Routes & Ride Details
Note: we are providing access to the Ride with GPS page for each ride. The ride is public so you can download the appropriate file format for your bicycle computer.
To give you flexibility you can combine routes to get the miles you are looking for. If you want to get 100 miles, we would like you to do the Big Spring, Shippensburg, then Newville.
Two New routes for 2024!
Following the Routes:
Riders will have multiple options to use when following their routes:
- Road markings – All Routes (except the Rail Trail) will have color-coordinated road markings. OUR MARKINGS FOR 2024 WILL BE ARROWS.
- Ride with GPS files – Click the links below to access the Ride with GPS file for each route
- Cue Sheets – In order to reduce waste, we will NOT have pre-printed cue sheets at the event. If you prefer to use a printed cue sheet, please print one prior to the event by using the links on this page or use the “print cue sheet” option within the Ride with GPS files.
Route Timing
The rest stops at Shippensburg Township Park and the Newville Trailhead will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. All riders should be off the roads by 5:00 PM.
SAG support coverage is staggered to accommodate the flow of riders. If you plan on riding a full Century, you must start with one of the Big Spring routes, followed by the Shippensburg 32, and end with the Newville 20.
Full Century (103 miles / 4,127 feet of elevation)
Riders attempting a full Century ride will ride the Big Spring Reverse route first, followed by the Shippensburg 32 route, and finishing with the Newville 20 route. Each route brings you back to the Penn Township VFC site for a break.
2024 Big Spring Reverse with South Mountain Challenge
Big Spring Reverse with South Mountain Challenge (47 miles / 3,185 feet of elevation)
This is a more challenging version of the Big Spring route. You’ll ride the first 23.2 miles of the Big Spring Reverse route. After a stop at the Shippensburg Rest Stop, you will complete the South Mountain Challenge in the traditional west-to-east direction. The South Mountain Challenges features an 8 mile climb of approximately 1,400 feet, and a 2 mile climb of approximately 500 feet. Once you’ve conquered those climbs, you’ll end with a thrilling 4 mile descent.
Please note that the South Mountain Challenge route will only have road markings through mile 28, and will NOT have road markings in Michaux State Forest. Riders attempting the South Mountain Challenge should be prepared to use Ride with GPS files or similar apps, or bring a cue sheet printed before the event.
Route on Ride with GPS
2024 big spring reverse with south mountain challenge
Cue Sheet
2024 big spring reverse with south mountain challenge
2024 Big Spring Reverse
Big Spring Reverse (51 miles / 1,950 feet of elevation)
This pleasant route earns its name by following the Big Spring, Conodoguinet, and Yellow Breeches creeks through rural Cumberland County. It is mostly level to rolling terrain, with just a couple of 5% grade hills. The rest stops for this route are Shippensburg Township Park (mile 23.2) and Newville Trailhead (mile 39.6).
Route on Ride with GPS
2024 big spring reverse
Cue Sheet
2024 Big Spring Reverse
2024 Shippensburg 32 Miler
Shippensburg 32 (32 miles / 1,385 feet of elevation) New for 2024!
This figure 8 shaped route along quiet back roads features a few climbs and nice descents. The rest stop for this route is at Shippensburg Township Park at mile 15.8.
Note: Route updated on 8-26-2024
Route on Ride with GPS
2024 Shippensburg 32 miler
Cue Sheet
2024 shippensburg 32 miler
2024 Newville 20 Miler
Newville 20 (20 miles / 792 feet of elevation) New for 2024!
Please note that this route does have some hills, so riders who prefer flatter terrain may want to ride the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail route instead of this one
Rather than deal with the traffic and construction on Pine Rd, riders will head north of the Penn Township VFC site and ride on little-traveled country roads with great scenery. The section along the Big Spring Creek is especially nice. There is a 2-mile section of the route that is on the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, which is crushed stone, suitable for all types of bikes. The rest stop for this route will be at the Newville Trailhead of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail at mile 9.
Note: Route updated on 8-26-2024
Route on Ride with GPS
2024 Newville 20 miler
Cue Sheet
2024 newville 20 miler
2024 Kings Gap Climb from Fire House
Kings Gap Climb (11.3 miles/ 752elevation)
The Kings Gap option is a 4-mile gradual climb on the beautiful tree-lined road that leads up to the Kings Gap Environmental Center. The entrance to the Kings Gap climb is on Pine Rd, just 1.8 miles east of the Penn Township VFC site. The gradient on the climb averages 3.5%, with the steepest part at 5.8%. On a clear day, the view of the Cumberland Valley from the Mansion porch is awesome. You’ll cap off your accomplishment with the exiting ride back down the hill. Water and restrooms are available at the top of Kings Gap.
Route on Ride with GPS
2024 Kings Gap Climb
Cue Sheet
2024 King Gap Cue from Penn Tsp Fire House
Cumberland Valley Rail Trail (18 miles / 274 feet)
The CVRT is a flat rail trail with a crushed gravel surface. It’s a great ride for beginners, kids, and families. Start at the Newville Trailhead located at 23 McFarland St in Newville. The trail goes 9 miles to Shippensburg Township Park, where there is a Rest Stop, and returns 9 miles back to the Newville Trailhead. There is plentiful parking at the Trailhead.
Ride with GPS
2024 Cumberland Valley Rail Trail
Note: these rides were updated on August 19, 2024. If you download them for the September 15th ride, please check back one week before to check for any updates