2026 Storming of Thunder Ridge Rider Packet
Welcome Riders!
Welcome—and thank you for being part of the 2026 Storming of Thunder Ridge!
Whether you’re a returning rider or joining us for the first time, we’re incredibly grateful to have you with us.
Storming of Thunder Ridge continues to thrive because of riders like you, our amazing volunteers, generous sponsors, and community partners.
Before You Ride
Recommended Items to Carry
- Photo ID
- Cell phone
- GPS device or downloaded route
- Water bottles / hydration
- Flat repair kit
- Spare tube or tire plugs
- CO2 cartridges and/or pump
- Nutrition
- Lightweight rain layer
- Cash or credit card
Weather & Start Times
| Route | Start Time |
|---|---|
| 75 & 100 Mile Road Routes | 7:30 AM |
| 27 & 45 Mile Road Routes | 8:00 AM |
| 77.7 Mile Gravel Route | Suggested start: 8:00 AM |
| 33.8 Mile Gravel Route | Suggested start: 8:00 AM |
| Mountain Loop Route | After 7:30 AM |
Road Route Cut-Offs
Route Start Locations
The following routes will begin and end at the Jamerson YMCA:
- 27 Mile Route
- 45 Mile Route
- 75 Mile Route
- 100 Mile Route
The following routes will begin and end at the Sedalia Center:
- 77.7 Mile Gravel Route
- 33.8 Mile Gravel Route
- Mountain Loop Route
Sedalia Center
1108 Sedalia School Road
Big Island, VA 24526
Please review packet pickup instructions carefully if participating in one of the Sedalia-start routes.
100-mile riders must pass Rest Stop #5 at Cifax / Old Cifax Road, mile 62, by 2:00 PM to continue on the 100-mile route.
Riders who miss this cutoff will be redirected to the 75-mile route option.
All riders should plan their pace around the posted rest stop hours. Rest stops will close according to the schedule below so our volunteers can safely wrap up support.
Road Route Rest Stop Schedule
| Stop | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 8:00–10:15 AM | Sedalia Baptist Church |
| #2 | 8:45–12:00 PM | Petites Gap Rd / AT Trailhead – MP 71 |
| #3 | 9:15–1:15 PM | Sunset Fields – BRP MP 78.4 |
| #4 | 9:00–3:15 PM | Otterville Baptist Church |
| #5 | 8:15–3:45 PM | Cifax / Old Cifax Rd |
| #6 | 11:00–3:30 PM | Matthew Talbort |
| #7 | 11:45–5:00 PM | Evington |
Packet Pickup
Saturday Packet Pickup
The Bike Porch & Apocalypse Ale Works
Saturday, May 16
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
1219 Burnbridge Rd
Forest, VA 24551
Pick up your packet at The Bike Porch, which shares a parking lot with Apocalypse Ale Works. After grabbing your packet, walk across the lot and enjoy live music, local beer, food, and time with fellow riders before event day.
Sunday Packet Pickup
Jamerson YMCA
Sunday, May 17
6:30 AM – 8:00 AM
801 Wyndhurst Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Ride-day announcements begin at 7:10 AM.
Sedalia Center Rider Packet Pickup
Riders participating in routes that begin at the Sedalia Center are strongly encouraged to pick up their packets during Saturday packet pickup at The Bike Porch.
With nearly 100 riders expected to depart from the Sedalia Center on Sunday morning, transporting a large number of rider packets creates significant logistical challenges and added stress for our volunteer team.
If you absolutely cannot attend Saturday packet pickup, you must email jeremyramsey@ymcacva.org before Thursday at 5:00 PM requesting that your packet be transported to the Sedalia Center for Sunday morning pickup.
We truly appreciate everyone making every effort to pick up packets on Saturday. Doing so greatly helps our volunteers, reduces event-morning congestion, and ensures a smoother experience for all riders.
Rider Support & Safety
The SAG/support phone number will be printed on the wristband you receive with your rider packet and bib number.
Text 434-841-9188 with your full name and bib number.
Important Safety Notes
- This is NOT a race
- Roads remain open to vehicle traffic
- Obey all Virginia traffic laws
- Ride respectfully and safely
Riders on the 27, 45, and 75 mile routes will encounter a closed gate entering the Meadow Wood neighborhood approximately 5 miles from the finish.
In order to keep the traditional routes unchanged, riders will need to proceed single file around the gate using the opening on the left side.
Please slow down, use caution, and be courteous to fellow riders while navigating this section.
GPS Route Navigation
We highly recommend downloading your route before ride day.
Road Routes
-
27 Mile Route:
Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS -
45 Mile Route:
Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS -
Mountain Loop Route:
Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS -
75 Mile Route:
Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS -
100 Mile Route:
Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS
Gravel Routes
77.7 Mile Gravel Route
- Suggested start: 8:00 AM
- Rest Stop #1 opens at 8:45 AM
- Sunset Fields cutoff: 1:15 PM
- Cifax cutoff: 3:45 PM
Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS
33.8 Mile Gravel Route
- Suggested start: 8:00 AM
- Rest stop cutoff at mile 20.7: 3:45 PM
Strava | Garmin | Ride with GPS
Rest Stop Amenities
- Tailwind Nutrition
- LMNT Electrolytes
- Water
- Fruit
- PB&J
- Salty snacks
- Sweet snacks
- Restroom facilities at all official rest stops
Leave No Trace
- Do not litter
- Dispose of trash only at official rest stops
- Respect private property and local residents
- Leave every road, overlook, and rest stop better than you found it
E-Bike Policy
E-bikes are welcome at Storming of Thunder Ridge. Please ride courteously and safely around other participants.
Post-Ride Celebration
- 🍕 Hot pizza
- 🍺 Cold beer
- 🏰 Family-friendly activities
YMCA Amenities & Camping
Available during ride weekend:
- Showers & locker rooms (please bring a towel)
- Outdoor camping is available after 6 PM on Saturday. With all the recent rain, the fields may be damp.
- Indoor camping available Saturday night — $20 (cash or card)
Final Thoughts
Thank you again for supporting Storming of Thunder Ridge and the YMCA of Central Virginia.
Ride strong. Ride safe. Ride with purpose.
Jeremy Ramsey
Event Director
Storming of Thunder Ridge
Central Virginia YMCA