The Bikecentennial in Rockbridge: 500+ Years of History along Route 76

Event Description

Join the Rockbridge Historical Society, VA250, and the Bike 76 VA project on Sunday, May 4, 2:00 PM (Lylburn Downing Middle School Cafeteria) to commemorate regional and state histories of the 1976 bicentennial, the Transamerican "Bikecentennial Route 76" that ran through 50 miles of our County, and the centuries' long sweep of Rockbridge, Virginia, and American histories that can be seen in new light, wheeling down local roads.

RHS Executive Director Eric Wilson and Virginia Tech History Professor Tom Ewing will discuss new historical, recreational, and preservation initiatives building on these paths, including 3 of Ewing's podcast episodes centered on Natural Bridge, Irish Creek, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.  After his slideshow, and other memories shared by area riders and residents, a "bike rodeo" for all ages will offer free opportunities for tune-ups, bike safety information, and conversational exchanges about favorite cycling routes: locally, or across this historic TransAmerica Bicycle Trail.  

The program will also be an opportunity for discussions among anyone who is interested in helping to plan some sort of "commemorative, community ride" in the summer of 2026: along some or all of the Rockbridge trail segments, and looking to welcome riders of all abilities and ages, in some stage or another. 

For more information and historic images, see RHS Facebook or RHS Instagram. To discuss the event, or ideas for the 2026 ride, contact Eric Wilson at Director@RockbridgeHistory.org.

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