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Sports Backers Blog

Get Active Group of the Week: Richmond Area Bicycling Association

Each week, we'll be highlighting a different Active Group from around RVA – this week's group is the Richmond Area Bicycling Association (RABA), which offers year-round group rides and hosts the Heart of Virginia Bike Festival in September. Check out the Q&A with RABA president Hugh Aaron to learn more about the organization and the Heart of Virginia ride.


1.       For those out there in the community that don’t already know, what is RABA?

Hugh Aaron: RABA is the Richmond Area Bicycling Association.  We are, by far, the largest and oldest recreational cycling club in the Richmond area.  Our primary focus is conducting group rides.  We offer rides of varying paces every day of the year, and as many as four rides a day during the peak cycling season.  Our group rides emphasize safety, physical fitness and camaraderie.  We are also very active in supporting cycling advocacy efforts and cycling-related community service projects such as the “Bikes for Kids” program.  For more information, please visit our web site at www.raba.org.

2.       How many members does the group have?

HA: We were founded in 1967 and currently have over 1,000 members.  Our members include people with a wide range of cycling experience, abilities and interest.  We run the gamut from serious athletes to casual weekend riders.

3.       How does one go about joining RABA, and why should they consider joining?

HA: We actively welcome new members regardless of prior cycling experience.  We regularly conduct “no drop” rides for people just getting started (or restarted) cycling or for those who simply prefer a very casual riding experience.  Joining us is simple.  All one has to do is visit our web site and complete the on-line registration process.  Benefit of membership include meeting new people, access to an amazing variety of group rides,  opportunities to participate in numerous picnics and parties throughout the year, supplemental insurance coverage when on club rides, a great monthly newsletter, a free premium membership to BikeJournal.com, and discounts at local bike shops.

4.       Tell us about the Heart of Virginia ride coming up in September.

HA: The Heart of Virginia is an annual bike festival sponsored by RABA.  This year is our 12th annual Heart of Virginia ride.  It is a great opportunity to do a fully supported ride through some beautiful countryside with other like-minded cyclists.

5.       What can riders expect on September 15?

HA: We have quite an event planned this year.  Our theme is “Road to Revolution.”  In keeping with that theme, the ride start has been moved to historic Hanover Courthouse (ca. 1735) where Patrick Henry argued the famous Parson's Cause case in 1763.  The ride will begin with a send off by The Fifes and Drums of York Town.  There will be full SAG support (i.e., road side assistance), marked routes and printed cue sheets, rest stops with food and drinks, a BBQ lunch, and live entertainment.  The registration fee also includes a commemorative T-shirt.  The registration fee is only $45 for riders who register by August 31, 2012 ($55 thereafter).  Registration is now open at http://www.heartofvabikefestival.org/.

6.       There are four different distances for this event. Can you go over the differences between them?

HA: This year's event features all new routes including a century (101 miles), a metric century (62 miles), a short ride (31 miles) and a family ride (10 Miles). 

7.       What other events around town does RABA participate in?

HA: We actively participate in and support various cycling events through the year including Sports Backers' events such as the Anthem Moonlight Ride and the MARTIN'S Tour of Richmond, the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation's Cap-to-Cap ride and numerous charity rides.

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