SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2011
The DC Randonneurs 300K Brevet, starting from the Hampton Inn & Suites in Frederick, Maryland, is this Saturday, May 7, beginning promptly at 5:00 a.m. Registration opens at 4:00 a.m., and onsite registration fee is $15.00. For further detailed information regarding logistics, etc., see
http://dcrand.org/blog/2011/05/03/cue-sheet-and-gps-files-for-may-7-frederick-300k-acp-brevet/
Here's the description of this beautiful ride:
Starting from the Frederick Hampton Inn, we follow roughly the same route as last year. The ride heads north, skirting South Mountain as far as Thurmont and then turns west to climb the ridge on MD77 through Catoctin Mountain State Park. Just short of the summit, it heads roughly north-north-east into Pennsylvania and through the rolling apple and peach orchards of Adams County. From Arendtsville, it turns northwest and begins a long, stair-step climb with many steep sections, ascending the false summit before Big Flat (altitude 1650 feet) before a rapid descent to a stop sign, followed by the real climb to the summit of Big Flat (altitude 2040 feet). Nine miles of mostly downhill brings riders to a much needed rest stop and control in Shippensburg. The terrain moderates in the Cumberland valley northeast to Bloserville. The return trip heads east and south through Mount Holly Springs, then recrosses South Mountain (by a noticably easier route) and takes several miles of easy rollers to East Berlin. The final miles remain mellow, heading southwest to Thurmont ending with a few rollers paralleling US15. After crossing US15, we'll take a new route into town on Opossumtown Pike.
Lights and reflective gear are required as described in Article 10 of the RUSA rules for riders, and there will be a lighting inspection at registration.
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SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2011SOLOMONS ISLAND CENTURY," starting from Southern High School, Harwood, Maryland. **MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.** A pretty ride over gently rolling terrain. The ride passes through Friendship as we head south, after which we'll be on and off of MD2-4 most of the way down to Solomons (detouring off of it when we can). Although Rt. 2/4 is a busy highway, it has a very wide, smooth shoulder, so what it lacks in charm it makes up for in providing an opportunity for fast transit. At the southernmost point, we'lltake a scenic tour of Solomons Island and then have a leisurely lunch at one of the many local restaurants. The return route spends a lot less time on MD2-4, and we leave it for good when we get to Prince Frederick. From there we'll follow our traditional and scenic Cypress Swamp Century route back, passing through Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Rose Haven, and the oh-so-lovely Fair Haven. 101 miles, with a 60-mile short option.
Crista
