Contact   Richard Gallo 

PEOPLE CYCLING

Preview:  This tour starts and finishes in Leesburg, VA.  There is free parking at the hotel for the duration of the tour. The tour starts on May 27th with a late afternoon meeting/social hour which will be followed by a group dinner. Our pedaling starts on May 28th. We return on June 7th to Leesburg; lodging for this night is not included but the hotel will offer the group rate for those who want to stay.   

Overview: The Civil War has an extensive history in this area, and we will be pedaling thru several epic battlefields such as Antietam, Cedar Creek, and Gettysburg as well as other major battles: Fishers Hill, Front Royal, New Market, the skirmishes of the Shenandoah campaigns of 1862 and 1864. The National Park Service estimates about 325 combat actions took place in the Shenandoah Valley.  The area around Winchester had 6 major battles while the town of Warrenton changed hands 67 times during the war. We will have extra days to explore both Antietam (bloodiest single day battle in American history) and Gettysburg (we will have a special guest at our social hour to discuss this three-day battle). A side trip to Harpers Ferry is available (site of John Brown’s Raid in 1859).

Our pedaling starts with a bicycle path out of Leesburg. We cycle through Virginia’s horse country past ranches with extensive rock walls and several covered bridges in VA and MD. We use secondary roads but there are short distances on busy roads when getting into and then out of certain towns – the standard urban traffic conditions. We will pedal a short time through the George Washington National Forest. Our path will take us through historic, quaint towns in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. You can stop at a 1740’s stagecoach tavern or visit modern restaurants that dot the main streets of the towns.

After Leesburg, our overnights are in Warrenton, Front Royal, New Market, Stephen City (all VA), Shepherdstown WV (spending two nights at the Bavarian Inn, Resort and Brewery), and the two nights at Gettysburg are sandwiched between the Maryland cities of Hagerstown and Frederick. We return to Leesburg on June 7; lodging for this night is not included.

There are numerous websites to visit regarding the history of this area. The National Park Service is an excellent resource on Antietam, Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry or the History Channel (there are many others).  Fifteen years ago, the NPS opened a $10 million dollar museum at Gettysburg. Past participants have also included a tour of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s farm which is within the Gettysburg area.

Ride Level:  Strong C* and above

Mileage/Terrain:  The average mileage is almost 49 miles a day.  There are options for slightly more miles – mostly to explore the towns where we lodge (as opposed to going straight to our hotel) as well as when you are within a battlefield and want to visit a certain site.  The longest day is 62 miles (the following day is an rest day). The second longest day is 56 miles. Each day there are rolling hills. Daily elevation gains average 2,700’ with the highest day coming in at about 3,500’. There are two gaps that we use to get in and out of the Valley. Each has normal climbing grades however both have a short steep section (the longest is a ¼ mile section that exceeds 8%). As mentioned above, there are short distances on arterial primary roads when getting in and out of towns and crossing rivers. Experienced riders will have no issue, and during past tours even inexperienced riders were able to pedal every inch.

Lodging and Meals: We stay in commercial hotel chains, such as Holiday Inn, Hampton, Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Best Western Plus, the Bavarian Inn and one Super 8.  Most hotels have breakfast included; if they do not, you can buy breakfast at their in-house restaurant. There will be two group dinners, our opening night and a second which will be at a period restaurant in Gettysburg. We provide lunch and snack supplies for each day of riding. Our starting hotel (which is where we end) stated they will provide the group rate for anyone looking to reserve bookending stays. They also will allow parking for the duration of the tour and a place to keep bike boxes, if needed.

Other Logistics: All bikes are welcome, including hybrid (flat bar), bike Fridays, tandems and e-bikes (all of which have been on previous tours). If you're considering an e-bike, while they are more than welcome on this ride, due to the rolling hills on this tour, the battery life of some may not last the entire day; we suggest bringing a second battery. Hybrid and drop handlebar bikes are available for rent at a local bike shop (contact available on request). Arrangements for renting bicycles must be made directly with the bike shop and are the sole responsibility of the trip participant renting the bike. As of now, e-bikes are not available for rent at the bike shop, but the shop was not definitive on future availability (more and more are requesting such rentals, and the shop is considering their options).

COSTS:  $1,625 plus a $100 ride fee payable to the People Cycling. BTCNJ members will get a $50 discount (off the $100 ride fee) but must contact Rick Gallo at [email protected] to get the discount. The People Cycling fee and a $825 deposit is due at sign up. The final payment of $800 is due 90 days (February 27, 2025) before the tour starts. This includes includes 11 nights of lodging, two group dinners, luggage transfer expense, social/happy hours (beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks), lunch and snack supplies, and leadership expenses. There is a possible third group meal according to how many sign up for the tour. GPS tracks and cue sheets will be provided. The remaining $800 is due 90 days before the tour starts.

SINGLES & SOLOS:  Both are welcome. It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own, however, we will assist. If one cannot be found by the time the final payment is due, you will be given an option of paying the single supplement estimated at $845, receive a refund (minus the club fee) or join a possible rotation of those wanting to go solo on a part-time basis.

CANCELLATION: The tour will be operated on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional costs as a result of someone cancelling. If a cancelling rider is replaced, then they will get a refund of their monies minus the club fee. If a single rider cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs, the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement of the roommate remaining on the tour. In most cases, refunds will be determined after the ride and the final expense report is completed. The club ride fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled. We encourage folks to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

SIGN UP:  Email to Rick Gallo at [email protected]. The Ride Leader will contact you. After acceptance, you will get a notice to sign a waiver and pay the People Cycling ride fee. At that time, your $825 deposit is due to the Ride Leader.

Contact   Richard Gallo 