Hey Transportation Adventurers, Cyclists, and Rail Fans,
this Adventure Ride is for you!
AND 
Tired of driving to adventure rides? Busy roads got you down? Tired of tolls but want to get out of the local area? Here's something different...
All members are welcome but there is a course time limit. More on that...
Ride Leader and Rail Fan: John Tyrrell. I've been on these trains with bikes before and they do a good job.
This will be a moderate and steady C ride over 50 miles and 3,000 ascent, not a racy ride. Will stay together. You may ride much faster but don't get too far ahead.
This route will cover Cecil and Harford Counties. Great for participants in the ABC Tour of Maryland Challenge.
Amtrak train ride to the start of the cycling route:
Meet at the BWI Amtrak rail platform by 9am. Park in the BWI Amtrak rail station garage for $12. Sharing car rides to Amtrak will save costs. I have room for me and 3 more riders in my Tahoe and rack.
Hop on Amtrak train 86 Northeast Regional departing BWI station at 9:17am. The fare is $24 at www.amtrak.com. I bought a fully refundable ticket in case of lousy weather. Buy your ticket early for reduced fares. You can buy the ticket on the train or at the station but the price will be higher.
Arrive at Newark, Delaware station NRK at 10:10am. This station is on the border of Cecil County, MD. Have breakfast or nap along the way. Start cycling upon arrival.
The cycling route:
Cycle this 50 mile / 3,000 climb route from our club Ride with GPS library.
1) Warm up 5 miles to Cecil County, MD line.
2) Cycle 21 miles across Cecil County and the Conowingo Dam road (we've done it before. Its OK, just be patient). Break stop before crossing dam road. Several options around mile 20. Might see some bald eagles at the dam.
3) Then cycle 24 miles across Harford County and finish at the Edgewood, MD MARC train station (Md Rail Commuter) at 2125 Old Edgewood Rd on the MARC Penn Line by 2:35pm or sooner. Lots of break stop options at mile 37.
MARC Train back to our cars at BWI station:
Hop on MARC train 537 at 2:51pm for $8 in Edgewood, MD. All MARC trains feature nice bike rack areas. This is the last train of the day.
Here is MARC train information. And, MARC Train Video. You can get the tickets from the MARC app or in the BWI station before we train to the start. You can buy tickets onboard.
Finally, arrive back at BWI rail station at 3:30pm. Celebrate the adventure with a full cooler.
Cycling distance, time and average speed requirement:
So, that means you'll need to ride 50 miles in 4.5 hours for a minimum average speed of 12 mph to catch the train home. Will need to factor in some brief stops along the way. We should finish well before the deadline, but just wanted to lay it out.
Feel free to call if you have questions.
Aaaalllll ABoaaard!
Posted by JCT 8/14/26
Join the Adventure Ride and Rails and Tour of Maryland Challenge
