The Endless Mountains Grand Depart will return to the area on Saturday, September 20, 2025. This cycling event will lead participants through Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties. Event organizers are encouraging local businesses to engage with the riders and make the most of the influx in visitors.
The Grand Depart is a bikepacking event hosted by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region. It includes 430-, 250-, and 115-mile routes along rural dirt and gravel roads. All courses begin and end in Towanda and pass through several small towns along the way. Riders will move at their own pace; some will race for the fastest time, while others will enjoy a relaxed, multi-day tour of the region.
The event is self-supported, meaning the cyclists must carry all of their own food and gear. They will often camp, eat, and resupply at local businesses.
“The Endless Mountains Grand Depart is more than just a cycling event—it’s a celebration of our communities and local businesses,” said David Landis, race director. “Riders discover small-town hospitality in every corner of the region, whether that’s a meal at a local diner, supplies from a general store, or a quiet spot to camp. The event not only brings economic benefits, it also builds lasting connections between visitors and the people who call these mountains home.”
Last year’s inaugural Grand Depart provided an economic boost to the area. On average, each participant spent $393 during the event on lodging, food, and supplies. With 35 participants, the event contributed an estimated $13,755 to the local economy. This year’s event promises an even bigger turnout with over 80 riders currently registered.
There are several ways for businesses to get involved:
- Check to see if your business is along one of the routes using this map.
- Cheer on the riders as they pass your business. Spectators will be able to track the riders’ progress at this link.
- Follow Endless Gravel on Facebook and Instagram and share race updates with your friends.
- Offer extended hours or services for cyclists.
- Offer a rest area or primitive camping site at your business for the duration of the event.
- Provide vouchers or coupons to be distributed at registration.
- Provide “trail magic,” which are fun, simple acts of kindness to support the riders. Examples from last year include providing a cooler of drinks, providing snacks, or setting up an informal aid station.
If your business plans on doing something special for the event, please contact the race organizers at endlessmountainsbikepacking@gmail.com, and they will promote it to the participants.
The Grand Depart is part of Endless Gravel, a network of cycling routes along the unpaved roads in the Endless Mountains region. The routes range from day rides to the 430-mile Endless Mountains Gravel Bikepacking Loop. Endless Gravel is maintained by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region in partnership with the Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, Susquehanna County Promotion & Tourism Agency, and avid local cyclists. For information, visit EndlessGravelPA.com.