It looks like the worst of the summer’s heat is behind us, allowing for a buffer of sunny skies and comfortable weather before the onset of fall and winter. Translation: great biking weather to come. A variety of organized cycling events are slated for the area in months to come, catering to everyone from serious roadies to the weekend wheelers.

If you’re looking to tackle some serious climbs (exactly that which biking in the District lacks), the Charlottesville Racing Club is sponsoring the Blue Ridge Extreme, slated to take place on Sunday, August 28. Set amidst the mountains of the southern end of the Shenandoah National Park, cyclists can ride 32, 62, or 102-mile routes. Be forewarned — the 62 and 102-mile feature 6,644 and 8,300 feet of climbing, respectively, on grades reaching 18 percent. A little closer to home is the Historic Back Roads Century, sponsored by the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club. The Sunday, September 18 ride covers either a 25, 50, 63, or 100-mile route around Berryville, Va., and benefits from terrain more forgiving than that of the Blue Ridge Extreme. The Owings, Md.-based Bay Country Century is taking place on September 31, with 25, 50, 62, and 100-mile options — and an all-you-can-eat-buffet for the first 600 finishers. If you’re more into raising money for good causes, check out the Tour of Hope, a 50-mile ride into the District to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Taking place on October 8, 1,500 riders who have raised $500 each will ride towards a grand finale on the Ellipse, where Armstrong is scheduled to speak. Oh, and if you’ve ever entertained dreams of out-sprinting the seven-time Tour de France victor, this is your chance — he’s riding.

Of course, and something avid city cyclists may have noticed, one of the District’s most famous rides — Bike D.C. — was cancelled indefinetely by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association this year. Citing logistical challenges in coordinating the necessary security, and mindful of the terrible weather that plagued the last two years’ rides (2003 was cancelled due to Hurricane Isabel, while last year’s was completed amidst a cold, drenching rain), WABA has instead focused its attention on the 50 States Ride and 13 Colony Tour. Aimed at raising awareness of the District’s lack of voting representation (the ride is also known as “The Quest for the 51st Star”), riders can either hit every street and avenue named after a state (60 miles) or just those named after the first 13 colonies (30 miles). A great ride, no doubt, but this one is done alongside D.C. traffic. Hordes of riders, though, tend to effectively shut down most city streets as they go. It is scheduled for Saturday, October 15.

Get to training.

Photo above snapped by b.e.n. and posted to Flickr.