My second Tour de VRE, hosted on October 3, 2026, was another great group bike ride.
Organized by Virginia Railway Express employees to support the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Foundation (donate), Tour de VRE is in its sixth year. Spanning about 35 miles between Backlick and Broad Run/Airport stations, the race included stretches on wide stroads, neighborhood streets, trails, “rural” western Fairfax County roads, some apartment complexes and schools and into Prince William County sprawl.
Along the way, we had a fairweather crossing in weather that wasn’t fair and then another dismount at the Fairfax County Parkway interchange with Popes Head Road. My sandals got a little muddy – I’m hoping to get them
Like most group rides though, the general camaraderie was high and cyclists looked out for each other. Casual conversations along the way, at the occasional red light and the pit stops.
Pit stops had water, sports drinks, bananas and other snacks, but the Manassas Park station one had the best – donuts from Paul’s Bakery of Fredericksburg. I don’t know how/why a bakery along the other VRE line is providing donuts, but I am so glad they do. Oh they are good – if you are in that area, give them a try.
The finish
Once again, the finish included a big tent with food, swag and sponsor tables in the parking lot. The cuisine wasn’t as diverse this year, but I joyfully devoured the fast food chicken and cookies.
Sponsor tables from VRE contractors and were also there, some of them with coolers…
Since most of them were engineering firms, I spoke them to learn if they may have a place for my son, the Penn State engineering frosh.
I also spoke with the Virginia Passenger Railroad Authority which has a lot going on across the commonwealth like the new Long Bridge (Longer Bridge?) and a station near Virginia Tech.
I look forward to the day when VRE can run on weekends, so I can explore some more places on bike or otherwise.
The ride back
A big part of the fun of Tour de VRE is the train ride from Broad Run to Backlick. I hear and see VRE trains all the time, but generally speaking, I don’t ride it often2 since I take Metro bus and rail. I enjoy heading through Manassas, Clifton and over the Bunnyman Bridge. It’s such a pleasant way to travel, I understand why my Manassas Park-based co-worker takes commutes to Union Station this way.
The Dash Bus to Backlick
Like last year, I took advantage of the free DASH bus service offered between Rosslyn and King Street Metro stations to Backlick VRE station. I passed Alexandria’s vice-mayor, Sarah Bagley en route and asked if she arranged it this year too. She said “I encouraged it” and I thanked madame- vice mayor.
The route
Yes, there was some elevation changes along the way…
Unfortunately, the weather did see a few crashes, wet pavement and leaves can be problematic. No serious injuries reported. There was a support truck that went along the route, along with a few ride marshals.
I think the route through Manassas was different this year2, more away from the town center and train station that inspired at least two boomer rockers – Stephen Stills and Steve Winwood.
It must have been hard peaking at 17 or whatever…3
A few more thoughts
Tour de VRE is underappreciated – it’s such a great ride with very little buzz that I can see. I only heard about it for the first time last year, about a week before the ride. I think this may be somewhat intentional, but I’d really hope some family and friends will join me on a future ride.
Early in the ride, coming up a hill into Lake Accotink Park, the train back to Broad Run was crossing the trestle above the dam. Tour de VRE organizers – that is the shot. That’s what you need to promote this – the cyclists on the trail with the train above them. I was disappointed I couldn’t get my camera out and get it.
Last year’s tour
More Bikes on Train
Taking my bike on the train has been a great way to get to trails and rides further afield…
