The World's Most Beautiful and Most Savage Triathlon Bike Course
The SavageMan Half bike course is the crown jewel of the SavageMan Triathlon Festival.
The bike course is truly beautiful as it travels on remote and scenic Garrett County roads and through Deep Creek State Park, Savage River State Forest, and New Germany State Parks.
And the bike course is truly Savage as it rides alongside the scenic Savage River, scales the vaunted Westernport Wall, and summits the most savage climb in all of triathlon, Big Savage Mountain.
The SavageMan Half bike course is the most beautiful and most savage triathlon bike course in the world, guaranteed. If, after finishing the SavageMan Half, you feel you have previously completed a similar distance race that is more scenic and more savage, race management will refund your entry fee complete with a profound apology.
The 55.7 mile bike course includes over 5,700 feet of climbing with both long gradual climbs and short, steep pitches. While the first 18 and final 10 miles are downhill or flat, all athletes should be forewarned that the climbing in the middle 30 miles is savage and relentless. All participants, no matter how strong, should consider a 27 tooth cassette or compact cranks. Weaker cyclists should consider a triple front chainring or risk walking their bike.
** It is of utmost importance that riders ensure their bikes are in good working condition as this bike course includes some steep, technical descents. There is a mandatory pre-race bike check and athletes whose bikes do not pass inspection will not be permitted to start the SavageMan Half.
SavageMan Half Bike Course Preview - Even More Savage in 2008
Athletes exit the transition area in Deep Creek Lake State Park and head out for six miles of gently rolling terrain through country roads and rural farmland. At this point athletes begin a four mile descent into Savage River State Forest. The road is tree-canopied and very narrow with tight, blind twists and turns, so extra caution is necessary during this section.
At the base of the descent athletes follow the rapidly flowing Savage River for a fast and gradual descent over the next seven miles. Fly fisherman will gawk at a sight rarely seen: cyclists racing through Savage River State Forest. Once exiting Savage River State Forest a brief two mile stint on MD Route 135 takes riders into Westernport, MD where the vaunted Westernport Wall and raucous, cowbell ringing spectators await at the Westernport Wall block party and the hardest 30 miles in all of triathlon await the cyclists.
Once over the Westernport Wall, riders are greeted with the most savage climb in all of triathlon, the scenic and remote ascent over Big Savage Mountain and the Eastern Continental Divide, a 7.1 mile climb that gains 1950 feet of elevation.
Once over the summit, riders experience a fast and technical three mile descent back into the Savage River State Forest. Riders then climb gradually for three miles, leaving Savage River State Forest and entering New Germany State Park.
Repeated, extended, and steep climbs hit the riders fast and furious, starting with McAndrews Hill Rd, followed by Otto Lane, and then the new addition in 2008 "Killer" Miller Rd, a 1.3 mile climb averaging 10% with an extended pitch over 15%. After a short respite, the final insult to injury comes with the 21% Maynardier Ridge. A mostly flat and fast final 10 miles await the cyclists for return to transition after 55.7 miles.
Aid stations will be available to riders with water, energy gels, and energy drinks at miles 16, 27, 37 and 47.
The SavageMan Half Bike Course in detail:
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