Sierra Club Outings Plan

Name / Date / Trip Title
Michael Hennesy and Somebody / 8/20 - 8/21 / Mountain Biking Savage River SF

Outing Purpose Statement: Conservation Topic:

Leaving from the DC region our group will carpool out to the Savage River SF where we will ride for several hours throughout the trail system. We will be exploring the 7.5 miles of trails within the Margroff Plantation trail system which includes everything from easily traversed gravel roads to challenging dirt singletrack and is suitable for novice riders to advanced. After riding we are going to take a short drive to Deep Creek SP where we will camp for the night and depart in the morning. / This outing will incorporate the Sierra Club’s conservation campaign for natural gas reform.
Texas Eastern Co. owns several gas well sites in the forest and maintains gravel access roads to them. We will explore some of these roads and visit the well sites. During the ride leaders will break for a discussion on hydrofracking. Attendees will learn what it is, how and why it is being done, and what some of the possible consequences are. We will also talk specifically about the future of hydrofracking in Garret Co, and Maryland in general.

Outing Profile Statement:

Leaving from the DC region at 8 or 9am, our group will carpool out to the Savage River SF arriving by 11 or 12pm and parking in the lot off Fratz Rd. We’ll ride for 4-5 hours throughout the trail system and locate some of the dormant gas well heads that are throughout the forest. Depending on the skill level of participants we may choose to ride some of the more challenging singletrack trails that criss-cross the gravel roads. Around 4 or 5pm we are going to pack up into the cars and take a short drive to Deep Creek State Park where we will stay the night (There is a $22 camping fee per site). Campers will need to bring all of their own camping gear, food, and water however the leaders will bring extra gear if somebody forgets something. We will depart from the park in the morning and return to DC.

Include outing date(s), type, location, distance, duration, fees (if any) and level of difficulty.

Participant Profile Statement:

This trip should be accessible for riders of all abilities, however some experience cycling is recommended. All riders will have to provide their own mountain bike (offer rental locations). The trails are suitable for beginner to advanced riders, but we will be taking mostly easier trails and paths. There will be an emphasis on inviting members from Garret County, which is right now the only county that might allow hydrofracking. All members and non-members from throughout the state are also encouraged to attend.

Include number of participants, participant focus (adult, single, family, minors), skill level (beginners/advanced) and equipment needed.

Leader Profile Statement:

There will be 2 leaders on the trip, Mike Hennesy and Somebody. Mike will be the ‘point’ and Somebody will be the ‘sweep’.

Include number of leaders, roles, experience or skills needed and any equipment needed.

Outing Announcement:

Come get dirty with the Sierra Club on an adventurous trip to the Savage River National Forest for a day of mountain biking and an evening of camping by the fire! Leaving from the DC region our group will carpool out to the Savage River SF where we will ride for several hours throughout the trail system. While riding we’ll locate some of the dormant gas well heads in the forest where we’ll discuss how natural gas is extracted by hydrofracking, where and why it’s being done, and the possible consequences. In the afternoon we are going take a short drive to Deep Creek State Park where we will stay the night by the lake ($22 per site/night). We will depart from the park in the morning and return to DC. Participants will need to bring their own mountain bike and all of their own camping gear, food, and water. To register and for full details please contact the leader: Mike Hennesy at 571-334-6894 or

Include trip date(s) and time(s), fees (if any), brief description of outing, difficulty rating, participant pre-requisites, leader name and contact information.

Trail Head Talk:

Welcome, introductions, and explanation of each leader’s role. Complete paperwork and waviers while leaders give an introduction to the hydrofracking conservation message and distribute materials if available. Describe the trip plan and where we will be going. Explain trail conduct, safety, and emphasize Leave No Trace practices. Any last minute questions before getting on the road!

Include the tone you plan to set for your talk, a welcome greeting, trail conduct, safety guidelines, conservation topics, LNT points you want to cover and liability waiver information.

Map: (Paste a photocopy, hand draw, or cut and paste electronically)

Last Updated 5/20/2019