Dear Friends,
Because the DC Randonneurs Annual Meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, we'll be doing a shorter ride tomorrw (67 miles). We'll be back to our regular century schedule on Sunday, though! Details below:
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2009
"GLEN ECHO METRIC CENTURY," starting from the Glen Echo parking lot, Glen Echo, Maryland. MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m. Nick Bull has fashioned a metric century for tomorrow, combining parts of other rides that we've done from Glen Echo over the years, and including the whacky route that we use to avoid some of the worst congestion in Potomac in the afternoon. We haven't done this route in a few years and I sure hope it still works! Assuming it does, you'll get to see some of the most ghastly and ostentatious (but fascinating in a sick way) McMansions that Potomac has to offer. The good news is that you'll rarely see a car (except for the Jaguars, etc. sitting in the massive driveways) on those streets. You won't see any people on them, either! Most of the ride is on very quiet, rural upper Montgomery County roads. Nick has thrown in Berryville and Black Rock just for fun.
Here's Nick's ride description:
"The route combines portions of several Crista rides to head northwest, paralleling the Potomac to Seneca Lake Park, where it heads north (following the route of the recent Woodsboro 100 that started from Dave Berning's house - moderately hilly). After a rest stop at Boyd's, we continue a little further northwest before turning down Peach Tree for lunch at Cugini's pizza at Poolesville. The ride home features a brief hike across a field near Dave's house that Crista says is fun, then follows back roads to get past Potomac. Cue sheet and GPS file will be posted to the website."
Morning rest stop in Boyds, lunch stop at Cugini's in Poolesville. 67 miles with an optional 12-mile shortcut that avoids Berryville and Black Rock.
Directions to the ride start:
GLEN ECHO PARK
From Maryland, take DC Beltway south toward American Legion Bridge, Exit 39, MD190 (River Rd) east toward Washington. Continue 2.2 miles to a right onto MD614 (Goldsboro Rd). At MacArthur Boulevard, make a right then a quick left into parking lot for Glen Echo Park and Clara Barton House
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From Virginia, at Maryland end of American Legion Bridge, take exit 41 onto Clara Barton Parkway east toward DC. In 1.5 miles, bear right on ramp leading to Cabin John overpass. Turn left onto overpass to MacArthur Boulevard. Turn right and continue 0.7 mile to lot for Clara Barton House and Glen Echo Park on right.
From downtown DC, go west on Massachusetts Ave. At Westmoreland Circle, continue on Mass. Ave into Maryland. Turn left onto Goldsboro Rd at the T, then in ½ mi. turn right onto MacArthur Blvd, then quick left into parking lot for Clara Barton House and Glen Echo Park.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2009
"FEAST AT FLANNERY'S," starting from Middletown Primary School, Middletown, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m. I know it's doubtful that starting 15 minutes later than usual will make any difference, but maybe the sun will be a wee bit higher in the sky. In any case, it's back into the icebox on Sunday, so please be prepared for temps in the teens at ride start, and don't expect them to rise much above freezing. Beginning with the relatively benign climb over South Mountain on Arnoldstown Road, we'll be heading northwest over rolling terrain through the Cumberland Valley to Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, where we'll enjoy a very nice lunch at Flannery's Tavern. (See their menu at http://www.flannerystavernonthesquare.com/.) The return route features a really nice covered bridge that's closed to automobile traffic. After the last rest stop in Cavetown, we'll enjoy traveling south and mostly downhill for several miles on Crystal Falls Drive before the climb back over South Mountain and some noticeable ups and downs on the way back to Middletown. 100 miles with an 85-mile short option.
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. In 0.3 mile turn left into school.
Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
