WEEKEND RIDES, AUGUST 28-29, 2010

Dear Friends,

We've scheduled great weather and two lovely rides for this weekend -- hope you can join us for some fun in the sun!  Here's the menu:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010

"Blue Hill Heaven," starting from Winfield Elementary School in Winfield, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.**  A very scenic, challenging ride heading north into York County PA, with a lot of tiny-twisty-turny-squirmy roads and gnarly hills, including the infamous Pigeon Hills!  Try it, you'll like it.  Lunch at our sentimental favorite PA pizza joint, Rocco's in East Berlin.  104 miles, with short options of 64, 89, or 95 miles.

Directions to the ride start:

WINFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 4401 Salem Bottom Road, Winfield, Maryland  21157

From DC Beltway (I-495), go North on I-270 15 miles to exit 16/Father Hurley Boulevard.  Take MD27 north 23 miles (past Damascus and Mt. Airy).  Turn right on MD26 in Taylorsville (traffic light).  In 1.8 miles turn left onto Salem Bottom Rd (traffic light).  In about 0.4 mi. turn right into the school.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 29, 2010

"SOLOMONS 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'll have a scenic tour of Solomons Island and a leisurely lunch.  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.

Directions to the ride start:

SOUTHERN HIGH SCHOOL, 4400 SOLOMONS ISLAND ROAD, HARWOOD, MARYLAND 

From DC Beltway, go East on US50. 

In about 11 miles, take exit 16 and go south on MD424 Davidsonville Rd. 

In about 3.5 miles, cross MD214 in Davidsonville (MD424 becomes Birdsville Rd. )

In about 3 miles, go right on MD2 @T. 

In about 2 miles, right into high school parking lot. 

Please park in the large main parking lot, NOT in the small faculty lot. 

 

Note:  there are restrooms at the Citgo just south of the school at the intersection of MD2 and Harwood Rd.

Crista

 

Weekend Rides Addendum - please note if you're coming!

Hi buddies,

I forgot to note the usual -- if you're planning to join us either day, please email me off-list and request an electronic copy of the cue sheet.  If you can't print out your own, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start, but I'm not planning to bring extra copies for the masses.

Thanks!

Crista

WEEKEND RIDES, AUGUST 21-22, 2010

Dear Friends,

Here's whassup for the weekend.  Hope to see you!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010

"SCRUB RIDGE CENTURY," starting from Clear Spring High School, Clear Spring, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m.**  This is a very scenic and challenging ride that visits some favorite old haunts (including the Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area and good ol' Hanging Rock Rd) and explores some beautiful roads that are less traveled, too.  We'll follow several ridge lines that offer some great views and, if you enjoyed the incredibly lovely Little Cove Road on Lynn Kristianson's beautiful 400K brevet last spring, you will love it even more heading in the opposite direction!  (Of course there will be a price to pay later on.)  Your reward for climbing over Scrub Ridge will be a yummy lunch in McConnellsburg.  In the afternoon, we'll ride the infamous Dyer and Weller Roads – but in the EASY direction!   104 miles, with short options of 50 and 95 miles.  Estimated elevation gain 8000-9000 feet.

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 at traffic light.  In 0.4 mi., turn right into the school complex.  Park at the high school parking lot.

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Croom and Other Delights

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010

"CROOM AND OTHER DELIGHTS," starting from the Crofton Center in Crofton, Maryland.  **NOTE LATE MEETING TIME 8:00 am.**  Jim Kuehn designed this ride many, many years ago and it remains one of our favorite southern Maryland centuries.  The ride rolls through Anne Arundel, Prince George's, and Calvert Counties and includes a visit to the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, a winter resting place and home for thousands of migratory geese.  101 miles with several short options.  Total elevation gain only about 4,000 feet -- it's a cruise.  

Directions to the ride start:

CROFTON K-MART, CROFTON CENTRE, CROFTON, MARYLAND

From DC Beltway Exit 19, take US50 east 8 miles to exit 13B, MD3 North.

Go North on MD3 for 5-1/2  miles.  Turn right into Crofton Center AFTER Friendly's, before MD424.

Crista

Invitation to a Jewel of a Ride - September 11-12, 2010

Dear Friends,

 

I have two new RUSA permanents, "Splendor in the Blue Grass" and "Many Mountains from Monterey to Middletown (MMMM)."  The two routes together are mostly based on (but not identical to) my "Devil's Wicked Stepmother" 400K Permanent route.

 

"Splendor in the Blue Grass" is 141 miles (227K).  It travels from Middletown, Virginia through Hardy and Pendleton Counties in West Virginia to Monterey, Virginia, passing through the towns of Wardensville, Moorefield, Brandywine, Sugar Grove and Blue Grass.  Highlights include climbs over Little North Mountain, Great North Mountain, Sandy Ridge, South Branch Mountain, Hoover Mountain, Brushy Mountain and Monterey Mountain.  In addition to all that climbing, there are some lovely and long tranquil stretches through Sweedlin Valley and the scenic Thorn Creek Wildlife Management Area.  But perhaps the most precious jewel of this ride is Highland County's beautiful Blue Grass Valley.

 

"MMMM" is 135 miles (216K) and travels from Monterey back to Middletown, beginning with a series of climbs over Jacks, Bull Pasture and Shenandoah Mountains before heading north through the Shenandoah Valley.  The route passes through McDowell, West Augusta, Swoope, Churchville, Bridgewater, Singers Glen, and Columbia Furnace. 

 

A small group of us plans to ride both permanents on September 11 and 12, and we welcome additional participants.  "Splendor in the Blue Grass" will start from the 7-11 in Middletown at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 11.  On Sunday, September 12, we'll have breakfast at High's Restaurant in Monterey at 6:00 a.m. and start "MMMM" at 7:00 a.m. 

 

If you'd like to join us, please contact me off-list as soon as possible, but no later than Monday, September 6.  You must be a RUSA member and be officially registered for the ride, and you'll need to make your own reservations for the overnight stay in Monterey.  Lodging is available in Monterey at the Montvallee Motel - http://www.montvalleemotel.com/,

and the Highland Inn - http://www.highland-inn.com/.

I can't promise that rooms will still be available if you procrastinate :-)

Crista

 

 

WEEKEND RIDES, SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 14-15, 2010

Dear Friends,

The DC Randonneurs Old Rag 200K Brevet is scheduled for Saturday, August 14, starting from the Howard Johnson's in Warrenton, Virginia at 7:00 a.m.  Registration opens at 6:00.

The cue sheet and GPS files are now posted at http://dcrand.org/blog/2010/08/10/cue-sheet-and-gps-files-for-august-14-warrenton-old-rag-200k-acp-brevet/. Please pay attention to the instructions for parking, and do NOT park at the HoJos or neighboring businesses.

We'll be following up with a mellow ride on Sunday, recycyling one which was scheduled earlier this month but which was canceled due to "weather" that never materialized:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2010

"ALL ABOUT ABBOTTSTOWN," starting from the McDonald's in Thurmont, Maryland.  **LATE MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  Aaah, a mellow ride today, one designed by our beloved bard, William Shakespeare Smith.  The route is a slight revision of one of Bill's Frederick Pedalers Century routes--I think it was 2004.  It's a delightful valley ride that heads east into Carroll County, MD and north into Adams County, PA, passing through Taneytown, Littlestown, and New Oxford on the way to lunch at the "new & improved" Emig's 81 Diner in Abbottstown.  On the way back we will have a brief encounter with Mt. Misery Rd but will elude the "miserable" molehill!   We'll also pass through Taneytown a second time, so you'll have two opportunities for a Sheetz fix on this ride if that's your kind of thing.  100 miles, with short options of 40 and 72 miles.  PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY IF YOU CAN JOIN US AND I'LL SEND YOU AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE CUE SHEET.  Note that I will only be bringing hard copies to the ride start for those who advise me that they're unable to print out the cue sheet themselves. 

Here are the directions to the ride start:

McDONALD'S, THURMONT, MARYLAND

From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Frederick.  Continue North on US15.  In 14.9 miles, take the exit toward MD806/Thurmont (the last of three exits for MD806, the FIRST Thurmont exit).  At end of ramp turn right @SS, then QR @ traffic light onto Catoctin Furnace Rd, then QL at "Weis Entrance."  Park in the first lot on the left, across from McDonald's.

Crista

 

Sunday ride canceled

Hi all,

We're canceling Sunday's ALL ABOUT ABBOTTSTOWN ride due to the weather forecast.  Hope to see you next weekend!

Crista

WEEKEND RIDES, JULY 31/AUGUST 1, 2010

Dear Friends,

Here's our plan for the weekend:

SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2010

We're not scheduling our customary Saturday ride because Chuck and I need to ride a permanent to clinch our R12s.  But if you'd like to join us, our plan is to ride the "Funky Monkey Business" permanent starting from the Rock Creek Village Shopping Center in Rockville, MD, starting promptly at 7:00 a.m.  You'll need to email me today (NO later than tomorrow) and let me know, then I'll send you the registration and waiver form, which you'll need to complete and return to me before I can send you the cue sheet, control card and map.  Note that you must be a RUSA member and must be registered for the permanent in order to ride with us on Saturday. 

"Funky Monkey Business" is a very hilly and scenic ride, heading north from our home turf through Carroll and Baltimore Counties to the Over the Moon Cafe in Hereford for a yummy lunch.  It's a mostly out and back route with
intermediate controls in Mount Airy, Finksburg, Hereford, and Lisbon. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2010

"All About Abbottstown," starting from McDonald's in Thurmont, Maryland.  **LATE MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  Aaah, a mellow ride today, one designed by our beloved bard, William Shakespeare Smith.  The route is a slight revision of one of Bill's Frederick Pedalers Century routes--I think it was 2004.  It's a delightful valley ride that heads east into Carroll County, MD and north into Adams County, PA, passing through Taneytown, Littlestown, and New Oxford on the way to lunch at the "new & improved" Emig's 81 Diner in Abbottstown.  On the way back we will have a brief encounter with Mt. Misery Rd but will elude the "miserable" molehill!   We'll also pass through Taneytown a second time, so you'll have two opportunities for a Sheetz fix on this ride if that's your kind of thing.  100 miles, with short options of 40 and 72 miles.  IF  YOU'RE INTERESTED IN JOINING US FOR THIS RIDE, PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY AND I'LL SEND YOU THE CUE SHEET.  NOTE THAT I'LL ONLY BE BRINGING HARD COPIES TO THE START FOR THOSE WHO ADVISE ME THAT THEY'RE UNABLE TO PRINT OUT THEIR OWN CUE SHEETS!!

Directions to the ride start:

McDONALD'S, THURMONT, MARYLAND

From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Frederick.  Continue North on US15.  In 14.9 miles, take the exit toward MD806/Thurmont (the last of three exits for MD806, the FIRST Thurmont exit).  At end of ramp turn right @SS, then QR @ traffic light onto Catoctin Furnace Rd, then QL at "Weis Entrance."  Park in the first lot on the left, across from McDonald's.

Crista

WEEKEND RIDES, JULY 24-25, 2010

Dear Friends,

This weekend we're headed out to Deep Creek Lake where the temps are forecast to be in the 80s!  We spent 4 days riding in the Deep Creek Lake and Laurel Highlands area over Memorial Day weekend and it was total bicycle heaven.   If you haven't signed on for this adventure, it's not too late.  You'll just need to make your own hotel reservations and advise me that you're coming by no later than Noon on Friday.  Then I'll email you the cue sheets and logistical info and we'll see you on Saturday!  It's going to be a long day of riding, so we want to start no later than 7:00 a.m.  Sunday's ride will start somewhat later, after a good night's sleep and a leisurely breakfast -- exact time decided by consensus.  

Our group is staying at the Oak-Mar Motel in Oakland, Md. both Friday and Saturday nights   If for any reason they've filled up, there are other lodging accommodations available in the area.  Please make your own reservations.  If you're a single male and interested in sharing a room let me know, as one of our riders has reserved a room with two beds and is willing to share.

Oak-Mar Motel
208 North 3rd Street
Oakland, MD 21550-1326
(301) 334-3965

On Saturday, July 24, we'll be riding the Diabolical Double Metric, and on Sunday we'll do a 42-mile "recovery ride."  Both rides will start at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center.  I'll send detailed logistical info to all participants.  The Diabolical Double Metric is an extremely challenging ride purported to have 15,000 feet of climbing in 128 miles.  This route, designed by Kyle Yost , includes a climb up the infamous Westernport "Wall" in Westernport, Maryland.   For a tantalizing description of the ride, see:

http://www.tri-dc.com/pdf/tri-dc_i9_epic_rides_diabolical_double.pdf

It's going to be a long day of riding, so we want to start no later than 7:00 a.m.  Sunday's ride will start somewhat later, after a good night's sleep and a leisurely breakfast -- exact time decided by consensus. 

Kyle also designed Sunday's "recovery" ride.  He promises that it's very scenic but not so punishing as Saturday's torture-fest.  The short distance will afford us a later start and still leave us plenty of time to drive back home Sunday afternoon.

Hope to see you Saturday!

Crista

Weekend Rides, Permanents, and Stan-the-Man

Dear Friends,

 

Just a note to let you all know that Chuck and I are "vacating" between July 3 and July 18.  Accordingly:

 

1.  We won't be scheduling any weekend rides for the next three weekends.

 

2.  If you want to ride one of my permanents between now and June 18 you'll need to advise me RIGHT AWAY and get your registration and waiver into my hot little hands by no later than Thursday, July 1. 

 

3.  If you rode one of my permanents this past weekend, please send me your control card right away.  If I don't receive it by Thursday, I won't be able to submit the results to RUSA until I get back on July 18.

 

4.  The Deep Creek Lake weekend is scheduled for July 24-25 and we're really excited about it.  We spent 4 days there over Memorial Day weekend and it was total bicycle heaven.  And note that daytime temperatures there are usually at least 10 degrees cooler there.  It's 77 degrees in McHenry today!  If you haven't already advised me that you're planning to join us but would like to do so, please let me know as soon as possible and make your own reservations at the Oak-Mar Motel for Friday and Saturday night, July 23 and 24.  If for any reason they've filled up, there are other lodging accommodations available in the area.

Oak-Mar Motel
208 North 3rd Street
Oakland, MD 21550-1326
(301) 334-3965

On Saturday, July 24, we'll be riding the Diabolical Double Metric, and on Sunday we'll do a 42-mile "recovery ride."  Both rides will start at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center.  I'll send detailed logistical info to the participants after we get back from vacation.

 

5.  I'd like to make up a special ride in memory of Stan Miller, but won't have time to even start on it until August 1.  In the meantime, if any of you have any suggestions/brainstorms for what to include on such a ride, please drop me a line off list.

 

6.  I have one Stan story that showcases his special sense of humor and I'd like to share it.  A few blue moons ago, Stan happened to be doing one of my permanents the same day that we were doing a ride where our morning rest stop just happened to also be a control on that permanent.  When we got to the store I was dismayed to find the store closed.  (The store is now under new ownership and I promise that won't happen again if you want to ride "Paul's Paradise" .)  We decided to "rest" there in any case and eat the snacks we had with us, hoping that Stan would come by soon.  He did, with 5 minutes to spare before his control closed.  I quickly signed his control card for him, offered him some of our snacks, and suggested that he get moving right away so that he wouldn't miss the window for the next control.  He said he wasn't in a hurry and had plenty of food with him.  He then pulled his camp stove out of his pannier, sat down on the curb, and proceeded to heat up his can of (Dinty Moore Beef Stew???--Help me out here, those of you who were there).  We all commented jokingly about the fact that he carried a stove and rations with him on a permanent, and he laughed and said "Oh, I always do this.  Once I was with my daughter (downtown??) and I got hungry and stopped to cook some food on the street.  She said 'Daddy, please don't do that, people will think we're homeless,' and I looked at her and said, Hey, we're just one paycheck away, babe."

 

There will never be another Stan-the-Man. 

 

Crista

 

Directions to Front Royal K-Mart!!

Hi again, buddies!

I forgot to include the directions to the ride start for the Skyline Century -- here 'tis:

FRONT ROYAL, VIRGINIA – K-MART SHOPPING CENTER

From I-495 / DC Beltway, take I-66 W for 52 miles to Exit 13 / Linden, VA / Rt 79; then VA Rt 55 West / John Marhsall Hwy for 6 mi to K-MART SC on left, just past the junction of VA Rt 55 and U.S. Rt 522. Park to the left of K-MART.

Crista

SATURDAY RIDE, JUNE 26, 2010

Dear Friends,

Once again we can only ride one day this weekend and we're picking the cooler of the two days.  We're also headed for the coolest possible spot around -- Skyline Drive.

SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2010
"SKYLINE CENTURY," starting from the K-Mart in Front Royal, Virginia.  MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.  Our plan is to ride to Big Meadows and back -- lunch at Big Meadows, and  morning and afternoon rest stops at the Elk Wallow Wayside.  This is a ride for everyone -- If a century isn't enough for you, you can keep heading south from Big Meadows until you've had enuf, and if you don't feel like riding a full century you can turn around at any point on the Drive.  Elk Wallow is at milepost 24.1 and has a camp store with a snack bar and delicious blackberry milkshakes.  Skyland is at milepost 41.7 and has a restaurant.  Big Meadows, our planned turn-around, is at milepost 51 and has a restaurant. 

Forecast for Saturday on the Drive is partly cloudy with high in the mid 80s.

I doubt if you need a cue sheet for this ride, but I do happen to have one of sorts.  If you're planning to join us, please let me know and I'll send you an electronic copy.  I'm not bringing hard copies to the ride start unless you advise me that you can't print out your own.

Crista

SATURDAY RIDE, JUNE 19, 2010

Dear Friends,

We can only ride one day this weekend, and we're picking Saturday since it looks best weather-wise.  As usual, if you plan to join us, please email me off-list and I'll send you an electronic copy of the cue sheet.  I will only be bringing hard copies for riders who are unable to print out their own.  Here's the scoop:

"FERRY TO FERRY," starting from Poolesville High School, Poolesville, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME: 7:30 a.m.**

 

We'll begin by heading down to Whites Ferry.  After the 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 Country Cafe.  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 take a drunken sailor route 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.  101 miles, with 86 and 95-mile short options.

Directions to the ride start:

POOLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, 17501 Willard Rd, Poolesville MD

From DC Beltway, take I-270 north to Rockville Exit 6 onto MD28 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.

Crista

SATURDAY RIDE - JUNE 12, 2010

Dear Friends,

We're scheduling a ride for Saturday only this weekend, but it's a fabulous one and I hope you'll come out and join us.  PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY FOR AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE CUE SHEET.  NOTE THAT I'LL ONLY BE BRINGING HARD COPIES TO THE RIDE START FOR THOSE WHO INDICATE THEY'RE UNABLE TO PRINT OUT THEIR OWN!!!!

Here's the scoop:

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010

"THE WHISKEY SPRINGS ONE HUNDRED," starting from Silo Hill Parkway, Emmitsburg, Maryland.  MEETING TIME 7:30 am.  It's hard to believe we haven't done this one since 2007.  It's a beauty, featuring such highlights as the Mid Atlantic Soaring Center, the scenic orchards of Adams County PA, and some very nice (but not brutal) climbs over South Mountain and Piney Mountain.  In addition, there's an OPTIONAL 4-mile climb up to the Kings Gap Environmental Center (adds 8 miles to the total distance).  This climb is never steep, road surface is great, great views of the Cumberland Valley at the top, perhaps even some blooming mountain laurel and/or rhododendron, and the environmental center itself is worth a visit.  See

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/Parks/kingsgap.aspx.

and some very nice photos at

http://friendsofkingsgap-org.doodlekit.com/album

If you've never been up to Kings Gap, I highly recommend it. 

101 miles, estimated 7000 feet elevation gain (not including the Kings Gap climb), with short options of 67 or 83 miles.

Directions to the ride start:

EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND  (Silo Hill Parkway)

From DC Beltway go North on I-270 about 31 miles to Frederick.  Continue north on US15 for about 25 miles, then exit onto MD140 West (AFTER the Seton Ave/Bus.15 exit).  Turn left at the stop sign onto MD140 West.  In about a quarter mile turn right onto Silo Hill Rd at the traffic light (McDonald's on R).  Make your 1^st right onto Silo Hill Parkway and park beyond the car wash.

 

Big Weekend Ride -- DCR 600K Brevet!

Dear Friends,

Not scheduling the customary weekend rides this weekend, but hope to see you all at the DC Randonneurs 600K brevet, starting at 04:00 from the Hampton Inn in Warrenton, Virginia.  Read all the juicy details on the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org.

Crista

No "Weekend Ride" this Weekend

Dear Friends,

We're going to be riding far-far away this weekend, so don't have any local rides scheduled.  See ya at the 600!

Crista

DC Randonneurs 400K, Saturday, May 21, 2010

Dear Friends,

No "weekend ride" scheduled for this weekend as tomorrow is the DC Randonneurs 400K ACP Brevet.  Please visit the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org, for all the juicy details, and hope to see you in Frederick!

Crista

Big Ride at Deep Creek Lake July 24, 2010

Dear Friends,

 

We'd like to invite you to join us on an extremely scenic ride we're planning to do out at Deep Creek Lake on Saturday, July 24.  I know that sounds like it's a long time in the future, but if you're interested in joining us you should be making your lodging reservations now.  Our plan is to drive out to Oakland, Maryland on Friday, July 23 and spend the next two nights at the Oak-Mar Motel. 

 

Oak-Mar Motel

208 North 3rd Street
Oakland, MD 21550-1326
(301) 334-3965

 

On Saturday morning, we'll have a very early breakfast at the nearby Sheetz (hope they have an espresso bar) and then drive about 9-1/2 miles to the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center, where we'll start the 127-mile "Diabolical Double," reputed to have over 15,000 feet of elevation gain.  (I don't believe it, but let's find out for ourselves.)  Note that we are not doing this as part of any organized event, although it was held as such in early July of 2009.  Gary Dean was "kind" enough to suggest the weekend and provide us with the cue sheet from last year's ride.  For a nice description of the ride, see http://www.tri-dc.com/pdf/tri-dc_i9_epic_rides_diabolical_double.pdf.  And just for fun, Google "Westernport Wall" and take a look at some of the videos.

 

I'm anticipating that it will be a "long" day in (and mostly out of) the saddle, and we'll stay over in Oakland on Saturday night, too.  If we have anything left in our legs on Sunday morning, we'll do a short ride (40 miles or so) after having a leisurely breakfast.  At the Oak-Mar's mom & pop restaurant they still peel potatoes for homefries!  We'll have earned something better than Sheetz for sure. 

 

You can look at a map of the ride at:  http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/diabolical-double.  I've reformatted the cue sheet and made a GPS file of the route, and will provide those to all who elect to take part in the adventure.  Chuck and I are participating in a Tom Burns bicycling weekend out at Deep Creek Lake over the Memorial Day holiday, and I may make some modifications to the cue sheet after doing some exploring that weekend.

 

If this interests/intrigues you, please let me know and make your reservations soon. 

 

Crista

 

WEEKEND RIDES, SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 15 & 16, 2010

Dear Friends,

Looks like we have a gorgeous weekend on tap and we plan to get out there and make the most of it.  We hope you will join us and, IF YOU PLAN TO DO SO, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND REQUEST AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE CUE SHEET.  I will only be bringing hard copies for those who notify me that they are unable to print out their own!  Here's the menu:

SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2010

"SUMMIT CUM LAUDE,"  starting from the Marshall VDOT commuter parking lot, Marshall, Virginia.  MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.   Brent DeRobertis designed this "benign (?) scenic horse country" ride that passes several Virginia wineries and orchards.  We'll have a 9-mile warm-up before encountering the first climb over beautiful Naked Mountain.  After the descent and a brief interlude through the pretty little village of Paris, things intensify as we begin the 1300-foot climb up to Mount Weather.  Read about Mount Weather at http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/mt_weather.htm  and get really creeped out, if only because the author can't spell accommodate.  The plunge down to Route 7 is a thriller, but make sure your brakes are in good working order.  A four-mile mellow stretch alongside the Shenandoah River follows, followed by a bunch of steep rollers that will bring us back to US50.  The third major climb of the day, Blue Mountain, awaits.  This is an extended 1700-foot climb, including about 2 miles of unpaved road.  The surface is normally excellent, but there's always the possibility that there will be freshly strewn gravel, so be prepared.  The descent is paved and includes some really stunning views of the Blue Ridge.  There is one particularly noteworthy hairpin turn on the way down that calls for extreme caution.  After descending into Linden we'll enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the Apple House.  The terrain moderates significantly after lunch, and unless we're running late we'll have an afternoon rest stop at the Orlean Market before our last little climb up Piney Pukin' Mountain.  No whining, it's less than 400 feet!   99 miles, with a 78-mile short option that high-tails it back to Marshall after the Apple House. 

Estimated elevation gain 8000 – 8500 feet.

Directions to the ride start:

MARSHALL VDOT COMMUTER LOT, MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

From DC beltway I-495, take exit 49 onto I-66 west,  In 36 miles, take exit 28 for US17 toward Warrenton/Marshall.  In 0.4 mi. take the Bus.17 ramp right toward Marshall.  In 0.7 mi. turn left on Main Street/VA55 at traffic light.  In ~ 0.2 mi. turn right on Frost St. & follow to parking lot at end of the road. 

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SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2010

"ALL ABOUT ABBOTTSTOWN," starting from the McDonald's in Thurmont, Maryland.  **LATE MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  Aaah, a mellow ride today, one designed by our beloved bard, William Shakespeare Smith.  The route is a slight revision of one of Bill's Frederick Pedalers Century routes--I think it was 2004.  It's a delightful valley ride that heads east into Carroll County, MD and north into Adams County, PA, passing through Taneytown, Littlestown, and New Oxford on the way to lunch at the "new & improved" Emig's 81 Diner in Abbottstown.  On the way back we will have a brief encounter with Mt. Misery Rd but will elude the "miserable" molehill!   We'll also pass through Taneytown a second time, so you'll have two opportunities for a Sheetz fix on this ride if that's your kind of thing.  100 miles, with short options of 40 and 72 miles.

Directions to the ride start:

McDONALD'S, THURMONT, MARYLAND

From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Frederick.  Continue North on US15.  In 14.9 miles, take the exit toward MD806/Thurmont (the last of three exits for MD806, the FIRST Thurmont exit).  At end of ramp turn right @SS, then QR @ traffic light onto Catoctin Furnace Rd, then QL at "Weis Entrance."  Park in the first lot on the left, across from McDonald's.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO REQUEST AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE CUE SHEET IF YOU'RE COMING OUT THIS WEEKEND.

Crista

crista.dccentury@gmail.com

ADDENDUM TO WEEKEND RIDES NOTICE

Hi there,

I forgot to mention (it's always something) -- PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU PLAN TO RIDE ON SUNDAY and I'll email the cue sheet to you.  I will only bring hard copies for those who advise me that they are UNABLE to print out their own copy.

THANKS!

Crista
crista.dccentury@gmail.com

WEEKEND RIDES, May 8 and 9, 2010

Dear Friends,

We're in the thick of brevet season now, and DCR's second 300K is this Saturday.  We'll be leading a century ride starting in Frederick on Sunday, conveniently located for any who do Saturday's 300K and stay over in Frederick.

SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010
THE DC RANDONNEURS FREDERICK 300K BREVET, starting from the Motel 6 in Frederick, Maryland at 5:00 a.m.  Please visit the DC Randonneurs website for all the details regarding registration, bike inspection, a link to the cue sheet and GPX file, etc.  Here's the ride description:

Starting from the Frederick Motel 6 (formerly Quality 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 north-west 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 crosses South Mountain 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 Opposumtown Pike.


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

SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2010

"NOODLING TO NEW OXFORD," starting from Roy Rogers, Frederick, Maryland.  **NOTE LATE MEETING TIME 8:00 A.M.!!**  We're starting Sunday's ride a bit later than usual hoping that some of you who ride the 300K brevet on Saturday will feel like coming out for more.  This is a "relatively" tame ride on very quiet and pretty Frederick, Carroll, and Adams County roads.  Morning rest stop in Taneytown, lunch at the Pizza Garden in New Oxford, and an afternoon rest stop in Detour.  Ride includes 0.7 mile of hard-pack unpaved road on Baumgardner.  Please don't be put off by it – everyone loves it!  100 miles, with short options of 61 or 88 miles.

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 (north end) of the lot behind Weis Market.  We actually meet and start from there rather than at Roy's.

Crista

crista.dccentury@gmail.com

 

MEETING TIME FOR SPERRYVILLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE LOOP!

Buddies,

It seems I always forget SOMETHING.  This time I forgot to indicate the meeting time for Saturday's Sperryville-Charlottesville Loop.  It's 7:30, surprise surprise :-)

Crista

WEEKEND RIDES, MAY 1 & 2, 2010

Dear Friends,

As DC Randonneurs take a breather between brevets this weekend, we'll try to fill the gap with a couple of very nice rides.  If you'd like to join us on either or both days, please email me and request an electronic copy of the cue sheet, as I'll only be bringing hard copies for those who notify me that they're unable to print out their own.  Here's what's planned:

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2010
"SPERRYVILLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE LOOP,"  starting from The Rappahannock Link in Sperryville, Virginia.  Bennett Minton has designed this scenic ride to visit his alma mater, the University of Virginia, with the intention of establishing the route as a RUSA Permanent.  We're going to be checking out the route and scoping out potential controls.  In addition to passing through such scenic spots as Old Somerset, Barboursville, Wolftown and Madison, we'll enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Ariana Grill Kabob House in Charlottesville and visit the UVA campus.  Best of all, after the ride, all randonneurs are invited to pick up dinner from the highly acclaimed  Rudy's Pizza (in beautiful downtown Sperryville) and carry it back to Bennett's country estate just east of town, where we can sit on the deck gazing at the sunset over the Blue Ridge. Directions to be provided.  130 miles, no shortcuts unless you cue your own.

Also, Bennett would like to invite anyone who wants to stay over Saturday night (and have another ride of their choosing Sunday) to camp out at his house.  He says, "excellent weather for camping if all the bed/floor space is taken. It's a four-bedroom house."

Directions to the ride start:

The Rappahannock Link, 12018 Lee Highway, Sperryville, Virginia  22740-2154
From I-66 West, take exit 43A to Lee Highway/US29 S., toward Gainesville/Warrenton.
In 11.5 miles, merge onto US211 W./US29 Bus. S toward US15-Bus./Warrenton/Luray.
In 2.1 miles, turn right onto  Frost Ave/US211 West.  Continue to follow US211 West.
In 27 miles turn left into The Rappahannock Link, just before US522 goes left into Sperryville.

Note:  Bennett advises that it's actually faster to just take I-66 to Marshall, and then take 647 to Flint Hill, go south on US522, then right (West) on US211 and follow to Sperryville.  Your choice!

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

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!!

 

Friday and Saturday Rides, including the CONTRARY MOTHER!

Dear Friends,

For those of you who are fortunate enough that you don't have to work this Friday, I hope you'll join Bill Smith and his merry band of Frederick Pedalers on their annual Spring Century.  The route is basically the same as the Rolly Atkinson Memorial Century that we rode a couple weekends ago, only with a different ride start.

The details, graciously provided by Bill,are below, and also here: http://www.frederickpedalers.org/pages/ridesched_2010_04.htm.  If you have any additional questions or want an electronic copy of the cue sheet, please contact Bill directly at smith.william0214@gmail.com. 

April 23 (Fri) 8:00 am ALL 100/87/63 Utica District Park http://www.frederickpedalers.org/pages/ridestart.htm#uticadistrictpark
Spring Century
Pick up cue sheets from the Yahoo Site, the ride leader (via email) or at the start. We'll start out from Utica Park at 8:00 and ride to Emmitsburg to meet the metric century riders. From there, we depart at 9:30 and ride the same route for the next 62 miles. The century has shortcuts of 63 and 87 miles. 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. Century route is similar to last fall's century, but not identical. Metric is the same route as last fall. Rolling terrain, no killer hills. No official leader for the metric.

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.

-Bill

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2010
The DC Randonneurs "Contrary Mother" 300K, starting at 5:00 a.m. from the Super 8 in Middletown, VA.  Lynn Kristianson has redesigned her classic Mother of All 300Ks  and made it even better!   Please see the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org, for all the details and copies of the cue sheet and GPS file. 

Here's Lynn's ride description:

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

BOOBOO!!! Bill's ride is NEXT Friday, April 23 NOT this Friday April 16!

Oops, I misinformed everyone.  The Frederick Pedalers Spring Century is NEXT Friday, April 23.  I'm a bit ahead of myself today, SORRY!

Crista

Friday Ride!

Dear Friends,

We're not scheduling rides for Saturday and Sunday because we're riding the Fleche, but it you happen to be fortunate enough that you don't have to work this Friday, I hope you'll join Bill Smith and his merry band of Frederick Pedalers on their annual Spring Century.  The route is basically the same as the Rolly Atkinson Memorial Century that we rode a couple weekends ago, only with a different ride start.

The details, graciously provided by Bill,are below, and also here: http://www.frederickpedalers.org/pages/ridesched_2010_04.htm.  If you have any additional questions or want an electronic copy of the cue sheet, please contact Bill directly at smith.william0214@gmail.com. 

April 23 (Fri) 8:00 am ALL 100/87/63 Utica District Park http://www.frederickpedalers.org/pages/ridestart.htm#uticadistrictpark
Spring Century
Pick up cue sheets from the Yahoo Site, the ride leader (via email) or at the start. We'll start out from Utica Park at 8:00 and ride to Emmitsburg to meet the metric century riders. From there, we depart at 9:30 and ride the same route for the next 62 miles. The century has shortcuts of 63 and 87 miles. 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. Century route is similar to last fall's century, but not identical. Metric is the same route as last fall. Rolling terrain, no killer hills. No official leader for the metric.

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.

-Bill

Bonne route to all the Fleche teams, and see ya at the Marriott Sunday morning!

Crista

WEEKEND RIDES, APRIL 10 & 11, 2010

Dear Friends,

Saturday, April 10 is the DC Randonneurs Old Rag 200K Brevet starting from HoJo's in Warrenton, Virginia -- one of our top 10 favorite rides of all time -- not to be missed!  For all the juicy details, please visit the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org. 

On Sunday we'll do an easy ride from Frederick, with a late meeting time of 8:30!  **IF YOU'D LIKE TO JOIN US ON SUNDAY, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND REQUEST AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE CUE SHEET!  I'LL ONLY BE BRINGING HARD COPIES FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO PRINT OUT THEIR OWN COPIES.**  Here's the scoop on the ride:

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

crista.dccentury@gmail.com