WABA in the Wild

Remember, WABA signature events are only open to WABA members—and you can join here!

The 2019 WABA in the Wild trip will take place Friday, October 11 – Monday, October 14. Click here to add your name to the interest list.

Register Details

Are you looking to register? Click here! Are you looking for more details about the ride? Click here!

About WABA in the Wild

WABA in the Wild is a peer-to-peer fundraiser to support WABA, couched in a quintessential regional bike experience: bicycling the C&O Canal towpath, 184.5 miles, from Cumberland, MD to Georgetown, DC over three-and-a-half days.

Is WABA in the Wild for you?

Fundraising more than $1,000 and bicycling 184.5 miles are both big challenges. For many riders, WABA in the Wild is the first time they have attempted and completed one or both of those feats. That’s what makes this trip fulfilling. More than bicycling and/or fundraising know-how, your commitment to better bicycling in the region is what is most important. WABA in the Wild is a special experience. The C&O Canal towpath is one of the nation’s best long-distance trails—full of nature and history—that you get to enjoy with twenty-some other people that are as crazy about your favorite local bicycle advocacy organization as you are. You’ll experience the best that the canal has to offer, from local eateries in canal towns to getting your questions answered directly by representatives of C&O Canal National Historical Park and Trust. You’ll be able to focus on the ride without worrying about logistics: WABA staff and volunteers are experienced bicycle tour guides who will cook your meals, haul your gear, and set you up with delicious snack breaks along the way. Most importantly, you’ll get to think deeply about WABA’s work in the region and how you can help achieve WABA’s vision of a better connected region. Oh, and you’ll walk away with a custom WABA in the Wild jersey and a new group of awesome friends.

Testimonials: What did our 2017 riders have to say about the trip?

• “While the fundraising was a bit intimidating, it turned out to be quite manageable. The same can be said for the mileage. The best part was being able to check out from work; just bike, camp, and eat great food without the hassle of planning, hauling gear, cooking, and cleaning up!”
• “This was the first time I rode on an organized ride and the first time in a long time I rode 60 miles in a day. I didn’t even know if I could do the mileage, especially without rest days in between, but WABA said that if I could do 30 miles I would be fine, and WABA was right. I signed up because I wanted to get out on the C&O canal and experience nature and it sounded fun. It turned out to be one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had. The people were just delightful. I have incredible memories of everything from singing irish folk tunes at the hostel to eating the most delicious meals (thanks to WABA staff!). In addition, the experience helped me break through a fear I had about riding long distances and going out into nature with a bike. It was a wonderful introduction to the C&O. What a great experience. Thank you, WABA.”
• “I met so many wonderful people through this event, and now I feel more plugged into the DC area cycling community than ever before!”

Want to know more specifics about the ride? Check out our Details page to learn more! Or, if you’re ready, you can register here!