| History of Tour de Montes by Craig Martin (2009) Revised and Updated 2011 |
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| We will be back July 1, 2 and 3, 2011! Registration Form Please send inquiries to TourdeMontes@comcast.net Learn more about the Baltimore Bicycling Club at www.baltobikeclub.org. |
The original ride that started the eventual evolution to the Tour de Montes was a Potomac Peddlers ride. "The Virgin
Grandmother Ride" starting from Clear Spring High School in Clear Spring, Maryland. A marvelous epic ride designed by Paul
Oberg and Henry Allenberg. (The major climbs became the Tour de Montes middle day.) "The terrain becomes more up and
down as we head toward Fannettsburg, where we encounter the first climb over Kittatinny Mountain, a 3-mile, mostly 9%
climb. The next climb, over Blue Mountain to Upper Strasburg, is a bit shorter. From Roxbury we climb over Kittatinny
Mountain again. This 4-mile climb begins in a benign fashion, but after you turn left at the fork it becomes steeper to an
average 10% grade, and the final quarter mile is VERY steep. The 2-mile descent is fast and thrilling (how about 65 mph!!).
We'll have a nice lunch in Spring Run before tackling the fourth climb over Tuscarora Mountain, another 3-mile climb with a
good bit of 10% grade. After completing the FABULOUS FOUR, the ride swings over from Neelyton to Burnt Cabins and then
to Cowans Gap State Park, where you can cool off in the lake if you've a mind to before we climb up Tuscarora Mountain yet
again! This climb is gradual and moderate for a few miles, and then becomes a bit arduous as you near the summit at US30. A
fast descent on US30 dumps us out in Fort Loudon, and before we know it we're climbing half-way back up ye olde Tuscarora
Mountain again, this time on PA16…” Doesn't that description makes you want to grab your bike, jump in the car, and drive up
and give it a try. Well, in 2009 21 riders did that to join the 53 riders we had on the Tour de Montes that year.
BBC member Mark Tabb joined the Potomac Peddlers in search of some great rides he could lead for the BBC. And great rides
he found, rides like "Monumental Madness" and of course "Grandmother." Then in 1996, BBC member Al Giglitto thought that
a three day event could be built around “Grandmother” and stepped forward to put together the first Tour de Montes. Al
used the Spanish translation for “Tour of Mountains” in honor of five time Tour de France winner, Miguel Indurain. The
first Tour de Montes was held in June, 1997 the weekend after Bike Virginia. The idea here is that you can take a week and
day off from work and get in over 600 miles. There were 30 riders on that first event. The ride started at Mt. Hebron High
School and went to Greencastle, Pennsylvania. I did the ride the next year in 1998. I learned a lot on that three day event,
but most of all I learned that riders REALLY liked doing the Tour de Montes. Then Al let us know of his plans to retire and
move to San Diego and that’s where I come in. I could not see the Tour de Montes come to an end. The Tour de Montes was
enjoyed by all and the event had so much potential. I met with Al in Catonsville before a club ride and took over the event.
First year under my leadership was 1999 and there were nine participants. That’s right, just nine. Well, at least that made
it easier for a first time event leader. Over the years I have continually tried to make the Tour de Montes better and
better. By, keeping those things that work and changing those things that don’t, the event runs well now and sells out
quickly. In 2008, Tour de Montes sold out in 15 days. There are classic parts that remain the same, holding the event the
weekend after Bike Virginia, the climb up MD 77 out of Thurmont and Garfield Road, the “Grandmother” climbs on Saturday,
the climb up Woolfsville Road and the descent down MD 77 on the way back. Here are some of the things that have changed.
In 2000, the lunch stop in Thurmont was changed to Rocky’s Pizza. In 2001, SAG coverage was added for Saturday. In 2002,
the maximum participants were increased from 40 to 60. In 2003, Friday night’s dinner was changed to Casey’s Restaurant.
In 2004, the lunch stop for the routes going back was moved to a Pizza shop in Walkersville. In 2005, the start location was
changed to the one we use now, Mount View Middle School. In 2007, Phil Feldman became a great addition to the staff. Phil
drives SAG on Friday and Sunday. In his spare time does bike repairs on the way and in the evening. Also in 2007, due to
increased traffic on PA16 going out and coming back to Greencastle, the route was changed to friendlier back roads.
The Tour de Montes is about beautiful scenery, enjoying other cyclist, and the challenge of the climbs. The 2009 Tour de
Montes was no exception, what a great time. This year we had 53 riders (50 on the road Friday). The morning was beautiful
and all went well. The luggage was loaded in three SAG vehicles, one SAG covering the century route, one SAG covering the
75 mile route, and the third SAG sweeping and covering the 66 mile bailout route. Rest stops are at convenience stores and
lunch is at Rocky’s Pizza in Thurmont. This year we had the usual afternoon summer thunder storm and a few riders got wet.
We try to have the luggage to the Comfort Inn, Greencastle by 3:00 pm. There is usually a Tri-Athlete or two that just has
to get a run in after a century ride. Quite a few riders use this event for training.
Once the riders have settled in, the Hospitality room opens at 5:00 pm. Everyone gets a chance to discuss the day’s ride,
catch up with friends and start to “carbo” load for the next day. Drinks, fruit, meat, cheese, and pizza are on the menu. The
event T-shirts are also handed out at this time. About 6:45 pm, it’s off on a school bus for dinner at Casey’s Restaurant.
There are four dinner choices that the riders choose from when they register. After dinner, those that need a few more
calories or reward stop at Mike’s Ice Cream.
Saturday starts at 6:30 am with Continental Breakfast provided by the Comfort Inn. Those wanting a full breakfast
selection can eat in the restaurant located in the motel. This time is also when the cue sheets are passed out. Riders have
there choice of 10 different routes giving them just want they want and hopefully able to do. Around 7:00 am the day riders
start arriving. Every year, Saturday is listed in the BBC Newsletter as a “club” ride. There is no charge and riders get the
same SAG support as the Tour de Montes riders. For 2009 we had a record 21 riders come up for Saturday. It was
especially rewarding to see a number of Potomac Peddler riders make the ride. Another bit of history was Phil Feldman, first
to do Tour de Montes on a Tandem, this year rode Grandmother (all six climbs) on a recumbent. We again run three SAGs in
the mountains. A SAG is position at the top of a climb to provide water and moral support. The last SAG doesn’t move
forward until the last rider goes through. As you might imagine, riders become so spread out that those in the front no
longer see SAGs, but then maybe they don’t need to see them. Along the way are a couple of country stores that accommodate
us every year. Saturday’s afternoon to evening schedule is the same with the Hospitality open from 5:00 pm to 6:45, then
off to dinner. Saturday night’s dinner is at the Antrim House in Greencastle as it has been every year. Antrim House offers
an “All you can Eat” buffet that is just what the riders need.
Sunday starts like Saturday with breakfast starting at 6:30 am. The big difference is that bags have to be packed up as we
are heading home. Ride options are again a century route, a 75 mile route, and the 66 mile bailout route. There is also an
optional “Hard” century which goes up Middle Point Road through Gambrill State Park and down Hamburg Rd. This is a tough
climb followed by a very “technical” descent. The 75 mile route and both century routes lunch stop is in Walkersville, MD.
The last couple of years we have had the threat of rain and quite a few rider do the shorter routes. As a result, we try to
get the luggage back to Mount View Middle School by 11:00 am. As riders come in they are welcomed by those that have
finished, a cold drink, and a chance to share the experience of completing the Tour de Montes. Get a first hand look at past
Tour de Montes by looking at the pictures on the following pages.
Grandmother Ride" starting from Clear Spring High School in Clear Spring, Maryland. A marvelous epic ride designed by Paul
Oberg and Henry Allenberg. (The major climbs became the Tour de Montes middle day.) "The terrain becomes more up and
down as we head toward Fannettsburg, where we encounter the first climb over Kittatinny Mountain, a 3-mile, mostly 9%
climb. The next climb, over Blue Mountain to Upper Strasburg, is a bit shorter. From Roxbury we climb over Kittatinny
Mountain again. This 4-mile climb begins in a benign fashion, but after you turn left at the fork it becomes steeper to an
average 10% grade, and the final quarter mile is VERY steep. The 2-mile descent is fast and thrilling (how about 65 mph!!).
We'll have a nice lunch in Spring Run before tackling the fourth climb over Tuscarora Mountain, another 3-mile climb with a
good bit of 10% grade. After completing the FABULOUS FOUR, the ride swings over from Neelyton to Burnt Cabins and then
to Cowans Gap State Park, where you can cool off in the lake if you've a mind to before we climb up Tuscarora Mountain yet
again! This climb is gradual and moderate for a few miles, and then becomes a bit arduous as you near the summit at US30. A
fast descent on US30 dumps us out in Fort Loudon, and before we know it we're climbing half-way back up ye olde Tuscarora
Mountain again, this time on PA16…” Doesn't that description makes you want to grab your bike, jump in the car, and drive up
and give it a try. Well, in 2009 21 riders did that to join the 53 riders we had on the Tour de Montes that year.
BBC member Mark Tabb joined the Potomac Peddlers in search of some great rides he could lead for the BBC. And great rides
he found, rides like "Monumental Madness" and of course "Grandmother." Then in 1996, BBC member Al Giglitto thought that
a three day event could be built around “Grandmother” and stepped forward to put together the first Tour de Montes. Al
used the Spanish translation for “Tour of Mountains” in honor of five time Tour de France winner, Miguel Indurain. The
first Tour de Montes was held in June, 1997 the weekend after Bike Virginia. The idea here is that you can take a week and
day off from work and get in over 600 miles. There were 30 riders on that first event. The ride started at Mt. Hebron High
School and went to Greencastle, Pennsylvania. I did the ride the next year in 1998. I learned a lot on that three day event,
but most of all I learned that riders REALLY liked doing the Tour de Montes. Then Al let us know of his plans to retire and
move to San Diego and that’s where I come in. I could not see the Tour de Montes come to an end. The Tour de Montes was
enjoyed by all and the event had so much potential. I met with Al in Catonsville before a club ride and took over the event.
First year under my leadership was 1999 and there were nine participants. That’s right, just nine. Well, at least that made
it easier for a first time event leader. Over the years I have continually tried to make the Tour de Montes better and
better. By, keeping those things that work and changing those things that don’t, the event runs well now and sells out
quickly. In 2008, Tour de Montes sold out in 15 days. There are classic parts that remain the same, holding the event the
weekend after Bike Virginia, the climb up MD 77 out of Thurmont and Garfield Road, the “Grandmother” climbs on Saturday,
the climb up Woolfsville Road and the descent down MD 77 on the way back. Here are some of the things that have changed.
In 2000, the lunch stop in Thurmont was changed to Rocky’s Pizza. In 2001, SAG coverage was added for Saturday. In 2002,
the maximum participants were increased from 40 to 60. In 2003, Friday night’s dinner was changed to Casey’s Restaurant.
In 2004, the lunch stop for the routes going back was moved to a Pizza shop in Walkersville. In 2005, the start location was
changed to the one we use now, Mount View Middle School. In 2007, Phil Feldman became a great addition to the staff. Phil
drives SAG on Friday and Sunday. In his spare time does bike repairs on the way and in the evening. Also in 2007, due to
increased traffic on PA16 going out and coming back to Greencastle, the route was changed to friendlier back roads.
The Tour de Montes is about beautiful scenery, enjoying other cyclist, and the challenge of the climbs. The 2009 Tour de
Montes was no exception, what a great time. This year we had 53 riders (50 on the road Friday). The morning was beautiful
and all went well. The luggage was loaded in three SAG vehicles, one SAG covering the century route, one SAG covering the
75 mile route, and the third SAG sweeping and covering the 66 mile bailout route. Rest stops are at convenience stores and
lunch is at Rocky’s Pizza in Thurmont. This year we had the usual afternoon summer thunder storm and a few riders got wet.
We try to have the luggage to the Comfort Inn, Greencastle by 3:00 pm. There is usually a Tri-Athlete or two that just has
to get a run in after a century ride. Quite a few riders use this event for training.
Once the riders have settled in, the Hospitality room opens at 5:00 pm. Everyone gets a chance to discuss the day’s ride,
catch up with friends and start to “carbo” load for the next day. Drinks, fruit, meat, cheese, and pizza are on the menu. The
event T-shirts are also handed out at this time. About 6:45 pm, it’s off on a school bus for dinner at Casey’s Restaurant.
There are four dinner choices that the riders choose from when they register. After dinner, those that need a few more
calories or reward stop at Mike’s Ice Cream.
Saturday starts at 6:30 am with Continental Breakfast provided by the Comfort Inn. Those wanting a full breakfast
selection can eat in the restaurant located in the motel. This time is also when the cue sheets are passed out. Riders have
there choice of 10 different routes giving them just want they want and hopefully able to do. Around 7:00 am the day riders
start arriving. Every year, Saturday is listed in the BBC Newsletter as a “club” ride. There is no charge and riders get the
same SAG support as the Tour de Montes riders. For 2009 we had a record 21 riders come up for Saturday. It was
especially rewarding to see a number of Potomac Peddler riders make the ride. Another bit of history was Phil Feldman, first
to do Tour de Montes on a Tandem, this year rode Grandmother (all six climbs) on a recumbent. We again run three SAGs in
the mountains. A SAG is position at the top of a climb to provide water and moral support. The last SAG doesn’t move
forward until the last rider goes through. As you might imagine, riders become so spread out that those in the front no
longer see SAGs, but then maybe they don’t need to see them. Along the way are a couple of country stores that accommodate
us every year. Saturday’s afternoon to evening schedule is the same with the Hospitality open from 5:00 pm to 6:45, then
off to dinner. Saturday night’s dinner is at the Antrim House in Greencastle as it has been every year. Antrim House offers
an “All you can Eat” buffet that is just what the riders need.
Sunday starts like Saturday with breakfast starting at 6:30 am. The big difference is that bags have to be packed up as we
are heading home. Ride options are again a century route, a 75 mile route, and the 66 mile bailout route. There is also an
optional “Hard” century which goes up Middle Point Road through Gambrill State Park and down Hamburg Rd. This is a tough
climb followed by a very “technical” descent. The 75 mile route and both century routes lunch stop is in Walkersville, MD.
The last couple of years we have had the threat of rain and quite a few rider do the shorter routes. As a result, we try to
get the luggage back to Mount View Middle School by 11:00 am. As riders come in they are welcomed by those that have
finished, a cold drink, and a chance to share the experience of completing the Tour de Montes. Get a first hand look at past
Tour de Montes by looking at the pictures on the following pages.
