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.
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.
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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.
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."
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
