Crystal City will Host Bike to Work Day Pit Stop and Bike DC Finish Line

Crystal City will Host Bike to Work Day Pit Stop and Bike DC Finish Line
Cycling Events Showcase Area’s Bike Culture Assets

Crystal City (Arlington, VA) – As part of a revolutionary bike culture campaign celebrating National Bike Month, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is proud to announce several cycling events coming to the area: Bike to Work Day on May 21, Bike DC on May 23, and the U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic with its signature Crystal Ride Challenge on June 13. With the recent opening of the Revolution Cycles City Hub in 220 Twentieth Street and the unveiling of shower memberships at the local Sport & Health, Crystal City is evolving into a center for bicycle culture in the Washington region.

“With Crystal City's great connections to the Washington trail network, bringing cycling events to the area is the perfect way to combine and highlight the area's active, accessible, and green aspects," said Angela Fox, President/CEO of the Crystal City BID. “We take Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette’s ‘Year of the Bicycle’ program to heart and are excited to further expand Crystal City’s cycling assets!”

First, take advantage of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s (WABA) annual Bike to Work Day on May 21. Crystal City will host a pit stop in its beautiful Water Park, with snacks, repairs, and even the option to try out the showers at Sport & Health if you want to get cleaned up before heading to the office. Make sure to register at www.waba.org.

Then, Bike DC returns on May 23 for its second year featuring one of the best rides from the greatest possible vantage point, the seat of a bicycle. The ride kicks off at 7:30AM and offers a scenic 19-mile route with spectacular views of the White House, the Pentagon, and the Marine Corps and Air Force Memorials. Riders will also get unique views from the George Washington Parkway, Twin Oaks Estate, the Whitehurst Freeway and more. For a slightly shorter route, there will be two short cuts available that eliminate major hills and reduce the total miles to about 10 miles making the event accessible to all ages and abilities. Register at bikedc.net.

The ride starts at Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 7th Street and 14th Street and will finish at 20th and Crystal Drive in the heart of Crystal City. Riders are therefore encouraged to park at one of Crystal City’s free parking garages and take the bike trails over to the start in the District. For a map of the parking options and bike trails, visit www.crystalcity.org. For all cyclists looking to replenish their energy, numerous Crystal City area restaurants will be offering specials for lunch after the ride.

Finally, the spring cycling series concludes with the annual U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic’s Crystal Ride Challenge on Sunday, June 13. Participants can ride up to 3 ½ hours on the car-free, 12.5km course and are challenged to ride 100 km or 8 laps in the allotted time. After the Challenge Ride, the competition heats up as professional cyclists compete on an exciting and fast 1 KM Criterium (Crit) course in Crystal City.

Whether an avid or occasional bike commuter, a serious competitor, a race enthusiast, or strictly a recreational rider, Crystal City can meet any cyclist’s needs. Visit www.crystalcity.org for additional details on the area’s “Bike Culture” assets and to register for upcoming events.

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The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promote the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. Crystal City is ACTIVE, ARTFUL, ACCESSIBLE, and GREEN. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.