Ride-Day Logistics
(updated frequently!)
Read on to make sure you have a safe, fun, and friendly ride.
NOTE: Routes are now available to download or print.
All BikeFest routes start and end on East Margaret Lane near the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Hillsborough. Parking volunteers are there to direct you to free parking lots located near the start.
BikeFest offers a choice of 4 routes/rides: 35-mile, 45 mile, 62-mile and 101-mile (century) ride. The 35, 45 and 62 routes have 2 rest stops while the 101-mile route has 4 rest stops. There will be a free, 7-mile Family Fun Ride around Historic Hillsborough on the same day as the longer routes.
Below are links to all of the routes for BikeFest 2026
Please download the route (Ride with GPS/RWGPS) to your electronic device, or print copies of the cue sheets for your personal use.
**When you visit the link, you can click "send to your device" to download it to your bike computer. If you click on the "More" option under the "Send To" button, you will see options to save the file, and create a printable cuesheet with our without a map, In our efforts to be environmentally responsible, we will not have printed copies of cue sheets for distribution on the day of the event.
All riders must depart Hillsborough before 9 am
All rest stops will close by 4pm.
Any riders at rest stops who want a ride will have to stop by this time. Remember to check when the sun will set to ensure you get back to Hillsborough safely.
The rides will all take place on rural roads north of Hillsborough in Orange, Alamance, Caswell, and Person counties. Farmland, trees and rolling hills along lightly traveled roads will be the features of the day.
Personal Safety Requirements
All riders must wear a helmet approved by ANSI, Snell, ASTM, or CPSC while riding.
All riders are required to accept a release form prior to the start of BikeFest.
BikeFest is held on public roads which remain open to motor vehicle traffic.
Each rider shall obey all traffic laws and is responsible for his or her own safety.
Earbuds, earphones, mobile phones, and music players shall not be used while riding.
Bright colors and bike lights front and rear are recommended for greater visibility.
See registration forms for other requirements.
Driving and Parking Info:
The historic Town of Hillsborough is located about 10 miles north of Chapel Hill and 10 miles northwest of Durham, North Carolina.
From points east and west, take I-40 to Exit 261.
From points north and south, take I-85 to Exit 164.
Follow the signs to the downtown Hillborough Historic District and the Orange County Visitor Center.
Parking instructions
There are three parking lots for BikeFest, along with some curbside parking on North Cameron St.
Your best bet is the Hillsborough Public Parking Garage
Nash and Kollock Street
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pvKiNmodxtVSawdG9
If you are an early bird, you can park at one of the two surface lots:
Orange County Board of Elections lot
208 S Cameron St
Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DRerTWJPfm35JP2i7
Coleman Law Offices lot (front and back)
129 E Tryon St (on the corner of E. Tryon and N. Cameron St.)
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/juRnb9PMzgjFunvw6
Signs and volunteers will direct you. If volunteers are directing you away from the surface lots, it is because they are full. You will save yourself a lot of time and reduce traffic circulation if you follow their guidance. Please only use legal street parking if no other spots are available.
Importantly, DO NOT to park in these locations (there will be "NO PARKING" signs and/or cones at these locations):
The surface lot across Nash and Kollock St. from the Weaver Street Market.
The Eno Farmers Market Lot (entrance on Margaret Lane).
The U.S. Post Office lot on Margaret Lane