WEEKEND RIDES, FRIDAY AND SUNDAY!!

Dear Friends,

We're going to go for it tomorrow!  Here are the nitty-gritty details for the weekend (no ride on Saturday).

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2010
"SOLOMONS ISLAND CENTURY," starting from Southern High School, Harwood, Maryland.  As mentioned earlier, we'll be checking out MOST of a possible new Permanent route.  I've moved the start of the century ride several miles south of Crofton, where the permanent will start, so as to get the mileage down to 100 for tomorrow.  Well, it's actually 101.6.  **MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m.**  The ride will pass through Friendship as we head south, after which we'll be on and off of MD2-4 most of the way down to Solomons (detouring off of it when we can).  It is a well traveled highway, but it has a very wide shoulder, so it's not too objectionable.  My guess is that it will be fairly quiet in the morning.  We'll have lunch at Woodburn's Gourmet Market in Solomons after a nice little tour of Solomons Island.  The return route spends a lot less time on MD2-4, and we leave it for good when we get to Prince Frederick.  From there we'll follow our traditional and scenic Cypress Swamp Century route back, passing through Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Rose Haven, and the oh-so-lovely Fair Haven.  If everything works as I expect it will, it should make for a mellower-than-average permanent route.  106 miles.  I didn't have time to cue any shortcuts, but it's very easy to turn around and pick up the return route as we're heading south on 2-4.  There are plenty of places to eat even if you don't go all the way down to Solomons.

If you're interested in attending, please email me and I'll send you an electronic copy of the cue sheet.  I plan to bring only a very few copies to the ride start.  Note:  I haven't even typed it up yet, so it may not be available until early evening :-)  I have a Garmin file, too, for anyone who wants it.  Won't have time to do printed maps.

Directions to the ride start:

SOUTHERN HIGH SCHOOL, 4400 SOLOMONS ISLAND ROAD, HARWOOD, MARYLAND 

From DC Beltway, go East on US50. 

In about 11 miles, take exit 16 and go south on MD424 Davidsonville Rd. 

In about 3.5 miles, cross MD214 in Davidsonville (MD424 becomes Birdsville Rd.)

In about 3 miles, go right on MD2 @T. 

In about 2 miles, right into high school parking lot. 

Please park in the large main parking lot, NOT in the small faculty lot. 

Note:  there are restrooms at the Citgo just south of the school at the intersection of MD2 and Harwood Rd.

 

*********************************************************************
SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2009
Bob Wagner is leading "A CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BALTIMORE," starting in Fell's Point in Baltimore.  Here's the scoop on this ride, courtesy of Bob (note:  it's HILLY!!):

Circumnavigation of Baltimore.  Sunday, Jan 3rd 2010 Meet up: 7:50 Push off: 8:10AM

Start is in Fell's Pt. and goes clockwise through eight compass points: Glen Bernie, Ellicott City, Marriottsville, Reisterstown, Belfast, Falston, White Marsh, Essex and back to Fell's Pt. (for a beer, naturally). This ride is somewhat rough in the beginning, but settles down after the 10 mile point. The circle takes us on an highly varied tour of the city's environs.

Full cue sheet: http://tinyurl.com/ydlhvxn
77 mile shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/y9v3tq7

Directions to parking and start: http://tinyurl.com/yct3ehu

Please print out the cue sheet if you're attending, as Bob didn't say how many copies he'd be bringing to the ride start.


******PLEASE HAVE LIGHTS FOR BOTH OF THESE RIDES!!****** 

Crista
202.365.3738

WEEKEND RIDES PREVIEW

Dear Friends,

Conditions aren't looking very friendly for our traditional New Year's Day Weenie One Hundred.  I'm concerned that the Mt. Vernon, W&OD and Custis Trails will have icy patches, so we're considering an alternate century ride starting from Southern High School in Harwood, MD.  If it looks like roads will be clear down there tomorrow, we'll probably go for it and it we'll be checking out parts of a possible new permanent route that would start a bit north of Harwood, in Crofton.  The route heads south to Solomons Island and uses a few fairly long stretches of MD2, which is a busy state highway but has wide shoulders.  I'll send out another notice this evening, once we've determined if the ride will be a GO. If any of you have info on road conditions south of Harwood, please let me know!

Saturday looks beastly windy, and we'll probably pass on riding that day.

Bob Wagner is leading a ride on Sunday  (the "Circumnavigation of Baltimore").  I'll send out the details on that ride as soon as Bob sends me his ride description, driving directions, etc.  I know the ride starts in Fell Point in Baltimore.

Stay tuned,

Crista
202.365.3738

SUNDAY RIDE, DECEMBER 27, 2009!

Ho ho ho to all!

Sorry for the tardiness in getting this out.  We were hoping we could ride both days this weekend, but Saturday still looks somewhat dubious, so if we do ride tomorrow it will be something impromptu, probably starting later than usual and a shorter distance than our customary century.  If interested, give me a call Saturday morning, any time after 5:30 a.m., but no promises.

Sunday's looking good, so we're going to join Nick Bull in checking out his "WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN," a ride he scheduled a few weeks ago that got rained out.  Starting from Caribou Coffee in Bristow, Virginia, this is a checkout ride for a proposed 208K permanent that Nick has designed.   MEETING TIME 6:45 a.m. with a planned departure time of 7:00 a.m.

Here's Nick's ride description:
The permanent is named after the Wilderness Campaign of the Civil War, which was a series of battles fought in 1864 that started with the Battle of the Wilderness, followed by the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse (and others).  The permanent visits both these battle sites, plus the Battle of Chancellorsville, fought in 1863.  (And the permanent starts near the Manassas/Bull Run Battlefield.) The route is an out-and-back with a large loop in the middle.

From the ride start, west of Manassas, the route heads roughly SSW over moderate terrain, crossing the Rappahannock River at Kelly's Ford, and eventually controlling at Locust Grove.  The route turns roughly SE, over somewhat more hilly terrain, riding through the Wilderness Battlefield and then Spotsylvania Courthouse, with an information control at the Bloody Angle followed by a regular control in Spotsylvania.  Turning NW, the route controls in the Chancellorsville Battlefield and then continues to cross the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, after which it follows familiar roads.  About 130 miles and 6500 feet of climbing.

Note:  If you plan to attend, please shoot Nick a note so that he'll have an idea of how many cue sheets to print out!  Nick's email address is nick.bike.bull@gmail.com.  He also has a Garmin file, which I'm sure he'll be happy to send to any who have GPS devices!

REMEMBER:
(1)  LIGHTS REQUIRED, AS WE WILL LIKELY FINISH AFTER DARK
(2) THIS IS A CHECKOUT RIDE, NOT YET AN OFFICIAL PERMANENT, SO NO FEE, NO CONTROL CARD, NO CREDIT, JUST A FUN DAY IN THE SADDLE!

Here are directions to the ride start:
Caribou Coffee, 12713 Braemar Village Plaza, Bristow, Virginia
From the Beltway (I-495):
0.0   0.0     take I-66 West
20.0  20.0  R VA 234 S/Pr William Parkway, Exit 44
23.3  3.3    R Sudley Manor Dr
25.8  2.4    X Linton Hall Rd CR 619
26.0  0.2    L into Shopping Center
Turn L again to go to north end of parking lot.  Park away from store, nearer gas station.

Crista
202-365-3738

Weekend Rides - not this weekend!

Dear Friends,

The Nature Gods continue to conspire against us.  Hope we can ride NEXT weekend!

Crista

Saturday Brevet!

Dear Friends,

Looks like the weather will cooperate for tomorrow and conditions for the Paul's Paradise 200K Brevet, while somewhat frigid for early December, will be dry and sunny!  Registration will open at McDonald's in Poolesville at 6:00 a.m., and the ride will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m.

Here's a brief description of the ride:

This is a new brevet based on Crista's permanent route of the same name. Starting relatively close to DC from the McDonalds in Poolesville, MD, we head north into Frederick County to the first major climb over Marlu Ridge. Our efforts are then rewarded by the panoramic view of the beautiful Middletown Valley as we descend into Jefferson. Continuing north through the hilly and very scenic valley, it's not long before we encounter the formidable climb up Harp Hill. Riders will enjoy a break at the first control in Wolfsville before the (easy!) climb on MD17 over South Mountain. Next, a delightful, swoopy descent takes us down into the Cumberland Valley and we head into Pennsylvania on bucolic country roads, eventually arriving at our turn-around control at Paul's Country Market just north of Waynesboro. Paul's has a good deli, a wide choice of foods to round out your lunch, and a hard-to-resist selection of bakery items. When we did the check-out two weeks ago several varieties of apples from local orchards were available, too!  The grounds are lovely, with three picnic tables in a shaded grassy area, and a small dining room ("Paul's Lunch Bucket") is available in case it's rainy and/or cold and riders prefer to eat inside. After lunch, we'll climb back over South Mountain on Old 16 and Buena Vista, "working" our way over to a wild ride down Spruce Run Road to the next control at Delauter's store on Wolfsville Road. The return route continues through Middletown and follows familiar roads back to Poolesville. While this ride features several very steep climbs and low gearing is highly recommended, the last 9 miles are some of the easiest riding there is in this general area and you're sure to finish with smiles on your faces! The final control is at Cugini's, where we'll feast on truly fantastic pizza.

For more details and information, please visit the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org.

A few notes: 

Please do NOT park in the McDonald's parking lot.  There is ample parking in the adjacent shopping center, where the end control, Cugini's, is located.  Park as far from the stores as you can.

Temps are forecasts to dip as low as 17 in Poolesville tomorrow morning, so please dress accordingly.  The good news is that it should warm up to around 40 degrees, skies will be clear, and winds will be calm!

This is a beautiful and very challenging ride.  Total elevation gain is about the same as for the Woodbine Wallop.  More good news -- it ends on a really mellow note :-)

***********************************************

Chuck and I haven't ridden in two weeks and we're biting at the bit, but Sunday's looking pretty dismal.  We're not scheduling a ride for Sunday but, if by some miracle the forecast improves substantially, we MAY decide to do some kind of ride on Sunday.  Feel free to call me early on Sunday (any time after 5:30) if conditions look good and you're interested in riding. 

Crista - 202-365-3738

Fwd: SAT ALTERNATIVE: TWO SUNDAY RIDES!

Dear Friends,

I'm forwarding this message from Rick Carpenter for those who are seeking a Saturday ride.  There's an Eastern PA 200K brevet on Saturday, starting in Ephrata, PA (near Lancaster)!

Crista

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Carpenter,Richard G. <CARPENRG@airproducts.com>
Date: Thu, Dec 3, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Subject: SAT ALTERNATIVE: TWO SUNDAY RIDES!
To: Crista Borras <crista.dccentury@gmail.com>

Hi Crista,

 

If anyone is absolutely dying to ride on Saturday, they can always do the Eastern PA R-12 Series Brevet, which starts/ends in Ephrata, Lancaster County, PA:

http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubDec2.html

 

This start is not too far from the MD border (one of the few PA rides located relatively close to the Mason-Dixon Line). Several DCR members are currently signed-on; instructions on how to register are provided by clicking the site link.

 

Cheers,

Rick

 

PS:  I'm posting, so rest assured the weather will be cold & crappy (I may even wear long sleeves for this one!)

 

TWO SUNDAY RIDES!

Dear Friends,

As of now we have two rides scheduled for Sunday!  We probably will NOT schedule a ride for Saturday, but if Saturday's forecast improves by tomorrow, I may send out a supplemental ride notice regarding a Saturday ride.  Don't hold your breath.

There should be something for everyone on Sunday, as one ride begins in Bristow, Virginia (south of Manassas, north of Nokesville)., and the other in Baltimore, Maryland.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2009

VIRGINIA RIDE:

Nick Bull is leading the "WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN,"  starting from Caribou Coffee in Bristow, Virginia.  MEETING TIME 6:45 a.m. with a planned departure time of 7:00 a.m.  This is a checkout ride for a proposed 208K permanent that Nick has designed, entitled "Wilderness Campaign."

Here's Nick's ride description:
The permanent is named after the Wilderness Campaign of the Civil War, which was a series of battles fought in 1864 that started with the Battle of the Wilderness, followed by the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse (and others).  The permanent visits both these battle sites, plus the Battle of Chancellorsville, fought in 1863.  (And the permanent starts near the Manassas/Bull Run Battlefield.) The route is an out-and-back with a large loop in the middle.

From the ride start, west of Manassas, the route heads roughly SSW over moderate terrain, crossing the Rappahanock at Kelly's Ford, and eventually controlling at Locust Grove.  The route turns roughly SE, over somewhat more hilly terrain, riding through the Wilderness Battlefield and then Spotsylvania Courthouse, with an information control at the Bloody Angle followed by a regular control in Spotsylvania.  Turning NW, the route controls in the Chancellorsville Battlefield and then continues to cross the Rappahanock at Kelly's Ford, after which it follows familiar roads.  About 130 miles and 6500 feet of climbing.

Note:  If you plan to attend, please shoot Nick a note so that he'll have an idea of how many cue sheets to print out!  Nick's email address is nick.bike.bull@gmail.com.  He also has a Garmin file, which I'm sure he'll be happy to send to any who have GPS devices!

REMEMBER:
(1)  LIGHTS REQUIRED, AS WE WILL LIKELY FINISH AFTER DARK
(2) THIS IS A CHECKOUT RIDE, NOT YET AN OFFICIAL PERMANENT, SO NO FEE, NO CONTROL CARD, NO CREDIT, JUST A FUN DAY IN THE SADDLE!

Here are directions to the ride start:
Caribou Coffee, 12713 Braemar Village Plaza, Bristow, Virginia
From the Beltway (I-495):
0.0   0.0     take I-66 West
20.0  20.0  R VA 234 S/Pr William Parkway, Exit 44
23.3  3.3    R Sudley Manor Dr
25.8  2.4    X Linton Hall Rd CR 619
26.0  0.2    L into Shopping Center
Turn L again to go to north end of parking lot.  Park away from store, nearer gas station.

***************************************************************************************

MARYLAND RIDE:

Bob Wagner is leading "PATUXENT RIVER DREAMS," starting from Carroll Park in Baltimore, Maryland.  Note this ride STARTS at 8:00 a.m., so you should plan to arrive at the ride start by 7:45 so as not to hold up the group. 

Here's Bob's ride description:
We roll safely out of south Baltimore and down to Laurel on scenic roads. Then we'll skirt the Patuxent making 8 river crossings as we head northwest. The last leg along Frederick ave takes us back to the city. Lunch in Glenelg. Rest stops at 25 and 79 miles.  102 miles.

Here's a link to Bob's Bikely route, which indicates the location of the ride start.  He mentioned that he's still making some tweaks to the cue sheet.  http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/367983 
For more information on the ride, please contact Bob directly at bobwag@gmail.com.


Still holding out a tiny speck of hope for Saturday,

Crista
202-365-3738
crista.dccentury@gmail.com

SUNDAY RIDE, NOVEMBER 29, 2009

Dear Friends,

We have a ride scheduled for Sunday only this weekend, and here's the scoop:

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2009

"VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SMITH," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland.  MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.  This kind and gentle ride is adapted from the 2007 Frederick Pedalers Century designed by Bill Smith and Tim Guilford.  (Thank you, Bill!)  The route goes to most of the same places but uses mostly different roads to get there.  In the morning we'll noodle along some of our favorite mellow roads between Frederick and Emmitsburg, then continue north into Adams County PA and slightly east to McSherrystown for lunch at Brothers Pizza.  We'll pass through the village of Harney in the morning and again in the afternoon, and there will be an afternoon rest stop at WGR's favorite refueling spot -- Detour!  Only ~ 4,000 feet elevation gain.  100 miles, with a 58-mile short option. 

PLEASE NOTE:  I will only be bringing 10 copies of the cue sheet to the ride start to distribute on a first come first served basis, so if you plan to attend, please email me and request an electronic copy to ensure that you get one.

Here are the directions to the ride start:

MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, FREDERICK, MARYLAND, 8009 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick MD  21702

From D.C. Beltway (I-495), take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.  Continue north on US15 3.7 miles.  Take Exit 16, Motter Ave exit (sign for Frederick Community College).  Turn RIGHT at the traffic light onto Opossumtown Pike.  In about 1.5 mi. turn RIGHT into Monocacy Middle School parking lot (just after Frederick Community College on the left). 

Crista

202-365-3738

crista.dccentury@gmail.com

WEEKEND RIDES NOVEMBER 21 & 22, ANOTHER BIRTHDAY, AND ANOTHER PARTY!

Dear Friends,

The weekend menu is as follows:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009

Sir Rudy Hewitt is turning 60  --  what a great excuse for a new ride and another party!  Please see Joel Dechter's party invitation below.  We hope that you can attend, and if you can please RSVP right away to Joel if you haven't done so already. 

Here's the lowdown on the ride:

"GUY AND DOLLS" aka "RUDY'S REJUVENATOR," starting from Joel Dechter's house, 2200 Winter Garden Way, Olney, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.**  A steady diet of rides like this and you, too, can be as young in body and mind as Rudy when you turn 60!  Please join us as we celebrate Rudy's 60^th birthday with this new ride and the party at Joel's house following the ride.

 

The ride begins as we visit historic Brookeville, which served as the capital of the United States for one day during the War of 1812 and as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.  We continue in a northeasterly direction, passing through both Patuxent River State Park and Patapsco Valley State Park (and featuring several "scenic" crossings of both the Patuxent and Patapsco Rivers).  We'll eventually reach the historic railroad town of Sykesville, where we'll have lunch at E.W. Beck's Restaurant & Pub.  You can check out their menu at http://www.ewbecks.com/.   Soon after lunch, the route heads northwest into Frederick County, passing the Linganore Wine Cellars (see http://www.linganore-wine.com/) before our final rest stop in Mt. Airy.  The last 22 miles back to Joel's house are a mostly mellow run!  I'm estimating between 7,000 and 8,000 feet elevation gain, but it's a new ride so all bets are off.  100 miles, with an optional 9-mile shortcut before lunch and optional 16 and 29-mile shortcuts after lunch (i.e., ALL the shortcuts include the lunch stop in Sykesville).

Here's Joel's invitation and directions to his house:

It is with great pleasure that we announce early a ride / celebration in honor of one of our cycling community's dearest friends . Although he is turning 60, this fine gentleman has never given up his fondness for dolls, love for dogs and rooting for his beloved NY Jets . More importantly, he still rides his bike with the legs of a 20 yr old . He is a fixture on the roads of Montgomery County and rarely misses a weekend century (though lately he has been a soloist). He has been known to carry more gear on a solo bike than most local repair shops own, eat only the finest of cuisines (red zingers and twinkies), and still manage to get to brevet controls before most people half his age . Some people refer to him as an Afro-centric American Jew from the Bronx with ties to Osama bin Laden. Others recognize him as a person who never has a bad word to say about anybody or anything. His ability to blend style with thrift shop apparel is unparalleled by anyone on the planet. Few know him as Rubin but many as Rudy . SOOOO...please join us on 11/21 for a ride designed by Crista and a light meal provided by Joel and friends post ride . The celebration will take place rain or shine while the ride will take place based on the usual Crista guidelines . The ride start will be the location of the festivities 2200 Winter Garden Way, Olney, MD 20832.  Festivities will begin between 6:00 and 6:30 .
 
Please email Joel Dechter  (jsdbike@hotmail.com) if you plan to attend so there can be a rough estimate of needed foods etc .

Directions to Joel's house:
From I-495 coming from College Park:
New Hampshire Ave exit 650 N approximately 8 miles
Left on Norwood Rd 2.9 miles
Straight on Doctor Bird Rd MD-182 (Norwood extended) 0.7 mile
Left on Olney Sandy Spring Rd MD108 W 0.4 mile
Right on Old Baltimore 0.6mile
Right on Winter Garden Way (second coming , Winter Garden is a horseshoe; 2200 is at the end ) 2200 Winter Garden Way
 
From I-270 and points west:
From I-495, take Connecticut Ave North approximately 7 miles
Left on Georgia Ave 97 North 3.8 miles
Right on Old Baltimore 1.9 miles
Cross over MD108 Olney Sandy Spring Rd
Right on Winter Garden Way
2200 Winter Garden Way

**********************************************************************

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009

"BONNE ROUTE," starting from Dave Berning's house in Potomac, Maryland.  MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.  We first did this ride in August of 2007 as a send off for Randonneurs who were PBP-bound. It's only moderately hilly, definitely the easiest century that we do starting from Dave's house.  Nothing new under the sun on the route, but it's a very nice ride to Purcellville via Seneca, Dickerson, Point of Rocks, Lovettsville, and Hillsboro.  After lunch at the Purcellville Family Restaurant, we ride over to Leesburg and take the ferry across the Potomac River back into Maryland (bicycles pay $1.00 to the toll troll).  EXACTLY 100 miles with a few optional shortcuts.

Directions to Dave's house:

 

DAVE BERNING'S HOUSE, 12430 McCrossin Lane, POTOMAC, MD. 

From I-495 in VA:  Cross Potomac River and exit to River Road west.  Go about 9 miles and turn right on Travilah Rd.  Go 0.5 mile past 4-way stop sign and turn right onto McCrossin Lane.  Dave's house is 2nd one on right.

 

From Rockville:  head west on MD28 from I-270 interchange.  In 1/2 mile turn left on Darnestown Rd (two lanes turn left at TL).  In about 2 miles turn left onto Travilah Rd (past Great Seneca Hwy).  In 3 miles, left to remain on Travilah at T.  In 0.4 mile, bear left to remain on Travilah where Turkey Foot goes right.  In 0.4 mile left onto McCrossin Lane.  Dave's house is 2^nd one on right, 12430.

 

From points northwest:  Access Quince Orchard Rd MD124 from either I-270 or MD28. South (or west?) on Quince Orchard, crossing MD28.  In 2.5 miles turn right at T onto Dufief Mill.  Continue straight onto Travilah Rd in 0.2 mile.  In 0.4 mile, bear left to remain on Travilah where Turkey Foot goes right.  In 0.4 mile left onto McCrossin Lane.  Dave's house is 2^nd one on right, 12430.

Crista

202-365-3738

 

 

 

WEEKEND RIDES, NOVEMBER 14 & 15, 2009

Dear Friends,

DC Randonneurs is offering a new and different 200K Brevet (FLAT and FREE!) on Saturday, designed by Chip Adams. For all the important details on the Flatbread 200K (including driving directions), see the DCRandonneurs website, www.dcrand.org.  We're expecting a great turnout and, to entice you to attend this fun event, here is Chip's ride description:

"Get ready to ride your fastest ever 200K on some of the flattest roads you'll ever see. You don't even get rollers! You may actually find a 1% or 2% grade here and there, but the only time you'll be out of the saddle is when you're trying to see over the corn rows. This will be a wild departure from the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia, but it should be enjoyable and very scenic during this time of year.

The ride starts in the quaint little town of Centreville, Maryland on the eastern shore and passes through a couple of marshy basins before heading toward the ocean at Slaughter Beach. Before you get to the Control at mile 59, you may want to take a left on one of several short roads that give you access to the ocean and dip a toe or two in the Atlantic. Heck, go for a swim if you want. Watch out for sharks!

After the Slaughter Beach Control, you have only 10 miles to the next Control and, if you would like, a nice lunch at the Iguana Grill in Milton, DE. They may even have "Flatbread." The folks are friendly, the menu is great, and yes, you can still have a nice lunch and have your personal best for a 200K.

Heading back towards Centreville and the final Control, the ride will pass through the Bridgeville Control and into Denton, Maryland. There's an opportunity to fill your water bottles and grab a snack before the last push into the final Control at the Good Guys Sportsbar in Centreville."

*********************************************************************************

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2009

"UNION BRIDGE CENTURY," starting from Chuck Wood's house, 14725 Janice Drive, Rockville, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.**  Usually we try to schedule a relatively tame ride on Sunday as an antidote to our customary hilly Saturday ride, but this Sunday we'll do a few hills to make up for Saturday's flatness.  Once we get past the obligatory Rockville "escape route," this ride becomes delightfully scenic and rural as we head north through Howard, Carroll and Frederick Counties to Union Bridge.  After our first rest stop in Mt. Airy, one short but nasty molehill on Harrisville Road yields us a marvelous long run down appropriately named Talbot Run.  We'll ride the entire length of Bessie Clemson Road, one of our all-time favorite Frederick County roads, as we wend our way over to historic Union Bridge for a yummy lunch at Original Pizza (NOT to be confused with "OIP" (Original Italian Pizza).  This is NOT a chain, but rather an authentic Italian mom & pop pizza joint.  Not only is their pizza excellent, but the crab soup is as good as any we've had in fancy seafood restaurants.  After lunch we'll enjoy a beautiful and bucolic stretch along Sam's Creek before the terrain once again becomes "stimulating."  There is a brief stretch of hard-pack on Roop Road, which riders can avoid if they want to replace it with the gnarliest part of Buffalo Road.  We'll pass through Woodbine and have a final rest stop in Lisbon before returning to Chuck's house.  101 miles, with a 56-mile short option that turns around in Mt. Airy.  There are also a couple of little shortcuts before and after lunch.  You can take both of those and yield a 92-mile ride.  Estimated elevation gain for the century 6000-6500 feet.

Here are LOTS of directions to Chuck's house (take your pick or just do a Mapquest!):

CHUCK WOOD'S HOUSE, 14725 Janice Drive, Rockville, Maryland

From I-270: 

Rockville Exit 6 (MD28 East) 

1.0 mi. X MD355 (TL) 

0.2 mi. L MD28 East (TL) 

1.5 mi. X Bauer Drive (TL) 

0.6 mi. R Bel Pre Rd (TL) 

0.1 mi. 1st R Janice Drive

3rd house on L - 14725 Janice Drive 

 

From DC Beltway: 

North on Georgia Avenue 

approx. 4 mi. X Connecticut Avenue 

0.7 mi. L Bel Pre Rd

1.1 mi. L Janice Drive (just before TL at MD28) 

3rd house on L - 14725 Janice Drive 

 

Another way: 

0.0  I-270 split - heading north from I-270 split (get in right lane) 

1.0  R Montrose Rd East (At split on ramp you can also get in left lane& go under Montrose Rd) 

0.2   L Tower Oaks Rd (1st L) 

0.8   R Wootton Parkway (follow curves) 

1.3   X Rockville Pike MD355 

0.2   X Veirs Mill Rd (becomes MD28 East) 

2.0   X Bauer Dr. (TL) 

0.6   R Bel Pre (next TL) 

0.1   1^st R Janice Dr. 

3rd house on L (14725 Janice Dr.) 

 

OR from Baltimore:

South on I-95 or Rt. 29 

East on MD198 (Laurel - Burtonsville) 

Miles are approx.: 

4    X  MD650 (TL) >MD28 

4    X  Georgia Ave (TL) 

1.4   L Bel Pre (2nd TL) 

0.1   1^st R Janice Drive 

14725 Janice Drive (3rd house on L) 

Crista

202-365-3738

crista.dccentury@gmail.com

 

 

 

WEEKEND RIDES, NOVEMBER 7 & 8, 2009 -- AND A PARTY!

Dear Friends,

We are really looking forward to a fun-filled weekend of riding and merry-making.  Please come out and join us for both rides as well as for WGR's 50th birthday celebration after Saturday's ride!  Be sure to RSVP to Paul if you can attend the party.  Details follow.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009

"HI-LO," starting from Middletown Primary School, Middletown, Maryland.  MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.  A delightful ride that scales the heights of Catoctin and South Mountains and plumbs the depths of Catoctin, Antietam and Conococheague Creeks.  We'll head northwest in the morning with some beautiful ups & downs through the Middletown Valley, cross the Appalachian Trail, and enjoy a wild descent into Boonsboro.  The next several miles through the Cumberland Valley feature bucolic farmland, as we continue north to our lunch stop at Tony's Pizza near the Hagerstown airport.  In the afternoon we'll visit the Antietam Battlefield before the last significant climb over South Mountain.  Finally, we head back to Middletown by way of lovely Bennie's Hill Road, which features a short stretch of hard-pack.  They've finally repaired the bridge over Catoctin Creek and the road is once again open for travel!

Note:  I will bring 10 copies of the cue sheet to the ride start, first come first served.  If you plan to attend, please email me and I'll send you electronic copies of the cue sheet and map.  If you are unable to print out your own copies, let me know and I'll be sure to reserve one for you.

Here are the directions to the ride start:

MIDDLETOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL, 403 Franklin Street, MIDDLETOWN, MARYLAND

From DC Beltway, take I-270 north approximately 32 miles to Frederick.  Then take I-70 west 3.5 miles to Exit 49/Alt.40.  Go left/west on Alt.40 for about 4 miles to Middletown.  Turn left onto MD17 Church St. in Middletown.  In 0.1 mile turn left onto Franklin Street (restrooms available at store on right just before turn).  In 0.3 mile turn left into school.

********************************************

PARTY-PARTY! 

WHEN: November 7, 2009

WHAT: Dinner after Saturday's weekend ride - Shake Your Groove Thing!

WHERE: Braddock Inn, 4830 Schley Avenue, Braddock Heights, MD

                 (3 miles from ride start) 
Website (includes directions):  http://www.braddockinn.com/home1024.html

 

WHY: WGR turns 50!!  

 

If you're doing the ride (or not) on Saturday Nov. 7 and are interested in joining the celebration please RSVP to basketboy@verizon.net  so I can give the Inn a head count. Dinner is dutch but there will be free cake. 

 

History note: The Braddock Inn is in a hundred year old building, but real history began in the 70's when it was a bar and ski lodge. It's there a young WGR learned to ski and shake his groove thing!!

***************************************

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009

Bob Wagner is leading "ON AGAIN/OFF AGAIN," starting from Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m., FOR AN 8:00 a.m. RIDE START.**

 Here's Bob's ride description: 

"Here's a fun one. The NCR (North Central Rail Trail) is one of the best bike trails in Maryland, but its unpaved surface is not very well suited to long miles on a road bike. I developed this ride as a solution. On Again/Off Again rides on every mile of the NCR from Hunt Valley to York, PA with no more than 10 mile stretches on the trail. We drop on and off the trail north, then hit all the sections we missed on our way back home. This also means that there are many turnaround points all along the route.  The trail is hard-packed and stable, but bumpy. The route gives you 40.5 miles of trail riding in 5 sections. I rode it on my 100 psi Grand Bois 28mm tires with no problems. The PA portions are more gravely and less bumpy, the MD portions are less gravel and more bump."  Lunch at Genova's Pizza in York.  103 miles, with short options of 28, 49, 66 or 82 miles.

 Note:  The trail portions are flat; the road portions are quite hilly!

 Leader: Bob Wagner bobwag@gmail.com

 and directions to the start from 95N:

http://tinyurl.com/yzd54ah

Note:  I don't know how many copies of the cue sheet Bob plans to bring to the ride start.  Good idea to email him and request an electronic copy.

Crista
202-365-3738

DREADED WINTER SERMON!

Dear Friends,

Looks like I forgot to include the sermon last night, sorry!  Here it is:

T H E  M A N Y  T I M E S  O V E R  R E C Y C L E D  D R E A D E D  W I N T E R  S E R M O N ! !

For the next few months the days will be short. Accordingly, we will be making a concerted effort to finish our weekend rides before the DARK MONSTER catches us. For that reason, I'm asking everyone (that includes Chuck and me) to try to be ON TIME to the ride start so that we can get on the road 15 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. If you show up late and you're one of the "rabbits," please don't expect the group to wait for you while you pump up your tires, put on your cycling shoes, fix the flat tire that you acquired the previous day, etc. You can catch up! We will still attempt to regroup at the rest stops, but we'll try to limit those stops to 15 minutes (20 max). And of course we'll continue to enjoy our leisurely lunches (usually an hour OR SO).

Inevitably, there will be a time or two when the DARK MONSTER gets the best of us - - so please come equipped with **LIGHTS** on your bike!! Also, if you ARE running late, please give me a quick call on my cell phone to let me know. This way if we DO need to start without you, I will know to be looking for you later in the day; it will also remind me to leave extra cue sheets (if there are any) on the windshield of the Chuckwagon! If Chuck and I are late to the ride start we promise a full refund.

Thank you for your patience,

Crista
202-365-3738

WEEKEND RIDES, OCTOBER 31 & NOVEMBER 1, 2009

Dear Friends,

We have two great rides on the schedule this weekend, not to be missed!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2009

Paul Donaldson (WGR) is leading our special Halloween ride, "GHOSTS, GHOULS AND GRAVEYARDS," starting from Gathland State Park, Burkittsville, Maryland.  MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.  This exTREEMely scary and challenging ride (~9700 feet elevation gain) visits at least 24 historic cemeteries and graveyards, mostly in Frederick County's beautiful Middletown valley.  You'll also commune with the ghosts of fallen Civil War soldiers and see if you can elude the terrifying Snallygaster and Snarly Yow (better ride fast)!  See http://wesclark.com/jw/snallygaster.html and http://wesclark.com/jw/s_yow.html. 

There are some incredible views, of course.  102 miles with plenty of shortcuts, but you dare not take any of them lest the Snallygaster have his wicked way with you!

Directions to the ride start:

GATHLAND STATE PARK, BURKITTSVILLE, MARYLAND

From I-495, DC Beltway, go North on I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick. 

West on I-70 west toward Hagerstown, then 

Exit 52 onto US340 west toward Charlestown/Leesburg. 

In 12 miles take the MD17 exit toward Burkittsville. 

Bear right onto MD17 Burkittsville Rd. 

In 4 miles turn left onto Main Street in Burkittsville. 

In 1 mile turn right onto Arnoldstown Rd at top of climb (War Correspondent's Arch on R), then 

QL into parking lot.

**************************************

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2009

"THE RIVER RUNNER," starting from Loudoun Valley High School, Purcellville, Virginia.  **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. Eastern STANDARD Time!**  Please be mindful of the time change.  A beautiful ride to Shepherdstown, West Virginia featuring several long stretches where you'll be riding along the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers as well as along the C&O Canal (NOT on the towpath itself).  We'll actually ride past the confluence of the two rivers just outside of Harpers Ferry – expect some really great views!  We traditionally have lunch at the Blue Moon Café in Shepherdstown but, since it doesn't open until Noon on Sunday, we may get there too early.  If that is the case, we'll try out the Stone Soup Bistro on German Street.  Did I mention hills? 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you plan to attend this ride, please email me and request electronic copies of the cue sheet and map.  I will only have a limited quantity available at the ride start, so it will be advantageous if you can print out your own cue sheet and map and bring it to the ride with you.

SECOND IMPORTANT NOTE:  Now that we're on Standard Time, it will be dark at 5:30.  Lights are highly recommended from now until spring!!

Directions to the ride start:

LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA 

From DC beltway (I-495), take Exit 12, VA267 Dulles Toll Rd to the end and continue onto the Greenway toll road to its end in Leesburg (26 miles total).  Then Take VA7 Bypass west 9 miles to Purcellville exit VA287.  Turn left on VA287 Berlin Rd.  In 0.3 mi. turn right on Hirst Road.  In 0.5 mile turn left on 722 Maple Ave.  School is on L in 0.2 mi., just past the W&OD bike trail.

Directions from Frederick:

Take US340 southwest towards Brunswick; take MD17 (Brunswick exit) and turn left at the top of the ramp onto MD17; go past the traffic circle next to Sheetz (tro MD17); turn Right at the traffic light (tro MD17); go around another traffic circle and then cross the bridge over the Potomac River; MD17 becomes VA287; stay on VA287 for several miles through Lovettsville, continuing to Purcellville.  Cross under VA7; make a right at the T intersection in Purcellville onto Main Street/Bus. 7; go less than a mile and make a right onto Maple Avenue 722 at the traffic light (a 7-11 is on your left); go about 1/2 mile and turn right into the parking lot of Loudoun Valley H.S.

Oh yeah, now that the days are so short, it's time to drag out ye olde "Dreaded Winter Sermon."  Here goes:

THE MANY TIMES OVER RECYCLED DREADED WINTER SERMON!!

For the next few months the days will be short. Accordingly, we will be making a concerted effort to finish our weekend rides before the DARK MONSTER catches us. For that reason, I'm asking everyone (that includes Chuck and me) to try to be ON TIME to the ride start so that we can get on the road 15 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. If you show up late and you're one of the "rabbits," please don't expect the group to wait for you while you pump up your tires, put on your cycling shoes, fix the flat tire that you acquired the previous day, etc. You can catch up! We will still attempt to regroup at the rest stops, but we'll try to limit those stops to 15 minutes (20 max). And of course we'll continue to enjoy our leisurely lunches (usually an hour OR SO).

Inevitably, there will be a time or two when the DARK MONSTER gets the best of us - - so please come equipped with **LIGHTS** on your bike!! Also, if you ARE running late, please give me a quick call on my cell phone to let me know. This way if we DO need to start without you, I will know to be looking for you later in the day; it will also remind me to leave extra cue sheets (if there are any) on the windshield of the Chuckwagon! If Chuck and I are late to the ride start we promise a full refund.

Thank you for your patience,

Crista

Saturday Ride: Big Beautiful Cacapon 200K Brevet!

Dear Friends,

We're finally starting to see some real fall color around here, and I'm hoping that it will be peaking west of the Blue Ridge just in time for the Cacapon 200K on Saturday.  The ride starts at the Super 8 in Middletown, Virginia at 7:00 a.m., and you can find all the necessary information about logistics, entry fee, etc. at the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org.  To entice you to come out for this beautiful brevet designed by Lynn Kristianson, here is Lynn's ride description:

"Starting from the Middletown Super 8, this route takes some fairly level terrain slightly west and mostly north along Cedar Creek Grade to an early first control at Cather's Market on US50. Continuing north, there is more of a warm up on Poor House Road and a long slow downhill on Green Spring Road next to Green Spring Creek. After crossing Back Creek, there are several significant hills - with some terrific views - on the way to a volunteer control at Siler and then more big rollers to Cross Junction on US522. Plenty more climbing awaits through the big woods of Whitacre Road, with a last little uphill slog on US50 to break out in the open in the orchards near the aptly named High View. After winding through the orchards and traveling a short stretch of WV259, the riders turn onto CR13 for a wild ride down the mountain (with a few little ups) to Capon Bridge and a much needed break at Greg's Drive-in Restaurant. There is a relatively "flat" stretch along the beautiful Cacapon River back to 259 at Yellow Springs. From there it's familiar territory through Wardensville, up Trout Run and over Wolf Gap, down the mountain to Larkin's and on home down Back Road, through Clary to US11."

See ya there!

Crista




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Clarification on Sunday's Ride Start location

Bob Wagner sent me a google maps link which indicates where to park for Sunday's ride (along East Fort Avenue).  From there it is approximately 0.3 mile to where we'll all meet at 8:00 at the front gate of Fort McHenry.  The gate opens at 08:00 and Bob will be out in front of the gate at 07:40:

The closest parking is on street about 1/3 mile from the Fort McHenry gate.
see these directions:
http://tinyurl.com/point-to-point-parking
(keep in mind that exit 55/Key Hwy is the LAST EXIT before going
through the toll tunnel north)


Crista

SUNDAY RIDE, OCTOBER 18, 2009

Dear Friends,

While the weekend forecast is less than stellar, there will AT LEAST be a Sunday ride, thanks to Bob Wagner, who's leading a very interesting new ride for BBC.  The ride goes rain or shine.  Tomorrow we'll take a last look at the updated forecast and, if Saturday looks like it won't be too dismal, we MAY schedule a Saturday ride, too.  But we're leaning toward Sunday only.  I'll send out a final update tomorrow.  In the meantime, here's Bob's lowdown on his BBC ride:

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2009
Oct 18th 100miles 8AM Fort McHenry (front gate)
Point to Point. October Rando Ramble: An exploration of the western shores of the Northern Chesapeake visiting 10 points(or peninsulas). We duck in and out of the historic waterfronts of Baltimore, Dundalk, Essex, Middle River, Bowleys and Chase, Maryland. This ride can be pristine and beautiful as well as rugged and trafficky. But, it's well worth the few rough spots for the extraordinary views we'll get of northern Chesapeake waterways. Lunch at Island View Waterfront Cafe. 50, 62 and 87 mile options. Very flat- open invite for any 13-15mph riders. Easy parking and bathrooms at Southside Marketplace. Leader: Bob Wagner bobwag@gmail.com READ THIS BEFORE RIDING- http://tinyurl.com/RandoRideNotes
map: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Point-to-Point

Here's a link to a map showing the ride start.  If you need more info, please contact Bob directly. 

Link: <http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=102214370236200285222.0004742a6d8811555bcd9&ll=39.270205,-76.592882&spn=0.024054,0.038581&z=15>

Bob notes " If riders don't need a bathroom break, there is parking along Fort Ave closer to the Park."  He also notes:  "The first 20 miles is somewhat rugged and the route convoluted. Isaias and I can lead out the beginning for the the sake of time.  There is a 62 mile option on the cue and an un-noted 87m. option.  The only bummer is that Fort McHenry is under major construction right now. We won't be able to cruise through it. But the start is still at the front gate."

NOTE:  Bob intends to bring 6-8 copies of the cue sheet to the ride start-- fewer if it's raining, more if the weather forecast improves.  To be SURE that you get one, you can email me and I'll send you a pdf. of Bob's cues.

Crista
202-365-3738
crista.dccentury@gmail.com

OOPS -- DIRECTIONS TO SUNDAY RIDE START!!

Sorry I forgot to include the driving directions to Apple Pie Ridge elementary.  Here ya go,

APPLE PIE RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 349 APPLE PIE RIDGE RD, WINCHESTER, VA

1) From DC Beltway I-495 or I-66, take VA267 Dulles Toll Rd to the end and continue onto Greenway toll road to its end (about 26 miles total).  Then take VA7 West approx. 35 miles.  Then take I-81 north toward Martinsburg.  In about 2 miles, take US11 exit No. 317 toward VA37/Winchester/US522/US50 W.  Merge onto VA37 S.  In about 2 miles exit onto US522 toward Winchester/Berkeley Springs.  Turn right onto US522 North, N. Frederick Pike, then QR onto 739 Apple Pie Ridge Rd.  In 0.5 mi. turn L into school.  Distance from DC is about 80 miles

 

(2) From Frederick, jnct. I-270 and I-70, go west on I-70 about 1.2 mi., then US340 West (exit 52) for about 24 miles, then merge onto US340 South.  Go about 13 miles and merge onto VA7 West toward Winchester.  In 8.7 miles take I-81 North.  In 2 miles take the US11 exit (Exit #317) toward VA37/Winchester/US522/US50 W.  Merge onto VA37 S.  In about 2 miles exit onto US522 toward Winchester/Berkeley Springs.  Turn right onto US522 North, N. Frederick Pike, then QR onto 739 Apple Pie Ridge Rd.  In 0.5 mi. turn L into school.  Distance from Frederick is about 52 miles.

 

Crista

SUNDAY RIDE, OCTOBER 12, 2009

Dear Friends,

I'm in the process of moving to Rockville, and until the move is completed on October 31, we'll only be able to ride one day each weekend.  We should be back to our usual Saturday-Sunday schedule on November 7.  In the meantime, we've decided to ride on Sunday this week, hoping for sunny skies!  And since we can only ride one day, we're going to do one of our all-time favorites. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2009
"NORTH MOUNTAIN NIRVANA," starting from Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School, Winchester, Virginia.  **MEETING TIME 7:45 A.M.**  As Winchester is a bit more remote than our usual ride starts, we'll meet 15 minutes later than usual.  This ride ventures north into a part of West Virginia that we don't reach on many of our weekend rides.  While it's still a bit early for the best fall color, I'm confident that we'll see some at higher elevations, and this ride includes several "very scenic" major climbs over Sleepy Creek Mountain and North Mountain, as well as many shorter "unidentified" but every bit as scenic ascents.  There are even some relatively mellow stretches where we'll be riding through apple orchards, sure to be pendulous with fruit right about now.  Morning rest stop in Shanghai, lunch at Venice Pizza in Hedgesville, and afternoon rest stop in Gerrardstown.  Estimated elevation gain over 8,000 feet.  103 miles, with short options of 55 and 75 miles, as well as some additional optional shortcuts that omit a bit of climbing.   

Crista
202-365-3738

Weekend Rides

Dear Friends,

I'm not going to have internet access until Thursday night.  Will try to get the ride notice out then, but it may not get out until Friday.  We can only ride one day this weekend and I'll decide which day it will be depending on the weather forecast as of Thursday evening.  Pretty sure we'll be heading for the hills in any case!

I can be reached on my cell today and tomorrow -- 202-365-3738.

Crista

Bennett's Saturday Ride!

Dear Friends,

Chuck and I will be out of town Friday-Sunday so won't be able to lead our usual  Weekend Rides.  I hope those of you who are here this weekend will respond to Bennett Minton's wonderful invitation to join him on a 131-mile ride starting in Sperryville Saturday morning.  I'm repeating his message here.  For more information, please contact Bennett at bennettminton@yahoo.com.

********************************************
Some weeks back, I offered to host a ride starting from my farm outside Sperryville, Va. Many folks are riding Endless Mountains or elsewhere.

Anyhoo, I'm still offering my house as a base Friday night for a 131-mile ride leaving The Link parking lot at 8 a.m. Saturday. My chart takes me down 231 to Madison, 230 to Stanardsville, back roads to Charlottesville for lunch on The Corner, 20 to Old Somerset, and back roads to Reva, Round Hill (via the dreaded Meanies) and finally Sperryville, where Rudy's should still be selling pizza. The route bypasses some favorites, like Etlan Road by Old Rag, cos 131 miles is enough already, especially if you finish on the Meanies. (Of course, nothing would prevent an ecstatic masochist from taking that detour to Syria.)

Let me know if you're interested. 

Bennett
******************************************

See ya next weekend!
Crista

SATURDAY RIDE, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

Dear Friends,

We're only able to ride one day this weekend, so Saturday it is!  We'll be joining Bill Shakespeare Smith and his merry band of FredPeds on the annual Frederick Pedalers century.  Bill has come up with a beautiful new route starting from Monocacy Middle School.  Hope to see you there!  Here's the scoop, straight from the bard's pen:

September 26 (Sat) 7:00 AM ALL 100 Monocacy Middle School
Rolly Atkinson Memorial Century
Pick up your cue sheets and maps from the website or at the start. We will meet at 7:00 AM at Monocacy Middle School and all leave for Emmitsburg at 7:15 AM to meet the metric century riders. The route overlaps the metric century route for 62 miles after Emmitsburg.  Lunch in Biglerville at either Mamma's Pizza or (wow!) the 7-11.  Terrain is gentle with a couple of hills - only about 2,000 feet of climbing.  Goes through Emmitsburg, Fairfield, Arendtsville, Biglerville, Bonneauville, Emmitsburg (again) and back.

Cue sheet can also be found here: http://www.frederickpedalers.org/docs/Century2009.pdf

Directions to the ride start:

MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, FREDERICK, MARYLAND, 8009 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick MD  21702

From D.C. Beltway (I-495), take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.  Continue north on US15 3.7 miles.  Take Exit 16, Motter Ave exit (sign for Frederick Community College).  Turn RIGHT at the traffic light onto Opossumtown Pike.  In about 1.5 mi. turn RIGHT into Monocacy Middle School parking lot (just after Frederick Community College on the left). 

If you have any questions about the ride, you can contact Bill directly at smith.william0214@gmail.com.  Note that the meeting time for this ride is 7:00 a.m., not our usual 7:30!

Crista

SATURDAY RIDE - DC RANDONNEURS CIVIL WAR TOUR 200K BREVET!

Dear Friends,

This Saturday we'll be riding the DC Randonneurs Civil War Tour 200K Brevet.  We're not scheduling a ride for Sunday this weekend. 

The Civil War Tour will start from the Pizza Hut at 5420 Urbana Pike in Frederick, Maryland at 7:00 a.m.  Registration opens at 6:00 a.m.  Visit the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org, for additional information.  To further entice you, here is Bill Beck's ride description:

The Civil War Tour is a 200km trip through three years of the U.S. Civil War and four significant battlefields. Starting at the Frederick Pizza Hut, the route first heads south to the Monocacy Battlefield. General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia camped there in September of 1862, during their first invasion of the north. It was at that site that Lee issued his famous "Special Orders No.191," which ordered his army to be divided into multiple pieces. When Union soldiers later occupied the same area they found a lost copy of the orders wrapped around three cigars. Union General George McClellan recognized the significance of the find: he now knew that the Confederates were divided into relatively weak pieces as well as where he could attack them. So he ordered his Army of the Potomac to cross the passes of South Mountain (the Battle of South Mountain) and attack the main piece of Lee's army that was situated on the other side. Our brevet route follows rolling terrain and a steep climb over Catoctin Mountain at Mar-Lu ridge to the southernmost of these passes at Crampton's Gap, and to our second battlefield, South Mountain. Passing through the town of Burkittsville, the route climbs to the crest where it passes the only monument in the world dedicated to journalists killed in combat before plunging back down into Pleasant Valley.

The Confederates were pushed out of the passes in South Mountain but they delayed the Union advance long enough for Lee to set up a defensive position along the Antietam Creek near the small town of Sharpsburg, MD—the site of our third battlefield, Antietam. On September 17, 1862, Union forces attacked that defensive line in what is still the bloodiest single-day battle in US history, resulting in over 23,000 casualties. The battle was also a major turning point in the war since the Union victory permitted President Lincoln to announce the Emancipation Proclamation, which changed the reason the war was being fought from a war against states rights to a war against slavery. Our route descends South Mountain, follows Antietam Creek past Burnside Bridge, passes through the town of Sharpsburg, and arrives at the first control at the Battleview Market. It then makes a loop past the Cornfield, which was the site of intense fighting in the morning, and Bloody Lane, a sunken road that was the focus of fighting in the middle of the day. Leaving the battlefield, the route passes through Boonsboro, heading north before passing back over South Mountain on the last major climb of the route, and approaching our fourth battlefield at Gettysburg, PA in the year 1863.

Gettysburg was the battle with the largest number of casualties in the Civil War, and is often described as a major turning point of the war. Gettysburg ended Lee's second invasion of the north, as Antietam had ended his first invasion in the previous year. Our route enters the southern end of the battlefield and turns north along what was the Union defensive line on Cemetery Ridge. The route passes a spot sometimes called "the high-water mark of the confederacy" because it was the spot of the deepest penetration by the Confederate Army of the Union Army's lines during the battle, and also perhaps the best chance the Confederate Army had of achieving victory in the war. Then, after a stop at a control in the town of Gettysburg, the route passes the historic Lutheran Seminary, and heads south along the Confederate battle line on Seminary Ridge. After passing the section where the disastrous Confederate attack known as Pickett's Charge was launched on the third day of the battle, the route loops around the southern end of the battlefield where Confederate General James Longstreet launched the attack on Little Round Top on the second day of the battle, finally exiting the battlefield near Little Round Top itself.

Heading south again, the route enters the year 1864 and follows fairly gentle, rolling terrain back to the Monocacy Battlefield. At that time Confederate General Jubal Early had marched north through the Shenandoah Valley and was under orders to turn southeast and attack Washington, DC. Until reinforcements arrived, the only thing standing between the Confederate army and DC was a ragtag group of 2,300 men commanded by Union General Lew Wallace. Reinforced by a few thousand additional men arriving by train from Baltimore, but still outnumbered by a ratio of nearly 3:1, Wallace set up defensive positions near the strategic railroad junction at Monocacy. Although the South won the resulting battle (the only Southern victory in the North), it delayed the Confederates long enough that reinforcements could reach DC. Therefore it is often called "the battle that saved Washington, DC." Our route stops at an information control near the rail junction before finishing at the Pizza Hut.

 (Thanks to Brian Baracz of the US National Park Service at Antietam National Battlefield for reviewing the text and suggesting improvements.)