WEEKEND RIDE, SATURDAY 8/1/09

Dear Friends,

We have only one ride scheduled this weekend (on Saturday) but it's
SPECIAL!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2009
Sir Rudy Hewitt is leading "CORNQUEST," starting from the Hyattstown
Shopping Center in Hyattstown, Maryland. **MEETING TIME 7:30 am.**
For many, many years, on the first Saturday in August, we have been
riding to the annual corn roast at the Union Mills Homestead in Union
Mills, Maryland. (See website:
http://www.unionmills.org/2009_events/2009_corn_roast.htm. It is a
great ride and a great event--plus it's a TRADITION so you simply must
be there! In 2006, Dave Berning defended his title of CornKing and
even set a new record, consuming 12 big fat ears. Will you be the one
to dethrone him this year? Remember to bring your Dura-Ace corn
skewers! $12.00 (or $5.00 for children 6-12, FREE for children under
6!) buys you a serving of fried chicken, applesauce, roll & butter,
sliced tomatoes, iced tea or lemonade, and ALLLLLLLL the sweet slippery
roasted corn (and melted butter) you can eat! You will get your money's
worth. Old raggedy clothing highly recommended, as your jersey may well
be permanently butter-stained by the time you finish eating.

"CornQuest" is quite hilly and very scenic. It passes through Union
Bridge, Uniontown, and Pleasant Valley on the way to lunch, and visits
Silver Run and Libertytown on the way back. 101 miles, ~7500 feet
elevation gain. The ride doesn't easily lend itself to shortcuts, but
there are a few, and if you take all of them you can shorten the ride to
87 miles. Alternatively, if that's too long a ride for you, I have cues
for a 57-mile route that starts in Libertytown. It meets up with the
century ride at the first stop in Union Bridge and then follows the
identical route to the corn roast and back to Libertytown. If you are
interested in this abbreviated route, let me know (by no later than
Friday morning) and I will email a copy of the cue sheet to you
directly.

For those of you who are not interested in making pigs of yourselves at
the corn roast (shame on you), there is a store 8 miles further along on
the route where you can purchase Gatorade and other boring stuff.

Directions to ride start:
HYATTSTOWN SHOPPING CENTER, HYATTSTOWN, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Exit 22. turn left on L MD109
North at end of ramp. In 0.5 mi. turn left on MD355 at the traffic
light. In 0.3 mi. turn left into shopping center - park away from
stores.

Rudy is AWOL this week and can only be reached by email:
rudie84@comcast.net.

Crista

SATURDAY RIDE, JULY 25, 2009!

Dear friends,

Thanks to Jeff Radan, there WILL be a ride tomorrow! Here are the
details, note the 8:00 meeting time:

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2009
Jeff Radan is leading "FERRY TO FERRY," starting from Poolesville High
School, Poolesville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m. We'll begin by
heading down to Whites Ferry (see
http://www.talkingproud.us/VirginiaPotomacWhitesFerry.html). After the
very pleasant ferry ride over the Potomac River into Virginia, we'll
wheel out to Purcellville and then climb over Snickers Gap. Quiet back
roads will carry us north into West Virginia, and we'll noodle alongside
the Shenandoah River on our way to Harpers Ferry, where we'll have
lunch at the Anvil Restaurant. There should be something to suit all
tastes here, as the lunch menu runs the gamut from the humble hippie
sandwich to more extravagant fare like the Blackened Salmon Salad (see
http://www.anvilrestaurant.com/). After lunch we'll take the footbridge
back over the Potomac River into Maryland, with a half-mile trek on the
C&O Canal towpath. A very hilly stretch follows (but it's "scenic") as
we continue north to Gapland, climb over South Mountain, and head down
into Middletown for our final rest stop. From there it's back to
Poolesville, but not as the crow flies. 102 miles, with 87 and 96-mile
"short" options. Both short options follow the main route to Harpers
Ferry and include the lunch stop.

Directions to ride start:
Poolesville High School, 17501 Willard Rd, Poolesville, MD, 20837

From Beltway, take I-270 north to Rockville Exit-6 onto MD-28 west. In
12 miles, bear left onto MD-107 and then in 5 miles turn left on Willard
Rd. School is one block on left. Park behind school, not in front and
not near public library.

OR: from Beltway, take I-270 north 10 miles to Exit-10, MD-117/ Clopper
Rd west, in 0.5 mile turn left at second traffic light onto MD-124 /
Quince Orchard Rd. Continue 2.8 miles then turn right at traffic light
onto MD-28 / Darnestown Rd. In 5.9 miles, bear left onto MD-107 and then
in 5 miles turn left on Willard Rd. HS is one block on left.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeff at radanjeff@gmail.com.

Crista

SUNDAY RIDE, JULY 26, 2009

Dear Friends,

Since we can only ride one day this weekend, let's make it a good one!

Sunday, July 26, 2009
"HOLLOW PROMISES," starting from the C&O Canal National Historic Park,
Sharpsburg, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. Another new ride, this
one focuses on the beautiful and rugged terrain around Indian Springs,
Fairview Mountain and Licking Creek, with several significant climbs
before our lunch stop at the Country Crossroads Store on Hollow Road.
Terrain in the afternoon is a little bit more forgiving, with some flat
stretches interspersed with short, steep climbs, as we head over to
Hancock, cross the Potomac River into West Virginia, then head back to
Sharpsburg via Dave Berning's classic old 300K route. Optional stop at
the bike shop in Hancock. 100 miles with an optional 13-mile shortcut.

Here are the directions to the ride start:
C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, Sharpsburg, Maryland
From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Frederick (approx. 32 miles).
Take exit 32 to merge onto I-70 West toward Hagerstown.
In 4.3 miles, take exit 49 for US40 Alt. toward Braddock
Heights/Middletown.
in 0.2 mile turn left onto US40 Alt. West; continue on Alt. 40 through
Middletown and over South Mountain.
In 14.3 miles turn left onto MD34 Potomac Street in Boonsboro.
In about 9.5 miles turn left onto Canal Road (sign to C&O National
Historic Park) (before bridge over Potomac River).
In 0.1 mile turn left to remain on Canal Rd at bottom of steep hill.
In 0.4 mi. turn left into the parking lot. Porta-john available!

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
**NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**

WEEKEND RIDES, JULY 18 & 19, 2009

Dear Friends,

Same ol' same ol', hard ride on Saturday, easy ride on Sunday. Hope you
can join us for one or both. PLEASE NOTE THE LATE MEETING TIME (8:30)
FOR SUNDAY'S RIDE!! Also note that while both rides start in Frederick,
Saturday's ride starts at Monocacy Middle School and Sunday's ride
starts from the shopping center on Opossumtown Pike @ Thomas Johnson
Drive. Here's the menu:

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2009
"THE STEPMOTHER OF ALL RIDES," starting from Monocacy Middle School in
Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. This is a beautiful,
mountainous ride. The ride starts out fairly innocently, noodling north
to Emmitsburg and on to Fairfield, Pa. The first climb up Cold Springs
Road to the village of South Mountain is the longest and most
challenging of the day, passing through bountiful orchards into the
Michaux State Forest, with many steep pitches and a few false summits.
When you think it's over, it isn't! After a fast and swoopy descent to
Mont Alto, we'll have lunch at Paul's Market (some local peaches are in)
and then wander around rolling farmland in the Cumberland Valley for a
few miles before the next big climb up to Cascade via Old Rt. 16 and
Buena Vista. We'll have our final rest stop at GT's Handimart and then
head over to Park Central Rd (hoping that it will be open) for yet
another climb, followed by a "thrilling" descent to the Catoctin
Mountain Park Visitors Center. After the penultimate climb up Catoctin
Hollow and its beautiful descent along Hunting Creek, there is only one
more "little molehill" (whose name shall not be mentioned) near the end
of the ride. 99 miles, with two optional shortcuts. (Note these are
only 11-mile and 5-mile shortcuts, and the 11-mile shortcut does not go
to Paul's Market. The 5-mile shortcut is after the last rest stop and
omits a lot of climbing.) Estimated total elevation gain 7500-8000
feet (depending on whether Park Central is open; if it's closed we'll
have to go down MD77, which will omit the "easy" climb on Park Central).

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).

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

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2009
"CLIPPETY-CLOP TO CROSS KEYS," starting from Roy Rogers on Thos. Johnson
Drive in Frederick. **LATE MEETING TIME 8:30 a.m!** A fairly easy ride
heading east into Carroll County and then north into Adams County PA.
Instead of our usual lunch stop in Cross Keys (where everyone always
eats too much and then whines afterward), we're going to continue on to
New Oxford for lunch at the Pizza Garden. 1/2 mile of hard-pack dirt
surface on Baumgardner Rd before our last rest stop in Detour. I know
we did this ride only 2 months ago, but we expect to be totally trashed
after Saturday's ride and this is about the easiest century I could come
up with without resorting to southern Maryland. In actuality, the route
has received very favorable reviews for its pleasant scenery, quiet
roads, and gentle terrain. 99 miles, with 61-mile and 88-mile short
options.

Directions to the ride start:
ROY ROGERS, 191 Thomas Johnson Drive, FREDERICK, MARYLAND
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 a quarter mile turn right onto Thomas Johnson
Drive, then left into the shopping center. Park at the very back of the
lot behind Weis Market.

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

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
**NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**

Saturday Ride, Oops

Dear friends,

It has been brought to my attention that I mistakenly listed Saturday's
ride as being on Sunday. Please note that the Scrub Ridge Century is on
Saturday, July 11. Meander to Millwood is on Sunday, July 12!

Crista

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Palincsar [mailto:palincss@his.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 5:20 PM
To: Borras, Crista
Subject: Re: WEEKEND RIDES, JULY 11-12, 2009

There can't be TWO Sundays only one day apart. In fact, the 11th is
Saturday.

WEEKEND RIDES, JULY 11-12, 2009

Dear Friends,

We're back from our Rip Van Winkle tour and it seems like 20 years just
slipped out from under us in the last two weeks. We are resuming the
Weekend Rides in earnest and hope to see some familiar faces this
weekend. Here's what we have planned. Note that both rides start at
7:45 instead of the usual 7:30 due to the relatively remote ride start
locations:

SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2009
"SCRUB RIDGE CENTURY," starting from Clear Spring High School, Clear
Spring, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m. This is a new ride that
visits some favorite old haunts (including the Indian Springs Wildlife
Management Area) and explores some roads that are new to us, too,
including a challenging climb over Scrub Ridge in Fulton County PA. It
promises to be a very scenic ride, following several ridge lines that
should offer great views. If you enjoyed the incredibly lovely Little
Cove Road on Lynn Kristianson's beautiful 400K brevet back in May, you
will love it even more heading in the opposite direction! (Of course
there will be a price to pay later on.) We'll have lunch in
McConnellsburg, and ride the infamous Dyer and Weller Roads in the
afternoon - but in the EASY direction! 104 miles, with short options
of 50 and 95 miles.

Directions to the ride start:
CLEAR SPRING HIGH SCHOOL, 12630 Broadfording Rd, CLEAR SPRING, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, north on I-270 toward Frederick. Take Exit 32 and go
West on I-70. In about 35 mi. take Exit 18 and turn right on MD68 into
Clear Spring. In 0.2 mi. turn left on US40. In approx. 0.3 mi., turn
right on Broadfording Rd into the school complex. Turn left after the
first school on the right and continue toward high school. Park at the
high school parking lot on the right.

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

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2009
"MEANDER TO MILLWOOD," starting from the C&O National Historic Park,
Sharpsburg, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m. A nice little ride over
moderate terrain that crosses the Potomac River into Shepherdstown, West
Virginia and heads south to Millwood, Virginia for a yummy lunch at
Locke Store (see http://www.lockestore.com/. Other highlights are a
really mellow stretch along the Shenandoah River, the Burwell-Morgan
Mill across the street from the store (see
http://www.clarkehistory.org/) and a lovely waterwheel on Kabletown
Road. The latter is at the bottom of the hill about 0.8 mile south of
Charlie Brown's store - easy to miss if you're flying! One brief
stretch of unpaved road (less than a half mile) along the Shenandoah.
100 miles, with a 71-mile option that stops for lunch in Berryville but
doesn't make it to Millwood.

Directions to the ride start (2 options, take your pick!):

C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, Sharpsburg, Maryland

From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Frederick (approx. 32 miles).
Take exit 32 to merge onto I-70 West toward Hagerstown.
In 4.3 miles, take exit 49 for US40 Alt. toward Braddock
Heights/Middletown.
in 0.2 mile turn left onto US40 Alt. West; continue on Alt. 40 through
Middletown and over South Mountain.
In 14.3 miles turn left onto MD34 Potomac Street in Boonsboro.
In about 9.5 miles turn left onto Canal Road (sign to C&O National
Historic Park) (before bridge over Potomac River). In 0.1 mile turn
left to remain on Canal Rd at bottom of steep hill.
In 0.4 mi. turn left into the parking lot. Porta-john available!

OR

From DC Beltway, take I-270 north approx. 32 miles to Frederick.
Take exit 32 onto I-70 West, toward Hagerstown.
In 1.3 mi. take exit 52 onto US340 West, toward Charlestown/Leesburg.
You will pass through Virginia and into West Virginia.
In 21.3 miles, turn right onto WV230/Shepherdstown Pike.
In 8.8 miles turn right onto S. Princess Street in Shepherdstown to
remain on WV230.
In 0.1 mi. turn left onto E. German St. to remain on WV230.
In 0.3 mi. turn right onto N. Duke Street/WV480.
In 0.5 mi. cross bridge over Potomac River and enter Maryland. Becomes
MD34.
In 0.4 mi. take first right (sharp turn) onto Canal Road (sign to C&O
National Historic Park).
In 0.1 mile turn left to remain on Canal Rd at bottom of steep hill.
In 0.4 mi. turn left into the parking lot. Porta-john available!

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738