waba@waba.org
Phone: 202.518.0524
Fax: 202.518.0936

Washington Area
Bicyclist Association
2599 Ontario Rd. NW
Washington, DC 20009

2013 Vasa Ride

Sunday March 17, 2013

 

The Vasa Ride is now SOLD OUT as of February 7th, 2013.

Don't pack up your ski goggles just yet! You're invited to bid farewell to the chilly winter months with our first organized bike ride of the season. Join 500 other winter warrior bicyclists of all ages and experience levels as we gather at the House of Sweden on the morning of Sunday, March 17th for a fun and noncompetitive ride as we traverse the roads of DC and Maryland.

There will be three ride options to accommodate cyclists of all levels. Riders have the choice between a 15-mile, 31-mile, or 59-mile route. All Vasa Ride participants are invited to join us in the House of Sweden at the ride's end to celebrate the close of winter and kick off the spring riding season as we gather for traditional bowls of Swedish-style blueberry soup, courtesy of our gracious host the Embassy of Sweden.

What's the Vasaloppet [pronounced Vasa-LO-pet]?


WABA's Annual Vasa Ride is our bicycle-themed tribute to Sweden's legendary Vasaloppet, the world's longest running cross country ski race in Sweden. Since 1922, thousands from around the world participate in this 90Km cross country ski race the first Sunday of March. Vasaloppet commemorates the trial of Gustav Eriksson Vasa, Sweden's 16th century renegade king who led the rebellion to free Sweden after a long and dangerous pursuit on skis.

So why the warm blueberry soup? For the past 80 years or so of the Vasaloppet, this soup – Blåbärssopp – has been served during the cross country ski race to help keep riders warm and energized. We're excited to share in this tradition and get warmed up and energized after our bike ride too.

Ride Options and Schedule 

7:00am Volunteers arrive

7:30am Registration/Check in opens**

8:00am 59-mile Vasa ride begins

8:30am 31-mile Halv Vasa ride begins

9:00am 15-mile Kort Vasa ride begins

11:00am - 1:00pm Blueberry soup served at the House of Sweden

*You must arrive 25-30 minutes prior to the start of your ride to sign in and collect your cue sheet. Registration will be open from 7:00am to 9:00am.

As always, helmets are mandatory. Vasa Ride is a rain or shine event. 

Location:

House of Sweden
2900 K St., NW
Washington, DC 20007
View on Google Maps

House of Sweden is located along the Georgetown waterfront at the terminus of the Rock Creek Trail. It is also accessible from Mt. Vernon Trail, Martha Custis Trail and Capital Crescent Trail. For a map of area trails click here. 

Ample street parking is available along K/Water Street NW.

 

Questions?

Please email events@waba.org. Thanks and we can’t wait to see you on the Vasa Ride!

 

 

Thank you to our sponsors!