[{"tab_name":"customtab_28","tab_label":"Description ","content":" \r\n \r\n Hellbender Extinction Grand Depart\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n

Hellbender Extinction Grand Depart

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Dedication: These routes, and every future route, will be dedicated to my little sister, HalieAnn, who was killed by a motorist on October 12th, 2024. She was hit while riding the bike I built for her specifically to bikepack South America with me. She was my best friend. She was also a trail builder, chainsaw enthusiast, climber, poet, artist, and cyclist and much more than I can write here. I will never again ride a mile without thinking about her and I will likely dedicate every route I ever create to her. Learn about her here.

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Schedule

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Start Time: 7:00 AM on Saturday, May 31st, 2025

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End Time: 6:00 PM on Monday, June 2nd, 2025

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Location: The ride will conclude at Short Story Brewing for drinks and a celebration!

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Parking & Meeting Points

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The ride will start from Cooper’s Rock State Forest. We are being provided secure, free parking at the Coopers Rock Office lot (39.660728, -79.780952), about half a mile from the main entrance. We will meet here!

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Cooper’s Rock offers a wide variety of camping options for those coming from out of town. We recommend staying here before the depart!

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Note: If you do the ride outside of the Grand Depart in June, you cannot park here. Instead, we recommend calling Coopers Rock and asking about their “overflow” lot. Otherwise, you can start the ride from Morgantown and park at a parking garage or choose your own start elsewhere.

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About the Ride

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This ride is going to be as metal as the Hellbender: 5 routes options totaling nearly 950 miles and 100,000 feet of Appalachian climbing, with choices of length from 60 to 310 miles. We tried our best, but an average of 100ft/mile was the best we could do in this mountain country.\r\n

One massive and diverse river basin, 3 rivers, over 15 swim spots (more if you get creative!), a dozen waterfalls, and enough Appalachian scenery to make a Hellbender cry.

Explore the 3 states in the West-Mary-Vania region: 11 wild areas and state forests, 5 local breweries in West Virginia and Maryland, and visit unique small towns across all on one incredible ride!\r\nThe namesake: The raddest creature in the river, the Hellbender Salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) or the snot otter, lasagna lizard, devil dog, mud-devil, mud dog, water dog, grampus, Allegheny alligator, and leverian water newt.

Story goes that this bad boy got his name from early European settlers turned hillbillies, who thought to themselves:

\"This here is a creature from Hell where it is bent on returning!\"

Still, others say that when these salt-of-the-earth river folk scooped up the Hellbender from the water for closer inspection, that merely looking at its skin reminded them of the horrible tortures of the infernal regions.

When thinking of sick Appalachian animals, how could it possibly get any sicker than that?\r\nHowever, this lasagna lizard is nosediving straight for extinction. Yep, turns out all the chemicals, dams, and habitat destruction in rivers isn't great at supporting life. (Who knew?)\r\nI will be the first to tell you that the Hellbender is PISSED about that. Hell, I would be too if all I lived in those rivers.

So we figured, while we bike and boat in the pristine Hellbender habitat of the Monogehela River Basin without a care in the world, the least we could do is light a fire under our ass too. These damning routes were created to fire you up with pure ecologically righteous rage!\r\nThus, the Hellbender's Extinction was born.

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Weather Disclaimer

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This is the date and the ride, no rain checks! Pack for all weather!

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GPX File

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We have added 4 new routes! Download GPX file for all 5 routes here.

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Suggested Packing List

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Hellbender Suggested Packing List: Link here.

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Donate

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Donate to Win: Our pals over at the Friends of Decker's Creek (FODC) have been kind enough to donate some amazing prizes to the ride! FODC is a local West Virginia nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to clean up decades of environmental degradation inflicted on our local watershed. Over time, they are improving the natural qualities of the Deckers Creek Watershed, increasing public concern for its health, and promoting its enjoyment.

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When you register for the Grand Depart and donate to FODC, you'll be entered into a raffle to win custom FODC bikepacking straps or an FODC Rain Barrel that will continue to protect our waterways! Donate a minimum of $5 and send the confirmation to jrex114@gmail.com for your chance to win! Donate to FODC

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Disclaimer: Participation in Hellbender Bikepacking Events

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This disclaimer (\"Disclaimer\") is provided by Hellbender Bikepacking (\"Hellbender\") to all individuals who choose to participate in any events organized or hosted by Hellbender Bikepacking, hereinafter referred to as \"Events.\"

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Assumption of Risk: Participation in Hellbender Bikepacking Events involves inherent risks and dangers, including but not limited to those associated with outdoor activities, cycling, and exposure to varying weather conditions and terrains. By voluntarily participating in any Events, you acknowledge and assume all such risks, both known and unknown, and agree that Hellbender, its organizers, volunteers, and affiliates shall not be held liable for any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur as a result of your participation.
No Responsibility for Safety: Hellbender Bikepacking organizers and volunteers are not responsible for your safety during Events. Participants are solely responsible for assessing their own abilities, ensuring the fitness of their equipment, and making informed decisions regarding their involvement in any activity associated with Hellbender Bikepacking. Hellbender assumes no responsibility for accidents, injuries, or other incidents that may occur during Events.\r\n
Compliance with Regulations: Participants are required to adhere to all applicable state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances during Events. Hellbender Bikepacking disclaims any responsibility for the consequences of non-compliance with such regulations and expects all participants to conduct themselves in a lawful and responsible manner.\r\n
Unofficial and Unsanctioned Events: All Hellbender Bikepacking Events are unofficial, unsanctioned, and purely recreational. They are organized by volunteers in their spare time, and Hellbender makes no representations or warranties regarding the safety, quality, or legitimacy of any Events. Participants are encouraged to exercise caution, use their best judgment, and be aware that Hellbender assumes no responsibility for the actions of participants during or after Events

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Thanks for reading, I hope to see you on the Hellbender Extinction Grand Depart!

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These routes would not have been possible without Geoff Patterson (https://canalbyways.com/) and AJ DeLauder (https://www.thetinycornerbikeshop.com/general-8). AJ's Snallygaster inspired this route and I borrowed from it for the southern section of the 260 and 300 mile routes. Geoff, well, he basically rode it all. The 180, 260, and 300-mile routes borrow heavily from his work on the Allegheny Crossroads route he has developed. With his permission, I used a lot of the same routes, but have attempted to add my own Hellbender \"spice\" to many areas. For both of their help, I am deeply grateful.

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Hellbender Extinction - 310 mile	506.4 km	+9856 m
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Hellbender's Fury - 180 mile	297.6 km	+5929 m
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Hellbender's Ire - 60 mile	107.2 km	+1665 m
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Hellbender's Vengeance - 260 mile	427.5 km	+8497 m
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Hellbender's Wrath - 100 mile	164.5 km	+3104 m
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