An anonymous donor bid $1,576 for the right to be the first to ride a bicycle through the newly restored Big Savage Tunnel, but plans to give the ride away as a gift.

The Somerset County tunnel is the missing link in the 42-mile-long Allegheny Highlands Trail. That trail is part of the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage -- a trail that curves from western Pennsylvania into Maryland and will eventually end in Washington, D.C. when it is complete.

The donor asked to remain anonymous until a bicyclist the donor chooses rides through the tunnel during its grand opening ceremony April 8. The tunnel will open to the public the next day.

The Somerset County Rails to Trails Association will use the money to maintain the trail.