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ENDURANCE RIDE

5 Days + Bonus Day

Join Our Annual Bike Ride Fundraiser

Washington, DC to Pittsburgh, PA Ride Info

September 29th to October 3rd , 2025

(Bonus day on October 4th in PGH)
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FAQ

What kind of services does your support vehicle offer?

Similar to most other endurance rides, the riders are expected to be self sufficient and prepared for anything. The trail is remote and no vehicles are permitted except in emergencies. Communication is sparse, cell signals intermittent, and mostly not available. There is a single trailer for support which can hold one bag per rider, hydration and snacks and simple lunches.

Does the support vehicle carry lunches in addition to snacks?

Yes

How much will we need in the way of hydration, Gatorade, water, etc?

Hydration will be provided on the trailer in the form of water and Gatorade. Riders are welcome to bring other beverages, absolutely no alcohol to be consumed while riding. Snacks and energy bars will be provided. Again, riders are encouraged to bring whatever they feel comfortable consuming along the trail. Due to the wide variety of options, the trailer will have a few select items that the riders are welcome to share in, but there is no guarantee we will have your favorite Honey Stinger Waffle, or chew or gel.

What happens in a thunderstorm?

Find shelter. You will most likely be somewhere not near the trailer and the nearest shelter is your best bet. The trail has shelters along the way.

Lightning?

See previous answer. Seek shelter along the trail.

What first aid supplies are available and what should we be expected to bring?

There is no paramedics or EMT’s on the ride. In the event of an emergency the nearest 911 responders should be called. The ride has a certain amount of risk, although thousands of people every year successfully complete the ride with no issues. The trail is flat and well maintained. However, injuries can and do occur. The support trailer has a basic first aid kit for mostly cuts and scrapes.

What kind of clothes should we wear/ bring?

Dress for rain, snow, cold or heat. We have had all of those. Wear lightweight synthetic layers that can be removed and carried when the day warms up. We have started days in the 20’s which ended in the 80’s. In 2018 it was 85 degrees and sunny every day. The following year it was in the 30’s every day except the last day when it was 80 degrees. Riders must prepare themselves for anything. Layers may be picked up or dropped in the trailer at designated stops. The stops are about 20 miles apart, depending on logistics and geography so any given leg of the ride should be tolerable if a change needs to be made at the next stop. .

Where do we meet on the first night?

The first night like all nights is up to the riders to make advance reservations for lodging and plan for meals. There is a very good trip planner at https://bikecando.com/
The stops are as follows:
Day One stop at Harpers Ferry WV
Day Two stop at Hancock MD
Day Three stop at Cumberland MD
Day Four stop at Ohiopyle and proceed by vehicle to Pittsburgh to begin and end the Day 5 ride entirely in the Pittsburgh Area along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail beginning at Southside Riverfront Park (under the Birmingham Bridge), and proceeding east along the trail and ending at the designated turnaround points for the 15 and 30 mile ride options for Day 5.

Do the lodging facilities take credit cards?

Consult https://bikecando.com/ to find out

Which of the lodging facilities offers breakfast?

Consult https://bikecando.com/ to find out

Bike repair support available?

Minimal spare supplies may be available in the trailer, but bike repair is definitely not offered. There are bike shops at various points along the trail and if a rider’s bike is injured, we will make every effort to get to a bike shop to assist in getting you back on the trail. But the bike is the rider’s responsibility and we cannot hold up the whole ride schedule if a bike is down. The rider is welcome to ride along in the vehicle if the bike is seriously injured. Usually a broken spoke or a flat tire can be fixed quickly at the trailer. However, riders must bring their own inner tubes. There are no bike supplies for riders on the trailer. The trailer is for personal support of the riders, not mechanical support. https://bikecando.com/ has bike shops listed all along the trail, for planning purposes.

Do I need insurance?

Riders will be asked to sign a declaratory form of release acknowledging that the riding a bicycle comes with the risk of injury, serious injury and in rare cases death.

Are battery powered bikes permitted ?

Yes, on both C&O and GAP trails, e-bikes are permitted, subject to rules which can be found at the following: https://bikecando.com/c-o-faq.aspx

For more information about the endurance ride please email your questions to info@marthasride.com