‘Great American Ride’ Virtual Cross-Country Cycling Event Kicks Off

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In the second edition of the ‘Great American Ride’ hosted by Sports Backers in partnership with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, participants in teams of four, eight, or 12 will attempt a virtual ride across America. The virtual route tracks along the developing 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail™, a signature project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trails advocacy organization. The Great American Rail-Trail™ is over 53% complete and connects more than 145 trails between Washington, D.C., and Washington State. The ride kicks off on March 20, and teams will have two months to complete the east-to-west course. Registration is now open!

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During the event, teams will ride and track their mileage each day and report how far they have gone. An online map will track each group’s virtual progress across the course and a live leaderboard will display the standings in real time, with groups in male, female, and co-ed categories. Teams will depart from Washington, D.C., on March 20, and the first group to virtually ‘reach’ the section of trail in La Push, Washington, on the Pacific coast of Washington State, will be declared the winner. All participants will receive a pair of exclusive cycling socks, unique finisher medal, pre-mapped route across the country, virtual finisher’s badge, and virtual travel experience with destination highlights featured along the route.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the official charity partner for the Great American Ride, has long championed the vision of the Great American Rail-Trail™, which aims to become an iconic piece of American infrastructure by connecting the country by trail over 3,700-plus miles in 12 states between Washington, D.C., and Washington State. In 2020, the trail crossed the 2,000-mile mark, achieving an important milestone on its way to completion. Participants can support Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s vision for the Great American Rail-Trail™ by donating during event registration or fundraising during their ride.

In addition to sharing the ride experience with teammates, Great American Ride participants can also take advantage of the referral rewards program to recruit others to join. Participants who refer five other riders will receive an exclusive Great American Ride Specialized water bottle, and participants who refer 10 other riders will receive the water bottle and a pair of Goodr Sunglasses. To refer others, a rider can share their unique referral link (found in the registration confirmation email) through email, social media, or text message. Are you ready for the ride?

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