USAC Amateur Championships Take Place in Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Marathon, Ironman, and now the USAC Amateur Championships?! It’s safe to say our stunning views mixed with our challenging terrain, plus one heck of a race-ready community, have established the region as a premier race destination. The next step? Keeping it that way.

We have to support these events if we want to continue to host them, and there are two great ways to do that: volunteer and cheer. The amount of human power it takes to put on any event is large, but for top-tier races, it’s massive. There is set-up, break-down, course marshaling, parking, green team, and sweeping over four days; it takes the whole community to fill these roles and make these events a success. Please consider volunteering for one shift (although we think you’ll catch the volunteer bug once you start) to provide a wonderful, seamless experience for the racers and spectators. Here’s a link to volunteer opportunities for the USAC Cycling Amateur Championships!

Volunteering not in the cards? Come out and cheer on the racers! One thing participants always say about the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is that they love the atmosphere (we’re America’s Friendliest Outdoor Town!). The community comes out in full force to provide aid stations, funny signs, relentless encouragement, and even Jell-O shots. Their participation contributes to the race experience for participants and creates community pride for residents. The same goes for the USAC Championships! Pack up your cooler, grab your cowbell, and find a spot at Explore Park, Waid Park, or Downtown Roanoke to cheer on these athletes as they compete.

Here’s a quick list of great viewing spots:

• Time Trials, June 14, 8 AM-6 PM: We would suggest setting up at the start/finish line at Explore Park (enter Explore Park off of Rutrough Road, and there will be shuttles up to the Roanoke River Parkway). People could also ride bikes from Explore Park up to the start/finish line. To make a day of it, enjoy food and beverages at Twin Creeks Brewpub, hike the trails down to the river, and enjoy an adventure at Treetop Quest aerial course!

Spectators can also ride up to the Blue Ridge Parkway via Mill Mountain and cheer people on at the intersection of Fishburn Parkway and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Click here for the Time Trials Course Map.

• Race Day, June 15 & 16, 7AM-7PM: We’d suggest going to the start/finish line at the intersection of 6 Mile Post Road and Waid Park Road in Franklin County. You can enter Waid Park via Pepper Road. Another option is Antioch Church on Callaway Road. Make a day (or two) of it by bringing your own bike and trying out the incredible trails, enjoying a leisurely tube float on the Pigg River, or checking out their disc golf course.

Click here for the Road Full Course.

• Criterium Race (AKA: The Crit), June 17, 7AM-7:30PM: Think NASCAR, but with bikes! Cheer on as cyclists race lap after lap through a tight course in downtown Roanoke. Find a spot anywhere along the course to enjoy this fast-paced event! You can walk or bike the Lick Run, Mill Mountain, or Roanoke River greenways to the event, and enjoy one of the many restaurants and breweries while you’re there.

Click here for the Crit Course.

We know we’ve got a gem of a hometown here in the Roanoke Region; let’s show that spirit to our visitors June 14-17! These high-profile races put and keep the spotlight on our region and contribute to regional economic growth, placemaking, and talent attraction. All of which bring prosperity to our residents. We look forward to seeing you all out there, and good luck to all the racers!