Supporters
Thanking Our Supporters
We all know that the club’s biggest supporter and flag waver was Roy’s brother, Mark Rupert. He held the highest attendence rating (after Roy) and helped him mark the route each week up through the 2022 season.
Who was always there to welcome us with a smile when we check in? Mark! Who was our water boy? Mark! Who was there to literally pick us up when we’re down? Mark! Who kept Roy in check? His brother, Mark!
Mark passed away in early 2023 an we ride to his memory each June for the Miles for Mark Ride where our supporters help us raise even more funds for charity.
So first and foremost, for all the years you dedicated to the club, “Thank You, Mark!” You will forever be missed.
Mark Rupert holding a giveaway at the year-end picnic.
Our 2025 Sponsors
Special Recognition
Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
State College, PA – The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) is a nonprofit, membership-based organization committed to the fundamental principal that meetings and visitors can be more effectively attracted to our area through “coordinated group action” rather than independent action. The bureau’s mission is to develop, promote, and engage in travel related activities and coordinate visitor services designed to enhance the economic activity and quality of life within Centre County, Pennsylvania.
Through extra funding received from HVAB, we were able to purchase a trailer for Penns Valley Pedals and Pints for storing and transporting equipment, volunteering to help other local groups and races, and eventually expanding our reach into the community.
Seasons of Rothrock Races
Seasons of Rothrock hosts four unforgettable cycling events in Rothrock State Forest, showcasing some of the best gravel and mountain biking in Pennsylvania. And PVPP will be at the support stations cheering you on! Whether you’re chasing speed, soaking in the scenery, or just showing up for the vibes, there’s a ride for every season—and every kind of rider.
Whipple Dam Gravel Race – April 11, 2026
A fun, challenging spring gravel ride with multiple course options, including the approachable but tough “Whip Around Whipple.”
GRIT Gravel Grinder – June 6, 2026
The crown jewel of gravel in Rothrock, with four distance options—including a NEW 100+ mile course with a $500 payout for riders who want to GO BIG. And it’s now a stop on the USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series, where ages 15-18 can race for $ and points!
Greenwood Furnace MASS MTB Race – June 20, 2026
A challenging Mid-Atlantic Super Series (MASS) mountain bike race set in the stunning Greenwood Furnace State Park.
From serious rides to seasonal fun, Seasons of Rothrock delivers. Learn more or register at rothrock.hvwcycing.com.
unPAved Bike Race
October 11th, 2026
unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley is Pennsylvania’s premier gravel cycling adventure, held every October and known for its scenic beauty, community vibe, and seriously fun ride options. Whether you’re in it for the challenge, the camaraderie, or the post-ride treats (Whoopie Pies, anyone?), unPAved offers something for every kind of rider.
Choose your adventure:
Race for Whoopie Pies – 130 miles, 12,000’ elevation, 78% unPAved, 56 miles timed over 4 segments – CASH PRIZES.
Ride at Pierogi Pace – Ride the full 130 (shortcuts noted), Proper 50 or Burley 30 without the need for speed—at a lower price!.
The Slumber Party – Extend the fun! Ride the 130 starting on Saturday, finishing on Sundy with a fun sleepover at RB Winter State Park. Pack your sense of adventure (we’ll shuttle your stuff!).
The Big Lick 200 – For the ultra-cyclists who have proven they have what it takes to ride many miles, lots of hills, through the night, and be self-sufficient the whole time.
The unPAved crew is all about creating joyful, welcoming, and rewarding ride experiences that showcase the best of PA’s gravel and communities. PVPP is proud to support unPAved by volunteering at THE RANCH support station—and even more proud to call them a sponsor for the 2025 season!
Learn more and register at unpavedpennsylvania.com/unpaved-of-the-susquehanna-river-valley-2/
Sponsor Ride: Gravel Ride TBD
CentreBike + Happy Valley Ride with GPS
CentreBike is our local cycling advocacy group, dedicated to making the State College area a safer and more bike-friendly community. They promote better cycling facilities, host safety and skills training, and support riders of all levels.
Through their Happy Valley Ride with GPS platform, cyclists can explore local routes with free turn-by-turn navigation—perfect for discovering new rides around Happy Valley.
As part of their support for PVPP, CentreBike will also host a Smart Cycling Class led by a League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor—a great way to build confidence and skills on the road.
Learn more at centrebike.org and find your next ride at rides.centrebike.org.
Brookside Bikes
Mifflinburg, PA – Brookside Bikes is a family-run shop nestled along the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail in Mifflinburg, PA. Since 2009, they’ve been helping riders find the right bike, gear, and service to make every ride better. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned cyclist, Brookside offers a welcoming vibe and a wide selection of bikes—featuring Trek, Electra e-bikes, Gazelle, X-lab, Urtopia and upcycled options—plus plenty of accessories, apparel, and car racks.
Their full-service repair shop keeps bikes rolling smoothly with expert tune-ups and maintenance. Brookside is passionate about making cycling accessible, fun, and part of the local community.
As a returning PVPP sponsor, Brookside Bikes is once again hosting the ever-popular Ice Cream Ride—a casual Saturday ride with sweet stops at local ice cream shops along the rail trail. Date to be announced, but trust us, you don’t want to miss it.
Find out more at brooksidebikes.com.
Sponsor Ride: July 18, 2026…view details
Boal City Brewing
Tucked at the base of Rothrock State Forest, Boal City Brewing produces innovative craft beer and offers it, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, in a comfortable taproom and beer garden with plenty of outdoor seating.
Weekly Move: Tuesday Trail Run or Walking Club
Hours: Open 7 days a week!
Two Brothers Bike Company
Yes, we are actually brothers and our family has been local to central Pennsylvania for generations. We love all things bikes, and we want you to love them too!
Our business started by buying, tuning, repairing, and selling pre-owned bicycles as a fun hobby. We quickly realized that it is much more than that; it’s a passion.
Whether you’re new to biking or you’re a seasoned rider, we welcome you to visit our shop in Burnham or State College. We offer a full selection of bikes, components, service, and accessories!
-Nick & Chris
Hours: Tues 10a-4p; Wed-Fri 11a-7p; Sat 10a-3p
Link Cyclery
Link Cyclery is a family friendly bike shop along the Rail Trail in Lewisburg PA. We offer Mountain, Gravel, Road, E-Bikes and Children’s Bikes. We specialize in supporting Leisure, Recreational, Active, & Enthusiast Cyclists with Bikes and Gear. Link Cyclery also has bike rentals and a full service department to keep you going.
Sponsor Ride: August 8, 2026…View Details
Hours: Tues/Thurs/Fri 9a-6p; Wed/Sat 9a-4p
Freeze + Thaw Cycles
State College, PA – Freeze Thaw Cycles on Allen Street has been a supporter for several years. FTC is a rider owned and operated shop established in 2005 stocking a thoughtful selection of new bicycles, parts, accessories and clothing for all types of riders and terrain. Service, repairs and custom wheel building are a specialty. They’ve donated gear that we’ve given away at weekly rides and the year-end picnic and join in when possible.
Wednesday night gravel rides will be back in motion in April (weather and conditions dependent). Join us from 7-9pm starting from the Tussey Ski Area Lodge.
Sponsor Ride: August 19th, 2026 – MTB Townie Trails
HOURS: Tues-Fri: 10a-6p; Sat: 10a-4p.
Woodward Cave
Woodward, PA – Woodward Cave is one of the largest caverns in Pennsylvania, with actively growing formations, 50 foot cathedral ceilings, unique natural wonders, and the largest wintering bat hibernaculum in the state!
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
SPONSOR RIDE: August 1st – Tour of the Cavern
The Bicycle Shop
State College, PA – The Bicycle shop in State College is Central PA’s oldest bike shop with over 500 bikes in stock. They joined us in 2019 bringing along lots of goodies to raffle off before rides. Visit them for mountain, road, gravel, commuter, BMX, triathlon and Cyclocross bikes.
Open Mon-Fri: 10a-6p; Sat: 10a-5p
The Meandering Mallard Coffee Shop
Millheim, PA – The Meandering Mallard Coffee House is a rustic, local coffee house offering delicious sandwiches, soups and stews, hot and cold drinks as well as home made baked goods. We are open daily for your dining pleasure, please come a visit us sometime!
Open 7 days a week from 7am-2pm.
Olde Village Mercantile
Aaronsburg, PA – We are a unique shop offering items from ice cream, penny candy, fresh produce and meats to hand made furniture and gifts. Take a step back in time and enjoy the experience.
They’ll be serving NA drinks at our Thursday night rides including bubble tea, ice tea, lemonade and more.
HOURS: Wed-Fri 9a-5p; Sat 10a-5p; Sun 10a-3p
FARMERS MARKET: Thursdays (before our ride!) 10a-6p
Penns Valley Veterinary Clinic
Millheim, PA – Penns Valley Veterinary Clinic, Inc is a locally owned veterinary clinic serving the animals of central Pennsylvania since 2003. Our clinic treats both large and small animals both through our ambulatory service as well as our Millheim clinic. We are open daily and are always accepting new clients.
Our Biggest Supporters
Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks in Millheim is our final destination each week for beers, cheers and quality grub. But they’re also a huge supporter. Several ride with us, including owner Tim and server Monica, and pro pourer Jay looks forward to filling up beer glasses following every ride!
Freewheel Creative, LLC is a marketing and graphic design company specializing in website development, collateral design and marketing strategy. The owner, Erica, rides with us and designed our jerseys, the onsite maps, and this website. We liked her, so we made her a board member and she now sends out our weekly emails.
Bobbie Dash cooks up some yummy grub! She caters our year end picnic with absolutely delicious food – just check out the facebook photos! She’s also Roy’s better half, keeping him well fed and needing the saddle time each week.
Deb Rittelmann
Penns Valley Pedals and Pints would also like to give a shout-out to Deb Rittelmann who takes so many great photos of our club…many of which you’ll find on this website and our Facebook page. She manages to capture the joy of riding and beauty of the valley even as we’re huffing and puffing our way over hilltops.
Deb also photographs races on occassion and posts photos for purchase.