Jul 19, 2018
Today’s weather will be sunny with a high near 78 and a low around 59.
Team Trivia is on this evening at the Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry starting at 6:30pm.
It’s Open Mic Night at Our Town Theatre in Oakland this evening starting at 7:00pm. It is open mic for any performance you wish to give including singing, poetry, music, comedy, etc. Give it a try as a performer or member of the audience.
The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area’s Mini Grant Program is now accepting applications for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $2,000. Projects should seek to attract cultural and heritage tourists to the region, with non-profit organizations and local jurisdictions eligible.
A Touch of Class Limousine is offering some hot summer deals including discounts, packages and free hours. Check out their site for more information and their contact number. It’s OK to splurge once in a while
WalletHub just did an analysis of the most- and least- stressed cities in America. The good news is that Garrett County didn’t and wouldn’t make the most-stressed list even if we had some big cities. The bad news is some regional cities, some where our readers reside, did make the list. The really good news is you can keep coming to the Deep Creek Lake area to decompress whenever you need to!
The Civic Club of Oakland is looking for the back story on this quilt project. This quilt and several quilt blocks were found in an closet; kept there since about 1993. Does anyone know the story?
Jul 19, 2018
Subject: Friendsville Lions Club Presented Flag
Photo: left to right: Julia Sines, WOW Flag Presenter; Glen Jordan, Friendsville Lions President; Remington Friend, WOW President.
The Friendsville Lions Club was presented a new American Flag recently by the Woodmen of the World during a picnic. The Lions Club meets at the Jubilee Diner the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6:30 PM. Membership in the Lions Club is by invitation. Persons wanting to become a member should contact Lions secretary, Barry Frazee at barry.frazee@me.com or by phone at 301-746-5378.
Jul 19, 2018
Four-person scramble to be held at Fantasy Valley Golf Club at Wisp Resort
The Garrett College Athletics department will be hosting an upcoming golf tournament fundraiser on Sunday, August 12th, 2018 beginning at 1 p.m. located at the Fantasy Valley Golf Club at Wisp Resort in McHenry. The tournament will be a four-person scramble.
Registration is $80 per person and includes golf cart, brown bag lunch, and dinner. Hole sponsorships are also available.
Dinner and the announcement of prizes will follow at the Garrett College Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex.
Tournament registration for both teams and hole sponsorships can be completed online at www.garrettlakers.com.
Jul 19, 2018
Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA), a state heritage organization, awarded 114 matching grants totaling nearly $5 million to Maryland nonprofit organizations, local jurisdictions and tourism groups. The grants fund historic preservation, natural resource protection and educational programs in 13 state-designated Heritage Areas. By supporting capital projects and educational activities, the grants spawn renewed interest in Maryland culture from residents and visitors, boosting tourism-related jobs.
Five grant applications submitted by The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area received funds. Jen Durben, Heritage Area & Groups Director said, “We received applications for impactful projects from organizations in our heritage area and we are thrilled to have five projects awarded in a very competitive round of applications. 167 applications were submitted totaling over $7.2 million in requested funds. Garrett County received a total of $304,501 of the $5 million awarded. These grants will allow the recipients to expand awareness of heritage here in Garrett County.”
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the official Management Entity for the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area and provides the 1 to 1 match for the Management Grant. The Garrett County Heritage Area & Groups Director administers the Heritage Area Program and works with stakeholders by offering technical and grant assistance for heritage related initiatives that preserve valuable heritage resources and enhance tourism in the County.
Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area projects funded were:
- Garrett County Government ($100,000) – Do the LOOP – Otto Lane to New Germany Trail Segment
- Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, Inc ($12,862) – Maryland Chautauqua: Yesterday and Today
- Garrett Trails, Inc. ($50,000) – Trail Feasibility Study of the Casselman River (Jennings Brothers) Railroad
- Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area ($100,000) – Management Grant for management services of the certified heritage area with a goal to promote heritage tourism.
- Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area ($41,639) – Marketing Grant for promotion and brand awareness of the Heritage Area.
The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area is a program of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce which supports heritage tourism in Garrett County through technical assistance and grant opportunities with a focus on heritage related initiatives that preserve valuable heritage resources and enhance tourism in the County. As a state certified heritage area, effort is made to create public and private partnerships to preserve historical, cultural and natural resources focusing on under-utilized resources fostering a greater sense of community pride.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the largest professional business association in the region with 600 members representing every industry in the community. The mission of the Chamber is to organize, support and represent Garrett County’s business community in advancing common interests and additionally to promote Garrett County’s hospitality and recreation industry by attracting visitors to the county through comprehensive marketing. The Garrett County Chamber also serves as the Destination Marketing Organization and Heritage Area Management entity for the County.
Jul 19, 2018
The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area’s Mini Grant Program is now accepting applications. The mini-grant program is a dollar for dollar matching grant up to $2,000.00 designed to provide funding for non-capital projects including innovative exhibits, tours, events, planning and projects which build upon interpretive themes identified in the Heritage Area’s Management Plan. These include: Transportation, Man and Nature, Historic Recreation, and Cultural Uniqueness.
“We’re excited to once again offer the mini-grant program to the local community,” said Jen Durben, Heritage Area & Groups Director. “These projects will help foster heritage tourism and boost awareness for our residents.”
Projects should seek to attract cultural and heritage tourists to the region. Non-profit organizations and local jurisdictions are eligible. Individuals and businesses with proposals fitting the guidelines may apply in partnership with non-profit organizations. Applications and guidelines are available online at www.garrettheritage.com. The deadline to apply is September 10, 2018 by 4:00pm.
Contact Jen Durben at jen@garrettchamber.com or 301-387-5238 for more information or to find out how your project fits the criteria.
The Mini-Grant Program is funded in part by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
About the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area
The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area is one of 13 Heritage Areas certified by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA), a program of the Maryland Historical Trust. Established in September of 2011 and managed by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area’s mission is to engage public and private partners in the commitment to preserve historical, cultural and natural resources for sustainable economic development through heritage tourism.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the largest professional business association in the region with 600 members representing every industry in the community. The mission of the Chamber is to organize, support and represent Garrett County’s business community in advancing common interests and additionally to promote Garrett County’s hospitality and recreation industry by attracting visitors to the county through comprehensive marketing. The Garrett County Chamber also serves as the Destination Marketing Organization and Heritage Area Management entity for the County.
For more information on the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area, please visit www.garrettheritage.com. For information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, log onto www.visitdeepcreek.com.
Jul 18, 2018
Today’s weather will be sunny with a high near 72 and a low around 54.
The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market is open in downtown Oakland today from 10:00am – 1:00pm. They have lots of fresh offerings for all tastes.
Speaking of downtown Oakland, there has been a request for feedback on a proposed design for the 2nd Street entrance to the town parking lot (below). If you are not familiar, this design is in an effort to “improve the parking lot experience … (and) smooth traffic and pedestrian flow…for safety and efficiency.” Any comments or opinions can be added to the original Facebook post or emailed to us for anonymous sharing with the designer.
Lots of programs for kids today at the various branches of the Ruth Enlow Library, starting at 10:30am. There’s also an adult coloring club starting at 5:00pm in Accident.
Congratulations to Bob Carney, sales manager at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales, as he just received his Real Estate Broker license. Way to go Bob!
I think the Greene Turtle is hosting Team Trivia all day today, but I could not find it on any of their sites, so give them a call to confirm.
The Garrett College Athletics department will be hosting an upcoming golf tournament fundraiser on Sunday, August 12th, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Fantasy Valley Golf Club at Wisp Resort in McHenry. The tournament will be a four-person scramble.
The Stage Wisp Concert Series continues this evening with the Eli Cook Band from 6:30pm – 9:30pm on the lawn at Wisp. The concert is free, with food and drink available for purchase. Bring the family and a lawn chair.
Here’s a photo of Wisp Resort from way back when. Things sure have changed:
Jul 17, 2018
Yesterday was relatively warm and a nice day. Today will be scattered showers and possibly a thunderstorm: high near 75 and a low around 56.
There’s a Tree Identification Hike this morning at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park starting at 9:30am.
The Friends of Deep Creek lake just issued a “Words of Wisdom” update. It reads a “bit choppy” (water-related pun intended) but some interesting “stuff” included.
The Ruth Enlow Library in Oakland is holding their Summer Reading Club for children six years of age and older today from 10:30am – 11:30am at the Oakland branch. Music Educator Laura Dahlen will be presenting “Libraries Rock…Music Camp” with a sign-along, games, and crafts.
Don’t forget that Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry has a dog friendly back patio. You can take Fido with you for a beer and flatbread next time. Arf!
Cindy’s Fund will be sponsoring a Cancer Support Group meeting this evening from 6:30pm – 7:30pm at the Garrett Regional Medical Center’s board room in Oakland. This meeting is open to people with cancer, caregivers and family/friends of all ages.
What’s for dinner? Here’s a brief but good piece on cooking in the great outdoors from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Banana Boat sounds good!
As the news of a 26-year old local man’s drowning is released this morning, we are all reminded to PLEASE be mindful of water safety this summer. Although we don’t know many details from this incident over the weekend, it WAS NOT at Deep Creek Lake, but in neighboring Preston County, West Virginia.
Not to end on a bad note but the
Maryland Natural Resources Police share that, so far this year, 12 people have died in boating accidents across Maryland, three more than all of last year. In this case, eleven of the victims were not wearing life jackets. Here is where we stood numerically on July 17 (final total for the year in parenthesis):
2013…..6 victims (14)
2014…..7 victims (12)
2015…..9 victims (21)
2016…..6 victims (17)
2017…..4 victims (9)
2018…..12 victims (?)
Please enjoy the wonderful summer weather and sparkling lake but be mindful of water safety! Have a great day!
Jul 16, 2018
Really nice weekend, with some scattered showers Sunday afternoon. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny with a high near 81 until after 1pm with a chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 67.
The Garrett Arts Council put on another nice Art in the Park show this weekend. There was more than art in the park, however, as this photo of the Discovery Center booth shows: owls, snakes and turtles were there as well as well as a lot of folks interested in meeting the critters.
Check out the Friends Store at Sang Run State Park all day today to learn about the area’s history.
There’s more to do at the lake than swim and boat. The Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park has two programs today. Fishing with the Naturalist at 10:00am and Aquatic Adventures at 2:00pm.
There’s an Orienteering Course at the Herrington Manor State Park ranger station today starting at 11:00am. There’s some other programs in the afternoon if you or the family are looking for a nice experience combined with some learning. Give them a call to verify – 301-334-9180
The Board of Trustees of the Ruth Enlow Library will meet today from 5:00pm – 7:30pm at the Oakland library. The public is invited to attend.
If you are “into” science and fishing, you may find this brief article interesting. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently undertook a study of early “fishing habitat” maps from the 1920’s – present for the coast of Alaska and found some surprising similarities between those early efforts and those done recently with far more sophisticated technologies.
A quick reminder to check out Sarah’s Cover Story article on her experiences biking in the Gran Fondo ride in Garrett County. Many do not realize that Garrett County holds two world-class races every year: Gran Fondo and Savage Man.
Our congratulations to world champion France on their World Cup victory over Croatia yesterday. Viva la France!
Lastly- enjoy the cute faces of the pet photos that were shared with us! And, we’d like to give a special $25 gift card to Lucy C. and her mom Jannie for entering our contest!
https://www.instagram.com/phantomgriffinandwisp/
https://www.instagram.com/biscuit.and.creme/
https://www.instagram.com/katiejdamann/
https://www.instagram.com/paulabost/
Jul 13, 2018
Yesterday was another great day at the lake. The entire weekend looks to be mostly sunny! The high temperature will be in the upper 70s and the low temperature will be in low to mid-60s.
I hope you do not suffer from friggatriskaidekaphobia! Click the link to a web site in Norway to find out what it is and have a wonderful day at the Lake or wishing you were here.
The Science Room at the Discovery Center is open all day Friday. If you and the kids or grandkids get too hot or just like nature and science stop on over.
The Plate Scrapers are performing at MoonShadow this evening at 8:00pm.
Jean and I try to get to Art in the Park every year at Deep Creek Lake State Park and we are never disappointed. It is back this Saturday and Sunday with over 50 vendors offering fine art work and quality crafts.
Pre-employment testing for Deputy Sheriff and Correctional Officer with Garrett County Sheriff’s Department will be Saturday morning.
You can visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market in Oakland Saturday from 10:00am – 1:00pm to get fresh fruits, vegetables and other goodies.
Don’t be a chicken. The Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department is holding their annual chicken BBQ Saturday from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. This dinner will also support lifetime member and Chaplain Leon Beitzel who was recently diagnosed with cancer: 50% of the proceeds from the event will be donated back to the family.
Michelle Anne Fincham will perform a free dinnertime show at Mountain State Brewing Company from 6:00pm – 8:00pm on Saturday.
Trial by Fire is performing at Black Bear Tavern Saturday evening from 10:00pm – 1:00am.
Garrett County Schools will receive $1 million over the next three years as part of the federal Striving Reader Comprehensive Literacy (SRCL) grant. This grant is awarded by the Maryland State Department of Education to school districts who designed a literacy plan that would advance literacy skills, including pre-literacy skills, reading and writing.
Don’t forget that Jasper Riley Road in Pleasant Valley will be closed beginning on Monday, July 16th and will continue until the bridge project completion.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners will be holding their next meeting at the Swanton Community Center at 6:00pm on July 17th.
Thank you for sending all of the pet photos! And, the winner is…. drumroll, please……
🏆 Tanner Thomas 🏆
He was the only pet that wasn’t a dog sent to us…. And, look, he doesn’t even care. Typical cat. (sent in by gthomas33)
We will share everyone’s pet photo on Monday and put the submissions in for a random prize drawing just for playing with us!
Our newest wDCT.live correspondent Aana has been busy… she first was reporting from the Stage Wisp concert and, now, she is having fun on the Lake! Thanks to Aana and her sister Jessica!
Jul 13, 2018
Pre-employment testing for Deputy Sheriff and Correctional Officer with Garrett County, MD Sheriff Department will take place on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 8:00am
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for Deputy Sheriff and/or Correctional Officer positions and are interested in participating in the pre-employment test must complete and submit a Garrett County employment application and bring to Garrett College 687 Mosser Road McHenry, Maryland 21541 GIEC building Room 111 at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2018 along with the $25.00 testing fee.
A check or money order made payable to Garrett County Government will be required in order to take the pre-employment test on July 14, 2018.
Candidates with a passing test score will also be interviewed immediately following the test.
Visit https://www.garrettcounty.org/hr/job-position-openings for more details.
Jul 13, 2018
Garrett County Schools received notice that the district will receive $1 million over the next three-years through the Striving Reader Comprehensive Literacy Grant (SRCL). The SRCL is a federal grant awarded by the Maryland State Department of Education to school districts who designed a literacy plan that would advance literacy skills, including pre-literacy skills, reading and writing, for children from birth to grade 12, with an emphasis on disadvantaged children, including children living in poverty, English learners, and children with disabilities.
The district was required to write a high-quality plan for improving literacy scores from age 4 to grade 12, with special attention given to transitions between age 4 to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, and middle to high school. Garrett County’s literacy plan includes a Coaching Delivery Model to support implementation of evidence-based literacy practices. The SRCL grant targets improvement of core instruction by building staff capacity to deliver evidence-based literacy practices through literacy coaching and continuous improvement. Grant funds will also support funding for supplies to provide a literacy rich environment and software to support data collection, reporting, and coaching.
Grant funds provide for the hiring of literacy coaches to:
- Construct a coaching service delivery system based on the comprehensive needs assessment, local literacy plan, and school and district improvement goals.
- Identify and prioritize, from a specified list, the evidence-based practices staff will be coached to implement using results of the needs assessment.
- Establish baseline data on the delivery of targeted literacy practices, set improvement goals, and gather and analyze data to improve delivery of practices.
- Provide coaching that includes planning, modeling, observing, and giving specific feedback.
- Establish and facilitate teacher team meetings with the express purpose of increasing knowledge and skills in data analysis, interpretation of assessment data, planning differentiated lessons, and increasing adherence to evidence-based practices.
- Facilitate data analysis and interpretation to support decision-making by leadership and implementation teams.
https://www.garrettcountyschools.org/public-information/news/garrett-county-public-schools-receives-1-million-federal-grant-to-support-local-literacy-education
Jul 12, 2018
Yesterday turned into a really nice day at the lake. Today’s weather will be sunny, with a high near 76 and a low around 59.
The jury is still out on the pet contest winners … if you forgot to send us a pic of your pet, get it in as soon as possible and we will feature the winner tomorrow!
The movie Despicable Me 3 is playing for free at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion in downtown Oakland this evening starting at 8:00pm.
DJ Dubya will be running Karaoke night at Black Bear Tavern this evening from 7:00pm – 11:00pm or Check out Little Bird, performing at MoonShadow this evening starting at 8:00pm.
Here’s two photos from the recent Flipside Sounds vinyl store grand opening:
Take a minute to read Sarah’s recent editorial cover story about participating in the Garrett County Gran Fondo a few weeks ago.
We have decided that we will begin an email newsletter called “Keeping Up with the Times” to be mailed out about once a week. The email will be short but will contain a summary of news and events and occassional special offers. If you’re interested, please sign-up.
VetNow, a collection of resources for veterans, is now available to website users of Western Maryland libraries. The free online service offers live tutoring and job coaching, along with test prep help, resume templates, interview tips and more. Library users can find the VetNow link on the databases page of the Ruth Enlow library website: https://www.relib.net/?q=databases#V . They will be asked to create a free login.
Volunteers from the Washington, D.C. Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, devoted much of June 20th to pulling invasive species from the forest as part of their summer camp. They pulled over 700 pounds of the invasive plants that day! Thanks for helping our local bio-diversity.
The 2018 Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person contest is now accepting nominations through August 24th. The contest is for those who have enriched the lives of our citizens through volunteer acts of kindness and concern and is awarded by the County Commissioners. Nomination forms are available at www.garrettcounty.org or by calling Carol A. Riley-Alexander at 301.334.8970.
Music at Penn Alps is presenting pianists Susan Zoller and Michael Lundien as part of their Young Artists selection of 2018. The two will be performing this Saturday at 7:30pm.
I know, I know, you were dying to read something about how to be a good septic system owner. So here are some tips direct from the EPA:
- Have your system inspected every three years
- Have your tank pumped when necessary, generally every three – five years
- Avoid pouring harsh products (e.g., oils, grease, paint) down the drain
- Discard non-degradable products (e.g., floss, cat litter) in the trash, not the drain
- Keep cars and heavy vehicles parked away from the drain field and tank
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions when using septic cleaners and additives
- Repair leaks and use water efficient fixtures to avoid system overload
- Maintain vegetation near the system to ensure roots do not block drains
- Use soaps and detergents that are low-suds, biodegradable and phosphate-free
- Prevent system freezing during cold weather by insulating vulnerable system parts
Well there you go and now you know!
Lastly, here’s a recent wDCT.live report from last evening:
Jul 12, 2018
VetNow, a collection of resources for veterans, is now available to website users of Western Maryland libraries. The free online service offers live tutoring and job coaching, along with test prep help, resume templates, interview tips and more.
“Helping veterans transition from the military back to civilian life is challenging,” says Thomas Vose, Director of the Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County. “VetNow can help make that transition easier for returning service members and also offers resources for older veterans.”
VetNow experts can help veterans adapt their resumes and tailor them for civilian careers, translating military skills into terms that employers search for. VetNow users can access a large number of practice tests for math and computer skills, as well as for GED and college entrance exams.
Library users can find the VetNow link on the databases page of the Ruth Enlow library website: https://www.relib.net/?q=databases#V . They will be asked to create a free login.
Jul 12, 2018
The 2018 Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person contest is now accepting nominations until August 24, 2018.
The Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person contest is for those who have enriched the lives of our citizens by their acts of kindness and concern. Each year we conduct a search for our unsung heroes who selflessly assist those around them. They are volunteers of any age whose acts of goodwill have previously gone unnoticed. These “Beautiful People” make a difference in Garrett County by donating their time and talent to help those in need.
This is the 32 nd year of this very special program hosted each year by the Board of Garrett County Commissioners. If you know of someone who continuously contributes their time and talent to enhance the quality of life and community spirit in Garrett County, remember to send in a nomination form so they can be honored at the Annual Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person awards presentation.
Nomination forms are available on the web at www.garrettcounty.org or by calling Carol A. Riley-Alexander at 301.334.8970. Please remember the award is based on Volunteer Service Only.
Jul 11, 2018
By Sarah Myers
From recreational cyclist to professional racers, we truly have some epic road and mountain biking here in Garrett County. Just a few weeks ago, I participated in the “Garrett’s Greatest 25” bike ride in the Garrett County Gran Fondo.
Gran Fondo is a type of bicycle ride that basically translates basically into “Big Ride”: A number of cyclists ride, not race, a marked route.
Have you been biking here in Garrett County? Have you seen these hills!?
Here is an excerpt from the Garrett County Gran Fondo website:
“Garrett County and the Deep Creek Lake area boast some of the finest and most challenging cycling in North America, and the Garrett County Gran Fondo has established itself as a premier North American Gran Fondo unsurpassed in challenge, scenery, and riding quality.
With seven Timed KOM Climbs covering 14.8 miles and 5400′ of elevation gain, the Garrett County Gran Fondo is the King of all Climbing Gran Fondos. No other Gran Fondo has more timed climbing!”
KOM is known as “king of the mountain” in cycling terminology where a rider is timed from the bottom of a climb to the top. There are various methods to calculating averages and awards for KOM but seven different timing mats were laid out in a methodical way across the course. It’s important to note that the timed climbs do not necessarily represent the hardest, steepest or longest climbs.
In my “25” ride, there was only one chance to be timed for KOM that was from the bottom of a climb to right before the finish line.
Here is the breakdown of the Gran Fondo rides from the website:
The “Diabolical Double” – …on par with European climbing classics such as Etape du Tour, la Marmotte, and the classic Italian Gran Fondos. At 203K (126.2 miles) and over 16,500 feet of climbing, the Diabolical Double is an extreme challenge for even the most fit rider. Virtually all who have completed the Diabolical Double have considered it the hardest single day ride they have ever experienced.
The “Savage Century” – the Savage Century is an extremely challenging century ride, and with 105.8 miles and over 12,500 feet of climbing likely the hardest century ride in North America.
The “Masochistic Metric” – the Masochistic Metric is one-half the distance with one-half the climbing of the Diabolical Double at 64.8 miles and over 8000 feet of climbing. An extraordinary challenging ride itself, if you want to experience a true climbing epic, but 105 miles or 203K of it seems a bit excessive, then the Masochistic Metric is the ride for you.
The “Fabulous 44” – The Fabulous 44 is an excellent option for anyone looking for a longer, more challenging ride than the “Garrett’s Greatest 25” and wants a taste of the extremity of the three longer rides, but does not want to undertake the extreme challenge of the 100K, 100 miles, or 200K distances. The Fabulous 44 includes 42.6 miles and over 4500 feet of climbing.
The “Garrett’s Greatest 25” – A beautiful 25-mile ride along Deep Creek Lake and through the rolling Garrett County farmland, the Garrett’s Greatest 25 includes no major hills and just one of the seven Timed KOM Climbs.
Even though I didn’t sign up for a challenging ride by others’ standards, I signed up for the ride I thought I would enjoy – and enjoy I did.
Two years ago, I did the 44 ride and I remember the start gate much more vividly. The announcer says, “this ride is hard. If you are doing it because you think it will be easier than the other rides like the 63 and 100, you are wrong. It is not easier…. just shorter. If you want easier, there is no problem in waiting for the 25 ride.” Whoa.
It WAS a hard ride but I made it through… barely. Anyway, that’s the reason I was in the 25 this year.
The much harder rides began early in the morning on this Saturday, so the riders left informally gathering around the porta-potties and picnic tables late morning were ready for the 25 ride. The group of about 40 of us didn’t seem to have many nervous jitters; just ready for a nice Garrett County bike ride.
We began from Garrett College with the threat of some rain in big dark clouds behind us but it made for an awesome scene in the morning light. The first few miles, we sorted ourselves out and were able to ride single-file down Deep Creek Drive. Then, we crossed Route 219 and enjoyed the length of Rock Lodge Road.
I was taking my time and thoroughly enjoyed the Lakeside view. One of my favorite Deep Creek Lake spots! The first incline that can be considered a hill came into view… ahh, I pushed through and took some of my stress out on those pedals.
At this point, I was near a few others but most of the pack had separated. No competition; just a ride. Cruising down a large descent, I was able to join up with a fellow rider – it was pretty neat, and maybe a little scary, cruising at about 35mph side by side.
There is an aid station just a bit after getting onto Route 495; I believe it is about halfway on the 25 ride but only one of several aid stations along the other ride routes. Standing there enjoying a baggie of trail mix, it was truly inspiring to see athletes coming in off of the much longer rides utilizing the aid station and sharing their stories.
There were several young volunteers chanting “100+ to the right, 25 to the left” for the riders exiting the station.
After stretching my legs and having my snack, I was back on my way. On the back-half is where the rain began but I can’t say I was complaining. The temperature had warmed up over the last hour and there were a few more climbs to take care of; the rain was a refreshing shower.
I wasn’t really around many others at this point but I did play “leapfrog” with a few where I would pass them, then they would pass me, then I would pass them again. I think it’s a lot of fun to ride with others like this; I am sure I keep my pace this way.
Now for the last few miles, the 25 joins up with at least one the longer rides near Accident-Bittinger Road. I’m not sure but I think it is at least the 125 ride that comes through that way. I enjoy it but I’m sure it’s annoying to see those of us with relatively fresh legs going to town while others have been riding for hours by this point!
A little after the rides join, the only KOM on the 25 is on a tough climb at the bottom of Negro Mountain Road to Bumble Bee Road to near the finish line. On this climb (that seemed to take forever) the sun came back out, my jersey and shorts dried out for the most part and I was ready to finish strong!
I pulled back into the College with my best hey-that-was-easy smile and pretended to look like I had just done 125 miles!
Part of the ride price includes an awesome lunch so I sat with a few other finishers to swap stories and enjoy our pulled pork or chicken sandwiches. Of course, the topic at the table turned to how fortunate I am to live near some of the greatest biking climbs in the country!
It is true; we have excellent biking here! Come ride with me!
