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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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