12/16/2024
It is with deep regret that we announce that there will not be a 2025 Garrett County Gran Fondo, which had been tentatively scheduled for June 21. After careful consideration of our capacity to host our largest fundraiser while also helping to complete multiple new trail projects we have made the difficult decision to cancel next year's event.
We understand the impact this decision may have on our participants, volunteers, sponsors, and community. We know many of you were looking forward to our annual cycling fundraiser and share in your disappointment.
What This Means for Participants:
• Garrett Trails is working on alternative ways to raise funds in support of our community, and we encourage you to stay connected with us via social media for updates on future events and initiatives. Please go to www.garretttrails.org for information about hiking and biking trails in Garrett County, MD.
What This Means for Volunteers:
• We are taking this opportunity to engage with you in the coming year by inviting you to participate in trail open houses, trail maintenance days, and new programs highlighting the different trail systems we help care for. There will be more information posted on our website, social media feeds, and sent through email.
Trail Projects to Look Forward to in 2025:
• Fork Run Recreation Area- Connecting the North Fork Loop (former green/beige trails), to Adventure Way Road, using funds provided by a MD SHA Recreational Trails Program grant, matched with a generous donation from the Community Trust Foundation. 1.2 miles of single track will serve to connect the trail system to the growing communities on top of Marsh Mountain. This will develop concurrently with the installation of new trail signs at the Shingle Camp parking area, and wayfinding signs and posts within the trail system.
• Margraff Plantation Trail system improvements scheduled for 2025 include trail rehabilitation for increased sustainability and the addition of an adaptive loop. These improvements are being managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, building on the efforts of Garrett Trails and volunteers who have been dedicated to maintaining the trails in Margraff over the years.
• Fork Run Recreation Area- Development of an intermediate trail near the Shingle Camp parking lot and climbing area, complimenting the recently completed adaptive Acorn Loop. This is a County initiative, with development and maintenance support from Garrett Trails.
Looking Ahead: While there will not be a GCGF in 2025, we are committed to looking for ways to do so in the future. We love our fundraiser, and we appreciate your support and participation! Thank you to all our past riders and volunteers, whose commitment to the fundraiser helped deliver one of the best rides in the country year after year, we look forward to the opportunity to welcome cyclists and supporters to Garrett County again soon.
The Garrett County Gran Fondo is an annual cycling fundraiser set against the breathtaking backdrop of Garrett County, Maryland. The GCGF brings together cyclists of all skill levels to challenge themselves and celebrate the beauty of the region while supporting the mission of Garrett Trails. Garrett Trails is committed to supporting local communities, promoting health and wellness, and increasing opportunities for the economic development of outdoor recreation businesses.
______________________________________
www.garretttrails.org
