Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 7 · column 1 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
By Deborah Shepherd
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
If Teddy sevelt was still around, he’d probably tackle the 57.9-mile long course of the upcoming Rappahannock RoughRide.
And lots of people would say “Bully for him,” because entry fees go toward a great cause.
Rob Marino is the director of the Fauquier and Rappahannock Free Clinic, which is where RoughRide proceeds inject badly needed funds, to help provide medical and dental care to low-income patients (see box).
“I love this event because it is always a blast and Rappahannock County is beautiful in September,” Marino said.
This one-day bike tour starts from Washington, Va. Bikers have three courses from which to choose.
The Infamous RoughRide, with 20- and 30-mile options on and off road, is “for the rough and rugged.” The Rappahannock Road Tour course goes between 35 and 50-plus miles, “a paved course for the true road warrior.”
And “easy riders” can take the Participant’s Route, a 12mile paved course.
Chris Hayes of Warrenton, 39, did the shortest route last year, towing his two eldest daughters Madeleine and Ava. His wife towed the youngest in her trailer.
As a competitive biker for the last 30 years, what Hayes enjoyed about the RoughRide was “the scenic countryside of Rappahannock and the relaxed, friendly organization of the ride,” he said.
“The RoughRide isn’t a race or a competitive event,” Hayes went on. “It’s a fun, family- and friend-oriented event. There are certainly a few folks who go out and ride fast on the RoughRide, but what’s great about the ride is that it’s really geared for all ages and abilities.”
In previous RoughRides, Hayes has ridden the 60-mile loop. “It’s pretty challenging — especially the big hill near the end,” he said.
So, what can a beginner biker expect from the RoughRide?
According to Hayes, “There are plenty of route options to choose from, other people to ride with, but there are at least a. couple substantial hills on each of the loops, even the shortest.”
94.9%