PVPP UnPAved Gravel Ride + Elk Creek Brunch 2026
This one’s for the riders who love a little grind with their gravel—and a cold beer with their Elk Creek Cafe brunch at the finish.
Our friends at unPAved are bringing the adventure to us with a special Sunday PVPP gravel ride led by Cimarron! And in true UnPAved fashion, you can ‘Choose Your Adventure’! We’ve planned a moderate ride for those just getting into gravel or getting their legs back. And a hard ride for those ready to take on the toughest climbs. We’ll meet back up at the end for Elk Creek Brunch and to gab about gravel!
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE!
ADVENTURE OPTION #1 (MODERATE): Get ready for a scenic, 32-mile tour that promises bridges, streams, babbling brooks, views, woods, and moderate climbs. If you’ve done a little climbing in Rothrock on your gravel bike, you can definitely do this!
We’ll start in Millheim heading toward the Coburn and onto Tunnel Rd where begin the 1st gravel section. We’ll pass the tunnel and cross the new bridge where we’ll take a singletrack path out to Ingleby. There we’ll start a 2.5 mile 448 ft climb with a max 6.5% grade (think Rothrock’s Laurel Run Rd with several less intense sections and one punchy climb at the top) followed by a 1.2 mile descent back to the pavement on Pine Creek Rd. Then we’ll road ride out to Woodward and over to Pine Creek Hollow and into Bald Eagle State Forest. On this 2nd gravel section, we’ll have a fairly gentle and rolling 355ft climb over 3.5 miles with a max grade of 5%. We’ll turn around at the location of the UnPAved “Ranch” at the intersection of Pine Creek Hollow and Stover Gap Rd (where your PVPP Board mans the Support Station each Fall!), and enjoy a fast, fun descent back into Woodward. From there we’ll follow the Apple Butter Loop into Millheim. eBike’s welcome!
DOWNLOAD Route (moderate): PVPP UnPAved Ride Moderate
ADVENTURE OPTION #2 (HARD): Maybe you’re training for GRIT or just ready for something more challenging? Ride the original 30-mile route from 2025 into Poe Paddy State Park. On this route, you follow Pine Creek Rd into Woodward, riding Woodward Gap for a 2 mile 765ft climb with a max 10% grade. After a short dip in elevation, you’ll descend to Cherry Run, then riding along Penns Creek and through the tunnel to Poe Paddy State Park. From there, you’ll begin a 6.5 mile 954 ft climb with a max grade of 8.8% via Poe Valley Rd and Pine Swamp Rd. When you reach Siglerville-Millheim Pike, you’ll begin your descent back into Millheim. The route will be rugged but rewarding. We highly recommend checking out the elevation profile before committing. eBikes welcome. We found a route leader so this will be guided with 3 stops to regroup.
Here is a video highlight reel from the Poe Paddy Ride:
Facebook Link
Instagram Link
Poe Paddy Route (hard): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52290704
WITH EITHER ROUTE, EXPECT A 3-4 HOUR RIDE. THERE IS NO SUPPORT VEHICLES. CELL RECEPTION IS SPOTTY ON GRAVEL SECTIONS. BE PREPARED WITH WATER, GELS, SNACKS, EXTRA TUBES, ECT.
Park in the upper gravel lot beside the Millheim Fire Co. DO NOT park directly behind the fire hall. Overflow parking across the street or in the grass if needed.
Meet on the patio behind the Meandering Mallard Coffee Shop (come EARLY for COFFEE!). We’ll leave promptly at 9:00am so arrive early to check in (free). Sign the waiver online if needed.
We’ll all meet at Elk Creek Cafe for Sunday Brunch Following the ride. PLEASE RSVP so we can reserve a table.
Cancellation Policy:
We’ll let you know by 6pm Saturday if we need to cancel.
If you have any questions, reach out to erica@pvpedalsandpints.com.
