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                                                                   MOST LEVEL ROUTE               RIDGE AND VALLEY RIDE

                                                                   “MOUNT SAVAGE                  “REDBUD RIDE FROM
                                                               LOLLIPOP” •  22.3 MILES              CUMBERLAND TO

                                                              This 22 mile, up and back road ride is   HANCOCK” • 40.4 MILES
                                                              a mostly paved, part mixed surface
                                                              route that combines the first three   This beau ful route showcases our
                                                              miles of the Great Allegheny Passage,   ridges and valleys through the
                                                              star ng from Mile “0” in Cumberland,   Appalachian mountains and is known
                                                              through The Narrows on Route 36, up   best for its view of the Redbud
                                                              through Mount Savage, and making a   blossoms in Spring. The route begins
                                                              loop through Slabtown to return. The   in Cumberland, MD, and follows old
                                                              steepest grade is 9.2%, and the route   US Route 40/MD 144 out to Hancock.
                                                              is made up of mostly wide shoulders   The ridge and valley topography lends
                                                              all the way to Mount Savage.     itself to some serious climbs, with a
                                                                                               few gradients over 10%.
                                                                   BEST SUMMER RIDE                  BEST WINTER RIDE
                                                              “LAKE LOOP” • 37.4 MILES           “CUMBERLAND, BRYCE

                                                              This all paved road route is a favorite
                                                              of the local cycling clubs that starts in   HOLLOW, FLINTSTONE”
                                                              Cumberland, MD, and takes you to         47.5 MILES
                                                              Lake Koon dam, right over the
                                                              Pennsylvania  border.  Encounter  This rural road route is perfect for
                                                              creeks, breweries, shaded cli s, goat   winter and o  season rides due to its
                                                              farms, and fishing bridges along this   mild climbs and clear roads. Soak in the
                                                              scenic route on rural backroads.  quiet and calm of winter as you travel
                                                                                               country roads alongside state parks,
                                                                                               forests, and farms.




               There are a few things to be aware of when
               riding in Mountain Maryland, especially if
               you’re new to the area and more
               accustomed to urban or suburban road
               cycling.  While the roads are mostly quiet
               and scenic, they travel through farm and
               ranch country, along with all the associated
               hazards such as slow moving farm
               machinery, limited road shoulders, blind
               corners, steel grate bridges, and plenty of
               deer.   And as you might imagine, along
               some routes there are limited places to find
               food and liquids during longer rides, so
               plan to carry two water bo les and some
               snacks on those warmer summer rides.
               Also be aware that, depending on your
               carrier, cell phone coverage may not be available
               throughout the area.  As far as road surface
               condi ons, you’ll experience the full range of
               bu ery smooth new pavement to ru ed, cracked,
               gravelly secondary lanes that will test your body
               and bike frame. It’s all part of road riding in
               Mountain Maryland.

               By Rick Bartle    Trail Ambassador and Mountain
               Maryland Trails




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