Bike Culture Rolls Out in Crystal City

Bike Culture Rolls Out in Crystal City
Arlington’s Largest Downtown Offers Everyone the Best in Cycling

Crystal City (Arlington, VA) - At the National Bike Summit hosted in DC, Angela Fox, President/CEO of the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) and Mike Hamannwright, President/Founder of Revolution Cycles, proudly announced a series of creative and cutting edge cycling programs and events sure to energize the bike-friendly audience. Of particular note was the opening of the Revolution Cycles City Hub in 220 Twentieth Street for an innovative grab-and-go bike rental program, cycling accessory sales, and repairs. The City Hub opening combined with the unveiling of a shower membership program at the local Sport and Health Clubs and a series of bicycle friendly events in May and June – Bike to Work Day, Bike DC, and the U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic with its signature Crystal Ride Challenge – highlights Crystal City as a center for bicycle culture in the Washington region.

“With Crystal City's great connections to the Washington trail network, bringing a bike lease program and commuter shower options is the perfect way to combine and showcase the area's active, accessible, and green aspects," said Angela Fox. “These cycling programs underscore County Board Chair Jay Fisette’s ‘Year of the Bicycle’ program while highlighting and expanding Crystal City assets!”

In partnership with Vornado/Charles E. Smith, Revolution Cycles’ City Hub will make 100 bikes readily available to area residents, workers, and guests. Unlike a formal bike-sharing program, which focuses on short-distance point-to-point trips, Access Bike is designed for longer, fitness-oriented riding and all-day recreational touring. In town for the National Bike Summit and often cited as the father of mountain biking, Gary Fisher became the first official customer taking an Access Bike from City Hub for a spin to the White House. The City Hub also sells cycling accessories and conducts repairs, meeting the equipment needs of a growing population of area cyclists. A quick hop off the bike path, cyclists can easily grab a new tire while enjoying lunch in one of Crystal City’s many great restaurants. Crystal City is a great place for riders to start a nice long weekend spin – free parking in select garages and proximity to trail heads make Crystal City the perfect place to Park & Ride Your Bike!

Those interested in trying out a cycle commute can take advantage of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s (WABA) annual Bike to Work Day on May 21. Crystal City will host a pit stop in its beautiful Water Park, with snacks, repairs, and even the option to try out the showers at Sport & Health if they want to get cleaned up before heading to the office.

Bike DC returns on May 23 for its second year featuring one of the best rides from the greatest possible vantage point, the seat of a bicycle. Starting in the heart of Washington, DC and finishing in Crystal City for an awesome finish festival, Bike DC is the perfect casual ride for all ability levels and is not to be missed.

Although open to all, cycling enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves can join in the U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic’s Crystal Ride Challenge on Sunday, June 13. Participants can ride up to 3 ½ hours on the car-free, 12.5km course attempting to ride as many as 8 laps in the allotted time. Then the competition heats up as professional cyclists compete on an exciting and fast 1 KM Criterium (Crit) course in Crystal City. In conjunction with the Clarendon Cup held the previous day, the weekend represents one of the largest cycling events in the country with most of the nation’s top cyclists expected to be in attendance.

Whether an avid or occasional commuter, a serious competitor, a race enthusiast, or strictly a recreational rider, Crystal City can meet any cyclist’s needs. Visit www.crystalcity.org for additional details on the area’s “Bike Culture” assets and to register for upcoming events.

###

The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promote the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. Crystal City is ACTIVE, ARTFUL, ACCESSIBLE, and GREEN. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.