E-biking through the Frederick Municipal Forest and Beyond

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38290372
34.8 miles. Picnic at Mountaindale Convenience Store, 20 miles into the route.

NOTE; VERY STEEP HILLS. BRING AN EXTRA BATTERY. GRAVEL!

This new route takes you on an epic trek from the Frederick suburbs up to the top of Catoctin Mountain, and through the Frederick Municipal Forest. The scenery is second to none, and if you like remote forest roads and sparkling mountain streams, you will LOVE this ride.

There are 3 versions of this ride, and all of them include the challenging and beautiful ride up Hamburg Rd, which is about 1000 feet of climbing over 3 miles. Next we make a right on Fishing Creek Rd (which is closed off to cars during the winter season).

Every version of this ride follows some gravel forest roads, and generally will not be suitable for supper skinny road tires.

At this point, the two longer routes make a wide loop up and around Gambrill Park Road, where we'll enjoy miles of gravel riding through the forest. The beauty will thrill you with wonder, and the stillness will fill you with peace, it's a truly special place.

The shortest route skips the majority of the Gambrill Park Rd gravel loop, and continues back down into the valley. Finally, we'll make our way back to the parking area on mostly flat terrain, while we enjoy views of the mountain we just conquered in the background.

The longest route makes a pit stop at mile 20 at the Mountaindale convenience store, which has a small deli and various foodstuffs, as well as a bathroom.

The parking area is Greenleaf Park, which is next to Greenleaf pool. The restrooms are closed in the winter. Up in the mountains, there are plenty of secluded areas, should nature call...

Long version, 27% gravel, 35 miles, 2940 get elevation gain:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38290372
Medium version, 37% gravel, 26 miles, 2527 ft elevation gain:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38594135
Short version, 19% gravel, 20 miles, 1931 ft elevation gain:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38555820

A NOTE ABOUT RIDING ON GRAVEL ROADS:
If you are riding a new bike, are new to biking generally, or have little experience on gravel roads, you should plan on taking your time. Please understand that gravel roads must be respected and navigated with an extra level of care, or you can seriously injure yourself. The key is to just take your time. We are never in a hurry, and you should go at a pace you are comfortable with.

Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers
Membership of the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club is now free as www.ebikelovers.com is generating sufficient income from ads to cover the costs.
Here is the link to activate your free membership:
https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN

More information about using GPS files: https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/

More information about e-bike ranges:
https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/

The Spell of the Yukon by Robert Service:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46643/the-spell-of-the-yukon

Frederick Municipal Forest:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/western/fcw_cwma.aspx

The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up.

For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun.

As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.

DISCLAIMER
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.

See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer