3M Bike Challenge
The 3M Bike Challenge is a cycling, gravel, and trail running event held on Saturday, September 26, 2026. It is located at Canal Pl in Cumberland, Maryland.
- Date:
- Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Location:
-
Canal Pl
Cumberland, Maryland
21502
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps - Links:
- mountainmdtrails.org Register at bikereg.com
- Tags:
- Cycling Gravel Trail
In the spirit of historic advances and competition between ever-evolving modes of transportation, the 3M Challenge (Muscle vs. Machine vs. Mountain) will be held on September 26, 2026. It will feature a timed challenge between two of Mountain Maryland's oldest mechanized modes of transportation, the WMSR 1309 Steam locomotive, the largest operating steam locomotive of its type in the world, and the legs of cyclists. The event will highlight the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR), the towns of Cumberland, MD, and Frostburg, MD, the scenic beauty of Allegany County, and the healthy outdoor lifestyle.
The Route
The Great Allegheny Passage between Cumberland and Frostburg is the only location in the country with 15.6 miles of side-by-side bike trails and scenic trains. The 3M Challenge will be a timed ride from the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) Station in Cumberland, MD, to the western end of the train platform at the Frostburg, MD, Depot.
• Individuals and teams (up to 6 riders) will depart Cumberland every 5 minutes, beginning as early as 9:00 AM, from the water spout on the Scenic Railway train platform at the train station at Canal Place.
The route is on Ride with GPS. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38734043
• Ebikes - are NOT included in this event
Rider Information
• A team can have 2 to 6 riders. In the spirit of historic advances and competition between ever-evolving modes of transportation, the 3M Challenge (Muscle vs. Machine vs. Mountain) will take place on September 26, 2026.
• All competitive challenger bicycles must be 100% human (rider) powered. There are no "e-bikes" in the competitive "Individual Rider" and "Team" categories.
• Each team must donate a minimum of $250 to MMT. The donation per individual rider is $60.
About the Challenge
The challenge is to have a better climb time than the WMSR 1309 Steam Engine. Over 40 % of the riders beat the train in 2025
Individuals who beat the locomotive's climb time will receive recognition.
All participants will receive a participation Great Allegheny Passage 3M Race Shirt. Please ensure that you fill out the form to specify your shirt size requirements. We will try accommodating all who enter, but shirt availability is not guaranteed.
Purpose of the Event
Mountain Maryland Trails is a volunteer organization that collaborates with the Allegany County Government, the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy, partner organizations, and community volunteers to manage the Maryland section of the Great Allegheny Passage trail. The efforts of the board and volunteers focus on maintaining a network of trails that promotes wellness, sustainable economic development, environmental stewardship, and connection to cultural heritage.
For over 30 years, the organization has played a vital role in developing the Great Allegheny Passage trail and implementing various trail improvement and safety projects, including the recently completed Borden Tunnel Lighting Project. What began as a project to reclaim a defunct rail line between Cumberland, MD, and Pittsburgh, PA, has evolved into a trail that welcomes 1.5 million visitors annually, generates approximately $800,000 in economic impact per mile of trail each year, and supports 1,393 jobs with a total labor income of $52.6 million.
Furthermore, the event promotes the Great Allegheny Passage Trail, which attracts tourists from around the world while also being a beloved spot for the local community.