Bikes. Beer. Big Wheels … and You!

Make a weekend of it.

The Virginia’s Blue Ridge Downtown Twilight Criterium is bringing some of the best professional cyclists around to the heart of Roanoke on May 21. It’ll be a weekend of fast-paced bike action paired with plenty of fun for spectators. You can watch the races, take part in a Beer Mile or Adult Big Wheel Race, and join the after-party for the Night Rider’s Ball at Martin’s Downtown. There will be live music, a bike expo and beer garden as well.

If you haven’t been to a criterium, or crit, it’s been compared to NASCAR on two wheels. The race is a high-energy cycling event that is designed to provide spectators with one heck of an evening of fun. Professional road cyclists traveling in a tight pack, will race lap after lap through the streets of downtown, each jockeying for the lead. A pack of riders will zoom by your watching point, but don’t blink — they’ll pass by again in about 90 seconds.

But before you take in the pro action, participate in one of the other activities.

Adult Big Wheel Race: Grab your team and see if you can finish 6 laps the quickest in the Adult Big Wheel Relay Race.

Volunteer: Putting on an event takes this takes a village, and we could use your help. Volunteers are needed to work as course marshals, help with set-up and take-down, timing, and other tasks. Sign up online. (It’ll make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.)

Roanoke Valley Beer Mile: Lace your shoes and see how quickly you can run a mile (while finishing off a few beers). The goal is to finish the 1-mile loop with the quickest time, but you have to finish a beer at each 1/4–mile mark (or ½-mile for the fun run). The top finishers (male and female) earn cash prizes of $500 each! Registration is open (and make sure to get your t-shirt.)

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Downtown Twilight Criterium

• When: May 21
• Where: Downtown Roanoke (course map)
• Cost: Free