Bikepacking Loop
A Brief History of the EMGBL
2019 - Russ Roca of Path Less Pedaled visited our region to talk about cycling tourism.
As a rural region with an abundance of existing dirt and gravel roads as well as a few popular gravel riding events, Roca felt the Endless Mountains would be suitable for a major route.
2020 - Avid cyclist and Sullivan County Commissioner Donna Iannone suggested a bikepacking loop in our region.
Early 2021 - Multiple planning agencies and tourismrelated organizations came together to form the EMGBL and began designing the route, county-by-county.
The ultimate goal?
Design a several hundred-mile loop that would highlight our outdoor recreation and heritage assets, boost commerce in our communities, and put our region on the map as a destination for cyclists.
www.emheritage.org/endless-mountains-gravel-bikepacking-loop
The Collaboration of Partners
The Loop
The route covers over 410-miles of existing roads and trails through the four counties of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming.
Well over 32,000 feet in elevation changes throughout.
A divider, creating a West Loop and an East Loop, was implemented, allowing cyclists to do the EMGBL in segments.
Various points of interest were added along the route on our interactive map found on the EMHR website.
We used the popular Strava and Ride with GPS apps to design the routes, so cyclists could download the routes before their ride.
The over 410 miles of the EMGBL intentionally focuses on the challenges of gravel riding, highlighting the great views one can enjoy on their planned route.
EMGBL Points of Interest
Plotting the points of interest along the route began in phases, addressing:
1. Necessities of the cyclist.
2. Unique offerings to create the ultimate cycling experience.
Necessities of the Cyclists
• Repair Stations: 4 (more to come)
• Convenient/Gas Stores: 38
• Outdoor Recreation Outfitters: 7
• Grocery Stores: 18
• Police Stations: 19
• Hospitals: 6
Unique Offerings to Enjoy
• Campsites: 33
• Lodging: 37
• Museums/Historic Sites: 19
• Restaurants/Shopping: 150
• Covered Bridges: 2
• Wineries/Breweries: 12
• Recreational Points of Interest
(overlooks/parks/trails): 27
State Parks and Forests Along the EMGBL
• Mt. Pisgah State Park
• Ricketts Glen State Park
• Worlds End State Park
• Salt Springs State Park
• Vosburg Neck State Park
• Loyalsock State Forest
2023 PA River of the Year
The Susquehanna River North Branch Water Trail
2021 PA Trail of the Year
Delaware & Hudson
(D&H) Rail-Trail
2018 PA River of the Year
Loyalsock Creek
The Endless Mountains Bicycle Friendly Business Program
The EMGBL was specifically designed not just as a tourist attraction for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, but also as an economic driver to the region. Therefore, the bike-friendly business program was established.
Bike-Friendly Business Program
The program was developed as a means to assist in the economic development of our downtowns as outdoor recreation in PA created nearly $14 billion in revenue in a single year (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2021 report).
The greatest needs when on the road became the 3 “must have” requirements to be a bike-friendly business: free water refill, restrooms, and device charging capability. Other helpful options included: WiFi, shower facilities, free overnight bike parking, bike repair stations, bike cleaning stations, area maps and brochures, complimentary bike locks, shipping goods purchased by cyclists, etc.
Who qualifies?
• All entities in the four-county region that fall into one of the following categories:
• Municipalities
• Lodging
• Convenience stores
• Bike shops and outfitters
• Retail stores
• Recreation facilities
• Heritage sites and attractions such as museums, historical society, local/state park.
• Once the paperwork is submitted, the EMGBL committee will review the application and if approved, will mail a resource guide to the business of helpful tips, upcoming events, window decal, etc.
Endless Mountains
Cycling Events
• Lu LackaWyco Hundo Gravel Bike Race (April)
• www.cliffviewproductions.com
• Grinduro (June): One stop in the internationally acclaimed gravel-grind road race.
• https://grinduro.com
• Tour de Shunk (September): A series of rides in scenic Sullivan County ranging from 25 miles to 107 miles.
• www.bikereg.com/tour-de-shunk-road-ride-2023
• PA Route 6 Alliance (self-serve): Named “one of America’s most scenic drives” by National Geographic, this historic corridor contains six cycling loops from Erie to the Poconos.
• www.paroute6.com/bicycle
Challenges Faced
• PennDOT policies and procedures for safety and signage
• Cell service coverage in our rural region
• Tech updates and changes
• Developing municipal partnerships
• Incorporating as many POIs as possible
• Money available to build support infrastructure.
Thank you for having us!