Garrett County Gran Fondo Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Lisa F.
Philadelphia, PA

  (08-06-2010)

"My boyfriend and I were one of the last people to finish the 125 (I think he wound up climbing about 18,000' bc of all of the times he doubled back for me!) and it was the best-worst experience I've ever had! The course could not have been more difficult; the views could not have been more beautiful; the cause any greater (Joanna M Nicolay Foundation); the course director/designer/volunteers/riders any nicer!! Deep creek is the perfect location, I recommend the ride to all and we will absolutely be back in '11! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Shane S.
Alexandria, VA

  (07-18-2010)

"Full review: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-v iew.asp?tid=215124"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Neil G.
Bethesda, MD

  (07-11-2010)

"Knowing how tough Garrett County hills are, we did the short 50 mile course - still 5,000 feet of climbing. Beautiful, quiet roads. Everything is up or down - hardly any flats to recover. The hills are manageable with patience and low gearing. Bowman Hill, halfway through the ride, is the longest and toughest. The final climb of 700ft in half a mile is a fitting finish to a tough ride. Feels good to reach the top and finish!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

C. C.
Rockville, MD

  (07-07-2010)

"My report/review here -
http://stuckinthebigring.blogspot.com/2010/07/savage-ce ntury-gran-fondo-report-nearly.html

As billed: Gnarly! In an awesome way. Lots of shade. Scenic throughout. Only regret not stopping to snap pics.
Very few cars. Maybe more cows.

Eat lots at CP3. 'tis a long stretch to CP4. Maybe add a couple aid stations. Almost a necessity should it be a hot humid day.

Nice T-shirt to finishers. Better than a medal."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Eric H.
Morgantown, WV

  (07-06-2010)

"This is without a doubt the best organized ride in which I have participated. This is without a doubt the most suffering I have ever experienced on a bike. Actually that was a lie, but I'll spare you the details of the more superlative suffering and just say that had I prepared for the ride it wouldn't have happened.

Things like nutrition and electrolyte replacement really hit home on this magnitude of a ride. As one who hasn't delved into these areas in endurance activities, where do you start when you have no frame of reference? Thankfully, the aid stations were well stocked with provisions for both, and even though it seemed like work to consume the necessary quantities of food and beverage, keeping ahead was vital to success.

Now that this is behind me, I can say that climbing anything less than 11% grade is hard to even notice. I took the advice of the organizers for gearing. They were right.

My only advice for future rides is to try harder to avoid locking my keys in my car after finishing."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

John M.
ALEXANDRIA, OH

  (07-06-2010)

"Just do it. Best ride ever. Also the toughest. Fantastic scenery, support, etc. MAJOR SUGGESTION: MOVE CHECK POINT #2 FROM SCENIC OVERLOOK TO MARKET/MCDONALDS AT 219 AND 40 INTERSECTION IN KEYSER RIDGE."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Jason C.
Westernport, MD

  (07-05-2010)

"http://cervelo304.wordpress.com/"

Click on recent posts on the right for a review of the ride."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010