unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley returns for 2021!

Announcing the plan for the 2021 edition of unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley on Sunday, October 10th. The registration lottery is now open for 800 riders in the Full-120 race, Plenty-90 ride, and the Overnighter categories through April 28th and participation announcements will be made on April 30th. Registration for 400 spots for the SOMEpaved 50, 30, and 20-mile courses will open on Monday, May 3rd. 

Teaser Video

What we did (and loved) in 2019 plus what we learned in 2020

Remember how things were pre-pandemic? We sure do, and we miss all the fun we had with everyone at the 2019 unPAved. That said, the world is a different place now and as we all settle into how things will be, we are planning an event weekend to be both very safe and very fun.

• • VARIETY OF DISTANCES Since we can invite 1,200 people to the event, we want to give them some of the best options of routes in Pennsylvania.
    • unPAved Full-120 Race: With over 10,000’ of climbing over 8 mountains, and 100 miles of a variety of unpaved roads, this is the big show to determine the King & Queen of the Whoopie Pies!
    • unPAvedPlenty-90: For those who want a great big day of beautiful gravel, that’s equal parts challenging & rewarding.
    • SOMEpaved Courses: ​New versions of the 50, 30, and 20-mile courses for 2021 that have less gravel but also have a lot less climbing! 
    • All courses feature the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail for the start and finish, beautiful & quiet farm country roads, fun aid stations, and the unPAved courses go into the spectacular (and hilly) Bald Eagle State Forest.

• OVERNIGHTER CATEGORY New for this year is the opportunity to take on the unPAved course over 2-days, with a camping spot reserved in our aid station at Poe Paddy State Park on Saturday night. This will not be timed, but expect some fun challenges because this one is all about #funnestknowntime.

• SEGMENT TIMING One format change we made in 2020 was to only time 4 parts of the course, and it was a big success! This year we’re adding 2 more segments, which will make 40 miles of the Full-120 mile course timed for the race. They will definitely be “Hard on the Legs” but that’s so you can relax on some of the “Easy on the Eyes” parts. The aid stations will not be timed, which allows our racers to relax in those to refuel, reload supplies, and spend time with their new friends in Pennsylvania.

• CHOOSE YOUR OWN START TIME Another format change from 2020 that we’re keeping is the opportunity to start when they’re ready, not when we say they need to start going. Segment timing makes this doable, but the reality is that different participants have different goals, abilities, likes, and dislikes. Each field gets a window to start during, and times that the aid stations will be open will help them choose how to plan their day.

• HEALTH & SAFETY FIRST We learned a lot by putting on the 200 person event in 2020, and will be keeping many of the adjustments & protocols in place moving forward because they actually do make the event better for the community we care about so much.

RETURN OF THE FALL FESTIVAL, DONEpaved PARTY, and MORE! While the ride is the most important part, we all sure missed the other festivities that help make events like this so special—and so do the good people of the Susquehanna River Valley. The weekend will be hopping again!

“We are beyond excited to begin planning for the 2021 unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley,” says Andrew J. Miller, Executive Director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau. “The 2020 unPAved, though small in number, was big in energy and we were so happy that the event was held.  Everyone involved in the planning of this year’s event is eager and optimistic that 2021 will bring back the energy and spirit of celebration and community that we remember from 2019.”

“We’re working to create a fun-packed weekend that includes Friday night’s “ungraveled” pub/restaurant takeover for unPAved registrants and Saturday will include Lewisburg’s Fall Festival and an organized canoe/kayak paddle on the Susquehanna River. So grab your kayak and your bike and come for a great weekend full or outdoor recreation and celebration in the Susquehanna River Valley!”

Joining the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau at the 2021 unPAved are Salsa Cycles (official bike and frames), Stan’s NoTubes (official wheels & sealant), GU Energy Labs, Floyd’s of Leadville, Ritchey Logic, Voler Apparel, Purple Lizard Maps, Nittany Mountain Works, R.E.Load Bags, Philly Bike Expo, Chamois Butt’r, Lupine Lights, Christopher Bean Coffee, NetCrafter Solutions, Giro and Rusty Rail Brewing Company.

To follow along with the events, and to stay updated on any further changes, visit unpavedpennsylvania.com, unpavedPA on Facebook and unpavedpennsylvania on Instagram.