2026 Oink At The Moon

Join us for the VeloPigs Beer and Bicycle Social Club’s 6th annual Oink At The Moon! This event is a non-competitive NIGHT GRAVEL ride taking place on the rural farm roads of western Loudoun County.
$2
Oink At The Moon originally began as a single, standalone charity ride in October 2020. VeloPigs’ founder, Kasey Clark, attempted to ride every gravel road in Loudoun County (over 285 miles!) in a single day. The ride was a success and raised significant funds for America’s Routes, a Loudoun-based non-profit whose mission is to protect and preserve these historic roads.
In 2021, to pay homage to Kasey’s big ride, the VeloPigs organized a night gravel century and opened it to club members. Each year since, Oink At The Moon has continued to grow into one of the highlights of the Loudoun County cycling calendar. It is a true grassroots gravel event, and we would love for you to come share this experience with us!
This year we are again being hosted by longtime VeloPig and ride leader, Brian Holesapple. He is graciously allowing us to start and end our ride at his property near Philomont.
Even if you’ve ridden Loudoun’s gravel before (perhaps every Saturday morning with the VeloPigs), riding at night completely changes the experience. Prepare for an exhilarating new adventure, traversing some of the lost corners of the county and camaraderie you can only find on a ride like this!
$2

• Routes and parking information will be emailed to you when you register.
• The ride will take place on open roads, both gravel and paved.
• The ride starts at 6:30 pm, approximately half an hour before sunset, and will finish well after dark.
• Participants are expected to follow all rules of the road and act as responsible stewards for the sport of cycling.
• The route will be unmarked, though GPS routes will be emailed upon registration.
• Road conditions will range from hardpack (almost as smooth as pavement) to sometimes deep, loose gravel with potholes and washboard.
• We recommend at least a 32mm tire width, though 38+ mm is ideal. We also recommend tubeless tires - changing a flat in the dark is not easy!

$2
This year, we have three route options (63 miles, 46 miles, and 30 miles – routes will be sent when you register). Unlike our Saturday club rides, these groups will not have ride leaders and are NOT no-drop. Meaning, these are drop rides. Riders are encouraged, but not required, to stick with their ride group.
The VeloPigs follow the “Mullet Protocol” for all our rides:

• Business at the front, party at the back.
  • The Business is 63 miles, and the group will ride at an average speed of 16+ mph.
  • Business Casual is 46 miles and will average 14.5-16 mph.
  • Party Pace is 30 miles and will average 12-14.5 mph.
• Please register for the route and pace that will best suit your riding abilities.
• Riders are asked to stage 5-10 minutes before the ride begins.
• Groups will roll out at 5-minute intervals to avoid congesting the small roads with too many riders.

$2

• There are no designated rest stops, though each route passes by at least one convenience store:
  • The Business: Middleburg Safeway at mile 11, The Plains Sunoco at mile 29, and Middleburg Safeway again at mile 45.
  • Business Casual: Middleburg Safeway at mile 11, and Middleburg Safeway again at mile 29.
  • Party Pace: Purcellville 7-Eleven at mile 21.
• Riders are expected to bring their own hydration and nutrition, and/or money to purchase more along the way.

$2

• Pizza, beer (21+), and VeloPigs swag are included with entry will be provided after the ride.

$2

• Riders are expected to have appropriate fitness, equipment, and bike handling skills to complete their selected route.
• Helmets, headlights, and taillights are REQUIRED!
  • We recommend staying with a riding buddy in case of mechanical or light issues.
• Mechanical support will be provided before the ride by VeloPigs’ bike shop sponsor, Plum Grove Cyclery.
• SAG support will be available for riders who experience mechanical difficulties and are unable to complete the ride.
• Registration may be edited or transferred at no charge up until the day before the event, however refunds will not be granted.
• If you would like to participate in this ride but are unable to cover the registration cost, please contact the Event Director.

Lastly, some friendly advice (because this has been an issue every year): It may be warm at the beginning of the ride, but it will get cold quickly when the sun sets!
DRESS FOR THE COLD TEMPS AT THE END OF THE RIDE, NOT THE WARM TEMPS AT THE BEGINNING. Trust us on this….