CUMBERLAND, Md. — In nearly 200 years of American railroad history, we have witnessed some unusual speed challenges — horse vs. steam locomotive, attempts at distance speed records, even, how much track can be laid in a day. Now it’s time to gear up for cyclists racing against Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 2-6-6-2 No. 1309.
On Sept. 13, as part of WMSR’s Maryland Railfest 2025, cyclists can challenge No. 1309 along a 15.3-mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage between Cumberland and Frostburg, Md. The bikes will begin the race at 9 a.m., with individuals and teams released at 5 minute intervals. No. 1309, weighing in at 322 tons, and train will depart at 11:30 a.m. to climb the Alleghenies on its way to Frostburg. Prizes will be awarded to those cyclists who beat No. 1309 to the finish line adjacent to the Trails Inn and WMSR Frostburg depot.
This man vs. machine challenge is not for the faint of heart. Leaving Cumberland, elevation 627 feet, tracks and trail begin a steady climb. The Frostburg finish line stands at 2,070 feet above sea level.
WMSR’s Maryland Railfest is part of the greater, city-wide Heritage Days taking place Sept. 13-14. The WMSR will have numerous railroad activities for visitors. Throughout the city there will be entertainment stages, historic reenactments, and numerous local food vendors.
No. 1309 was delivered to the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in November 1949 by Baldwin Locomotive. Originally assigned to coal service in the mountains of West Virginia and Kentucky, the locomotive was retired in 1956. It became an exhibit at the B&O Railroad Museum until acquired by WMSR in 2014. WMSR restored the locomotive. It moved under its own power for the first time in 64 years on Dec. 31, 2020.
Proceeds from the train-cycle race will support development activities for the Maryland section of the Great Allegheny Passage. The Passage follows 150 off-road miles through the Allegheny Mountains to Pittsburgh. For more information visit mountainmdtrails.org.
