Attention cyclists:

Did you miss riding the Monongahela Valley Century (MVC) for the past several years? The sponsors of the MVC, Monessen Amateur Radio Club (MARC), has missed being able to present the ride for your enjoyment. Geologic problems with one particular stretch of road has been the main issue. Losing access to that road with little notice forced us to present an 83 mile “century.” You didn’t like that, neither did we.

For 2022 and beyond Monessen Amateur Radio Club (MARC) has created the “Monongahela Valley Century, Town & Country Edition.” Much of this ride retains features of the original MVC, which dates from the 1950s. But we have added to the “country” portion of the route some new travel on scenic but lightly used local roads in Washington and Greene Counties. The result is that we now offer a great century ride of just over 100 miles. Our alternate will be a metric century (and a bit more) of 116 kilometers, or about 72 miles. As usual, both rides will include a commensurate number of snack and water stops and of course a lunch for all riders at a scenic riverside park. SAG service will be provided on all parts of the route by MARC volunteers. The MVC is a challenging ride to be sure. But you savor a challenge, right?

The MVC Town & Country Edition will begin at the old river town of Monongahela, PA and will include visits to all five southwestern PA counties; Washington, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Fayette, and Greene. Ample parking is available in Monongahela (meters needn’t be fed on Sunday) and multiple restaurants and convenience stores can fill your last minute needs or provide post-ride recovery. Riders are expected to start from Monongahela by 8:00 AM so that scheduling of rest stops and SAG service can be provided most effectively. You may start any time you please prior to 8AM.

A map, course notes, any special details, and a GPX file will be available on our website. Please keep Sunday August 14, 2022, open on your cycling calendar. We’ll be looking for you!