The Great Pumpkin Ride is back!

The Great Pumpkin Ride is back!

By Anita L. Sherman

Participants start at the Old Caboose on the Greenway in Warrenton for the Great Pumpkin Ride. One of the most popular options is the 64-mile route.

We’re into fall. The mornings are cooler, the air is crisper, the hummingbirds will soon leave their familiar feeders and the trees will put on their colorful cloaks heralding a new season.

One way to enjoy the outdoors, get in some physical exercise and savor the fall foliage is by bike. Many cycling enthusiasts will have that opportunity this month.

An annual event for many years, The Great Pumpkin Ride didn’t happen during 2020 due to the pandemic. The good news is that it is back and already hundreds have signed on. Organizers hope to see those numbers grow by Saturday, Oct. 23, when riders will take off from the Greenway in Warrenton near the Old Caboose in Old Town.

The Great Pumpkin Ride is under the umbrella of the Fauquier Trails Coalition, a non-profit organization, dedicated to the development of trail systems throughout Fauquier County. This is a fundraiser to help support their efforts.

Premiere Hospitality, who for the last seven years has served as the management company, helps with many administrative logistics. In addition, there’s a small group of volunteers who work tirelessly to host the event.

“We work with a lot of nonprofits and we love getting involved,” said Carlton Shutt, who along with Ginger O’Brien, run Premiere Hospitality.

“We know that the funds raised go to help make great things happen in the community…it’s a worthy cause.”

Bob Leftwich, owner of The Bike Stop in Warrenton, is happy to see the event resurrected for outdoor enthusiasts. He’s all about pushing recreational activities and being healthy.

“I named it,” he said, recalling years ago when he organized what was originally known as the Fauquier Fall Foliage Ride. “It was always held close to Halloween and I thought it should be named something with more fun involved.”

Colorful and festive t-shirts are part of the registration but many often choose to add a pumpkin to their bike or ride as a witch or skeleton.

The event will be held rain or shine and there are three optional rides: 18 miles, 49 miles and 64 miles. The 18-miler is well suited for the entire family.

“It’s our family fun ride,” said Shutt and discounts will be offered for accompanied children under 12. “It will be a great recreational activity for the family and we look forward to folks joining in.”

Registration is $75 for any of the rides and is entirely online and necessary to participate. There will be no ride day registrations. Start times vary.

Shutt acknowledged the generous support of many corporate sponsors to make the Great Pumpkin Ride event happen, particularly longtime benefactors like Messick’s Farm, Panera Bread and Great Harvest. Many of their tasty treats will be available at rest stops along the way.

Powers Farm Brewery in Midland is one of the rest stops this year along with the church halls at Mount Horeb United Methodist and Remington Baptist Church. Local girl scout groups help serve refreshments.

“We would also encourage any of the riders to come out to Old Town Warrenton the night before,” said Shutt, “and take advantage of the restaurants, shops, enjoy the music and ambiance of the town.”

Participants start at the Old Caboose on the Greenway in Warrenton for the Great Pumpkin Ride. One of the most popular options is the 64-mile route.

Register for the 2021 Great Pumpkin Ride at www.bikereg.com/great-pumpkin-ride.