6th Annual ABC Western Maryland Rail Trail Ride (paved)
John Tyrrell Ride Leader
9:00 AM start at Big Pool, MD: Ride the paved Western Maryland Rail Trail in Washington County, Maryland! The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) is about 26.8 miles long and parallels the C&O Canal Towpath and Potomac River for its entire length. A paved, flat, linear trail, it is suited to anyone seeking a pleasant, leisurely nature experience, with options for sprinters and hill climbers, long and short distance riders. We had 12 riders in 2019 and 2020 and 13 riders in 2021 and 6 riders in 2023.
Photos from 2020 & 2021 and 2019
This is the ride for every member because you can't get lost, you can ride any speed, and you can ride any distance since its out and back.
Visit Western Maryland information
This is the full route but you can ride shorter since it’s out and back. You can even skip the steep hill at mile 38 if you want to stay flat. It also includes getting off of the trail a little bit: Route
This route accomplishes Washington County in ABC's Tour of Maryland Challenge described on our home page.
Carpool meetup leaving at 7:20a
at the South Shore Trail parking lot across from Maryland muffler
1679 Millersville Road, Gambrills, MD 21054.
May have a bicycle trailer for 5 bicycles. I have two 4-bike racks that can be used by others. Let John Tyrrell know if you want to use it on your hitch. Others may drive or car pool as well.
It will be a 90 minute drive to Big Pool State Park to begin our ride. We will stop in Hancock, MD while cycling on the return for a quick lunch outside at Buddy Lou's. Decide your lunch in advance and bring cash to save time.
Will start by cycling around Fort Frederick State Park and the historic stone fort. Will have lunch at Buddy Lou's in Hancock, MD and a little social afterward at the car park so please bring items to share.
Register to receive updates and logistics info.
Guests are welcome, just bring a signed waiver.
"Join the Ride"
Request - We have 170 members in the club and need some of you to suggest rides and routes occasionally. You don't have to lead, just suggest. Who can help out ???
Send your suggestions to Joe Urban and Paul Garza for any day, any starting point, any distance, any speed, any course. They can refine it from there. Send to rides@annapolisbicycleclub.org
Am looking for additional Ride Coordinators as well. THANKS, John T
posted by John Tyrrell
