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Storming of Thunder Ridge - The John Bell Memorial Ride

Come Experience Riding the Blue Ridge Parkway…The YMCA of Central Virginia invites you to join friends and fellow cyclists for the 17th Annual Storming of Thunder Ridge ride, taking place in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia on Sunday, May 17th. By registering, you’ll help support the YMCA’s Community Support Campaign, which funds vital programs for those in need throughout our community.

This scenic, well-supported cycling event offers both road and gravel route options, with something for riders of all abilities.

Road Route OptionsStart/Finish: Jamerson Family YMCA27, 45, 75, and 100 Mile Routes

Ride at your own pace on well-marked country roads, choosing the distance that suits you while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclists.

  • The 27- and 45-mile routes feature rolling hills and picturesque backroads.

  • The 75- and 100-mile routes are designed for those seeking a true challenge. The 100-mile route features over 9,000 feet of climbing, including the grueling 13-mile ascent to Apple Orchard Mountain, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.

After crossing the YMCA finish line, riders can unwind and recharge with access to showers, hot tub, family pool, and a celebratory food and beer gathering.

Sedalia Center Start/Finish Routes**(Big Island, VA)**

The following routes begin and end at the historic Sedalia Center:

48-Mile Mountain Loop (TML – Road)For the sixth year, we’re offering the Mountain Loop route, a stunning 48-mile road course that tackles Thunder Ridge and Curtis Mountain in one unforgettable loop.

Note: Post-ride activities for Mountain Loop riders will take place at the Jamerson Family YMCA.

Gravel Route OptionsThese gravel routes explore remote backcountry roads, sustained climbs, fast descents, and breathtaking Blue Ridge views. Expect real gravel, real elevation, and real accomplishment.

  • 77.7-Mile Gravel Challenge – A demanding route featuring significant elevation gain and extended mountain climbs. Designed for experienced gravel riders seeking a true test.

  • 33.8-Mile Gravel Ride – A shorter but equally scenic and rewarding option that delivers classic Thunder Ridge terrain in a more accessible distance.

Gravel riders will enjoy fully stocked aid stations, SAG support, and a welcoming post-ride atmosphere at Sedalia Center.

2026 Turnsheets2026 Turnsheets: 27M | 45M | TML | 75M | 100M 

*Download these to your phone or print before the ride - we will not supply paper copies this year.

2026 Road Routes

  • 2026 SOTR 27 Mile Route: Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS

  • 2026 SOTR 45 Mile Route: Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS

  • 2026 SOTR Mountain Only Route: Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS

  • 2026 SOTR 75 Mile Route: Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS

  • 2026 SOTR 100 Mile Route: Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS

2026 Gravel Routes

  • 2026 SOTR Gravel 77.7 Mile Route: Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS

  • **2026 SOTR Gravel 33.8 Mile Route: **Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS

Event Support & SafetyRiders on all routes will benefit from:

  • Fully stocked rest stops

  • SAG support

  • Cue sheets and course monitoring

The roads are open to traffic, and all Virginia traffic laws must be followed at all times for your safety and the safety of others. Our top priority is that everyone returns home safely to their loved ones. Please use your best judgment and ride responsibly.

Official Event Jersey DeadlineImportant: The strict deadline to order your 2026 Storming of Thunder Ridge event jersey is March 25th.**

There will be no second jersey order placed this year. If you would like an official event jersey, you must be registered and place your order by March 25th. No late orders will be accepted.

Additional InformationCamping options are available for Saturday night, May 17th (and Sunday night for outdoor camping).

Don’t wait to register! Early registration rates end January 1st and May 1st. The event has a rider limit of 800 cyclists on the Blue Ridge Parkway — secure your spot soon!

Day-of registration is ACCEPTED if the event does not sell out.

Event is held rain or shine. No refunds.

 

Presented by YMCA of Central Virginia

Categories:

  • Mailing List - for non-registered riders only , $0.00
  • Century - Storming of Thunder Ridge, 100 miles, $90.00, start time 07:30:00
  • 75-Miler - Storming of Thunder Ridge, 75 miles, $90.00, start time 07:30:00
  • The Mountain Loop - TML , 48 miles, $90.00, start time 08:00:00
  • NEW! Thunder Ridge Gravel Route - 77.7 miles, 76 miles, $90.00, start time 07:30:00
  • Foothills of the Blue Ridge - Curtis Loop, 45 miles, $85.00, start time 08:00:00
  • Cifax Ramble , 27 miles, $85.00, start time 08:00:00
  • NEW! Thunder Ridge Bedford County Gravel - 33.8 miles, 33.8 miles, $85.00, start time 08:00:00
  • Post Ride - Sunday , $0.00, start time 11:00:00
  • Packet Pickup - Saturday Afternoon, $0.00, start time 12:00:00
  • Packet Pickup - Sunday Morning, $0.00, start time 05:30:00
  • Rest Stop #1- Sedalia Baptist Church – Charlemont Rd and 122 , $0.00, start time 07:15:00
  • Rest Stop #2 - Petits Gap Road , $0.00, start time 08:00:00
  • Rest Stop #3 - Sunset Fields BRP , $0.00, start time 08:30:00
  • Rest Stop #4 - Otterville Baptist Church – Otterville and 122 , $0.00, start time 08:15:00
  • Rest Stop #5 - Otterville, Old Cifax, Cifax Rd , $0.00, start time 07:30:00
  • Rest Stop #6 - Terrace View , $0.00, start time 10:45:00
  • Rest Stop #7 - Campbell County Rescue #3 – Leesville Rd , $0.00, start time 11:00:00
  • SAG Support , $0.00, start time 06:30:00

Registration:

  • Opens on Monday November 24, 2025
  • Closes on Friday May 15, 2026