat the Bear Road Ride. It's back and better than ever! This one-day tour is your chance to escape the crowds and explore the beautiful backroads of Rockbridge County.

We can't wait to welcome back our returning riders and see some new smiling faces, too!

Day of ride registration begins at 6:30 am

The rides with start at 8:00 am

143 Greenhouse Rd, Lexington VA 24450

All proceeds will benefit the COW Program!

How Far?

Where?

We have 3 great routes this year

Metric Century

The Metric Century Ride (65 mile ride) offers riders a great ride through 2 beautiful parts of Rockbridge
County.

Riders will follow a 20-mile course through the Effinger and Collierstown areas of the county before heading to Rockbridge Baths and following the same course as the 40-milers.

There are 3 aid stations for this ride. The first one is at mile 22. The aid station at Rockbridge Baths will serve as rest/fueling areas for the ride as well.

40 Mile Ride

The 40-mile ride leaves from Lexington and take riders out to Rockbridge Baths where gently rolling hills and great views of the mountains and farms abound.

Enjoy the ride through the quaint village of Brownsburg and as the travel the Brownsburg Turnpike, the maples lining the road provide great cover as riders spin their way to Bustleburg and back to Rockbridge Baths.

One aid station in Rockbridge Baths provides riders a place to fuel up on the way out and the way back to Lexington.

20 Mile Ride

The 20 mile ride consists of the first 10 miles of the 40 mile loop and the last 10 miles.

Riders will not ride through Rockbridge Baths

This non-supported ride (no aid stations) offers great views and a few challenging climbs.

This is a perfect route for anyone looking to get out for a short ride.

Become a Sponsor!

Help us make 2026 the most successful Eat the Bear Ride ever!

All sponsorships and proceeds benefit the College Orientation Workshop and are tax deductible!

Sponsorship

Join Us in Lexington!

Don’t miss out!

The course was fun. It was challenging on some climbs, but nothing crazy. The descents were awesome! The rest stops were well placed...and the food was perfect. The food at the end was awesome..it was really good! I will try to be there next year.

Danny C

FAQ

Event Overview

Date and Location: Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Lexington, VA. This scenic event explores Rockbridge County’s backroads with three route options.
Beneficiary: All proceeds support the College Orientation Workshop (COW) Program.

Getting There

Is parking available?
- Yes, parking will be available at [specific location if known]. Please arrive early to secure a spot.
What transportation options are available?
- On-site parking will be available near the start area. Arrive early to secure a spot.
What time should I arrive?
- Registration and check-in open at 6:30 a.m., with the ride beginning promptly at 8:00 a.m.. Arriving 30 minutes early is recommended.

Getting Started

Route Options:
- Metric Century (65 miles): Includes 3 aid stations, with a mid-point rest area at Rockbridge Baths.
- 40-Mile Ride: One aid station at Rockbridge Baths with picturesque mountain and farm views.
- 20-Mile Ride: An unsupported, scenic ride with a few challenging climbs.
Aid Stations: Available at designated points along the 65- and 40-mile routes to refuel riders.
Required Gear: Helmets, water bottles, and essentials for a long-distance ride.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support the Cause: Help make this event a success by becoming a sponsor. All sponsorships are tax-deductible, supporting COW programs for youth.

Trailblazer Sponsor, Event Sponsor ($2,500): Premier recognition with lead logo placement on all event materials, banners, and website; opportunity to address participants; inclusion in all event promotions.
Road Warrior Sponsor, Platinum Sponsor ($2,000): Prominent logo display on event materials and website; recognition in pre-event announcements; branded signage at aid stations.
Spokes and Hopes Sponsor, Gold Sponsor ($1,000): Key supporter status with logo on event materials and website; acknowledgment in event-day announcements.
Chain Reaction Sponsor, Silver Sponsor ($500): Listed as a valued sponsor on the event website and sponsor board.
Kickstand Sponsor, Bronze Sponsor ($250): Name on website and sponsor board, showcasing support for the event.
Wheels of Change Donor: Donations below $100 are acknowledged on the event website in the donor section.