The Hairy Roubaix : This is a Charity Gravel Race/Ride that benefits the Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter (FOBCAS). The Bedford County Animal Shelter years ago had one of the highest rates of animal euthanasia in the state of Virginia. Parks and Recreation was asked to oversee the management of the shelter and with the help of FOBCAS the shelter has become one of the best in the region! This does not come without expenses. Parks and Recreation and FOBCAS have come together again to raise support for these adorable animals! Call it a race, or call it a ride, its your adventure! The proceeds go directly to food, spays/neuters, vaccinations, and other medical expenses!

The Course: Bedford County is home to some of the best gravel in Virginia! Each course highlights the best views, the most gravel, with the most FUN! Each course gives riders a unique experience with distances for all fitness levels. Each route averages about 100 ft. per mile in elevation gain. We have permitted through VDOT to use these roads for this event but we are sharing the roads so traffic laws must be obeyed. A police officer will be posted at the Joppa Mill section with lights on to slow down traffic when you are entering off of Shepherd Store. Safety of our riders is a big priority and we have done everything in our power to ensure you have a safe and fun experience!  

The course will be marked with white arrow signs. You must have a GPS device to navigate the course. You can use your phone and download the RIDEWITHGPS or STRAVA app for FREE and then download the routes below or even better go visit your local bike shop and buy a GPS unit, it will change your life! The GPS routes are the sure fire way to stay on course. We have two aid stations, noted on the GPS routes and they will be fully stocked with food and drinks! 

The Bichon Frise at 17k is our smallest puppy but it packs in 85% gravel and 15% pavement! This loop goes around Thaxton mountain and has some great views of ponds, creeks, and farms! At 10.5 miles long, this is a great ride for all ages and fitness levels! There is an option to run this route as well dubbed the Great Pyrenees! 

17k (BIKE + RUN) – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45166426

https://www.strava.com/routes/3171849406496190556

The Berger Picard at 50k is our medium sized doggie, wiry and built for speed! This route boasts stellar mountain views, beautiful farmland, the classic Thaxton mountain loop, and it packs in 70% gravel and 30% pavement.

50k- https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45156534

https://www.strava.com/routes/3171849959512362076

The Malinois at 100k is our top dog, the ultimate gravel route for the most fit puppies! It follows the same route at the 50k and then heads west for two huge gravel climbs and epic descents. It boasts 60% gravel and 40% pavement. 

100k – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45156612

https://www.strava.com/routes/3171850615078618754

The Launch: 

Our race HQ for the weekend will be the Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center . We have an amazing weekend of vendors, food, drinks, music, and adventures awaiting! Did we mention the POOL IS OPEN?! There will be FREE Camping all weekend with the option to buy an adventure pass for $10! Bring the whole family, bring your friends and let’s adventure together! Tails, trails, and ales, who wouldn’t want to pedal for these Pets! 

Camping: FREE for the entire weekend, spots are located in the field next to the main buildings. We will have 8+ showers available to use during the weekend. 

Pets: Are allowed but cannot be left unattended and must be cleaned up after. 

Friday:
4:00-7:00 pm: Check in for camping and packet pickup for the race. 

6:00-8:00 pm: Pool Open, Lawn Games, Hiking Trails, Disc Golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Food and Fun. 
8:00-11:00 pm: Lawn Games and Bonfires
Saturday:
6:45 – 7:45 am: Race Day Check In. 

7:45 am: Pre-race Announcements. 

8:00 am: RACE START – Send out in waves, 100k + 50k

6:30 – 9:15 am: Check in for 17k

9:15 am: Pre-Race Announcements 

9:30 am: RACE START – 17k BIKE & RUN

8:00 am-8:00 pm: Lawn Games, Hiking Trails, Disc Golf, Volleyball and Basketball
10:00 am-4:00 pm: Climbing Wall and Canoe Obstacle Course Open for Adventure Pass Holders (8 years old and up)
12:00-6:00 pm: Pool Open

5:00-9:00 pm: Wheels & Reels, Vendors, Food, and Music
8:00-10:00 pm: Pool Open
8:00-11:00 pm: Lawn Games and Bonfires
Sunday:
8:00 am – Noon: Lawn Games, Hiking Trails, Disc Golf, Volleyball and Basketball

8:30 am: Recovery Ride on the 17k Course. 

11:00 am – Noon: Non-Denominational Christian Worship Service. 

Our friends at RVA Racing know what’s up when it comes to bike racing and we are so stoked to be partnering with their Underground, commonwealth cup, gravel grinder, and XCM series! 

Learn More Here: https://rvaracingevents.com/events

Refunds issued up to 10 days prior to the event, vouchers for the following year’s event will be given after 10 days. Riders can adjust distances or edit entries online however no changes can be made less than 72 hours out. If you get in a pinch, give us a call and we will work something out. 

SPONSORS+VOLUNTEERS: 

Events like this require a team and we would love to speak with you if you want to be a part of this awesome cause! We are looking for business’, organizations, and persons to donate their time, talent, and treasure! Please reach out if you have questions or want to help support!

Check out https://destinationbedfordva.com/ for great places to eat and explore while you stay with us in Bedford County! They are a great resource and you can stop by the welcome center for pamphlets and other information located at 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA 24523 at the intersection of Route 460 and Route 122.

About Bedford Outdoor Adventures: (B.O.A) is part of Bedford County Parks and Recreation and directs or coordinates outdoor events such as: Races – camps- festivals – competitions – group activities – educational programs & adventure skill clinics incorporating: cycling – running – skateboarding – disc golf – survival – foraging – navigation – homesteading – hiking – camping backpacking – caving – hunting – fishing – motorsports – snowsports – watersports climbing – horse riding & much more! Follow us on FB and IG for more info! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090917237504 

About FOBCAS:

The organization was organized in January 2015 to support the additional needs of shelter, and homeless domestic animals of Bedford County Virginia. 

We will work to decrease the number of animals euthanized at the Bedford county Animal Shelter:

By seeking out rescue with other non-profit groups for Bedford County Animal Shelter pets

By educating the public about the importance of controlling the pet population by spaying and neutering pets.

By helping supply needed veterinary care for Bedford County Animal Shelter Animals through donations.

By having a group of volunteers spend time with the shelter animals providing them with attention, affection and socialization in attempt to increase adoptability.

By holding adoption events and promoting Bedford County shelter pets in order to increase awareness of the numbers of shelter pets in need of new families.

By educating the public on proper pet care and the responsibilities and benefits of pet ownership.

Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter, Inc. is a home-based animal welfare organization. We are working to decrease the number of animals euthanized at the Bedford county Animal Shelter. For more information on any shelter pet or any other inquiries, please email us at fobcasfriends@gmail.com. https://friendsofbedfordcountyanimalshelter.rescuegroups.org/

About the Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center: 

We are adventure seekers and play experts. We are educators and outdoor enthusiasts. We are the team ready to bring your vision to life. Our team will partner with you to develop the customized outdoor education and adventure experience that’s right for you. Whether that’s a field day on our challenge course, a family reunion under the stars, a camp, or anything in between; The Peaks is ready to serve you. https://www.thepeakscenter.com/