Challenge yourself on the SweetWater Whiskey Rebellion Gravel Ride, an adventurous tour through historic PA landscapes of Washington County. Perfect for Adventurers who ride OFF-ROAD including Mountain Bikers, Gravel Junkies, Cyclecross Racers and Adventurers Cyclists. You’ll ride many of the original winding roads and covered bridges traveled by the farmers who started the 1790s Whiskey Rebellion in response to President Washington’s ill-fated first national taxation plan. Whiskey Rebellion roads vary from pea gravel to new loose baseball-sized can have some mud and grass in the middle too. There is also a stream crossing on the longest route. The terrain is endless steep rolling hills that western Pennsylvania is famous for with over 7,000 ft. of climbing in the 120K option. For 2019, you’ll be able to test your mettle on the NEW 200K option, the Whiskey Barrel 200K. With nearly 12,000 ft. of elevation, it’s certainly among the most challenging gravel rides east of the Mississippi.
The Bourbon 35K (22.7 mi) is the shortest route and it will not be easy as you’ll ride 2,064 feet in elevation. You’ll start with a climb up Dry Run Road, and cross Mount Zion Road and then plunge down a steep descent into one of the PA state game land areas. The route has 6 significant climbs and is perfect for the new-to-gravel rider
If you chose the Rye 60K (35.5 mi), you’ll be traveling on some of last year’s favorites like Boulder Road, with some coarse loose rocks and potholes too numerous to count. Riders will be rewarded at the end of many of the climbs with scenic vistas from the ridges, especially at the Aid Station. The course finishes up on Covered Bridge Road where yes, you’ll go through a historic covered bridge. Total Elevation: 3,681 ft.
For those hearty enough, the Single Malt 90K (58.2 mi) contains several very fast gravel descents. You’ll ride two separate loops to cover the distance and face a challenging route with mixed gravel and crumbling asphalt, off-the-grid homesteads and off-the-beaten path covered bridges. You’ll pass through more state game lands and follow streams. Total Elevation: 5,745 ft.