Cumberland-Paw Paw bicycle trip

Denny Sloppy is organizing a two-day bike ride to be held August 16-17. Riders meet ready to bike in Cumberland on Saturday (8/16) morning at 10 a.m. at the Mule Statue in front of the Western Maryland C&O Canal Visitor Center. The group will bike to Paw Paw, spend the night and bike back to Cumberland on Sunday.

In Paw Paw, there is an option of camping at the Purslane Run Hiker-Biker camp site or staying in nearby Paw Paw, WV (Canal Cabins or the Bike Path B&B). Lunch on Saturday, and maybe Sunday as well, would be at the Oldtown Schoolhouse Kitchen, with riders covering their own expenses.

This is a rain-or-shine event except in the case of a flood. If flooding is in the forecast, Denny would cancel two days prior.

There is no cost for the event, however riders would be responsible for their own food and lodging expenses, if not camping, and camping equipment if they decide to camp. The ride is limited to a maximum of 20 riders. The total distance is 60 miles (30 miles each day). In Cumberland, riders can leave their cars at the free parking lot under I-68 at the 43B exit.

Lodging is limited in Paw Paw. Denny has reserved the rooms at the Canal Cabins for the group. He encourages couples to join this ride as two cabins and the bus have queen beds. For singles he encourages sharing the other cabins for those willing to share. One cabin has two bunk beds and one has two twin beds. Call Denny for more details and to get information about cabins and rooms. Denny would like to have your reservations for your place on the ride by June 1. Riders will be required to sign a liability form.

If I reserve all the cabins the owner gives me a nice discount on the price. The cabins are quite nice and share two bath houses.

For more information contact Denny at 814-577-5877 or [email protected].