Unpaved of the Susquehanna river valley

unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley – Lewisburg, United States

• Date: 11 October 2026
• Location: Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
• Distances: 40 miles, 50 miles, 70 miles, 100 miles, 130 miles, 200 miles
• Event Type: Gravel ride with competitive & non-competitive options

As autumn settles across the rolling hills of the Susquehanna River Valley, unPAved provides a remarkable day of gravel cycling in Pennsylvania. This is an event that finds its rhythm in the landscape itself, a challenge described as 'Easy on the Eyes, Hard on the Legs.' It is a celebration of exploration, where riders trace the contours of the land across a network of quiet, unpaved roads, finding a personal pace amidst the crisp October air and the turning leaves of the season.

The event offers a broad spectrum of distances, ensuring a meaningful experience for nearly any level of rider. The headline 130-mile route features timed segments for those wishing to race for a spot on the podium. For others, the 'Pierogi Pace' offers a non-competitive format to simply soak in the atmosphere across 50, 70, 100, or 130-mile adventures. Shorter loops of 40 and 70 miles are also available, while the invitation-only Big Lick 200 presents a true ultra-endurance test.

The weekend is structured as a full festival of riding. Most journeys begin at the Miller Center in Lewisburg, with a flexible start window allowing riders to set off at their leisure. A distinct experience begins at the Rusty Rail Brewery in Mifflinburg, which hosts the start and finish for the 40 and 70-mile courses. For those seeking a multi-day journey, the 'SlumberPArty' option splits the longer routes over two days with camping included, transforming the ride into a quiet bikepacking trip.

The festivities begin even before the main event on Sunday. A Saturday film festival at the historic Campus Theatre offers inspiration, while guided 'FUNpaved' rides on pavement and rail-trail provide a relaxed introduction to the area. This community focus makes the event a standout in the calendar, drawing riders from across the region to experience some of the best gravel cycling Pennsylvania has to offer, and it sits comfortably alongside the many other gravel events in United States that celebrate local terrain.

To ride in the Susquehanna River Valley is to connect with a quieter, more grounded form of cycling. The routes venture deep into state forests, tackling infamous climbs like Longwell Draft and rewarding effort with long, meditative stretches of gravel under tyre. The sound of the wind through the trees and the crunch of the road surface become the primary soundtrack to a day spent moving through this beautiful part of the world, immersed in the simple cadence of the ride.

Ultimately, unPAved is about the shared experience as much as the individual effort. The unique promise of a fresh Whoopie Pie for all finishers serves as a distinctly local and welcome reward. It’s this blend of challenging routes and warm, community-focused spirit that defines the event. All details regarding registration, specific route profiles, and the full weekend schedule are available on the official event website.