_ The 2018 3M Ride - Man vs Machine vs Mountain:

In the spirit of historic advances and competition between ever evolving modes of transportation, the 3M Challenge will feature a race between two of Mountain Maryland’s oldest mechanized modes of transportation. The WMSR 501 Diesel engine and the legs of cyclist. The event will highlight the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR), towns of Cumberland and Frostburg, scenic beauty of Allegany County, and healthy outdoor lifestyle. The Great Allegany Passage between Cumberland and Frostburg Maryland is the only location in the country with 14 miles of side-by-side bike trail and scenic train.

Maryland Mountain Trails Mountain Maryland Trails is part of the Great Allegheny Passage. The zero-mile marker starts in Cumberland and extends through the Allegheny mountains to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. The Maryland section of the Great Allegheny Passage is a beautiful trail in Allegany County maintained by Allegany County Government and governed by a Board of Directors. The trail is enjoyed by tourist from all over the world as well as by the locals.

Event details and schedule

The 3M ride will be a timed race from the Western Maryland Station (WMS) in Cumberland to the western end of the train platform in Frostburg. 

•     Teams of up to 6 riders will depart Cumberland starting at 8:00am every 10 minutes from the water spout at the WMS and ride to the western end of the platform in Frostburg. 

•  The last rider finishing the race will determine the team’s time. 

•  The WMSR 1309 Mallet will leave at its 11:30 scheduled run and will be timed. 

Team Information

•  A team is from 1 to 6 riders

•  Each team must donate a minimum of $250 to MMT. 

•  Teams will choose their start time based on the amount of money they raise.  The team with the most money raised will have first choice of start time. 

The Challange

•  The challenge is to have a better climb time than the 1309 Mallet Steam Engine. 

•  The team that beats the climb time of the steam engine will receive a prize. 

•  The individuals that beat the climb time of the steam engine will receive a prize. 

•  All participants will receive a participation gift .  

Every event like this has a purpose!

•  Raise awareness and funds for Mountain Maryland Trails (MMT)

•  Raise awareness for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR)

•  Help with the contact points of the racers