MON RIVER TRAILS Century Ride
Century Cyclists will be cycling 100+ miles in 1 day so you can enjoy the rail-trails at your own pace
The Mon River Trails Conservancy has a group of cyclists each committing to bike 100-105 miles in 1 day on the Mon River and Deckers Creek Rail-Trails, plus the connecting Marion County Trail and Sheepskin Trail, to raise funds for the upkeep of the Mon River Rail-Trails. Each cyclist will pick one day between Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023 to ride 100+ miles, and your pledges and donations will keep them motivated and pedaling!
Imagine that MRTC represents Mud, Rocks, Trees, and Culverts, with active mud and rock slides, fallen trees, clogged culverts, grass to mow, and ditches to clear, and you get the picture of why MRTC needs your help!
Proceeds from MRTCentury will be used for trail storm repairs and access improvements.
PLEDGE OR DONATE OPTIONS
1) Be optimistic and fund the cause in advance by donating to your favorite cyclist. We will let you know their mileage success by October 25, after the event. Click here to DONATE
2) Fill out the pledge form for your favorite cyclist(s) and we will let you know their mileage success by October 25, after the event, for you to donate the amount pledged either by a check or online payment. Click here to PLEDGE
Meet Our MRTCenturions!
New this Year- A family team, a remote cyclist, and three taking on a Double Century Challenge
Christiaan Abildso, Morgantown, WV- Christiaan is on the MRTC Board and knows the joys or riding but woes of maintaining rail-trails. He will be pedaling and checking out every inch for downed trees, clogged culverts, and wash outs along the way!
Adam Baus, Morgantown, WV- Adam has the long-distance vision, he is cycling for many generations to enjoy the rail-trail. He says “For me, the rail-trail represents time with family and friends. Seeing our children grow and enjoy the rail-trail more and more over the years is a gift. That sort of gift should be and remain available to everyone.”
Team CalaCain, Morgantown, WV- The First Family to Cyle the MRTC Century! Steve, who has participated in this MRTC Century for the past two years, will be joined by Melissa, and their awesome 8-year-old, River. They are taking on this year’s 105-mile challenge as a family to preserve rail trails for everyone. Steve will be riding the entire route, and Melissa and River will be joining him for ⅓ of the ride. Just like any typical family, they aim to balance work and family life, finding their greatest joy in spending quality time together outdoors. The rail trail serves many purposes for their family: From safely commuting around Morgantown, to where they can nurture curiosity and awe by witnessing breathtaking sights, they are driven to ensure these trails remain accessible and enjoyable for folks of all ages and backgrounds. Team CalaCain is riding this year to foster a love for exploration and connection along the rail trails.
Josh Childs, Washington D.C, Josh was a kid when the train tracks beside his grandparents’ house were replaced with the rail-trail. He says “every generation of my family – from my great grandfather, to my nephews – have benefitted from the trail in so many ways. I am so grateful for the MRTC and the people who created it all those years ago and for the folks who continue to enhance & preserve the trails today.” He will be our first “remote cyclist,” putting in his 105 miles on the C&O Canal Towpath and other rail-trails near his DC home to benefit the Mon River Rail-Trails.
Colin Dierman, Morgantown, WV- Colin is an avid cyclist that you may know from trailside business- Wamsley Cycles. Besides putting our community on bikes, he is also a big fan of cycling up mountains. He is committed to keeping the rail-trails in good shape by taking on the century challenge.
Marc Glass, Morgantown, WV- Marc can be found cycling curvy WV roads, skinny mountain bike trails, or beautiful rail-trails. He and his bike are ready to take on the century challenge for the good of a rail-trail cause. He says “I feel it’s important to help support the MRTC we all enjoy so much, and doing so on a bike doubles the pleasure.”
Nathan Harlan, Morgantown, WV- Nathan is a lover of all things bike. He fell in love with mountain biking when he came to WVU as a student and more recently has fallen in love with long gravel rides and tough mulit-day bike packing routes. When he can, he drags his three daughters and wife along for the ride. They respectfully declined to join him on this 105 mile adventure.
Joshua Lohnes, Morgantown, WV- The Mon River and Deckers Creek Rail-Trails have become an intimate part of Josh’s life since moving to Morgantown in 2011. Essential to both his commute to work and his escape from it, he has found countless hours of solace, adventure and friendship along its 105 miles. His friend Jared joins him this year to tackle the first “24 heures du Mon”
Chad VanDenLangenberg, Masontown, WV- Chad got into cycling 5 years ago and started doing it competitively last year. He says “the rail-trail system has helped me connect my routes safely. It’s helped me stay healthy as well and my family also enjoys riding. I feel this trail system deserves our attention. Morgantown and the surrounding towns would not be the same without it.”
Andrew Walker, Morgantown, WV- Andrew interacts with rail-trails in a variety of different ways. As an avid cyclist for over 20 years, as the executive director for the Mountaineer Trail Network, as president of the Morgantown Area Mountain Bike Alliance, and as a long time employee of Pathfinder of West Virginia. Andrew utilizes the trail for work, training, social rides, and to commute to many of Morgantown’s amazing mountain bike areas. With the rail-trail being central to Andrew’s work and personal life, he’s excited to join the team and aid in this year’s century ride.