SWANTON — Cycle the Savage, a new family bike event at Big Run State Park, is coming to Swanton on May 10th.
At 10 a.m., local cycling legend Larry Brock will lead the pack of riders in the first Cycle the Savage bike ride.
This is not a race and is open to every member of the family. The riders will get the opportunity to experience the serenity and majestic surroundings as they leisurely ride their bike through 20 miles of the gentile rolling hill course.
The ride will begin and end at the Big Run State Park’s pavilion where riders can enjoy the festivities at the Celebration Village.
The course was designed by Ride Director Mark Clem and was created to fulfill the enjoyment of all levels of cyclists. The riders will have the option to ride as many loops as they desire and at their own pace.
The course consists of three loops. The Savage River Loop is 8 miles with small rolling hills and is almost completely under canopy. The Big Run Loop is flat and fast as it winds its way through the best foliage and rugged sights that Garrett County has to offer. The Dam Loop is a short 4-mile hilly route that oversees the world-famous Savage River Dam.
The ride will be led by Brock, who has established himself in the Western Maryland Cycling Community over his many years on his bike. The 79-year-old Brock is a member of the Western Maryland Wheelmen Bike Club.
Brock was very instrumental in developing the Great Allegany Passage, a 150-mile cycling paradise trail from Cumberland to Pittsburgh through the Laurel Highlands.
There is a bench along the trail honoring the efforts of Brock.
One of Brock’s greatest cycling accomplishments was his coast-to-coast cycling adventure that started on the west coast in San Diego and ended on the east coast.
Brock is also a member of the C&O Canal Trust and has made 45 cycling trips on the 184.5-mile tow path that goes from Cumberland to Georgetown, Washington, D.C., with his first coming in 1960.
He is been a devoted advocate for adventure cycling and teaches classes in Bike Packing and Bike Touring.
There will be a brief ceremony at the start/finish of Cycle the Savage to honor Brock, and for him to lead the peloton in this inaugural event.
The ride begins at 10 a.m. but will not be a hard start, which means if you miss the official start you can still ride. The course will be supported until 2 p.m.
All Cycle the Savage proceeds will benefit the Frances Ann Shaw Memorial Scholarship Foundation for Aspiring Teachers, and the David H. Shaw Jr. Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
Cycle the Savage is presented by Weimer Automotive Group. Gold sponsors include WEPCO Federal Credit Union and Allegany Computer Services. Silver sponsors include Armstrong Insurance, Port West Restaurant and Sam’s Sweets.
If you are interested in riding or donating to the Cycle the Savage, please visit www.cyclethesavage.com to register and pay for the event or send your check to The Frances Ann Shaw Memorial Scholarship Fund, 19807 Buskirk Hollow Rd., Frostburg, MD, 21562.
The cost to ride is $35 for 16 and above and $20 for 15 and under.