SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2010
The "PAX RIVER WANDERER," starting from Pierce Mill in D.C. **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.**
The ride begins with the always lovely cruise up Beach Drive and continues north to Mt. Airy, meandering somewhat to take in SEVERAL scenic crossings of the Patuxent and Hawlings Rivers. The route includes about 10 miles of residential suburbia both outbound and inbound (goes with the territory for such close-in ride starts), but traffic is low, and once you get past Olney the scenery becomes nicely countrified. Lunch @ Laurienzo's Brick Oven Café in Mt. Airy. 101 miles, with an optional 5-mile shortcut to lunch (avoids Hipsley Mill) as well as a 61-mile short option that turns around after the first rest stop in Laytonsville.
Directions to the ride start:
PIERCE MILL, WASHINGTON, D.C.
2375 Tilden Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20015, 202-426-6908
From DC Beltway, Exit 33, go south on Connecticut Avenue (MD185) into DC.
After going around Chevy Chase Circle and entering DC, go about 2 miles and turn left onto Tilden Street (traffic light) Go to the bottom of the hill (about ½ mile) and turn RIGHT, just before the bridge, then make a quick left into the large parking lot. Do not park in the little lot next to the mill and the Art Barn.
From downtown DC, take the Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway 2.5 miles north to the intersection with Beach Drive. Bear right on Beach Drive, passing through the tunnel and continuing on past the Zoo. Turn left at the first traffic light onto Tilden Street, cross the bridge over Rock Creek, and immediately turn left into the parking lot.
An alternate route from downtown is to head North on Connecticut Avenue and, a few blocks after passing through Cleveland Park, turn right on Tilden Street (traffic light). Go to the bottom of the hill (about ½ mile) and turn RIGHT, just before the bridge, then make a quick left into the large parking lot. Do not park in the little lot next to the mill and the Art Barn.
HEATED RESTROOMS AVAILABLE!
Crista
202-365-3738
PS REMEMBER TO REQUEST AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE CUE SHEET(S) IF YOU PLAN TO RIDE WITH US THIS (OR ANY) WEEKEND!!
April 23 (Fri) 9:30 am ALL 62/45/21 Silo Hill Parkway, Emmitsburg http://www.frederickpedalers.org/pages/ridestart.htm#silohillparkway
Spring Metric Century
The metric has shortcuts of 21 and 45 miles. Ride leader will stop for a sit-down lunch in Biglerville. Attendees will be encouraged to ride together as a team. Expect an average speed of about 14 mph. Metric is the same route as last fall's metric century. Rolling terrain, no killer hills. No official leader for the metric.
This is an improved version of the original 2005 Mother of all 300k's, in reverse and with no mileage on US522 (ugh). As shown in the elevation profile, it consists of fabulous scenery hard won by lots of climbing of hills of all variety (see Endless Mountains 1240km). Don't forget to bring lots of low gears.
From the Middletown Super 8 there is a relatively mild warm-up stretch to Green Spring Road where, after a long slow descent, there is a significant ridge and fast downhill into the volunteer control at Siler. There are more big rollers through Cross Junction and Whitacre on the way to the WV border in the orchards of the aptly named High View.
The route then descends to the control in Yellow Springs and the Cacapon River and follows the lovely Cacapon River Road to Capon Bridge on US50. Some serious climbing and descending through beautiful wooded and streamside terrain leads to a much needed break at the Slanesville General Store for pizza or subs. You will need the fuel — for the next 75 miles, between Slanesville and the summit of Wolf Gap, there is very little that is flat, and there are seven notable climbs averaging more than 600 feet apiece.
After continuing east along WV 3 - much easier in this direction - as far as Points, the route then turns south for some terrific long views from Jersey Mountain Road and then brings the riders back to US50. The Mountain Top Restaurant or Liberty convenience store offer a possibility for some calories in anticipation of the hard stretch to Lost River.
This section consists of many long slow climbs and descents with an occasional very steep section for distraction. The roads follow streams through farmland or forest and the top of each climb can be marked by the flow of water - you will be happy when it is going your way.
The control at the Lost River General Store serves excellent pannini, espresso drinks, milkshakes and various gourmet fare in an idyllic setting. Make sure you're well supplied for the continued climbing back into VA and the rigors of Back Road. Coming out of Lost River, there are two roughly-800 foot climbs between you and the VA border; Mill Gap is moderately long and very steep in spots, then there is a fairly long downhill to catch your breath before the climb over Wolf Gap. Be very careful on the downhill, there is often gravel in the turns, and some are not well signposted. Once you are on Back Road, it is actually slightly downhill overall, but you might never notice given all the climbing. A few more moderate ups and downs and one big drop and climb at Cedar Creek bring you back to Middletown, the finish, pizza, and the well-deserved feeling that you've conquered a very tough brevet.
No brevet next weekend, but we're considering riding a permanent on Saturday, May 1 (or Sunday, depending on the weather). Please contact me soon if you're interested in joining us.
Crista
April 23 (Fri) 9:30 am ALL 62/45/21 Silo Hill Parkway, Emmitsburg http://www.frederickpedalers.org/pages/ridestart.htm#silohillparkway
Spring Metric Century
The metric has shortcuts of 21 and 45 miles. Ride leader will stop for a sit-down lunch in Biglerville. Attendees will be encouraged to ride together as a team. Expect an average speed of about 14 mph. Metric is the same route as last fall's metric century. Rolling terrain, no killer hills. No official leader for the metric.
SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2010
"VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SMITH," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. **NOTE LATE MEETING TIME 8:30 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.
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
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