Welcome to the Potomac Fall Ride!
This ride is classified as a "gravel ride" but is actually a rails-to-trails ride on the C&O Canal Towpath. The ride offers riders some of the most beautiful scenery along the Potomac River and riders can choose to ride any length they desire rather than the planned distances as advertised. This ride is FREE to all members.
We arranged for a block of only 20 rooms at The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs, WV. Each room has two queen beds. The cost is $116.99 +tax per night. To be assigned one of these rooms, you must contact Bob Vano. See his number below. Call...DO NOT email. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS RIDE AND TAKE A ROOM IF YOU ARE NOT FULLY COMMITTED TO ATTENDING.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Once a room is assigned to you, the cancellation policy is 48 hours prior to your arrival. If not canceled with a 48-hour notice, you will be responsible for the cost of your room. This same cancellation policy is in effect for the Old Roman Bath House reservations as described below.
Here's What We'll Do
On Friday, October 21st, we'll rendezvous in Hancock, MD at 9:45 AM and begin our ride at 10:00 AM.
We'll ride to Williamsport, MD (25 miles) and stop for lunch at the Dessert Rose Cafe. Feel free to pack your own lunch and carry it if you prefer. After lunch, we'll ride back to Hancock and depart for our hotel accommodations in Berkeley Springs, WV.
We'll check-in at the historic Country Inn of Berkeley Springs, WV located next to the Berkeley Springs State Park. This location is perfect for browsing shops, or relaxing in the Berkeley Springs State Park. Enjoy the natural springs that Berkeley Springs became famous for. Refill your water bottles at the Gentlemen's Spring next to the Old Roman Bath House. The water comes from natural springs in the mountain that sits directly behind the park and is said to have minerals that aid in healing and maintaining health.
NEW DINNER ARRANGEMENTS!!
We're heading to...
When: Friday, October 21st, 6:00 PM
Where: 11 E. Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750
*May be patio seating so please bring a jacket or sweatshirt.
Please RSVP your dinner attendance when registering for this ride event.
BuddyLou's
On Saturday, October 22nd, we'll meet in Hancock and ride the C&O Canal Towpath in the opposite direction toward the Paw Paw Tunnel. This direction offers some of the most remote riding along the C&O Canal Towpath. At times, you can really feel you are away from civilization. You'll experience wildlife and views of the Potomac on your way to the Paw Paw Tunnel. There is construction going on at the Eastern entrance to the Paw Paw Tunnel and this will prevent access into the tunnel. While we do not plan to go through the tunnel, if you would like to walk your bike up and over the mountain the tunnel passes through, you can use the foot-path created to enable you to do that. For more information, click here.
Following our ride, we prearranged for 8 bath tubs at the Old Roman Bath House next to our hotel in the Berkley Springs State Park. We'll return to our hotel and shower before heading to the bath house. If you have not experienced one of these baths, it is a must do. The water is brought into the bath house from the mountains behind the park and Native Americans believed the water has certain healing properties and soaked in the natural springs for the relaxation and wellness benefits. This is a perfect way to top off two days of riding.
If you would like one of these private baths, the appointment schedule is as follows: (They will be marked RESERVED when full)
3:00 PM - RESERVED
3:00 PM - RESERVED
3:15 PM - Available
3:15 PM - Available
3:30 PM - Available
3:30 PM - Available
3:30 PM - Available
Cost: 1st person $27, each additional person is $17. A couple can occupy one of the tubs alone or if you feel adventurous, share it with others. Each session is scheduled for 30 minutes. First-come, first-served. if you want one of these bath reservations, then you MUST contact Bob Vano.
We are leaving Saturday evening open for other dinner plans amongst members or for those who desire to not stay 2 nights and return home in the evening.
Each participant is responsible for their own travel, food, entertainment (including the Old Roman Bath House), and accommodations expenses. Otherwise, this is a club ride that has no other fees.