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!
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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!!
