WEEKEND RIDES, AUGUST 29 & 30, 2009

Dear Friends,

The weekend forecast has brightened up a bit, and we're planning to ride
both days. We'll take it easy on Saturday down in southern Maryland so
as to have a little something left for a very special, extrEEEMely
"scenic" ride on Sunday!

Here's what's up:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2009
"COBB ISLAND CENTURY," starting from the College of Southern Maryland,
La Plata, Maryland. MEETING TIME 8:00 am. **NOTE meeting time is a
half hour later than usual.** A gentle ride, with some flat stretches
and a few hills. Points of interest include Port Tobacco, Chapel Point,
Popes Creek, and a nice tour around Cobb Island. Lunch at Captain
John's Crab House on Cobb Island. 101 miles, with MANY shorter options.

Directions to the ride start:
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND, 8730 MITCHELL ROAD, LA PLATA, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, exit 7A, Route 5 South (Branch Ave.) towards Waldorf.
In 12.7 miles merge onto US301 South/Crain Hwy/Blue Star Memorial Hwy.
In 8.7 miles turn right onto Mitchell Rd (traffic light, 1st right after
Turkey Hill Rd). In 1.6 mile turn right on North Campus Drive into the
college. Immediately turn R into 1st parking lot.

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

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009
"BURY MY HEART ON THE BLUE RIDGE," starting from the VDOT commuter lot
in Marshall, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.
This a very challenging ride, OK? It's also very, very beautiful, worth
every drop of sweat. The first 20 miles over the rolling hills of
Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties pass scenic horse farms and
vineyards. Then, after a fairly mellow climb over the Blue Ridge on
US522, we turn left onto Chester Gap Road, and the real drama begins.
The ensuing climb to the road's end at a foot trail into the Shenandoah
Back Country is less than two miles, but it's one you'll long remember.
It starts out steep and gets steeper. There is an ever-so-brief
"respite" when you reach the tiny village of Chester Gap, but then it
steepens yet again. Don't ask me what the grade is. It's as steep as
Coxey Brown for longer, but it's not as steep as the beginning of
Jackson Mountain Rd. Bring low gears. You'll feel exhilarated once you
reach the top, and there are some great views when you turn around and
descend (if you can look around you and control your speed at the same
time). But the ride is not over. Leaving Chester Gap, we'll plunge
down into Front Royal, briefly refuel, then ride south on Skyline Drive
(with its lovely overlooks and long stair-step climbs) to Thornton Gap,
with a lunch stop at the Elk Wallow Wayside (great blackberry milkshakes
are to be enjoyed here). After another wonderful descent on US211,
we'll take the beautiful back way into Flint Hill by way of Gid Brown
Hollow and Harris Hollow Roads (1-mile section of hard-pack on Gid Brown
Hollow). We'll have a final rest stop in Flint Hill, then it's back to
Marshall on hilly but pretty Crest Hill Road. 103 miles, with a 50-mile
option that goes straight back to Marshall from Front Royal (why bother
coming out for just that?) and an optional 6-mile shortcut that omits
the unpaved road (and some gorgeous scenery).

Directions to the ride start:
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.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
**NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**

Dear Friends,

The weekend rides notice will be posted on Friday, as we're monitoring
the weather forecast closely. We hope to be able to ride both days.

Til tomorrow,

Crista

SUNDAY RIDE, AUGUST 23, 2009

Dear Friends,

We'll be out of town on Saturday and so will be leading a ride Sunday
only this weekend. It's a good one, and I hope you can make the trip
north to Perryville and join us!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2009
"MARGHERITA'S MISADVENTURE," starting from Perryville High School,
Perryville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. A hilly and scenic ride
(aren't they all?), beginning with a visit to the historic town of Port
Deposit with its interesting architecture and lovely view of the MIGHTY
Susquehanna River. After a fairly steep climb away from the river, the
ride heads north into Chester County, Pennsylvania and continues into
Lancaster County, where we'll visit many Amish farms and covered
bridges. As beautiful as the ride is, a major highlight of the day is
lunch at Margherita's in Oxford, where the stromboli rivals that of
Rocco's in East Berlin! For those who are too impatient to sit down for
lunch, there is a convenience store just down the road from
Margherita's. After lunch we'll seek out two more covered bridges and
have an afternoon stop (and yummy home-made ice cream) at the charming
Landenberg Store. The Landenberg store is in a particularly picturesque
setting ("you can't get there from here"). We pass through the White
Clay Creek Preserve on our way back to Perryville. 101 miles, with an
optional 10-mile shortcut before lunch and a an optional 22-mile
shortcut after lunch.

Directions to the ride start:
PERRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, 1696 PERRYVILLE RD, PERRYVILLE, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, north on I-95 30 miles to Ft. McHenry Tunnel (toll).
Continue north on I-95 another 36 miles and cross the Tydings Memorial
Bridge over the Susquehanna River (toll). Take the next exit (Exit 93),
MD222 toward Perryville/Port Deposit. In 0.4 mile, turn left onto
MD275/Perrylawn Drive. In 0.3 mile bear right onto Perryville Rd MD222.
In 0.4 mile, turn left into Perryville High School where St. Marks
Church Rd goes right (flashing traffic light as of 2006).

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
**NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**

WEEKEND RIDES, AUGUST 15 & 16, 2009

Dear Friends,

This Saturday we have a new ride that features a couple of interesting
climbs AND a road that we've never been on before. On Sunday we've
scheduled a familiar but very nice oldy-but-goody, as follows:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2009
"TKO," starting from Maugansville Elementary School,
Maugansville, Maryland. **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.** The "Technical
Knock-Out" at issue today is a Tuscarora-Kittatinny One-two punch. The
first punch is a 1425-foot climb on the Lincoln Highway up to Tuscarora
Summit, where your efforts will be rewarded by a fantastic panoramic
view of the valley below from the Mountain House Bar & Grill. See some
really neat photos of old postcards of the area at
http://roadsidephotos.sabr.org/LH/centpenn02.htm. The second punch is a
mere 975-foot climb over Kittatinny Mountain. There are a few less
significant climbs as well, and plenty of fairly mellow riding through
Cumberland Valley farm land. Lunch will be at Johnnie's Restaurant in
McKinney, which has a neat ambiance. The last time Chuck and I were
there, three seriously cute little Amish boys (the youngest looked about
7) rode up to the restaurant on horseback. Other points of interest
include Cowans Gap State Park, the Buchanan State Forest, the historic
Browns Mill one-room schoolhouse, and the picturesque Martins Mill
Covered Bridge (see
http://www.twp.antrim.pa.us/?show=article&id=70&sid=58). 103 miles,
with an optional 66-mile ride that skips the second climb.

Directions to the ride start:
MAUGANSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MAUGANSVILLE, MARYLAND
From DC beltway go north on I-270 to Frederick. Then take I-70 west to
I-81. Then take I-81 north to Exit 9 (Maugans Avenue). Left (west) on
Maugans Avenue. School is 0.5 mi. on the left.

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

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009
"LOVELY LOVETTSVILLE LOOP," starting from the VDOT commuter lot in
Marshall, Virginia. **MEETING TIME 7:30 A.M.** This is a very scenic,
fairly hilly ride that hits most of the classic Fauquier/Loudoun County
horse-country towns and villages, including The Plains, Middleburg ("if
you're not rich you're not welcome"), Purcellville, Waterford,
Taylorstown, Lovettsville, Hillsboro, Round Hill, Airmont, and
Rectortown. Lunch in Lovettsville at Andy's Pizza & Subs. 99 miles,
with PLENTY of shorter options.

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.

Crista
work 202-662-4557
cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
**NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTION -- AIN'T NO BREEZE TO BREEZEWOOD OVERNIGHTER, SEPTEMBER 5 & 6, 2009

Dear Friends,

This Labor Day weekend (coming soon!) we're resurrecting Jim Kuehn's EPIC "Ain't No Breeze to Breezewood" overnighter, and we invite you to join us for this 2-day bicycling adventure. Jim first led the ride for PPTC way back in 1993, so that qualifies it as an antique. We've been doing it every other year or so since then, and it remains on our list of top 10 favorite rides! The ride starts in Williamsport, Maryland. We'll spend Saturday night at the Best Western in Breezewood, PA and return to Williamsport on Sunday. Both days feature an extravaganza of challenging climbs, delicious descents, and fabulous views. This will be an unsupported ride, meaning that you'll have to CARRY YOUR OWN GEAR to Breezewood and back.

Saturday's ride to Breezewood, starting from Williamsport, was designed by Jim Kuehn and is a MASTERPIECE! Heading west out of Williamsport, we pass Fort Frederick and then ride through the hilly and very scenic Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area. Next, after a particularly gnarly and notorious climb on Dyer Road, we'll swoop down into Hancock for a well-earned rest stop. The climbing resumes as we head north into Pennsylvania, and we'll tackle the first MAJOR climb over Town Hill before lunch. A long, fast descent into Crystal Spring follows, where we'll have lunch at the Cornerstone Café. After lunch, a few miles on Pleasant Valley Road will lead us to the next major climb over Sideling Hill. And no rest for the weary, as Kimber Mountain follows soon thereafter. After Kimber Mountain, a very long and luscious 6-mile descent takes us down into Hopewell, where we'll sit a spell at Linda's Little General Store. Then the terrain merely rolls for a few miles before our last major climb on Bunker Hill Rd, followed by a series of what Jim lovingly refers to as "little annoyances" on the way into Breezewood. Fact is it ain't over til it's over. 101 miles with close to 10,000 feet elevation gain. There is a 10-mile optional shortcut on the way to Hancock (via the Western Maryland Rail Trail) that omits several nasty climbs. And leaving Town Hill there's a humongous optional shortcut that yields a 64-mile ride (or 54 if you take the rail trail to Hancock). But you'll be missing the best of it if you take these shortcuts.

Sunday's ride back to Williamsport is yet another scenic torture-fest. We'll ride through the historic Jackson Mills Covered Bridge soon after leaving Breezewood. A very steep short climb follows immediately, but the first real eye-opener is the climb over McKee's Gap at mile 17. Another climb over Sideling Hill will take us down into Warfordsburg for a rest stop. Several noticeable ups and downs follow as we work our way up to Pleasant Ridge and eventually climb over Scrub Ridge before descending into McConnellsburg for lunch. There will still be plenty of climbing after lunch, but it will be somewhat less intense. And those who have done this ride in the past will probably be relieved to learn that we've replaced the painful grind over Hanging Rock Road with the kinder and gentler climb over Fairview Mountain on US40. If this modification offends you, Hanging Rock is still there and you know the way. 102 miles, with a metric century option that eliminates all the major climbs after Warfordsburg. As Sunday's route has been revised since we last rode to Breezewood, I don't know the elevation gain, but it's certainly over 8000 feet, maybe 9000.

We'll be spending Saturday night at the Best Western in Breezewood. There are plenty of additional lodging options in the motel capital of the world, a few of them listed below for your convenience. So, if you want to opt in for this weekend of spectacular riding (the more the merrier!), please make your reservations ASAP and advise me that you're going to join us. I'll send out an update including meeting time and directions to the ride start (Williamsport High School), etc. the week before Labor Day. Let's hope things cool down by then!

Breezewood motels:

Best Western Plaza Inn
16407 Lincoln Highway
877-722-3422

Holiday Inn Express
16503 Lincoln Highway
814-735-7666
866-270-5110

Quality Inn
16621 Lincoln Highway
814-735-4311
800-721-4311

Crista

**PS BREEZEWOOD IS NOT KNOWN FOR ITS FINE CUISINE.**

WEEKEND RIDES, AUGUST 8 & 9, 2009

Dear Friends,

Here's what's up for this steamy weekend:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2009
THE DC RANDONNEURS WOODBINE WALLOP RUSA 200K BREVET, designed and
organized by our RBA Bill Beck. The ride will start promptly at 7:00
a.m. from the Woodbine Park & Ride in Woodbine, Maryland. Registration
opens at 6:00 a.m. On-site registration fee is $10.00, and DC
Randonneurs membership is required.

Here's Bill's ride description (read it and be prepared!):
For those who missed the inaugural version of the Woodbine Wallop last
December, or thought it was too cold, here's a second chance to ride
what many consider to be our toughest 200km brevet under much warmer
conditions. It should be an excellent "training opportunity" for members
planning on riding the Endless Mountains 1240K at the end of September.
Starting innocently enough, the route heads southwest from Woodbine
<http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=108088581886214
260920.00045bed7395163b96461&ll=39.348474,-77.069301&spn=0.002912,0.0041
95&t=h&z=18> , across rolling terrain, through Damascus, to the first
control at the Dickerson Market. Then the fun begins as it climbs
Mountville Rd over Mar-Lu ridge (yes, the hard direction), plunges back
down to the town of Jefferson, goes over a series of rollers to
Burkittsville (made famous in the movie, "The Blair Witch Project"), and
then heads over South Mountain at Gathland State Park, passing the only
monument to war correspondents. The descent from South Mountain is
followed by an even nicer descent down Burnside Bridge Rd. (with a view
of the famous bridge itself at one point) to historic Sharpsburg, and
then an easy five miles to Shepherdstown, WV, where riders can reward
themselves from the delicious goodies at the Shepherdstown Sweet Shop.
Don't eat too many sweets though, because the climb back across South
Mountain on Reno Monument Rd is somewhat steep. The road is named for a
monument at the top to General Reno, who died at the spot during the
civil war. No cyclists have died on the climb -- at least so far. After
climbing back over Catoctin Mountain on Shookstown Rd., the route
follows rolling piedmont east to the final control in New Windsor,
before turning south back toward Woodbine. Save some energy for those
final 15 miles, because they include two very pretty, but steep, climbs
on Buffalo Rd. and a few short steepies on Watersville Rd. Riders will
finally be rewarded by a pleasant half-mile of downhill to the finish at
the Pizza Hut. Measured climbing in 2008 was 11,917 feet.

Directions to Woodbine:
WOODBINE PARK & RIDE, WOODBINE, MARYLAND
From the Washington Beltway
Take I-270 north toward Frederick. Go 12.8 miles to exit 16, Father
Hurley Blvd/Ridge Rd/MD27 toward Damascus. In 7 miles, jog right, then
left to remain on MD27 at MD108 in Damascus. In 5.5 miles, take I-70
east toward Baltimore at exit 68. Take the first exit, #73 From the
ramp, turn left onto MD94 north Woodbine Road. Go 1/4 around the traffic
circle and turn onto Old Frederick Road. Turn left into the shopping
center and then left again into the park and ride.
From Frederick
Take I-70 east about 18 miles to exit #73. From the ramp turn left onto
MD94 north Woodbine Road. Go 1/4 around the traffic circle and turn onto
Old Frederick Road. Turn left into the shopping center and then left
again into the park and ride.
From the Baltimore Beltway
Take I-70 west about 18 miles to exit #73. From the ramp turn right
onto MD94 north Woodbine Road. Go 1/4 around the traffic circle and turn
onto Old Frederick Road. Turn left into the shopping center and then
left again into the park and ride.

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

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2009
"MONUMENT TO MONUMENT," starting from Hains Point, Washington, D.C.
MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. This ride is adapted from a Baltimore Bicycle
Club ride that was led a few months ago. The route is ALMOST identical
to the BBC's ride except that their ride started in Baltimore and turned
around at the Washington Monument in DC. This ride will start from
Hains Point and turn around at the Washington Monument in Baltimore!
There will be a lot of city streets, stop signs, traffic lights, etc.,
and also some bike paths. Perhaps all the navigating (and there is a
lot of it) will take your minds off of just how how and sticky it is on
Sunday. Lunch at Little Havana in Baltimore. Some points of interest
include the Jefferson Memorial, US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington
Monument, National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Lake Artemesia,
Baltimore's Washington Monument, Peabody Institute, and Catholic
University. 99 miles. No cued shortcuts but you can turn around at
almost any point on the ride and pick up the cues for the return route.

Here are the directions to Hains Point:
HAINS POINT (EAST POTOMAC PARK)
1100 Ohio Drive, S.W., 202-619-7222
Take I-395 north into Washington (over 14th Street bridge) and take the
first exit for Potomac Park/Park Police. Turn left at the T
intersection (Buckeye Drive, unmarked), then left into the parking lot
near the tennis courts.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738

WEEKEND RIDE, SATURDAY 8/1/09

Dear Friends,

We have only one ride scheduled this weekend (on Saturday) but it's
SPECIAL!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2009
Sir Rudy Hewitt is leading "CORNQUEST," starting from the Hyattstown
Shopping Center in Hyattstown, Maryland. **MEETING TIME 7:30 am.**
For many, many years, on the first Saturday in August, we have been
riding to the annual corn roast at the Union Mills Homestead in Union
Mills, Maryland. (See website:
http://www.unionmills.org/2009_events/2009_corn_roast.htm. It is a
great ride and a great event--plus it's a TRADITION so you simply must
be there! In 2006, Dave Berning defended his title of CornKing and
even set a new record, consuming 12 big fat ears. Will you be the one
to dethrone him this year? Remember to bring your Dura-Ace corn
skewers! $12.00 (or $5.00 for children 6-12, FREE for children under
6!) buys you a serving of fried chicken, applesauce, roll & butter,
sliced tomatoes, iced tea or lemonade, and ALLLLLLLL the sweet slippery
roasted corn (and melted butter) you can eat! You will get your money's
worth. Old raggedy clothing highly recommended, as your jersey may well
be permanently butter-stained by the time you finish eating.

"CornQuest" is quite hilly and very scenic. It passes through Union
Bridge, Uniontown, and Pleasant Valley on the way to lunch, and visits
Silver Run and Libertytown on the way back. 101 miles, ~7500 feet
elevation gain. The ride doesn't easily lend itself to shortcuts, but
there are a few, and if you take all of them you can shorten the ride to
87 miles. Alternatively, if that's too long a ride for you, I have cues
for a 57-mile route that starts in Libertytown. It meets up with the
century ride at the first stop in Union Bridge and then follows the
identical route to the corn roast and back to Libertytown. If you are
interested in this abbreviated route, let me know (by no later than
Friday morning) and I will email a copy of the cue sheet to you
directly.

For those of you who are not interested in making pigs of yourselves at
the corn roast (shame on you), there is a store 8 miles further along on
the route where you can purchase Gatorade and other boring stuff.

Directions to ride start:
HYATTSTOWN SHOPPING CENTER, HYATTSTOWN, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Exit 22. turn left on L MD109
North at end of ramp. In 0.5 mi. turn left on MD355 at the traffic
light. In 0.3 mi. turn left into shopping center - park away from
stores.

Rudy is AWOL this week and can only be reached by email:
rudie84@comcast.net.

Crista

SATURDAY RIDE, JULY 25, 2009!

Dear friends,

Thanks to Jeff Radan, there WILL be a ride tomorrow! Here are the
details, note the 8:00 meeting time:

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2009
Jeff Radan is leading "FERRY TO FERRY," starting from Poolesville High
School, Poolesville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m. We'll begin by
heading down to Whites Ferry (see
http://www.talkingproud.us/VirginiaPotomacWhitesFerry.html). After the
very 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 Anvil Restaurant. There should be something to suit all
tastes here, as the lunch menu runs the gamut from the humble hippie
sandwich to more extravagant fare like the Blackened Salmon Salad (see
http://www.anvilrestaurant.com/). 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 continue 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. 102 miles, with 87 and 96-mile
"short" options. Both short options follow the main route to Harpers
Ferry and include the lunch stop.

Directions to ride start:
Poolesville High School, 17501 Willard Rd, Poolesville, MD, 20837

From Beltway, take I-270 north to Rockville Exit-6 onto MD-28 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.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeff at radanjeff@gmail.com.

Crista

SUNDAY RIDE, JULY 26, 2009

Dear Friends,

Since we can only ride one day this weekend, let's make it a good one!

Sunday, July 26, 2009
"HOLLOW PROMISES," starting from the C&O Canal National Historic Park,
Sharpsburg, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. Another new ride, this
one focuses on the beautiful and rugged terrain around Indian Springs,
Fairview Mountain and Licking Creek, with several significant climbs
before our lunch stop at the Country Crossroads Store on Hollow Road.
Terrain in the afternoon is a little bit more forgiving, with some flat
stretches interspersed with short, steep climbs, as we head over to
Hancock, cross the Potomac River into West Virginia, then head back to
Sharpsburg via Dave Berning's classic old 300K route. Optional stop at
the bike shop in Hancock. 100 miles with an optional 13-mile shortcut.

Here are the directions to the ride start:
C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, Sharpsburg, Maryland
From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Frederick (approx. 32 miles).
Take exit 32 to merge onto I-70 West toward Hagerstown.
In 4.3 miles, take exit 49 for US40 Alt. toward Braddock
Heights/Middletown.
in 0.2 mile turn left onto US40 Alt. West; continue on Alt. 40 through
Middletown and over South Mountain.
In 14.3 miles turn left onto MD34 Potomac Street in Boonsboro.
In about 9.5 miles turn left onto Canal Road (sign to C&O National
Historic Park) (before bridge over Potomac River).
In 0.1 mile turn left to remain on Canal Rd at bottom of steep hill.
In 0.4 mi. turn left into the parking lot. Porta-john available!

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
**NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**

WEEKEND RIDES, JULY 18 & 19, 2009

Dear Friends,

Same ol' same ol', hard ride on Saturday, easy ride on Sunday. Hope you
can join us for one or both. PLEASE NOTE THE LATE MEETING TIME (8:30)
FOR SUNDAY'S RIDE!! Also note that while both rides start in Frederick,
Saturday's ride starts at Monocacy Middle School and Sunday's ride
starts from the shopping center on Opossumtown Pike @ Thomas Johnson
Drive. Here's the menu:

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2009
"THE STEPMOTHER OF ALL RIDES," starting from Monocacy Middle School in
Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. This is a beautiful,
mountainous ride. The ride starts out fairly innocently, noodling north
to Emmitsburg and on to Fairfield, Pa. The first climb up Cold Springs
Road to the village of South Mountain is the longest and most
challenging of the day, passing through bountiful orchards into the
Michaux State Forest, with many steep pitches and a few false summits.
When you think it's over, it isn't! After a fast and swoopy descent to
Mont Alto, we'll have lunch at Paul's Market (some local peaches are in)
and then wander around rolling farmland in the Cumberland Valley for a
few miles before the next big climb up to Cascade via Old Rt. 16 and
Buena Vista. We'll have our final rest stop at GT's Handimart and then
head over to Park Central Rd (hoping that it will be open) for yet
another climb, followed by a "thrilling" descent to the Catoctin
Mountain Park Visitors Center. After the penultimate climb up Catoctin
Hollow and its beautiful descent along Hunting Creek, there is only one
more "little molehill" (whose name shall not be mentioned) near the end
of the ride. 99 miles, with two optional shortcuts. (Note these are
only 11-mile and 5-mile shortcuts, and the 11-mile shortcut does not go
to Paul's Market. The 5-mile shortcut is after the last rest stop and
omits a lot of climbing.) Estimated total elevation gain 7500-8000
feet (depending on whether Park Central is open; if it's closed we'll
have to go down MD77, which will omit the "easy" climb on Park Central).

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, JULY 19, 2009
"CLIPPETY-CLOP TO CROSS KEYS," starting from Roy Rogers on Thos. Johnson
Drive in Frederick. **LATE MEETING TIME 8:30 a.m!** A fairly easy ride
heading east into Carroll County and then north into Adams County PA.
Instead of our usual lunch stop in Cross Keys (where everyone always
eats too much and then whines afterward), we're going to continue on to
New Oxford for lunch at the Pizza Garden. 1/2 mile of hard-pack dirt
surface on Baumgardner Rd before our last rest stop in Detour. I know
we did this ride only 2 months ago, but we expect to be totally trashed
after Saturday's ride and this is about the easiest century I could come
up with without resorting to southern Maryland. In actuality, the route
has received very favorable reviews for its pleasant scenery, quiet
roads, and gentle terrain. 99 miles, with 61-mile and 88-mile short
options.

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 of the
lot behind Weis Market.

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

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
**NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**

Saturday Ride, Oops

Dear friends,

It has been brought to my attention that I mistakenly listed Saturday's
ride as being on Sunday. Please note that the Scrub Ridge Century is on
Saturday, July 11. Meander to Millwood is on Sunday, July 12!

Crista

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Palincsar [mailto:palincss@his.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 5:20 PM
To: Borras, Crista
Subject: Re: WEEKEND RIDES, JULY 11-12, 2009

There can't be TWO Sundays only one day apart. In fact, the 11th is
Saturday.

WEEKEND RIDES, JULY 11-12, 2009

Dear Friends,

We're back from our Rip Van Winkle tour and it seems like 20 years just
slipped out from under us in the last two weeks. We are resuming the
Weekend Rides in earnest and hope to see some familiar faces this
weekend. Here's what we have planned. Note that both rides start at
7:45 instead of the usual 7:30 due to the relatively remote ride start
locations:

SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2009
"SCRUB RIDGE CENTURY," starting from Clear Spring High School, Clear
Spring, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m. This is a new ride that
visits some favorite old haunts (including the Indian Springs Wildlife
Management Area) and explores some roads that are new to us, too,
including a challenging climb over Scrub Ridge in Fulton County PA. It
promises to be a very scenic ride, following several ridge lines that
should offer great views. If you enjoyed the incredibly lovely Little
Cove Road on Lynn Kristianson's beautiful 400K brevet back in May, you
will love it even more heading in the opposite direction! (Of course
there will be a price to pay later on.) We'll have lunch in
McConnellsburg, and ride the infamous Dyer and Weller Roads in the
afternoon - but in the EASY direction! 104 miles, with short options
of 50 and 95 miles.

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. In approx. 0.3 mi., turn
right on Broadfording Rd into the school complex. Turn left after the
first school on the right and continue toward high school. Park at the
high school parking lot on the right.

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

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2009
"MEANDER TO MILLWOOD," starting from the C&O National Historic Park,
Sharpsburg, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m. A nice little ride over
moderate terrain that crosses the Potomac River into Shepherdstown, West
Virginia and heads south to Millwood, Virginia for a yummy lunch at
Locke Store (see http://www.lockestore.com/. Other highlights are a
really mellow stretch along the Shenandoah River, the Burwell-Morgan
Mill across the street from the store (see
http://www.clarkehistory.org/) and a lovely waterwheel on Kabletown
Road. The latter is at the bottom of the hill about 0.8 mile south of
Charlie Brown's store - easy to miss if you're flying! One brief
stretch of unpaved road (less than a half mile) along the Shenandoah.
100 miles, with a 71-mile option that stops for lunch in Berryville but
doesn't make it to Millwood.

Directions to the ride start (2 options, take your pick!):

C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, Sharpsburg, Maryland

From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Frederick (approx. 32 miles).
Take exit 32 to merge onto I-70 West toward Hagerstown.
In 4.3 miles, take exit 49 for US40 Alt. toward Braddock
Heights/Middletown.
in 0.2 mile turn left onto US40 Alt. West; continue on Alt. 40 through
Middletown and over South Mountain.
In 14.3 miles turn left onto MD34 Potomac Street in Boonsboro.
In about 9.5 miles turn left onto Canal Road (sign to C&O National
Historic Park) (before bridge over Potomac River). In 0.1 mile turn
left to remain on Canal Rd at bottom of steep hill.
In 0.4 mi. turn left into the parking lot. Porta-john available!

OR

From DC Beltway, take I-270 north approx. 32 miles to Frederick.
Take exit 32 onto I-70 West, toward Hagerstown.
In 1.3 mi. take exit 52 onto US340 West, toward Charlestown/Leesburg.
You will pass through Virginia and into West Virginia.
In 21.3 miles, turn right onto WV230/Shepherdstown Pike.
In 8.8 miles turn right onto S. Princess Street in Shepherdstown to
remain on WV230.
In 0.1 mi. turn left onto E. German St. to remain on WV230.
In 0.3 mi. turn right onto N. Duke Street/WV480.
In 0.5 mi. cross bridge over Potomac River and enter Maryland. Becomes
MD34.
In 0.4 mi. take first right (sharp turn) onto Canal Road (sign to C&O
National Historic Park).
In 0.1 mile turn left to remain on Canal Rd at bottom of steep hill.
In 0.4 mi. turn left into the parking lot. Porta-john available!

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738

WEEKEND RIDES

Dear Friends,

Chuck and I will not be around to lead weekend rides for the next 3
weekends, as we begin our 15-day Rip Van Winkle tour early Saturday
morning. Eric Pilsk is leading a double century for PPTC this Saturday,
June 20, and Rudy Hewitt has volunteered to lead a century ride the
following Saturday, June 27. I hope you will support them and turn out
for their rides! If anyone wants to lead a ride on June 21, June 28,
July 4 or July 5 to fill in the gaps, I please post it directly to the
DC Rand List! I'm off duty now. The Weekend Rides will resume the
weekend of July 11 & 12.

Info for Eric and Rudy's rides follows, and looking forward to seeing
all of you in July,

Crista

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2009

BB * 200 * DC * 5:43 AM * Hains Point (HAI)

Summer Solstice: Sunrise-Sunset. It's the longest day of the year (well
technically the next to longest) and what better way to spend all those
hours of daylight than tackling a Double Century. With over 15 hours of
daylight and all day Sunday to recover, you know you can do it. We plan
a straightforward out-and-back route north from Hains Point on mostly
familiar and fairly flat roads through Potomac, Dickerson, Frederick and
Thurmont before making the un-flat ascent up to PenMar High Rock. Once
you summit, it is almost all downhill back to Hains Point, so it's a
piece of cake, right? And if you don't feel like doing the full 200,
just turn around at any point and head for the car. Although this is a
self supported ride, with plenty of rest stops along the way, we plan to
arrange for box lunches at PenMar. Accordingly, we are asking riders to
RSVP by Thursday, June 18 and to pay for their share of lunch. With a
start at dawn and the possibility of finishing after sunset, proper
lights and reflective gear are recommended. If you are interested
contact Eric Pilsk at Eric's email. No go in steady rain. Eric
Pilsk [Eric's Email] 240/893-3499.

Eric Pilsk
Eric's email

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009

Rudy Hewitt is leading "Lollygag to Libertytown," starting from Lucy
Barnsley Elementary School in Rockville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30
a.m.
The school is very close to Chuck's house, so many of you are familiary
with the obligatory jaunt through quiet suburban neighborhoods at the
start and end of the ride. But before you know it you'll be traveling
over some of the nicest roads in Howard County on the way to the first
rest stop in Mount Airy. Then the terrain becomes seriously hilly and
oh-so-scenic as it wends its way toward Libertytown on some truly
beloved eastern Fred County roads. After lunch at Angel's, the route
tackles more hills in eastern Fred County and western Carroll County
before the final rest stop in Lisbon. Then it's familiar (and gentle)
roads back to the school. 100 miles, with a few optional shortcuts.
Estimated elevation gain 6700 feet.

Directions to the ride start:
LUCY BARNSLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 14516 Nadine Drive, Rockville MD 20853

From the South:
DC Beltway to Georgia Ave. Georgia Ave north to Bel Pre. Left on Bel
Pre. Left on Norbeck MD28.
1st left on Nadine. School is 0.2 mi. on right, 14516 Nadine Drive.
OR:

I-270 to MD28 East (toward Rockville City Centre).
Once you pass the mixing bowl and go over bridge, take a left to stay on
28 (Norbeck).
Right on Nadine. If you get to Bel Pre you have gone too far.

Rudy Hewitt
Rudy @ Home
or
Rudy @ Work
Cell 301-648-7279

NOTE: Rudy emailed me a map indicating the location of the school, but
I am unable to insert it into this email. If you need it, shoot me an
email and I'll be happy to forward it to you. -- Crista

THE BIG WEEKEND RIDE: DC RANDONNEURS 600K BREVET June 13-14, 2009

Dear Friends,

The big one has arrived!

Saturday and Sunday is the DC Randonneurs 600 Kilometer Brevet, starting
from the MOTEL 6!!!! in Frederick, Maryland. This is the same motel
that just last week was a Quality Inn and for many years was a Holiday
Inn. Come and reminisce about the old days while you can, because
starting next year we'll be moving our Frederick brevet starts
elsewhere!

Here's all the pertinent info, courtesy of our esteemed RBA, Bill Beck:

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

The cue sheet and GPS files for the Frederick ACP 600K brevet scheduled
for this Saturday, June 13, are now posted at
http://dcrand.org/blog/2009/06/10/cue-sheet-and-gps-files-for-june-13-14
-frederick-acp-600k-brevet/.

A map link to the start is included in the ride description at
http://dcrand.org/blog/2009/05/25/acp-600km-brevet-june-13-14-frederick-
md/.
Park at the upper end of the parking lot (near W Patrick St), as far
from the hotel as possible. Registration will be in a covered walkway at
that upper end of the hotel and will be open from 6-8PM on Friday and
from 3-4AM on Saturday. Mandatory bike inspection will take place
nearby. You should go to the bike inspection first. After passing the
inspection, you will be given a sticker or other item to take to the
registration, where you will receive your control card. Be sure to have
your front and rear lights, reflective vest or Sam Browne sash, and
reflective ankle bands.

If you want to see where you will be going, you can see a GPS track from
the first day's loop of the checkout ride at
http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/8412261 and for the second
day's loop at http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/8412059 . My
Polar elevation and temperature profile from the checkout are at the end
of the photo set at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wabeck/sets/72157619322433227/ .

As I mentioned in a previous message, the former Quality Inn has changed
into a Motel 6. They no longer supply shampoo or alarm clocks.
But they do provide wake-up calls. If you are staying at the Motel 6, I
strongly suggest that you bring your own alarm AND ask for a wake-up
call so that you do not oversleep like happened to me on the checkout
when my wristwatch alarm failed to wake me. I ended up making it to the
East Berlin control with less than 30 minutes until it closed. (We will
almost certainly be shifting to a different motel for next year's
Frederick brevets.)

We will now be requiring that all riders provide an emergency contact
name and phone number at registration. So please be sure to bring that
information and write it clearly on the sheet.

We will have a limited supply of 600K medals
(http://www.rusa.org/medals/medalimage31.html) that will be available at
the finish for $10 to all qualified finishers who are RUSA members.
If you don't get a medal at the finish, you can still order one yourself
from the RUSA online store (http://www.rusa.org/cgi
bin/store_GF.pl) after the ride results have been posted.

See you in Frederick!

Bill

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

Hope to see you all there!

Crista

Weekend Rides, June 6 & 7, 2009

Dear Friends,

Are you suffering from the between-the-brevets blues? We have just the antidote for you this weekend. Saturday will provide a nice tune-up for the big cahuna on the 13th, and on Sunday we'll do a tame ride (and only 80 miles!) to the Cirque du Cyclisme.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2009
"FEAST AT FLANNERY'S," starting from Middletown Primary School, Middletown, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. Beginning with the relatively benign climb over South Mountain on Arnoldstown Road, we'll be heading northwest over rolling terrain through the Cumberland Valley to Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, where we'll enjoy a nice lunch at Flannery's Tavern. See their menu at http://www.flannerystavernonthesquare.com/. The return route features a really nice covered bridge that's closed to automobile traffic. After the last rest stop in Cavetown, we'll enjoy traveling south and mostly downhill for several miles on Crystal Falls Drive before the climb back over South Mountain and some noticeable ups and downs on the way back to Middletown. 100 miles with an 85-mile short option.

Directions to the ride start:
MIDDLETOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL, 403 Franklin Street, MIDDLETOWN, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, take I-270 north approximately 32 miles to Frederick. Then take I-70 west 3.5 miles to Exit 49/Alt.40. Go left/west on Alt.40 for about 4 miles to Middletown. Turn left onto MD17 Church St. in Middletown. In 0.1 mile turn left onto Franklin Street. In 0.3 mile turn left into school.

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2009
"CYCLE TO THE CIRQUE," starting from Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. Nothing new under the sun on the route in itself, but the close-in ride start should appeal to many, and the highlight of the day will be attending the Circue du Cyclisme at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds in Leesburg! See http://www.cirqueducyclisme.com/schedule-of-events.html. The route passes through Potomac and Poolesville, then we'll take the
General Jubal Early Ferry across the Potomac River (see http://canal.mcmullans.org/whites_ferry.htm). From there it's a hop skip and a jump to the Cirque, where riders can hang out for as long as they like. In the afternoon, we'll head back to DC via the W&OD and Custis Trails. We'll cross Key Bridge and wend our way through Georgetown and Palisades, finally returning to Glen Echo. Haven't finished the cue sheet yet, but total mileage will be about 80 miles or so. Remember the toll troll at the ferry, plus an admission fee at the Circue (looks like it's only $5.00).

Directions to the ride start:
GLEN ECHO PARK, GLEN ECHO, MARYLAND
From Maryland, take DC Beltway south toward American Legion Bridge, Exit 39, MD190 (River Rd) east toward Washington. Continue 2.2 miles to a right onto MD614 (Goldsboro Rd). At MacArthur Boulevard, make a right then a quick left into parking lot for Glen Echo Park and Clara Barton House.
From Virginia, at Maryland end of American Legion Bridge, take exit 41 onto Clara Barton Parkway east toward DC. In 1.5 miles, bear right on ramp leading to Cabin John overpass. Turn left onto overpass to MacArthur Boulevard. Turn right and continue 0.7 mile to lot for Clara Barton House and Glen Echo Park on right.
From downtown DC, go west on Massachusetts Ave. At Westmoreland Circle, continue on Mass. Ave into Maryland. Turn left onto Goldsboro Rd at the T, then in ½ mi. turn right onto MacArthur Blvd, then quick left into parking lot for Clara Barton House and Glen Echo Park.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
**I DO NOT HAVE EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**

BIG (AND NOT AS BIG) SATURDAY RIDES, May 30, 2009!

Dear Friends,

Saturday is the DC RANDONNEURS 400K BREVET starting from the Quality Inn
in Frederick, Maryland at 4:00 a.m. This is a truly gorgeous route, one
of Lynn Kristianson's MASTERPIECES, not to be missed! Please go to the
DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org for all the information about the
brevet. I'm really time-challenged today. Hope to see everyone on
Saturday!

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

And for those of you who can't afford to spend all day in the saddle,
Rudy Hewitt has volunteered to lead the Biglerville Century, starting
from Monocacy Middle School in Frederick. Meeting time will be 7:30
a.m. Here's the warmed-over ride description for that very nice ride:
This is a ride that appeals to just about everyone we know. Not too
hilly, not too flat, pretty scenery, and lunch at our favorite Adams
County pizza joint, MAMMA's in Biglerville PA, Apple Capital of the USA.
101 miles, with short options of 64 or 82 miles. Estimated elevation
gain 5000 feet or less.

Contact info for Biglerville Century:
Rudy Hewitt
Email rudie84@comcast.net
Cell: 301-648-7279

Directions to Monocacy Middle School (note, this is NOT the start for
the 400K)!!!:
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
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
Note: I will not be in the office on Friday and won't have email
access. You can reach me on my cell on Friday.

WEEKEND RIDES, MAY 23-25, 2009

Dear Friends,

Looks like we might in for 3 good riding days this holiday weekend! The
"special" ride that we promised is scheduled for Saturday, with easy
rides on both Sunday and Monday so that we have at least a chance of
recovering in time for the 400K. PLEASE NOTE THE VARYING MEETING TIMES
THIS WEEKEND. On Saturday, we'll meet at 7:30; Sunday and Monday, we'll
meet at 8:00.

SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2009
"MAY YOUR PAIN BE EXQUISITE," starting from Monocacy Middle School in
Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.
Are you an ultramasochist? After popping over Big Flat in your big
chain ring last Saturday did you mutter to yourself "Is that all there
is?" Then this ride is for you, and your presence is respectfully
requested. We promise a plethora of pulse-raising ascents to complement
the beautiful scenery. In addition to several major climbs including
Middlepoint, Park Central, and PenMar, we will be "exploring" a "new"
road that Neal Becker discovered during his winter wanderings. There
are several lesser climbs, too, but there's also some mellow terrain in
the Cumberland Valley before and after lunch. There is a brief unpaved
stretch on Eylers Valley Rd -- try it, you'll like it! 100 miles, with
several optional shortcuts.

Directions to the ride start:
MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, 8009 OPOSSUMTOWN PIKE, FREDERICK, MARYLAND
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 24, 2009
"CYPRESS SWAMP CENTURY," starting from Southern High School, Harwood,
Maryland. MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m. This is one of our favorite southern
Maryland rides, featuring lunch at Stoney's on Broomes Island (where the
crab cakes are SUBLIME). Unless you're in a rush, there should be time
to visit the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp after lunch and stroll along the
boardwalk through the prehistoric bald cypress trees. (See
http://calvert-county.com/cypress.htm) The terrain is gently rolling,
with a few hills dotting the landscape here and there. Pretty horse
farms, tobacco barns, lovely bay views, and maybe even some peacocks!
100 miles, with short options of 64 or 84 miles. Note, however, that
the short options don't go to Stoney's. Estimated elevation gain 4,000
feet.

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.

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

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2009
"CLIPPETY-CLOP TO CROSS KEYS," starting from Roy Rogers on Thomas
Johnson Drive in Frederick. MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m. An easy ride due
north into Adams County PA with a "substantial" lunch stop at the Cross
Keys Diner. 1/2 mile of dirt surface on Baumgardner Rd. 100 miles with
61-mile and 88-mile short options. Note: If you were on the inaugural
version of this ride back in February, the cue sheet has been corrected
:-)

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 of the lot behind Weis
Market.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-375-3738
**NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**

BIG SATURDAY RIDE -- DC RANDONNEURS 300K BREVET!

Dear Friends,

The DC Randonneurs 300K Brevet is this Saturday, starting from the
Quality Inn on Baughmans Lane in Frederick, Maryland at 5:00 a.m. (same
location as in years past, only it used to be a Holiday Inn). All the
juicy details are on the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org.
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Since we will probably be trashed after the 300K, we are not scheduling
a Sunday ride. But we'll make up for that NEXT weekend with a "special"
ride -- stay tuned.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738

PS I will not be in the office tomorrow (Friday) and will not have
access to my email.

WEEKEND RIDES, MAY 9 & 10, 2009

Dear Friends,

It appears that our "unsettled" weather pattern will continue through
Saturday, so Saturday's ride will have plenty of bail-out options in the
event afternoon thunderstorms do materialize. Sunday is looking great
in comparison, so we'll go out on a limb and schedule something a little
more ambitious for that day. If we're lucky both days will be
rain-free. Please note the correct meeting times for both rides.

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2009
"BERRYVILLE CENTURY," starting from Clarke County High School,
Berryville, VA. **MEETING TIME 8:00 am.** This is a Tom Burns ride
from the early '90's, although you may have ridden it more recently as
the Potomac Pedalers club century. It's one of Tom's least hilly rides,
and it certainly is one of the prettiest "flattish" rides that we do.
The route is sort of a figure 8--the first (and flattest) half mostly in
Jefferson County, West Virginia. The second half of the ride stays in
Virginia and features a few hills. Points of interest include the
historic village of Middleway, the pretty waterfall on Tilthammer Mill
Road, the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood, all manner of yummy treats at
Locke's store (also in Millwood), and White Post Restorations in White
Post. I've changed the sequence of the last half of the ride for
logistical purposes (so as to have the final rest stop at mile 81
instead of mile 89), and some stretches will be ridden in the opposite
direction of Tom's original route, but we'll still travel on all the
same roads. Lunch stop in Berryville. 100 miles, with a half century
option and several other optional shortcuts (plenty of them in the
afternoon in case weather deteriorates).

Directions to the ride start:
CLARKE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, BERRYVILLE, VA.
From DC beltway (I-495), take Exit 12, VA267 Dulles Toll Rd to the end
and continue onto the Greenway toll road to its end in Leesburg (26
miles total). Then Take VA7 Bypass west to VA7 West to Berryville.
Bear left onto Bus. 7 in Berryville (~45-50 miles from DC beltway??).
In 2.5 mi. turn left onto 636 Westwood Road (after passing through
town). In 0.3 mi. turn right into school parking lot.

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

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2009
"MIRACLE AT MOUNT HOPE," starting from Catoctin High School, Thurmont,
Maryland. **MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m.** The first quarter of the ride is
very hilly, beginning with the long climb up MD77 and becoming more
interesting with each passing mile, as we climb about 2500 feet in the
first 25 miles to Mount Hope, Pa. The scenery is fabulous and the
descents are thrilling. After the first rest stop in Fairfield, the
terrain moderates quite a bit on the way to lunch at Mamma's in
Biglerville. We'll visit the reputedly haunted Sachs Covered Bridge
(circa 1815) during this stretch. See
http://www.nycivilwar.us/sachs.html. After lunch we'll head for the
hills again and ride through some of the beautiful orchard country of
northwestern Adams County (yes, we really do love this part of the
world, even though we're probably a week too late for the apple
blossoms). Other points of interest include the Eisenhower Bridge
(circa 1886), the Land of Little Horses, and the Eylers Valley Chapel.
100 miles, with many shorter options. You can even omit the steepest
climb of the day (Iron Springs Rd) and substitute it with the kinder and
gentler Jacks Mountain Rd...but then you'll miss Mount Hope! Total
elevation gain for the century 7000-7500 feet.

Directions to the ride start:
CATOCTIN HIGH SCHOOL, 14745 Sabillasville Road, Thurmont MD 21788
From DC Beltway go North on I-270 about 31 miles to Frederick. Continue
north on US15. In about 19 miles, take 3rd Thurmont exit
(MD550/Sabillasville). Turn left on MD550 (restrooms at Sheetz). In
about 0.2 mi., turn right into high school parking lot.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
**NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**

WEEKEND RIDES, MAY 2-3, 2009

Dear Friends,

Brevet season is in full swing now, and the DC Randonneurs Warrenton
300K Brevet is this Saturday. And Chuck and I will be leading a ride on
Sunday from the Warrenton Municipal Lot--really convenient for
randonneurs who stay over in Warrenton Saturday night after the brevet!

Here are the details:

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2009
DC RANDONNEURS WARRENTON ACP 300K BREVET, starting from the Hampton Inn
in Warrenton, Virginia at 5:00 a.m. Here is all the pertinent info,
courtesy of RBA Bill Beck:

"The cue sheet and GPS files for the Warrenton ACP 300K brevet scheduled
for this Saturday, May 2, are now posted at
http://dcrand.org/blog/2009/04/27/cue-sheet-and-gps-files-for-may-2-warr
enton-acp-300k-brevet/. A map link to the start is included in the ride
description at
http://dcrand.org/blog/2009/04/21/acp-300km-brevet-may-2-warrenton-va/.
Park as far from the hotel building as possible. Registration will be in
a meeting room adjacent to the lobby and will be open from 6-8PM on
Friday and from 4-5AM on Saturday. Mandatory bike inspection will take
place outside. You should go to the bike inspection first. After passing
the inspection, you will be given a sticker to take to the registration,
where you will receive your control card. Since this is the first 2009
brevet with MANDATORY lighting, I have included the RUSA rule at the
bottom of this message. Be sure to have your front and rear lights,
reflective vest or Sam Browne sash, and reflective ankle bands.

I will have a limited supply of 300K medals
(http://www.rusa.org/medals/medalimage29.html) that will be available at
the finish for $10 to all qualified finishers. If you don't get a medal
at the finish, you can still order one yourself from the RUSA online
store (http://www.rusa.org/cgi-bin/store_GF.pl) after the ride results
have been posted." -- Bill Beck

Article 10

For night riding, vehicles must be equipped with front and rear lights
attached firmly to the vehicle. Lights must be turned on at all times
during hours of darkness or other low-light conditions (rain, fog,
etc.). At least one of the rear lights must be in a steady (rather than
flashing) mode. All riders' lights must meet the requirements of local
laws. A rider is not permitted to cycle at night or in other low-light
conditions without working front and rear lights attached to the
vehicle; therefore backup lighting systems and/or spare bulbs are
strongly recommended in case the primary system fails and cannot be
repaired on the roadside. Each rider, whether riding in a group or
alone, must fully comply with this requirement. Everyone must use their
lights!

During hours of darkness or other low-light conditions, all riders must
wear a reflective vest, sash, Sam Browne belt, or some other device that
clearly places reflective material on the front and back of the rider.
During these times all riders will also wear a reflective ankle band
around each ankle. (Due to their unusual seating position, recumbent
riders may modify their reflective torso devices to show better from
front and rear.) Other reflective devices on clothing, shoes, helmets,
and machines are encouraged for increased safety - but they are extra
and may not take the place of the minimum items listed above.

Any violation of these night riding rules will result in the immediate
disqualification of the rider.

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

SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009
"THE PURCELLVILLE PRANCE," starting from Municipal Parking Lot A,
Warrenton, Virginia. **MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.** A classic horse
country ride with hills-a'plenty but no major climbs. We'll hit most of
the major horsey set locales, including The Plains, Middleburg,
Mountville, Purcellville, Round Hill, Airmont, and Marshall, and we may
even encounter a fox hunt in progress! We'll have lunch in
Purcellville, and riders can vote on whether we should dine in style at
Magnolia's at the Mill or slum it at Al's Pizza. Elevation guesstimate
about 7000-7500 feet. 100 miles with short options of 55, 69, and 84
miles.

Directions to the ride start:

WARRENTON MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT A
From DC Beltway, take I-66 west 21 miles to Exit 43A
(Gainesville/Warrenton). South on US29 for 11.5 miles where road forks
near Warrenton. Bear right at split, taking Warrenton exit (Bus.
US29/15). Continue straight for 2 miles, following signs for US211
(*NOT* Bus.211). Turn LEFT onto Waterloo Street (TL) (Howard Johnson
Inn is on the right at this intersection). In 0.7 mi. turn right on
Ashby Street. Continue straight into Municipal Lot A.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
**NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS**