A Gravel Weekend Presented by
Mid-Atlantic Gravel, Travel & Dirt

pennsylvania gravel

EXPLORE, RIDE, AND RELAX: A GTD GRAVEL ADVENTURE

Early bird pricing is in effect - ends March 1, 2024.

Prices increase $200/pp after early-bird.

Welcome to the ultimate gravel cycling experience, brought to you by Mid-Atlantic Gravel, Travel & Dirt. Join us for a gravel lover’s dream ride through the beautiful countryside and green forests of northern Pennsylvania. This five-day tour includes four days of supported riding, plus catered meals shared with fellow cyclists and plenty of opportunities to relax and explore local history and culture. No need to pack up each day or set up a tent – you’ll return each night to your cozy room in a charming historic home. This 'Explore, Ride, and Relax’ tour was developed by gravel riders for gravel riders, carefully designed to combine the best elements of gravel touring: strong riding, delicious food, local culture – all experienced at a relaxed pace that allows you to get to know the place and the people around you.

What's included...

Four nights of accommodation at Rockgirt Historic Bed and Breakfast
Two experienced guides to provide local knowledge, support, and camaraderie
Daily route support with both guides and our support vehicle
Daily breakfast, daily lunches, and three dinners
Breakfast and lunch are self-prepared from a well-stocked kitchen
Snacks and drinks for each day's ride

What's not included...

Airfare and transfers
Staff gratuities
Alcohol
Personal shopping
One evening meal
Any other incidentals along the way

Rockgirt is your beautiful basecamp for a weekend full of gravel and relaxation.

Just outside Canton, Pennsylvania, Rockgirt will quickly become your home away from home at a historic gem steeped in 130+ years of history. This beautifully preserved house, built in 1884 by Bishop Philip Brooks, boasts three cozy bedrooms and a spacious third-floor haven with four sleeping areas. The house has four full bathrooms, two graced with antique tubs and two featuring modern walk-in showers. As the only guests of Rockgirt, our tour group will have full access to the large front porch, full kitchen, expansive rear patio, lush lawns, enchanting gardens, and a serene swimming pond with a picturesque dock. Inside, we’ll share catered meals in the large dining room, and additional indoor spaces also allow for private relaxation and conversation. From Rockgirt, it’s also easy to continue your local explorations by taking an afternoon drive to a nearby town or historic site of your choosing.

tour highlights

Scenic Gravel Rides: Explore the picturesque landscapes of Pennsylvania on curated gravel routes.

Historic Accommodations: Settle into your room at Rockgirt, nestled on 30 private acres, combining historic charm and modern comfort.

Diverse Cycling Terrain: Conquer a variety of terrains, from rugged game lands and Tioga State Forest to quiet gravel lanes through small towns and rolling countryside.

Supportive Staff: Ride with confidence, knowing our staff provides a sweep rider for assistance and an aid station for snacks and hydration.

Catered Dinners: Enjoy catered dinners for three of the four evenings, showcasing local flavors and cuisine.

Affordable Pricing: Experience all of this at a price that's competitive and budget-friendly compared to similar trips.

Serene Pond and Gardens: Relax by the serene pond, stroll through beautiful gardens, and take in the tranquility of the property.

Group Camaraderie: Forge lasting memories and connections with fellow adventurers in a welcoming community.

Front Porch and Rear Patio: Unwind on the large front porch or the expansive rear patio with scenic views.

Convenient Location: Enjoy the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation with easy access to essential services.

dining

Breakfast & Lunch A well-stocked breakfast and lunch assortment is available in the full kitchen for you to self-prepare at your leisure.

Dinners A catered dinner is included each night, except on Day 3, when you can visit a local restaurant or cook a meal in Rockgirt’s kitchen.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Shakedown Ride and Welcome Dinner:

After your noon arrival you will have time to get settled into Rockgirt. At 3 p.m. we will embark on a short shakedown ride to get acquainted with the terrain and stretch the legs after a morning of travel.
Our shakedown ride is 16 miles with 1,700 feet of elevation gain.
In the evening, you will enjoy a hearty welcome dinner to fuel up for the days ahead.

Day 2 - PA State Game Lands and Farm Trails

After breakfast, the adventure begins with a morning ride through picturesque Pennsylvania state game lands and continues through serene rural landscapes.
Our ride today is 37 miles with 3,800 feet of elevation gain.
Spend the afternoon exploring Rockgirt or relaxing on the patio.

Day 3 - Tioga State Forest Exploration

Day three takes us deeper into the wild, along the Allegheny Plateau and through Tioga State Forest.
Our ride today is 42 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain on forested trails and winding gravel roads.
Enjoy your free afternoon however you’d like. Maybe you’ll finally finish that book? Or hop in your car to explore Canton or another nearby town.
You're on your own for dinner tonight and your guides can provide local recommendations to best suit your mood. Or you may want to stock up at the local grocery store and prepare yourself a homecooked meal.

Day 4 - Journey to the East

On the fourth day, we’ll head west towards the Towanda on our longest route of the weekend.
Share stories and enjoy new friendships during our final afternoon and shared dinner.

Day 5 - Farewell Breakfast and Departure:

Participants will enjoy a final breakfast at Rockgirt before bidding farewell to fellow riders and heading home.

guides

Donna lives in the mountains of western North Carolina, where she works as an EMT and studies woodworking – when she’s not leading hiking and biking trips or practicing her mediocre fishing skills. She spent 10 years without a motorized vehicle and rode her bike everywhere – to work, to the grocery store, and up, down and around the US a few times. Now that she’s grown up and lives in a van, she has learned to appreciate bike riding as something that can be done just for fun. She’s led over 100 tours and finds happiness in helping others have a great ride.

Brian is from Maryland. He is an established outdoor guide, writer, and publisher. He leads bike tours for several bike tour companies and has led tours for groups large and small from Maine to Florida and as far west as the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. He is also a kayak fishing guide on the Chesapeake Bay in his home state of Maryland. You can hear him weekly behind the mic co-hosting and producing the Mid-Atlantic Gravel, Travel & Dirt gravel cycling podcast.