47th Covered Bridge Classic, PA

Note: I only posted this event for awareness. If you're interested in doing this with others, RSVP and wait to see if someone else signs up.

The Lancaster Annual Covered Bridge Classic is a premier cycling event that takes riders through Lancaster County’s iconic covered bridges, Amish farmlands, and rolling countryside. With routes ranging from 17 to 100 miles, the ride offers something for every level—from beginners to seasoned cyclists. Riders enjoy full support, including stocked rest stops, SAG vehicles, and mechanical assistance.
The event is known for its beautiful scenery, friendly atmosphere, and meaningful mission: proceeds help fund covered bridge restoration and local cycling initiatives. Whether you're looking for a scenic cruise or a challenging century, this ride delivers a memorable experience and a great day on the bike.

Website for info and registration: Covered Bridge Classic

Note: If you can't make this one, try to attend our more local and shorter "Three Covered Bridges" ride in Thurmont each year.

PARKING & MEETUP SPOT
Not confirmed: Listrak Parking Lot 100 W Millport Rd, Lititz, PA 17543

TYPE OF BIKE: Bikes with road tires or hybrid tires are recommended. Ensure it is the correct frame size for your height so you can get maximum output. Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike tires, brakes, and chain are in good condition and they have a spare inner tube on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions.

SKILL LEVEL: You need to have legs conditioned for the distance you want to ride and the stamina to finish by 4:00 pm.

PACE: It’s up to you.

DISTANCE OPTIONS
Routes are being finalized. The routes will be sent out to registrants early August, based on start location assignments. Map available on the official website.

A. 17 miles – 788 ft. total climbing, 2 bridges
B. 31 Miles – 1561 ft. total climbing, 4 bridges. (The organizers are planning to do this route)

C. 54 Miles – 2673 ft. total climbing, 7 bridges
D. 66 Miles – 2818 ft. total climbing, 10 bridges
E. 100 Miles – 4457 ft. total climbing, 14 bridges

BATHROOMS
To be added
BIKE RENTALS
To be added
BIKE REPAIR
To be added
FOOD & DRINK INFO
To be added
OPTION TO SOCIALIZE AFTERWARDS
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Bring: Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat.
Clothing: Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something lighter to help others notice you.
REQUIREMENTS
Participants must wear tightly secured helmets when on their bike.
Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:
· Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them.
· Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop.
· Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel.
· Slowing down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction.
· Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps
· When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc.
· Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground.
MEETUP POLICIES
Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. Participation is at your own risk.
An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/