Virginia Railway Express will hold the sixth Tour de VRE on Saturday, Oct. 3, a charity ride along the Manassas Line that raises money for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. Lindsey Martin, VRE public affairs, said in an Oct. 1 release that registration stays open through Friday, Oct. 2, and that a $35 ticket covers a shirt, a medal, and food and water stops.
The 35-mile ride starts at 9 a.m. at Backlick Road Station, 6900 Hechinger Drive in Springfield, and the 8-mile ride starts at 11 a.m. at Manassas Park Station. Both end at Broad Run Station, 10637 Piper Lane in Bristow. Last year’s ride used the same stations, but the short ride started at 10:45 a.m., and that advisory named a noon finish and 12:30 p.m. remarks this release does not. The public page at vre.org/tourdevre still says route maps and more information are coming soon. The ride honors Maria Foster, wife of VRE’s Kip Foster, who died in July 2021. Earlier VRE accounts gave her name as Maria Bohigas Foster.
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Full press release:
On Saturday, October 3, in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is proud to host the 6th Annual Tour de VRE, a charity bicycle ride that follows VRE’s Manassas Line and raises funds and awareness for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. Registration is open through October 2.
The event features route options for seasoned pros and amateurs alike, with a 35-mile route running from Backlick Road Station to Broad Run Station, and an 8-mile “fun ride” from Manassas Park Station to Broad Run. Along the way, riders will pass through several communities VRE serves, including Springfield, Burke, Clifton, Manassas, and Bristow, ending at a finish line celebration with food and refreshments, swag, and raffle prizes.
The event was created to raise awareness and funds for triple-negative breast cancer research in honor of Maria Foster, wife of VRE’s Kip Foster, who passed away in July 2021. The $35 ticket includes a commemorative t-shirt, medal, and free food and hydration stations throughout the route and at the finish line. Proceeds support the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.
Participants may park at the end of the route and take a complementary VRE train up to the start line, or vice versa. Complementary bus transportation is also provided from Rosslyn and King St. Station to the start line. Learn more about the event, including registration and transportation options, at vre.org/tourdevre.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 3, 2026
35-mile ride starts at 9:00 AM (Backlick Road Station)
8-mile ride starts at 11:00 AM (Manassas Park Station)
WHERE:
Start: Backlick Road VRE Station, 6900 Hechinger Drive, Springfield, VA 22150
Finish: Broad Run VRE Station, 10637 Piper Lane, Bristow, VA 20136
WHO: Local leaders, cycling enthusiasts, community members, and VRE staff are expected to participate.
VRE, Virginia’s premier regional rail service, connects Central and Northern Virginia with the District of Columbia. VRE is recognized for its provision of safe, reliable, convenient, and comfortable transportation. Its two lines, Manassas and Fredericksburg, serve 19 stations, including two – L’Enfant and Union Station – in D.C. Additional information, including fares and schedules, is available at www.vre.org.
