WEEKEND RIDES, OCTOBER 2 & 3, 2010

Dear Friends,

 

Autumn has arrived and we're hoping the rain we've had the last couple days will improve our prospects for some pretty fall foliage in the weeks ahead.  In the meantime, let's get out and ride.  Here's what we have planned for Saturday and Sunday.  IF YOU'D LIKE TO JOIN US EITHER DAY, PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY AND REQUEST AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE CUE SHEET!!  I will only have hard copies available for those who advise me that they're unable to print out their own.

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2010

"ALL ABOUT ABBOTTSTOWN," starting from the McDonald's in Thurmont, Maryland.  **LATE MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  Yes, it's true; we've been scheduling this ride a lot lately, so I'm sure everyone is tired of reading the ride description.  Unfortunately, circumstances have been such that I haven't been able to do the ride myself, so we're trying yet again!  George Moore kindly volunteered to lead it for us a couple of weeks ago, and he reported that the new version is a keeper.  It's similar to previous versions in that the terrain is mellow, the scenery pleasant, and it still heads east into Carroll County, MD and north into Adams County, PA, passing through Taneytown, Littlestown, and New Oxford.  The morning rest stop has been moved from the Taneytown Sheetz to the Littlestown Sheetz and the lunch stop has been moved from the "not so improved" Emig's 81 Diner to Brothers Pizza.  102 miles, with a 70-mile short option.

 

Directions to the ride start:

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.

 

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

 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010

"UNION BRIDGE CENTURY," starting from the C&C Chalet (Chuck Wood's house), 14725 Janice Drive, Rockville, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.**  Once we get past the obligatory Rockville "escape route," this ride becomes delightfully scenic and rural as we head north through Howard, Carroll and Frederick Counties to Union Bridge.  After our first rest stop in Mt. Airy, one short but nasty molehill on Harrisville Road rewards us with a marvelous long run down the appropriately named Talbot Run Road.  We'll also ride the entire length of Bessie Clemson Road, one of our all-time favorite Frederick County roads, as we wend our way over to historic Union Bridge for a yummy lunch at Original Pizza (NOT to be confused with "OIP").  This is NOT a chain, but rather an authentic Italian mom & pop pizza joint.  Not only is their pizza excellent, but the Maryland crab soup is as good as any we've had in fancy seafood restaurants.  After lunch we'll enjoy a beautiful and bucolic stretch along Sam's Creek before the terrain once again becomes "stimulating."  There is a brief stretch of hard-pack on Roop Road, which riders can avoid if they want to replace it with the gnarliest part of Buffalo Road.  (Roop is prettier AND easier, but it might be a muddy mess after all this rain so we may have to contend with Buffalo on Sunday!)  We'll pass through Woodbine and have a final rest stop in Lisbon before returning to Rockville.  101 miles, with a 56-mile short option that turns around in Mt. Airy.  There are also a few little optional shortcuts before and after lunch.  If you take all of them you'll end up with an 88-mile ride.  Elevation gain 6000-6500 feet.

 

Here are LOTS OF directions to the ride start:

CHUCK WOOD'S HOUSE, 14725 Janice Drive, Rockville, Maryland

From I-270: 

Rockville Exit 6 (MD28 East) 

1.0 mi. X MD355 (TL) 

0.2 mi. L MD28 East (TL) 

1.5 mi. X Bauer Drive (TL) 

0.6 mi. R Bel Pre Rd (TL) 

0.1 mi. 1st R Janice Drive

3rd house on L - 14725 Janice Drive 

 

Another way: 

0.0  I-270 split - heading north from I-270 split (get in right lane) 

1.0  R Montrose Rd East (At split on ramp you can also get in left lane& go under Montrose Rd) 

0.2   L Tower Oaks Rd (1st L) 

0.8   R Wootton Parkway (follow curves) 

1.3   X Rockville Pike MD355 

0.2   X Veirs Mill Rd (becomes MD28 East) 

2.0   X Bauer Dr. (TL) 

0.6   R Bel Pre (next TL) 

0.1   1^st R Janice Dr. 

3rd house on L (14725 Janice Dr.) 

 

From DC Beltway: 

North on Georgia Avenue 

approx. 4 mi. X Connecticut Avenue 

0.7 mi. L Bel Pre Rd

1.1 mi. L Janice Drive (just before TL at MD28) 

3rd house on L - 14725 Janice Drive 

 

OR from Baltimore:

South on I-95 or Rt. 29 

East on MD198 (Laurel - Burtonsville) 

Miles are approx.: 

4    X  MD650 (TL) >MD28 

4    X  Georgia Ave (TL) 

1.4   L Bel Pre (2nd TL) 

0.1   1^st R Janice Drive 

14725 Janice Drive (3rd house on L) 

 

 Crista

Frederick Pedalers Century this Saturday Sept 25

Dear Friends,

We don't have a ride scheduled for Sunday, but Bill Shakespeare Smith and his merry band of Fred Peds are putting on their annual no-frills no fee club century this Saturday!  It is always a great event, and this year the route is based on the "E-I-E-I-O" century, with the lunch stop at Rocco's in East Berlin!  Here are all the juicy details, courtesy of the bard:

The club century is set for Saturday, Sept 25; the cue sheets may be found at the link below.  There is just one cue sheet, made up of three pages.  It contains all routes.

Cue Sheet(s) on the web site: http://www.frederickpedalers.org/pages/cues_century_rides.shtml (main info) and http://www.frederickpedalers.org/docs/Century2010.pdf (cue sheet)

Links to the maps on mapmyride.com:

• Century: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/MD/Emmitsburg/397128214844315833
  
• 62-Miles: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/md/emmitsburg/169128431357052116
  
• 53-Miles: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/md/emmitsburg/591128431238062739
  
• 43-Miles: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/pa/emmitsburg/664128431158088794
  

Here are the ride details.

Century—101 Miles:
· Starts on Silo Hill Parkway (Emmitsburg) - adjacent to McDonald's on MD140 at US15
· Leave: Whenever you want, however the "leaders" (see below) will meet at 7:15 am and depart at 7:30.  If you plan on leaving later, print a cue sheet from the web site.
· Terrain: rolling to hilly, 5200 feet of climbing
· Distance: 101 miles
· Visits: Littlestown, Irishtown, East Berlin, Idaville, Aspers, Arendtsville, Emmitsburg

Metric—62 Miles:
· Starts same place
· Leave: We suggest leaving at 9 am; however—print a cue sheet from the web site
· Terrain: rolling, some hills
· Cuts off from the century at mile 38
· Visits: Littlestown, New Oxford, Bonneauville, Emmitsburg

Shortcut # 1—53 Miles:
· Leave: We suggest leaving at 9 am; however—print a cue sheet from the web site
  Cuts off from the century at mile 32
  Terrain: easier and flatter than the metric
· Goes to Littlestown, Bonneauville and back to Emmitsburg

Shortcut # 2—43 Miles:
· Leave: We suggest leaving at 9 am; however—print a cue sheet from the web site
  Cuts off from the century at mile 25
  Only a few hills
· Goes to Littlestown and back to Emmitsburg

We do not have official leaders for ANY of the rides.  Club members are welcome to volunteer for this.  Vicki and I plan on doing the century at a pace of about 14.0-14.5 mph; we welcome anyone who wishes to ride along with us.

What You Get for Your $:
· The cost of these rides is zero—money-back guarantee—if you don't like the ride, your full purchase price will be refunded to you
· We'll provide cue sheets; maps will be on www.mapmyride.com (see above)
· You should bring money for stores

Pace:
    This is a ride-at-your-own-pace event.  It is very unlikely that anyone need ride alone, as there will be plenty of riders of various paces taking part.

Rest Stops (Stores):
· Century—at mileage points: 21, 46, 47, 64, 66, 74, 90.
· 62 Miles—at mileage points 22, 38, 45.
· 53 Miles—22, 37.
· 43 Miles—22.

Maps and Cue Sheets:
    Cue sheets are available on the club web site at http://www.frederickpedalers.org/pages/cues_century_rides.shtml.  We cannot guarantee that there will be enough cue sheets at the ride start—it is recommended to download the cue sheets from the web site.  Vicki and I will be riding the century on our tandem (departing at 7:30); you are welcome to ride with us.  We'll leave a stack of cue sheets next to our van when we depart.

Cautions, etc.
There will be some traffic to deal with (but not much), mostly in towns.  The century crosses two metal-grate (see-through) bridges - mileages 56 and 60.  If the roads are wet, ride across them at your own risk.  If roads are dry, cross slowly and carefully - do not lean or turn.  One is long enough that, if it is wet, riding across it will almost certainly lead to a fall on the bridge and a trip to the hospital.  The century crosses US route 30 at mile 36 - there is road construction at that intersection.  Be very careful there.  The metric ride at mile 39 has a very bad bump at the left turn (road construction) - take this turn slowly and at a wide right angle - do not cut the turn.  The full century passes two very good restaurants - one in East Berlin (Rocco's), the other in Aspers (Little Italy).  The metric passes by the New Oxford Coffee Company on the traffic circle turn - we very much recommend this place.  Remember that the turns are NOT MARKED.  Read your cue sheet to avoid becoming lost.

Thanks go to:
The Brain Trust - a "pirate" Frederick Pedalers sub-(dis)organization, answerable to no one, made up of Mike Wali, Barry McMahon, Dave Sweeney, Vicki and Bill Smith.  These folks have made the century happen, from route design and checkout to ideas and brainstorming.  Special thanks go to Barry McMahon for suggesting the route (adapted from a Crista Borras/DC Randonneurs ride) and doing the initial driving of the century route, and Mike Wali, who rode all four route options on checkout rides.

-Bill

Crista

Endless Mountains Brevet Week

Hi buddies,

I'm forwarding the following from Tom Rosenbauer, Eastern PA RBA, hoping some of you might be interested and able to join us for part or all of his upcoming "Endless Mountains Brevet Week."

Crista


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Tom Rosenbauer <trosenbauer@rcn.com>
Date: Fri, Sep 17, 2010 at 10:09 AM
Subject: Re: EM Brevet Week Cue Sheets
To: Crista Borras <crista.dccentury@gmail.com>

Crista,

 

Please forward the DC list ... thanks!

 

-Tom R.

 

Greetings, fellow randonneurs and randonneuses,

 

The Endless Mountains Brevet Week is starting on September 26th ... the complete tour consists of six 200k brevets over six days that generally follows the EM1240 course.

 

A number of riders have signed up for the complete tour, but if you are interested in just riding a partial tour or a single day, please contact me at:

trosenbauer@rcn.com

 

Bill Beck has some great photos, taken during the 2009 inaugural edition the 1240k:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wabeck/sets/72157622524721810/

... this is a great opportunity to experience the scenic beauty and challenge of the Endless Mountains for yourself. 

 

-Tom Rosenbauer

Eastern PA RBA

WEEKEND RIDES, SEPTEMBER 18 & 19, 2010

Dear Friends,

The DC Randonneurs Civil War Tour 200K Brevet is taking place on Saturday, September 18, starting promptly at 7:00 a.m. from the Perkins Restaurant in Frederick, Maryland.  On-site registration opens at Perkins at 6:00 a.m.  This is a fabulous ride designed by DC Randonneurs RBA Bill Beck.  Detailed information about the route, cue sheet and GPS file is posted at http://dcrand.org/blog/2010/08/17/civil-war-tour-200k-september-18-2010/.

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

On Sunday, we'll be leading a "gentle" ride.  **If you can join us on Sunday, please email me off list and request a copy of the cue sheet (and GPS file if you would like one).  I'll only be bringing extra cue sheets for those who are unable to print out their own.**

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2010

A new and improved "ALL ABOUT ABBOTTSTOWN," starting from the McDonald's in Thurmont, Maryland.  **LATE MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  This ride has been through several incarnations over the years and now it's been tweaked yet again.  The new route is similar to other versions in that the terrain is mellow, the scenery pleasant, and it still heads east into Carroll County, MD and north into Adams County, PA, passing through Taneytown, Littlestown, and New Oxford.  This version moves the morning rest stop from the Taneytown Sheetz to the Littlestown Sheetz and avoids a couple of bad intersections in Abbottstown.  Also, the lunch stop has been moved from the "not so improved" Emig's 81 Diner to Brothers Pizza, which should make for a better dining experience.  102 miles, with a 70-mile short option.

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

 

[Dcrand] Saturday Ride - Gettsyburg Glory

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jeffrey Magnuson <jemag@verizon.net>
Date: Thu, Sep 9, 2010 at 6:16 AM
Subject: [Dcrand] Saturday Ride - Gettsyburg Glory


Dear all-

While Chuck and Crista are off riding permanents this weekend, I'll be a leading a Saturday ride starting in Mt. Airy for those who are interested in attending the Stan Miller Life Celebration afterward in Gaithersburg.  Please email me at jemag@verizon.net and let me know if you are coming so I can send you the cue sheet.

Here are the details:

"GETTYSBURG GLORY," starting from Watkins Park in Mt. Airy, Maryland.
MEETING TIME 7:30 A.M.  This ride was adapted from a classic Tom Burns
ride led back in Y2K.  The terrain is very hilly at the beginning and
end and fairly mellow in the middle.  The ride includes a very nice tour
of the Gettysburg battlefields.  There are two short unpaved stretches
near the end of the ride, but I have cued a paved option for the
squeamish.  Lunch at Dino's in Gettysburg.  103 miles, with a 57-mile
short option that turns around at the first rest stop in Taneytown.

Directions to the ride start:
WATKINS PARK, 615 CENTER STREET, MT. AIRY, MARYLAND From DC Beltway,
take I-270 north to exit 16, Father Hurley Blvd (MD27).
Follow MD27 north for 8 miles to Damascus, then BL tro MD27 north.
Pass under I-70 in another 6-1/2 mi. (you are now in Mt. Airy).
In 1.7 mi., after passing thru 3 traffic lights, turn L into Watkins
Park, followed by a quick right.
Head past tennis courts to next small parking lot on L (next to small
restroom building).

Jeff

Two Permanents This Weekend!

Dear Friends,

 

We won't be scheduling our customary Saturday and Sunday rides this weekend because we're riding my new permanents -- "Splendor in the Blue Grass" on Saturday and "MMMM (Many Mountains from Monterey to Middletown)" on Sunday.  If you're interested in joining us for the epic adventure, I need to know by no later than tomorrow (Wednesday).  

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I adapted these two rides from my 400K "Devil's Wicked Stepmother" permanent  route.  Both rides are extremely scenic and challenging and I'm really looking forward to sharing them.

 

"Splendor in the Blue Grass" is 141 miles (227K).  We will begin at the 7-11 in Middletown, Virginia at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday.  The route travels 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. We'll start from High's Restaurant in Monterey at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday.

 

If you'd like to join us, please contact me off-list as soon as possible, but no later than tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9.  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/.

Crista 

crista.dccentury@gmail.com

202-365-3738

 

 

WEEKEND RIDES, SEPTEMBER 4, 5 & 6!

Dear Friends,

Are we lucky or what?  The forecast for the entire Labor Day weekend is absolutely fantastic and we intend to make the most of it.  We'll start with a somewhat challenging ride on  Saturday, featuring several major climbs.  The rides on Sunday and Monday will be relatively mellow.  Please note the meeting times for each day and, if you can join us, please email me and request an electronic copy of the cue sheet.  I'll only be bringing extra hard copies for those who are unable to print out their own.  OK, here's whassup:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

"HIGH ADVENTURE AT HIGH ROCK," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.**

Yes, we'll hit a few high spots on this ride (surprise, surprise)!  After a little warm-up through Mountaindale, we climb up the ever-beautifiul Catoctin Hollow Road.  Next we climb up MD77 and work our way over to PenMar, where we'll continue ascending to the High Rock overlook.  We'll stop to take in the view there and perhaps see some hang-gliders.  After that we'll descend into the Cumberland Valley, where we'll enjoy relatively gentle terrain and bucolic country roads all the way to the lunch stop at Tony's Pizza, and for several miles after that.  Eventually, of course, we have to get back over the mountains.  The climb over South Mountain on Wolfsville Road is a bit arduous but not too long, and we really love the descent into Wolfsville that follows -- hope you do, too!  Then we'll still have Catoctin Mountain to "get over," and we have a choice of (#1) tackling the climb up to Gambrill State Park via Crow Rock and Highland School Rds (ouch) or (#2) taking the "low" road (Harmony/Hollow/US40) (aka the Weenie Way).  While #1 is more painful, it's very pretty and once you get up there Gambrill State Park has a nice overlook.  #2 features a more gradual climb but is not as scenic. Either way, we plunge back down into Frederick via Shookstown Road.  Please exercise caution on that descent, and make sure your brakes are generally in excellent working order for this ride!  100 miles, with a 68-mile short option.  Estimated elevation gain 7500 feet.

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, MAY 9, 2010

"NOODLING TO NEW OXFORD," starting from Roy Rogers, Frederick, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 8:00 A.M.**  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 PA, and an afternoon rest stop in Detour.  Ride includes a brief section 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.

Direction 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 north end of the parking lot near Weis Market.

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

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

"MISSING THE POINT," starting from the Bloom Supermarket parking lot, Accokeek, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  With the close-in ride start, we may experience a bit more traffic than we usually encounter in the last several miles of the ride.  That said, most of the ride is on quiet, low-traffic roads, and there are some very nice water views.  Points of interest include Popes Creek, Chapel Point State Park, St. Ignatius Church, and the historic village of Port Tobacco, originally an Indian settlement "Potopaco."  Lunch at Crabby Dick's at the Port Tobacco Marina.  103 miles, with LOTS of short options – 51, 60, 67, 78, or 89 miles!

Directions to the ride start:

BLOOM parking lot, 15789 Livingston Road, ACCOKEEK, MARYLAND

From DC Beltway, I-495, exit south onto MD210, Indian Head Highway.  In about 10.5 miles turn left on MD373 (traffic light) and make an immediate left into the Bloom parking lot.  There's a Burger King and Dunkin Donuts across the street.

Crista

crista.dccentury@gmail.com

202-365-3738

 

The usual addendum to Weekend Rides!

Hi buddies,

Sorry I forgot to mention that you need to email me if you're coming out either Saturday or Sunday so that I can send you an electronic copy of the cue sheet.  If you can't print it out yourself, then let me know and I'll bring a hard copy for you to the ride start.

Thanks,

Crista

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.

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

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.

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

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