We're heading down to Ashland, Virginia this weekend. Paul WGR
Donaldson is hosting a RUSA brevet on Saturday, and we'll be leading
"Louisa Re-Membered" on Sunday.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2009
TAPPAHANNOCK 200K RUSA BREVET
Starting from the historic town of Ashland, Virginia (The Center of the
Universe) at 7:00 AM, the ride heads east toward river country. Leaving
Ashland, the first few miles pass through signs of modern times: gas
stations, truck stops and fast food joints. When the route turns at the
antique store Two Frogs on a Bike, the surroundings seem to go back to
the time of quiet roads and rural atmosphere. The rolling terrain levels
out as the route approaches the Rappahannock River and the town of
Tappahannock. After the control and lunch at Java Jack, the route leaves
Tappahannock and the rolling hills continue with an occasional short,
steep climb. Ten miles before the final control there is a five mile
stretch of easily traveled, unpaved road that meanders around the
congestion of modern Ashland to the finish. NOTE: Ride goes rain or
shine, but if there is significant rainfall an alternate route that
AVOIDS the 6-mile dirt section will be used. Be sure to pick up the
correct cue sheet at the ride start on Saturday!
Registration opens at 6:00 a.m. On-site registration fee is $15, and DC
Randonneurs membership is required. RIDE BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 7:00 a.m.
Brevet organizer: Paul Donaldson, basketboy@verizon.net
Directions to the ride start:
ASHLAND COFFEE & TEA, ASHLAND, VIRGINIA
From the Washington Beltway, south on I-95. Take Exit 92B (Ashland
exit), VA54 West. Follow VA54 into Ashland (about a mile, maybe less).
After crossing the railroad tracks and Railroad Avenue (Visitors Center
to R), turn right into the little lot behind and slightly south of the
Henry Clay Inn (just past the Ashland Coffee & Tea Co.). Park near the
trees. Alternatively, you can park on the street adjacent to the
Visitors Center.
*************************************************************
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2009
"LOUISA RE-MEMBERED," starting from Ashland Coffee & Tea, 100 N.
Railroad Avenue, Ashland, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.
While nursing a hot cup of cocoa at the Reva Market on a cold December
day in 1997, Jim, Chuck & Crista scanned the front page of a local
newspaper and noticed a gruesome story about a dismembered corpse that
had been discovered at the bottom of a well in the tiny town of Louisa,
Virginia. So please ride carefully -- we want everyone to come back in
one piece!!!
Step back in time with us as we travel the quiet rural roads of OLD
Virginia. No multi-million-dollar horse estates on this ride, but we DO
pass the GOSPEL CHICKEN HOUSE and the bustling metropolises of Bumpass
and Beaverdam. Lunch in Louisa, of course. Highlights on the return
route are some nice views of Lake Anna and Patrick Henry's home,
Scotchtown. Terrain is pretty mellow, with one significant hill before
we return to Ashland. 107 miles, with short options of 58, 73, 85 miles
or 103 miles.
Directions to the ride start: same as above!
Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
