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TarWheel Cycling Event

2026 Ride - April 18

Gear up and get ready to ride! 

The 31st Annual TarWheel Cycling Event takes place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, on a scenic, flat, countryside course through the beautiful Pasquotank & Perquimans Counties in northeastern NC. You have the option of 33, 64, or 100 mile rides.  The rides start on the waterfront in downtown Elizabeth City at Dog Corner (College) Park, 600 Southern Avenue, Elizabeth City, NC 27909. You'll cycle by multiple waterfront areas and the majestic countryside, passing farmlands, pastures, barns, and historic homes. You'll pedal by horses, cows, birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Our countryside skylines are amazing!

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There will be coffee, water, juice, and light snacks before the ride - we'll be bringing back our famous Balls, Bacon, Bananas, and Brews (coffee, not beer!). Our usual great SAG stops during the ride will have the famous devilled eggs, banana bread, smoothies, sweet potato biscuits; "sweet cycling crack," PBandJs, and more! Post-ride, enjoy a "hot dog bar" with lots of add-ons (including bacon) and drinks.

 

Come early on Friday evening, April 17th for the Early Packet Pick-up (Dog Corner - College Park, 600 Southern Avenue) and get a ticket for a free craft brew or wine at one of our downtown breweries. Stay through Sunday and enjoy our charming downtown.

Registration & Pricing

Early Bird Registration through February 28 - $45
March 1 through April 3 - $50
April 4 through April 16 - $55
April 17 & 18 (Day prior and Day of) - $60

Route Information

Starting Point: College Park (formerly Dog Corner Park) - 600 Southern Avenue Elizabeth City, NC 27909.

 

Route information and downloads will be added shortly - we're making a few changes to last year's routes!

Ride Schedule

Friday, April 17, 2026:

4:00-7:00 pm - Early Check-In & Packet Pickup - College Park (formerly Dog Corner Park) - 600 Southern Avenue Elizabeth City, NC 27909. **Free Craft Beer or Wine Voucher for those picking up packets on Friday evening!** (Y'all, we really want you to check in early!)

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Saturday, April 18, 2026:

  • 7:00 am - Registration/check-in opens, support will continue until 9am

  • 7:45 am - Riders Meeting

  • 8:00 am - All Rider Start - NOTE: Ride starts are flexible; rides are not timed.

  • 5:00 pm - Ride Support closes 

More Important Information

  • T-shirt and/or t-shirt size not guaranteed for registrations received after April 1, 2026. 

  • Dress for the weather. The event is rain or shine. (No Refunds!)

  • For any child under the age of 16, adult permission and ride supervision are required.

  • REQUIRED: Signed Waivers; Helmets; Participation numbered wristband (included with sign-in packet).

Around Elizabeth City: Parking, Accommodations, and Events

Parking options during the ride include:

College Park (formerly Dog Corner Park) - 600 Southern Avenue Elizabeth City, NC 27909

City Municipal Parking Lot - 309 S Poindexter St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Mariners' Wharf Park Lot - 202 S Water St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909

 

​For accommodation information, visit www.visitelizabethcity.com or www.airbnb.com for a full listing of local options. 

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For information on more local events to attend, click here to check out our Facebook Events page. We keep an ongoing list of events and activities happening in downtown and it's constantly being updated since there's so much going on!

 

For more information contact Deborah at 252-338-4104 or director@elizabethcitydowntown.com 

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