2025 ABC Team Rides Across Maryland - Planning Page

Setup Stage 0 on 9/24         Stage 1 on 9/25       Stage 2 on 9/26      Stage 3 on 9/27      Stage 4 on 9/28

Pick the stages you are interested in

Please register on the Club calendar TBD so we know who is SAG or cycling the different stages

REFER TO THIS SHARED DOCUMENT FOR DETAILED PLANNING NOTES

If you are interested 4 different rides 4 days in a row that in total cover the state from the western MD border to the Atlantic Ocean, feel free to join. You can ride all 4 stages or just pick the stages that are of interest to you. You can even join in a stage mid way or end part way through.

2024 was a success with many participants and we continue planning 2025. More Google Meet planning sessions will be on the calendar.

You can read about 2024 in the April, 2025 Tailwind Express newsletter.

• The overall concept - Not leisurely tour rides, not a fundraiser, not races, or total crank fest, but challenging supported rides. Accomplish personal goals with help from colleagues. A way to promote ABC and our brand and image and welcome new membership. 
• Register and ride or SAG any of the stages. Only be in the stages you desire.
• Covers 340 miles and 16,000 feet of climbing over 4 consecutive days with a celebration and at the end at Ocean City. 
• Some members are interested in riding all 4 stages. Others want to ride in 1 or 2 or 3 Stages.
• Must be an ABC member to participate in any of the stages. Just join ABC first.
• The riders cover the expenses (SAG, meals, lodging, etc.). The Club will help with some expenses.
• ABC provides the trophies, party, and medals based on accomplishments:

1. Individual or multiple stages
2. SAG support & volunteer recognition
   
3. First century, first super-century (100+ miles)
4. Climbing

• West to east route, stops, lodging. All 4 stage routes from RidewithGPS are finalized  using this  end-to-end  route template.
• Descent is greater than ascent.
• 100% of the 4 stages are in MD. 
• We rode the stages in 2024.

• Network with others about sharing lodging if you are going to do that.
• The Club is working on ride sharing to the start, but it is limited, so register soon or feel free arrange your own drop-offs and pick ups.

• We need SAG support on each stage, especially in Western Maryland and riders will cover the expenses (Rental vehicle if needed, SAG supplies, gas, etc.). Let us know if you are interested in one or more of the stages. Thanks to those who have volunteered!
• Review our our insurance policy and coverage posted in the members area of our website. 
• Strength, conditioning, and performance ability. - ride whatever you are comfortable riding, even part of a stage is OK ! Talk to other cyclists and sources for coaching and preparation. You can set and meet personal goals and accomplish some personal "firsts".
• Semi-drop / no-drop / swept up into SAG vehicle depending on circumstances. The cyclists will pretty much keep moving since there is a lot of ground to cover, or pause briefly for a simple issue. SAG will be in proximity to the riders.
• Safety, security, first aid are paramount and will we addressed in advance.
• Rules of the road will be defined in advance.
• Will determine the time to start each day depending on temperature and distance.
• We are riding rain or shine.
• All participants must be members of ABC for insurance reasons.
• Wear ABC jerseys for identification, especially n Stage 1 and Stage 4. 
• Share weblink of your position with SAG drivers. 
• You might want to drive the routes in advance to become familiar with them or talk to those who were in 2024.
• These stages will accomplish many of the counties that are part of the ABC Tour of Maryland Challenge and the ABC Mountain Climber Challenge.

Watch our event calendar for Google Meet planning meetings.  Please volunteer to ride or help support the rides.

"Join the Ride Across Maryland"

Updated - John Tyrrell & RJ Marquette - Event Planners 5/8/25