This ride may be re-scheduled, weather dependent. Ride leader would like to have a good chance for dry roads and reasonable weather.
This ride takes you over three of Maryland's five highest Mountains. It also includes 3 of PJAMM Cycling's 22 Maryland Climbs. Explore all of the climbs through the links to the PJAMM details below; create your own personalized 'bucket list' of climbs to complete with a free PJAMM account.
Meet up at Westmar Middle School in Lonaconing. Maybe buy a lotto ticket if you get there early; this is the town where the $731M powerball was won in 2021.
The ride coasts down to Westernport to hit the famous Westernport Wall; so famous in fact that it has its own facebook page and is the highlight of the Savageman 70 triathalon. PJAMM's #4 rated Maryland climb Rock St - Westernport starts up the wall and continues on up (but not over) the Big Savage Mountain for a total climb of 1.1 miles at 11.9%. Don't worry, after the short >25% section on the wall, 11.9% will feel like recovery. Come back during the Savageman and earn your brick in the wall.
Now that you are warmed up, it's time for the grinder up Maryland’s highest Mountain, Backbone Mountain via PJAMM rated #2 MD climb Hwy 135. 5.5 miles, 1,766 feet at 5.8% average.
Stop in Swanton for the 'best pizza and hot dogs in town' (So they claim...but it is the only place in town) prior to a small cat 4 climb up the hickory ridge and a nice 1,300' descent to the savage reservoir. If you have had enough, head downriver for an awesome ride back to Westernport, otherwise head upriver through the Savage River State Forest until you hit Westernport Road.
Summit Big Savage Mountain via Westernport and Swamp roads for a 4.1 mile 5.5% 1,266' climb not captured on the PJAMM site. Head back down to Lonaconing and go to the car, or head north for the last climb of the day.
Dan's Rock is PJAMM #6 rated climb in Maryland, 3 miles 1,100 feet and a 6.8% average grade with a famous overlook at the top.
Total Route is 62 miles, 7,000' elevation. Without Dan's rock it is shortened to 48 miles 5,500'. Bypassing Big Savage reduces it to 44 miles, 4,200'.
Ride with GPS Route.
Ride Leader is Chris. Ride Speed: Ride leader will average 11-12 mph. Pace yourself!
This ride checks off Allegany and Garrett Counties for the ABC Tour of MD.
