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More than 100 cyclists take part in 3M Challenge

More than 100 cyclists take part in 3M Challenge

Cyclists cross the finish line at the Frostburg Depot during the 3M Challenge. CUMBERLAND — The 8th annual 3M Challenge, a timed race between the…

Thursday, Oct 03

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Cyclists cross the finish line at the Frostburg Depot during the 3M Challenge. CUMBERLAND — The 8th annual 3M Challenge, a timed race between the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and cyclists, was held Sept. 14.

More than 100 local and visiting cyclists from nine states participated in the fundraiser by riding the 15.3-mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage from Canal Place at Cumberland to the Frostburg Depot.

Participants were challenged to have a faster climb time to Frostburg than the train.

Cyclists and their respective teams departed from the Western Maryland Railway Station every 10 minutes, starting at 8 a.m.

Forty cyclists surpassed the train’s time of 67 minutes and two seconds. They were awarded a commemorative railroad spike emblazoned with event information at the awards picnic immediately following the race.

“The turnout this year was the best we ever had,” Larry Brock, Maryland Mountain Trails president and event organizer, said. “The 3M challenge, muscles vs. machine vs. mountain, is a great way to raise funds for the Maryland section of the Great Allegheny Passage and introduce new visitors to our area’s beauty and recreational opportunities. We had riders from nine different states, including as far away as Colorado, Florida and Washington state!”

Denny Sloopy, a new participant this year from Woodland, Pennsylvania, representing the C&O Canal Association, said, “Our team had a great time participating, and even though we did not beat the train, we look forward to participating again next year.”Planning has begun for next year’s race, which will be held Sept […]

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