The FIFTH edition of the Snallygaster 200/100 will roll out on September 12th, 2026 at 7 AM from the bike shop. This is the O.G. ultra-distance bikepacking race/gravel route in western Maryland and Preston County.
Given that it's been almost five years of doing the same route, it felt time for a shakeup. So new for this year will be the option to ride counterclockwise on any of the three routes (200 mile, 100 mile, or 100K)!
Registration available by completing this Google form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YoB4AJfFZ4zdllDwnJOUr-XUa1izAow_lPux6itmQjM/edit
See a brief video from 2025 on YouTube:
But just what is a Snallygaster, you ask? Well, they're sorta like a modern day pterodactyl, but with nasty big pointy teeth. They're dinosaur-adjacent, you might say. Or maybe the Snallygaster is a folk tale that German immigrants in western Maryland created to keep their kids in bed. Either way, Snallygasters clearly live in remote, beautiful locations around Garrett and Preston Counties where they feast on unsuspecting bikepackers and tasty berries when in season. Word has it that they also love Hammer Gels, though, so maybe just keep a few extras.
In all seriousness, these amazing and difficult routes go through beautiful and remote locations in Garrett County, Maryland, and Preston and Tucker Counties in West Virginia. Best of all, there are a ton of towns and gas stations along the way for resupply and plenty of places to camp. And you'll always be within an hour or two of Oakland, so if something goes terribly wrong, getting a ride back to the start won't be a massive pain.
The stats/fine print:
Snallygaster 200 Route (Both Directions):
Total actual distance: 197.1 miles
Total elevation: Approx. 22,000 ft. of climbing.
Surface type: 65-70% gravel/dirt/rural roads and 30-35% actual pavement.
Snallygaster 100 Route (Both Directions):
Total actual distance: 104 miles
Total elevation gain: Approx. 12,000 ft. of climbing
Snallygaster 100K Route (Both Directions):
Total actual distance: 61 miles
Total elevation gain: Approximately 7,000 ft. of climbing
Start time: 7 AM on 9/12/2026 at the Oakland Town Lot
Suggested bike: Gravel or mountain bike
Suggested tire size: 700x40 gravel tires or greater (I promise, this is not an exaggeration. All of these courses are steep and have chunky roads. You might even be better off bringing a mountain bike.)
Please remember this ride will be an unsanctioned and self-supported event through remote areas where cell service is often non-existent. Snallygaster 200 racers will be required to have, or rent, a GPS tracking device to make sure the entire route is followed. Further, outside aid will not be permitted (i.e. your spouse can't meet you every twenty miles and give you food and water.) You're more than welcome -- and encouraged! -- to use any publicly available gas stations, restaurants, hotels, etc., as these are available to everyone and fall within the realm of fair play.
Current FKTs
Men's 200: Jimmy Klose, 2023, 17 hours, 19 minutes
Women's 200: Claire McKeever, 2025, 21 hours, 45 minutes
Non-Binary 200: AJ DeLauder, 2022, 32 hours, 54 minutes
Men's 100: Jimmy Klose, 2024, 8 hours, 26 minutes
Women's 100: Claire Pomykala, 2023, 32 hours, 18 minutes
Non-Binary 100: Open
Men's 100K: Spencer Clark, 2025, 5 hours, 50 minutes
Women's 100K: Open
Non-Binary 100K: Open
Route Files (Updated 08/2025):
Snallygaster 200 Route on Strava:
https://www.strava.com/routes/2904474614211000968
Snallygaster 200 Route on MapMyRide:
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4770886624
Snallygaster 200 Route on RideWithGPS:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40782322
Snallygaster 100 Route on Strava:
https://www.strava.com/routes/2929057359063392646
Data Sheet/Points of Interest:
https://docs.google.com/.../18IpFtB5KURf0wfYuKOe.../edit..
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Oakland, Sports events in Oakland, Kids events & activities in Oakland.
