Sorry, friends, we're passing on tomorrow. See ya next week,
Crista
Coffeeneuring 2025
7 months ago
Sunday Ride?
Dear Friends,
We're not scheduling a ride for Saturday, but IF we don't get any appreciable snow tomorrow and IF the forecast for Sunday as of tomorrow afternoon is for temps to rise to 32 or above, we will probably schedule a Sunday ride starting somewhere north of DC.
I'll send out an update tomorrow afternoon.
Crista
We're not scheduling a ride for Saturday, but IF we don't get any appreciable snow tomorrow and IF the forecast for Sunday as of tomorrow afternoon is for temps to rise to 32 or above, we will probably schedule a Sunday ride starting somewhere north of DC.
I'll send out an update tomorrow afternoon.
Crista
Sunday Half-Ride
Dear Friends,
We've decided to do a half century ride tomorrow, hoping that we can get back before the rain develops. Pretty standard route from Chuck's house to Mt. Airy and back, with at least a coffee stop in Mt. Airy. Meeting time 7:30. Hope you can join us!
Directions to Chuck's house:
We've decided to do a half century ride tomorrow, hoping that we can get back before the rain develops. Pretty standard route from Chuck's house to Mt. Airy and back, with at least a coffee stop in Mt. Airy. Meeting time 7:30. Hope you can join us!
Directions to Chuck's house:
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
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
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 1st R Janice Dr.
3rd house on L (14725 Janice Dr.)
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 1st R Janice Drive
14725 Janice Drive (3rd house on L)
Weekend Ride(s)
Dear Friends,
I've been delaying sending out the ride notice thinking that we'd be able to make a determination about riding on Sunday. Still on the fence about it.
We're hoping that tomorrow's DC Randonneurs Populaire is still a go, and Bill Beck will be sending out a notice around 8pm this evening, so watch for that. For information about the populaire, which is scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. from Glen Echo, please visit the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org. The populaire is FREE, by the way!
I'll send out a note tomorrow night as to whether we're going to schedule a ride for Sunday, after we get an updated weather forecast. Sorry for being so indecisive,
Crista
I've been delaying sending out the ride notice thinking that we'd be able to make a determination about riding on Sunday. Still on the fence about it.
We're hoping that tomorrow's DC Randonneurs Populaire is still a go, and Bill Beck will be sending out a notice around 8pm this evening, so watch for that. For information about the populaire, which is scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. from Glen Echo, please visit the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org. The populaire is FREE, by the way!
I'll send out a note tomorrow night as to whether we're going to schedule a ride for Sunday, after we get an updated weather forecast. Sorry for being so indecisive,
Crista
SATURDAY RIDE, JANUARY 16, 2010
Dear Friends,
If you've been doing a fair amount of hibernating this winter (like we have) and have forgotten how to climb a hill (like we have), we have the sure cure and will be dispensing it this Saturday. Sunday's weather looks abominable, so please come out with us on Saturday and make hay while the sun shines. Here's the scoop:
SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2010
If you've been doing a fair amount of hibernating this winter (like we have) and have forgotten how to climb a hill (like we have), we have the sure cure and will be dispensing it this Saturday. Sunday's weather looks abominable, so please come out with us on Saturday and make hay while the sun shines. Here's the scoop:
SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2010
"UP, UP AND AWAY," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. This hilly and very scenic ride includes a few of our favorite things, including Catoctin Hollow, Friends Creek, and Hornets Nest! It also includes the full length of Garfield Road, which is actually delightful heading east to west, and some other surprise goodies . Many a climb early in the ride. Once we get over South Mountain and into the Cumberland Valley, we'll head north into Pennsylvania and enjoy lunch at Paul's Country Market. After lunch we'll climb back over South Mountain on good ol' OLD 16, visit the pretty village of Charmian, and then swoop down to Harbaugh Valley via Old Waynesboro Road. Our final climb on Hornets Nest Road will take us back into the Frederick Valley and into Emmitsburg for our last rest stop. The last 30 miles mellow out noticeably, featuring bucolic farm country and two covered bridges. 100 miles with a 79-mile short option.
***NOTE: IF YOU PLAN TO JOIN US, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND REQUEST AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE CUE SHEET. I'LL ONLY BE BRINGING A HANDFUL TO THE RIDE START.***
Here are the directions to the ride start:
MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, FREDERICK, MARYLAND, 8009 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick MD 21702
From D.C. Beltway (I-495), take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick. Continue north on US15 3.7 miles. Take Exit 16, Motter Ave exit (sign for Frederick Community College). Turn RIGHT at the traffic light onto Opossumtown Pike. In about 1.5 mi. turn RIGHT into Monocacy Middle School parking lot (just after Frederick Community College on the left).
Crista
202-365-3738
Saturday Brevet - The Tappahannock 200!
Dear Friends,
DC Randonneurs 2010 brevet series begins tomorrow with the Tappahannock 200K in Ashland, Virginia. Registration opens at 6:00 a.m. and the ride starts promptly at 7:00 from the parking lot behind Ashland Coffee & Tea. Fee for pre-registered riders is $5.00;
on-site registration is an additional $5. DC Randonneurs membership $10 per year) is. More details, including the cue sheet and GPX file, will be posted on the DC Randonneurs website later today (www.dcrand.org).
Here's the ride description, courtesy of ride designer and organizer Paul Donaldson (WGR):
We won't be leading a ride on Sunday this week, so hope to see you in Ashland on Saturday! And we sure do hope to be back to our regular Saturday/Sunday ride schedule by next weekend. Mother Nature has been yanking us around too much this winter.
Crista
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DC Randonneurs 2010 brevet series begins tomorrow with the Tappahannock 200K in Ashland, Virginia. Registration opens at 6:00 a.m. and the ride starts promptly at 7:00 from the parking lot behind Ashland Coffee & Tea. Fee for pre-registered riders is $5.00;
on-site registration is an additional $5. DC Randonneurs membership $10 per year) is. More details, including the cue sheet and GPX file, will be posted on the DC Randonneurs website later today (www.dcrand.org).
Here's the ride description, courtesy of ride designer and organizer Paul Donaldson (WGR):
Tappahannock 200km Brevet - January 9, 2010
The Tappahannock 200K is a mellow ride to balance the challenging Paul's Paradise ride that was held in December. Starting from the historic town of Ashland, VA, (The Center of the Universe) the ride heads east toward river country. Leaving Ashland, the first few miles pass through signs of modern times: gas stations, truck stops and fast food joints. When the route turns at the antique store Two Frogs on a Bike the surroundings seem to go back to the time of quiet roads and rural atmosphere. The rolling terrain levels out as the route approaches the Rappahannock River and the town of Tappahannock. After the control and lunch at Java Jack, the route leaves Tappahannock and the rolling hills continue with an occasional short, steep climb. Ten miles before the final control there is a five mile stretch of easily traveled, unpaved road that meanders around the congestion of modern Ashland to the finish.
We won't be leading a ride on Sunday this week, so hope to see you in Ashland on Saturday! And we sure do hope to be back to our regular Saturday/Sunday ride schedule by next weekend. Mother Nature has been yanking us around too much this winter.
Crista
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WEEKEND RIDES, FRIDAY AND SUNDAY!!
Dear Friends,
We're going to go for it tomorrow! Here are the nitty-gritty details for the weekend (no ride on Saturday).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2010
"SOLOMONS ISLAND CENTURY," starting from Southern High School, Harwood, Maryland. As mentioned earlier, we'll be checking out MOST of a possible new Permanent route. I've moved the start of the century ride several miles south of Crofton, where the permanent will start, so as to get the mileage down to 100 for tomorrow. Well, it's actually 101.6. **MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m.** The ride will pass 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). It is a well traveled highway, but it has a very wide shoulder, so it's not too objectionable. My guess is that it will be fairly quiet in the morning. We'll have lunch at Woodburn's Gourmet Market in Solomons after a nice little tour of Solomons Island. 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. If everything works as I expect it will, it should make for a mellower-than-average permanent route. 106 miles. I didn't have time to cue any shortcuts, but it's very easy to turn around and pick up the return route as we're heading south on 2-4. There are plenty of places to eat even if you don't go all the way down to Solomons.
If you're interested in attending, please email me and I'll send you an electronic copy of the cue sheet. I plan to bring only a very few copies to the ride start. Note: I haven't even typed it up yet, so it may not be available until early evening :-) I have a Garmin file, too, for anyone who wants it. Won't have time to do printed maps.
Directions to the ride start:
*********************************************************************
SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2009
Bob Wagner is leading "A CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BALTIMORE," starting in Fell's Point in Baltimore. Here's the scoop on this ride, courtesy of Bob (note: it's HILLY!!):
Circumnavigation of Baltimore. Sunday, Jan 3rd 2010 Meet up: 7:50 Push off: 8:10AM
Start is in Fell's Pt. and goes clockwise through eight compass points: Glen Bernie, Ellicott City, Marriottsville, Reisterstown, Belfast, Falston, White Marsh, Essex and back to Fell's Pt. (for a beer, naturally). This ride is somewhat rough in the beginning, but settles down after the 10 mile point. The circle takes us on an highly varied tour of the city's environs.
Full cue sheet: http://tinyurl.com/ydlhvxn
77 mile shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/y9v3tq7
Directions to parking and start: http://tinyurl.com/yct3ehu
Please print out the cue sheet if you're attending, as Bob didn't say how many copies he'd be bringing to the ride start.
******PLEASE HAVE LIGHTS FOR BOTH OF THESE RIDES!!******
Crista
202.365.3738
We're going to go for it tomorrow! Here are the nitty-gritty details for the weekend (no ride on Saturday).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2010
"SOLOMONS ISLAND CENTURY," starting from Southern High School, Harwood, Maryland. As mentioned earlier, we'll be checking out MOST of a possible new Permanent route. I've moved the start of the century ride several miles south of Crofton, where the permanent will start, so as to get the mileage down to 100 for tomorrow. Well, it's actually 101.6. **MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m.** The ride will pass 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). It is a well traveled highway, but it has a very wide shoulder, so it's not too objectionable. My guess is that it will be fairly quiet in the morning. We'll have lunch at Woodburn's Gourmet Market in Solomons after a nice little tour of Solomons Island. 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. If everything works as I expect it will, it should make for a mellower-than-average permanent route. 106 miles. I didn't have time to cue any shortcuts, but it's very easy to turn around and pick up the return route as we're heading south on 2-4. There are plenty of places to eat even if you don't go all the way down to Solomons.
If you're interested in attending, please email me and I'll send you an electronic copy of the cue sheet. I plan to bring only a very few copies to the ride start. Note: I haven't even typed it up yet, so it may not be available until early evening :-) I have a Garmin file, too, for anyone who wants it. Won't have time to do printed maps.
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.
*********************************************************************
SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2009
Bob Wagner is leading "A CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BALTIMORE," starting in Fell's Point in Baltimore. Here's the scoop on this ride, courtesy of Bob (note: it's HILLY!!):
Circumnavigation of Baltimore. Sunday, Jan 3rd 2010 Meet up: 7:50 Push off: 8:10AM
Start is in Fell's Pt. and goes clockwise through eight compass points: Glen Bernie, Ellicott City, Marriottsville, Reisterstown, Belfast, Falston, White Marsh, Essex and back to Fell's Pt. (for a beer, naturally). This ride is somewhat rough in the beginning, but settles down after the 10 mile point. The circle takes us on an highly varied tour of the city's environs.
Full cue sheet: http://tinyurl.com/ydlhvxn
77 mile shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/y9v3tq7
Directions to parking and start: http://tinyurl.com/yct3ehu
Please print out the cue sheet if you're attending, as Bob didn't say how many copies he'd be bringing to the ride start.
******PLEASE HAVE LIGHTS FOR BOTH OF THESE RIDES!!******
Crista
202.365.3738
WEEKEND RIDES PREVIEW
Dear Friends,
Conditions aren't looking very friendly for our traditional New Year's Day Weenie One Hundred. I'm concerned that the Mt. Vernon, W&OD and Custis Trails will have icy patches, so we're considering an alternate century ride starting from Southern High School in Harwood, MD. If it looks like roads will be clear down there tomorrow, we'll probably go for it and it we'll be checking out parts of a possible new permanent route that would start a bit north of Harwood, in Crofton. The route heads south to Solomons Island and uses a few fairly long stretches of MD2, which is a busy state highway but has wide shoulders. I'll send out another notice this evening, once we've determined if the ride will be a GO. If any of you have info on road conditions south of Harwood, please let me know!
Saturday looks beastly windy, and we'll probably pass on riding that day.
Bob Wagner is leading a ride on Sunday (the "Circumnavigation of Baltimore"). I'll send out the details on that ride as soon as Bob sends me his ride description, driving directions, etc. I know the ride starts in Fell Point in Baltimore.
Stay tuned,
Crista
202.365.3738
Conditions aren't looking very friendly for our traditional New Year's Day Weenie One Hundred. I'm concerned that the Mt. Vernon, W&OD and Custis Trails will have icy patches, so we're considering an alternate century ride starting from Southern High School in Harwood, MD. If it looks like roads will be clear down there tomorrow, we'll probably go for it and it we'll be checking out parts of a possible new permanent route that would start a bit north of Harwood, in Crofton. The route heads south to Solomons Island and uses a few fairly long stretches of MD2, which is a busy state highway but has wide shoulders. I'll send out another notice this evening, once we've determined if the ride will be a GO. If any of you have info on road conditions south of Harwood, please let me know!
Saturday looks beastly windy, and we'll probably pass on riding that day.
Bob Wagner is leading a ride on Sunday (the "Circumnavigation of Baltimore"). I'll send out the details on that ride as soon as Bob sends me his ride description, driving directions, etc. I know the ride starts in Fell Point in Baltimore.
Stay tuned,
Crista
202.365.3738
SUNDAY RIDE, DECEMBER 27, 2009!
Ho ho ho to all!
Sorry for the tardiness in getting this out. We were hoping we could ride both days this weekend, but Saturday still looks somewhat dubious, so if we do ride tomorrow it will be something impromptu, probably starting later than usual and a shorter distance than our customary century. If interested, give me a call Saturday morning, any time after 5:30 a.m., but no promises.
Sunday's looking good, so we're going to join Nick Bull in checking out his "WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN," a ride he scheduled a few weeks ago that got rained out. Starting from Caribou Coffee in Bristow, Virginia, this is a checkout ride for a proposed 208K permanent that Nick has designed. MEETING TIME 6:45 a.m. with a planned departure time of 7:00 a.m.
Here's Nick's ride description:
The permanent is named after the Wilderness Campaign of the Civil War, which was a series of battles fought in 1864 that started with the Battle of the Wilderness, followed by the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse (and others). The permanent visits both these battle sites, plus the Battle of Chancellorsville, fought in 1863. (And the permanent starts near the Manassas/Bull Run Battlefield.) The route is an out-and-back with a large loop in the middle.
From the ride start, west of Manassas, the route heads roughly SSW over moderate terrain, crossing the Rappahannock River at Kelly's Ford, and eventually controlling at Locust Grove. The route turns roughly SE, over somewhat more hilly terrain, riding through the Wilderness Battlefield and then Spotsylvania Courthouse, with an information control at the Bloody Angle followed by a regular control in Spotsylvania. Turning NW, the route controls in the Chancellorsville Battlefield and then continues to cross the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, after which it follows familiar roads. About 130 miles and 6500 feet of climbing.
Note: If you plan to attend, please shoot Nick a note so that he'll have an idea of how many cue sheets to print out! Nick's email address is nick.bike.bull@gmail.com. He also has a Garmin file, which I'm sure he'll be happy to send to any who have GPS devices!
REMEMBER:
(1) LIGHTS REQUIRED, AS WE WILL LIKELY FINISH AFTER DARK
(2) THIS IS A CHECKOUT RIDE, NOT YET AN OFFICIAL PERMANENT, SO NO FEE, NO CONTROL CARD, NO CREDIT, JUST A FUN DAY IN THE SADDLE!
Here are directions to the ride start:
Caribou Coffee, 12713 Braemar Village Plaza, Bristow, Virginia
From the Beltway (I-495):
0.0 0.0 take I-66 West
20.0 20.0 R VA 234 S/Pr William Parkway, Exit 44
23.3 3.3 R Sudley Manor Dr
25.8 2.4 X Linton Hall Rd CR 619
26.0 0.2 L into Shopping Center
Turn L again to go to north end of parking lot. Park away from store, nearer gas station.
Crista
202-365-3738
Sorry for the tardiness in getting this out. We were hoping we could ride both days this weekend, but Saturday still looks somewhat dubious, so if we do ride tomorrow it will be something impromptu, probably starting later than usual and a shorter distance than our customary century. If interested, give me a call Saturday morning, any time after 5:30 a.m., but no promises.
Sunday's looking good, so we're going to join Nick Bull in checking out his "WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN," a ride he scheduled a few weeks ago that got rained out. Starting from Caribou Coffee in Bristow, Virginia, this is a checkout ride for a proposed 208K permanent that Nick has designed. MEETING TIME 6:45 a.m. with a planned departure time of 7:00 a.m.
Here's Nick's ride description:
The permanent is named after the Wilderness Campaign of the Civil War, which was a series of battles fought in 1864 that started with the Battle of the Wilderness, followed by the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse (and others). The permanent visits both these battle sites, plus the Battle of Chancellorsville, fought in 1863. (And the permanent starts near the Manassas/Bull Run Battlefield.) The route is an out-and-back with a large loop in the middle.
From the ride start, west of Manassas, the route heads roughly SSW over moderate terrain, crossing the Rappahannock River at Kelly's Ford, and eventually controlling at Locust Grove. The route turns roughly SE, over somewhat more hilly terrain, riding through the Wilderness Battlefield and then Spotsylvania Courthouse, with an information control at the Bloody Angle followed by a regular control in Spotsylvania. Turning NW, the route controls in the Chancellorsville Battlefield and then continues to cross the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, after which it follows familiar roads. About 130 miles and 6500 feet of climbing.
Note: If you plan to attend, please shoot Nick a note so that he'll have an idea of how many cue sheets to print out! Nick's email address is nick.bike.bull@gmail.com. He also has a Garmin file, which I'm sure he'll be happy to send to any who have GPS devices!
REMEMBER:
(1) LIGHTS REQUIRED, AS WE WILL LIKELY FINISH AFTER DARK
(2) THIS IS A CHECKOUT RIDE, NOT YET AN OFFICIAL PERMANENT, SO NO FEE, NO CONTROL CARD, NO CREDIT, JUST A FUN DAY IN THE SADDLE!
Here are directions to the ride start:
Caribou Coffee, 12713 Braemar Village Plaza, Bristow, Virginia
From the Beltway (I-495):
0.0 0.0 take I-66 West
20.0 20.0 R VA 234 S/Pr William Parkway, Exit 44
23.3 3.3 R Sudley Manor Dr
25.8 2.4 X Linton Hall Rd CR 619
26.0 0.2 L into Shopping Center
Turn L again to go to north end of parking lot. Park away from store, nearer gas station.
Crista
202-365-3738
Weekend Rides - not this weekend!
Dear Friends,
The Nature Gods continue to conspire against us. Hope we can ride NEXT weekend!
Crista
The Nature Gods continue to conspire against us. Hope we can ride NEXT weekend!
Crista
Saturday Brevet!
Dear Friends,
Looks like the weather will cooperate for tomorrow and conditions for the Paul's Paradise 200K Brevet, while somewhat frigid for early December, will be dry and sunny! Registration will open at McDonald's in Poolesville at 6:00 a.m., and the ride will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m.
Here's a brief description of the ride:
Looks like the weather will cooperate for tomorrow and conditions for the Paul's Paradise 200K Brevet, while somewhat frigid for early December, will be dry and sunny! Registration will open at McDonald's in Poolesville at 6:00 a.m., and the ride will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m.
Here's a brief description of the ride:
This is a new brevet based on Crista's permanent route of the same name. Starting relatively close to DC from the McDonalds in Poolesville, MD, we head north into Frederick County to the first major climb over Marlu Ridge. Our efforts are then rewarded by the panoramic view of the beautiful Middletown Valley as we descend into Jefferson. Continuing north through the hilly and very scenic valley, it's not long before we encounter the formidable climb up Harp Hill. Riders will enjoy a break at the first control in Wolfsville before the (easy!) climb on MD17 over South Mountain. Next, a delightful, swoopy descent takes us down into the Cumberland Valley and we head into Pennsylvania on bucolic country roads, eventually arriving at our turn-around control at Paul's Country Market just north of Waynesboro. Paul's has a good deli, a wide choice of foods to round out your lunch, and a hard-to-resist selection of bakery items. When we did the check-out two weeks ago several varieties of apples from local orchards were available, too! The grounds are lovely, with three picnic tables in a shaded grassy area, and a small dining room ("Paul's Lunch Bucket") is available in case it's rainy and/or cold and riders prefer to eat inside. After lunch, we'll climb back over South Mountain on Old 16 and Buena Vista, "working" our way over to a wild ride down Spruce Run Road to the next control at Delauter's store on Wolfsville Road. The return route continues through Middletown and follows familiar roads back to Poolesville. While this ride features several very steep climbs and low gearing is highly recommended, the last 9 miles are some of the easiest riding there is in this general area and you're sure to finish with smiles on your faces! The final control is at Cugini's, where we'll feast on truly fantastic pizza.
For more details and information, please visit the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org.
A few notes:
Please do NOT park in the McDonald's parking lot. There is ample parking in the adjacent shopping center, where the end control, Cugini's, is located. Park as far from the stores as you can.
Temps are forecasts to dip as low as 17 in Poolesville tomorrow morning, so please dress accordingly. The good news is that it should warm up to around 40 degrees, skies will be clear, and winds will be calm!
This is a beautiful and very challenging ride. Total elevation gain is about the same as for the Woodbine Wallop. More good news -- it ends on a really mellow note :-)
***********************************************
Chuck and I haven't ridden in two weeks and we're biting at the bit, but Sunday's looking pretty dismal. We're not scheduling a ride for Sunday but, if by some miracle the forecast improves substantially, we MAY decide to do some kind of ride on Sunday. Feel free to call me early on Sunday (any time after 5:30) if conditions look good and you're interested in riding.
Crista - 202-365-3738
Fwd: SAT ALTERNATIVE: TWO SUNDAY RIDES!
Dear Friends,
I'm forwarding this message from Rick Carpenter for those who are seeking a Saturday ride. There's an Eastern PA 200K brevet on Saturday, starting in Ephrata, PA (near Lancaster)!
Crista
I'm forwarding this message from Rick Carpenter for those who are seeking a Saturday ride. There's an Eastern PA 200K brevet on Saturday, starting in Ephrata, PA (near Lancaster)!
Crista
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Carpenter,Richard G. <CARPENRG@airproducts.com>
Date: Thu, Dec 3, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Subject: SAT ALTERNATIVE: TWO SUNDAY RIDES!
To: Crista Borras <crista.dccentury@gmail.com>
From: Carpenter,Richard G. <CARPENRG@airproducts.com>
Date: Thu, Dec 3, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Subject: SAT ALTERNATIVE: TWO SUNDAY RIDES!
To: Crista Borras <crista.dccentury@gmail.com>
Hi Crista,
If anyone is absolutely dying to ride on Saturday, they can always do the Eastern PA R-12 Series Brevet, which starts/ends in Ephrata, Lancaster County, PA:
http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/R12ClubDec2.html
This start is not too far from the MD border (one of the few PA rides located relatively close to the Mason-Dixon Line). Several DCR members are currently signed-on; instructions on how to register are provided by clicking the site link.
Cheers,
Rick
PS: I'm posting, so rest assured the weather will be cold & crappy (I may even wear long sleeves for this one!)
TWO SUNDAY RIDES!
Dear Friends,
As of now we have two rides scheduled for Sunday! We probably will NOT schedule a ride for Saturday, but if Saturday's forecast improves by tomorrow, I may send out a supplemental ride notice regarding a Saturday ride. Don't hold your breath.
There should be something for everyone on Sunday, as one ride begins in Bristow, Virginia (south of Manassas, north of Nokesville)., and the other in Baltimore, Maryland.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2009
VIRGINIA RIDE:
Nick Bull is leading the "WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN," starting from Caribou Coffee in Bristow, Virginia. MEETING TIME 6:45 a.m. with a planned departure time of 7:00 a.m. This is a checkout ride for a proposed 208K permanent that Nick has designed, entitled "Wilderness Campaign."
Here's Nick's ride description:
The permanent is named after the Wilderness Campaign of the Civil War, which was a series of battles fought in 1864 that started with the Battle of the Wilderness, followed by the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse (and others). The permanent visits both these battle sites, plus the Battle of Chancellorsville, fought in 1863. (And the permanent starts near the Manassas/Bull Run Battlefield.) The route is an out-and-back with a large loop in the middle.
From the ride start, west of Manassas, the route heads roughly SSW over moderate terrain, crossing the Rappahanock at Kelly's Ford, and eventually controlling at Locust Grove. The route turns roughly SE, over somewhat more hilly terrain, riding through the Wilderness Battlefield and then Spotsylvania Courthouse, with an information control at the Bloody Angle followed by a regular control in Spotsylvania. Turning NW, the route controls in the Chancellorsville Battlefield and then continues to cross the Rappahanock at Kelly's Ford, after which it follows familiar roads. About 130 miles and 6500 feet of climbing.
Note: If you plan to attend, please shoot Nick a note so that he'll have an idea of how many cue sheets to print out! Nick's email address is nick.bike.bull@gmail.com. He also has a Garmin file, which I'm sure he'll be happy to send to any who have GPS devices!
REMEMBER:
(1) LIGHTS REQUIRED, AS WE WILL LIKELY FINISH AFTER DARK
(2) THIS IS A CHECKOUT RIDE, NOT YET AN OFFICIAL PERMANENT, SO NO FEE, NO CONTROL CARD, NO CREDIT, JUST A FUN DAY IN THE SADDLE!
Here are directions to the ride start:
Caribou Coffee, 12713 Braemar Village Plaza, Bristow, Virginia
From the Beltway (I-495):
0.0 0.0 take I-66 West
20.0 20.0 R VA 234 S/Pr William Parkway, Exit 44
23.3 3.3 R Sudley Manor Dr
25.8 2.4 X Linton Hall Rd CR 619
26.0 0.2 L into Shopping Center
Turn L again to go to north end of parking lot. Park away from store, nearer gas station.
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MARYLAND RIDE:
Bob Wagner is leading "PATUXENT RIVER DREAMS," starting from Carroll Park in Baltimore, Maryland. Note this ride STARTS at 8:00 a.m., so you should plan to arrive at the ride start by 7:45 so as not to hold up the group.
Here's Bob's ride description:
We roll safely out of south Baltimore and down to Laurel on scenic roads. Then we'll skirt the Patuxent making 8 river crossings as we head northwest. The last leg along Frederick ave takes us back to the city. Lunch in Glenelg. Rest stops at 25 and 79 miles. 102 miles.
Here's a link to Bob's Bikely route, which indicates the location of the ride start. He mentioned that he's still making some tweaks to the cue sheet. http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/367983
For more information on the ride, please contact Bob directly at bobwag@gmail.com.
Still holding out a tiny speck of hope for Saturday,
Crista
202-365-3738
crista.dccentury@gmail.com
As of now we have two rides scheduled for Sunday! We probably will NOT schedule a ride for Saturday, but if Saturday's forecast improves by tomorrow, I may send out a supplemental ride notice regarding a Saturday ride. Don't hold your breath.
There should be something for everyone on Sunday, as one ride begins in Bristow, Virginia (south of Manassas, north of Nokesville)., and the other in Baltimore, Maryland.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2009
VIRGINIA RIDE:
Nick Bull is leading the "WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN," starting from Caribou Coffee in Bristow, Virginia. MEETING TIME 6:45 a.m. with a planned departure time of 7:00 a.m. This is a checkout ride for a proposed 208K permanent that Nick has designed, entitled "Wilderness Campaign."
Here's Nick's ride description:
The permanent is named after the Wilderness Campaign of the Civil War, which was a series of battles fought in 1864 that started with the Battle of the Wilderness, followed by the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse (and others). The permanent visits both these battle sites, plus the Battle of Chancellorsville, fought in 1863. (And the permanent starts near the Manassas/Bull Run Battlefield.) The route is an out-and-back with a large loop in the middle.
From the ride start, west of Manassas, the route heads roughly SSW over moderate terrain, crossing the Rappahanock at Kelly's Ford, and eventually controlling at Locust Grove. The route turns roughly SE, over somewhat more hilly terrain, riding through the Wilderness Battlefield and then Spotsylvania Courthouse, with an information control at the Bloody Angle followed by a regular control in Spotsylvania. Turning NW, the route controls in the Chancellorsville Battlefield and then continues to cross the Rappahanock at Kelly's Ford, after which it follows familiar roads. About 130 miles and 6500 feet of climbing.
Note: If you plan to attend, please shoot Nick a note so that he'll have an idea of how many cue sheets to print out! Nick's email address is nick.bike.bull@gmail.com. He also has a Garmin file, which I'm sure he'll be happy to send to any who have GPS devices!
REMEMBER:
(1) LIGHTS REQUIRED, AS WE WILL LIKELY FINISH AFTER DARK
(2) THIS IS A CHECKOUT RIDE, NOT YET AN OFFICIAL PERMANENT, SO NO FEE, NO CONTROL CARD, NO CREDIT, JUST A FUN DAY IN THE SADDLE!
Here are directions to the ride start:
Caribou Coffee, 12713 Braemar Village Plaza, Bristow, Virginia
From the Beltway (I-495):
0.0 0.0 take I-66 West
20.0 20.0 R VA 234 S/Pr William Parkway, Exit 44
23.3 3.3 R Sudley Manor Dr
25.8 2.4 X Linton Hall Rd CR 619
26.0 0.2 L into Shopping Center
Turn L again to go to north end of parking lot. Park away from store, nearer gas station.
***************************************************************************************
MARYLAND RIDE:
Bob Wagner is leading "PATUXENT RIVER DREAMS," starting from Carroll Park in Baltimore, Maryland. Note this ride STARTS at 8:00 a.m., so you should plan to arrive at the ride start by 7:45 so as not to hold up the group.
Here's Bob's ride description:
We roll safely out of south Baltimore and down to Laurel on scenic roads. Then we'll skirt the Patuxent making 8 river crossings as we head northwest. The last leg along Frederick ave takes us back to the city. Lunch in Glenelg. Rest stops at 25 and 79 miles. 102 miles.
Here's a link to Bob's Bikely route, which indicates the location of the ride start. He mentioned that he's still making some tweaks to the cue sheet. http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/367983
For more information on the ride, please contact Bob directly at bobwag@gmail.com.
Still holding out a tiny speck of hope for Saturday,
Crista
202-365-3738
crista.dccentury@gmail.com
SUNDAY RIDE, NOVEMBER 29, 2009
Dear Friends,
We have a ride scheduled for Sunday only this weekend, and here's the scoop:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2009
We have a ride scheduled for Sunday only this weekend, and here's the scoop:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2009
"VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SMITH," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. This kind and gentle ride is adapted from the 2007 Frederick Pedalers Century designed by Bill Smith and Tim Guilford. (Thank you, Bill!) The route goes to most of the same places but uses mostly different roads to get there. In the morning we'll noodle along some of our favorite mellow roads between Frederick and Emmitsburg, then continue north into Adams County PA and slightly east to McSherrystown for lunch at Brothers Pizza. We'll pass through the village of Harney in the morning and again in the afternoon, and there will be an afternoon rest stop at WGR's favorite refueling spot -- Detour! Only ~ 4,000 feet elevation gain. 100 miles, with a 58-mile short option.
PLEASE NOTE: I will only be bringing 10 copies of the cue sheet to the ride start to distribute on a first come first served basis, so if you plan to attend, please email me and request an electronic copy to ensure that you get one.
Here are the directions to the ride start:
MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, FREDERICK, MARYLAND, 8009 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick MD 21702
From D.C. Beltway (I-495), take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick. Continue north on US15 3.7 miles. Take Exit 16, Motter Ave exit (sign for Frederick Community College). Turn RIGHT at the traffic light onto Opossumtown Pike. In about 1.5 mi. turn RIGHT into Monocacy Middle School parking lot (just after Frederick Community College on the left).
Crista
202-365-3738
WEEKEND RIDES NOVEMBER 21 & 22, ANOTHER BIRTHDAY, AND ANOTHER PARTY!
Dear Friends,
The weekend menu is as follows:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009
Sir Rudy Hewitt is turning 60 -- what a great excuse for a new ride and another party! Please see Joel Dechter's party invitation below. We hope that you can attend, and if you can please RSVP right away to Joel if you haven't done so already.
Here's the lowdown on the ride:
Please email Joel Dechter (jsdbike@hotmail.com) if you plan to attend so there can be a rough estimate of needed foods etc .
Directions to Joel's house:
From I-495 coming from College Park:
New Hampshire Ave exit 650 N approximately 8 miles
Left on Norwood Rd 2.9 miles
Straight on Doctor Bird Rd MD-182 (Norwood extended) 0.7 mile
Left on Olney Sandy Spring Rd MD108 W 0.4 mile
Right on Old Baltimore 0.6mile
Right on Winter Garden Way (second coming , Winter Garden is a horseshoe; 2200 is at the end ) 2200 Winter Garden Way
From I-270 and points west:
From I-495, take Connecticut Ave North approximately 7 miles
Left on Georgia Ave 97 North 3.8 miles
Right on Old Baltimore 1.9 miles
Cross over MD108 Olney Sandy Spring Rd
Right on Winter Garden Way
2200 Winter Garden Way
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
The weekend menu is as follows:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009
Sir Rudy Hewitt is turning 60 -- what a great excuse for a new ride and another party! Please see Joel Dechter's party invitation below. We hope that you can attend, and if you can please RSVP right away to Joel if you haven't done so already.
Here's the lowdown on the ride:
"GUY AND DOLLS" aka "RUDY'S REJUVENATOR," starting from Joel Dechter's house, 2200 Winter Garden Way, Olney, Maryland. **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.** A steady diet of rides like this and you, too, can be as young in body and mind as Rudy when you turn 60! Please join us as we celebrate Rudy's 60th birthday with this new ride and the party at Joel's house following the ride.
The ride begins as we visit historic Brookeville, which served as the capital of the United States for one day during the War of 1812 and as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. We continue in a northeasterly direction, passing through both Patuxent River State Park and Patapsco Valley State Park (and featuring several "scenic" crossings of both the Patuxent and Patapsco Rivers). We'll eventually reach the historic railroad town of Sykesville, where we'll have lunch at E.W. Beck's Restaurant & Pub. You can check out their menu at http://www.ewbecks.com/. Soon after lunch, the route heads northwest into Frederick County, passing the Linganore Wine Cellars (see http://www.linganore-wine.com/) before our final rest stop in Mt. Airy. The last 22 miles back to Joel's house are a mostly mellow run! I'm estimating between 7,000 and 8,000 feet elevation gain, but it's a new ride so all bets are off. 100 miles, with an optional 9-mile shortcut before lunch and optional 16 and 29-mile shortcuts after lunch (i.e., ALL the shortcuts include the lunch stop in Sykesville).
Here's Joel's invitation and directions to his house:
Please email Joel Dechter (jsdbike@hotmail.com) if you plan to attend so there can be a rough estimate of needed foods etc .
Directions to Joel's house:
From I-495 coming from College Park:
New Hampshire Ave exit 650 N approximately 8 miles
Left on Norwood Rd 2.9 miles
Straight on Doctor Bird Rd MD-182 (Norwood extended) 0.7 mile
Left on Olney Sandy Spring Rd MD108 W 0.4 mile
Right on Old Baltimore 0.6mile
Right on Winter Garden Way (second coming , Winter Garden is a horseshoe; 2200 is at the end ) 2200 Winter Garden Way
From I-270 and points west:
From I-495, take Connecticut Ave North approximately 7 miles
Left on Georgia Ave 97 North 3.8 miles
Right on Old Baltimore 1.9 miles
Cross over MD108 Olney Sandy Spring Rd
Right on Winter Garden Way
2200 Winter Garden Way
**********************************************************************
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
"BONNE ROUTE," starting from Dave Berning's house in Potomac, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. We first did this ride in August of 2007 as a send off for Randonneurs who were PBP-bound. It's only moderately hilly, definitely the easiest century that we do starting from Dave's house. Nothing new under the sun on the route, but it's a very nice ride to Purcellville via Seneca, Dickerson, Point of Rocks, Lovettsville, and Hillsboro. After lunch at the Purcellville Family Restaurant, we ride over to Leesburg and take the ferry across the Potomac River back into Maryland (bicycles pay $1.00 to the toll troll). EXACTLY 100 miles with a few optional shortcuts.
Directions to Dave's house:
DAVE BERNING'S HOUSE, 12430 McCrossin Lane, POTOMAC, MD.
From I-495 in VA: Cross Potomac River and exit to River Road west. Go about 9 miles and turn right on Travilah Rd. Go 0.5 mile past 4-way stop sign and turn right onto McCrossin Lane. Dave's house is 2nd one on right.
From Rockville: head west on MD28 from I-270 interchange. In 1/2 mile turn left on Darnestown Rd (two lanes turn left at TL). In about 2 miles turn left onto Travilah Rd (past Great Seneca Hwy). In 3 miles, left to remain on Travilah at T. In 0.4 mile, bear left to remain on Travilah where Turkey Foot goes right. In 0.4 mile left onto McCrossin Lane. Dave's house is 2nd one on right, 12430.
From points northwest: Access Quince Orchard Rd MD124 from either I-270 or MD28. South (or west?) on Quince Orchard, crossing MD28. In 2.5 miles turn right at T onto Dufief Mill. Continue straight onto Travilah Rd in 0.2 mile. In 0.4 mile, bear left to remain on Travilah where Turkey Foot goes right. In 0.4 mile left onto McCrossin Lane. Dave's house is 2nd one on right, 12430.
Crista
202-365-3738
WEEKEND RIDES, NOVEMBER 14 & 15, 2009
Dear Friends,
DC Randonneurs is offering a new and different 200K Brevet (FLAT and FREE!) on Saturday, designed by Chip Adams. For all the important details on the Flatbread 200K (including driving directions), see the DCRandonneurs website, www.dcrand.org. We're expecting a great turnout and, to entice you to attend this fun event, here is Chip's ride description:
*********************************************************************************
DC Randonneurs is offering a new and different 200K Brevet (FLAT and FREE!) on Saturday, designed by Chip Adams. For all the important details on the Flatbread 200K (including driving directions), see the DCRandonneurs website, www.dcrand.org. We're expecting a great turnout and, to entice you to attend this fun event, here is Chip's ride description:
"Get ready to ride your fastest ever 200K on some of the flattest roads you'll ever see. You don't even get rollers! You may actually find a 1% or 2% grade here and there, but the only time you'll be out of the saddle is when you're trying to see over the corn rows. This will be a wild departure from the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia, but it should be enjoyable and very scenic during this time of year.
The ride starts in the quaint little town of Centreville, Maryland on the eastern shore and passes through a couple of marshy basins before heading toward the ocean at Slaughter Beach. Before you get to the Control at mile 59, you may want to take a left on one of several short roads that give you access to the ocean and dip a toe or two in the Atlantic. Heck, go for a swim if you want. Watch out for sharks!
After the Slaughter Beach Control, you have only 10 miles to the next Control and, if you would like, a nice lunch at the Iguana Grill in Milton, DE. They may even have "Flatbread." The folks are friendly, the menu is great, and yes, you can still have a nice lunch and have your personal best for a 200K.
Heading back towards Centreville and the final Control, the ride will pass through the Bridgeville Control and into Denton, Maryland. There's an opportunity to fill your water bottles and grab a snack before the last push into the final Control at the Good Guys Sportsbar in Centreville."
*********************************************************************************
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2009
"UNION BRIDGE CENTURY," starting from Chuck Wood's house, 14725 Janice Drive, Rockville, Maryland. **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m.** Usually we try to schedule a relatively tame ride on Sunday as an antidote to our customary hilly Saturday ride, but this Sunday we'll do a few hills to make up for Saturday's flatness. 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 yields us a marvelous long run down appropriately named Talbot Run. We'll 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" (Original Italian Pizza). This is NOT a chain, but rather an authentic Italian mom & pop pizza joint. Not only is their pizza excellent, but the 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. We'll pass through Woodbine and have a final rest stop in Lisbon before returning to Chuck's house. 101 miles, with a 56-mile short option that turns around in Mt. Airy. There are also a couple of little shortcuts before and after lunch. You can take both of those and yield a 92-mile ride. Estimated elevation gain for the century 6000-6500 feet.
Here are LOTS of directions to Chuck's house (take your pick or just do a Mapquest!):
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
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
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 1st R Janice Dr.
3rd house on L (14725 Janice Dr.)
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 1st R Janice Drive
14725 Janice Drive (3rd house on L)
Crista
202-365-3738
WEEKEND RIDES, NOVEMBER 7 & 8, 2009 -- AND A PARTY!
Dear Friends,
We are really looking forward to a fun-filled weekend of riding and merry-making. Please come out and join us for both rides as well as for WGR's 50th birthday celebration after Saturday's ride! Be sure to RSVP to Paul if you can attend the party. Details follow.
Note: I don't know how many copies of the cue sheet Bob plans to bring to the ride start. Good idea to email him and request an electronic copy.
Crista
202-365-3738
We are really looking forward to a fun-filled weekend of riding and merry-making. Please come out and join us for both rides as well as for WGR's 50th birthday celebration after Saturday's ride! Be sure to RSVP to Paul if you can attend the party. Details follow.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009
"HI-LO," starting from Middletown Primary School, Middletown, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. A delightful ride that scales the heights of Catoctin and South Mountains and plumbs the depths of Catoctin, Antietam and Conococheague Creeks. We'll head northwest in the morning with some beautiful ups & downs through the Middletown Valley, cross the Appalachian Trail, and enjoy a wild descent into Boonsboro. The next several miles through the Cumberland Valley feature bucolic farmland, as we continue north to our lunch stop at Tony's Pizza near the Hagerstown airport. In the afternoon we'll visit the Antietam Battlefield before the last significant climb over South Mountain. Finally, we head back to Middletown by way of lovely Bennie's Hill Road, which features a short stretch of hard-pack. They've finally repaired the bridge over Catoctin Creek and the road is once again open for travel!
Note: I will bring 10 copies of the cue sheet to the ride start, first come first served. If you plan to attend, please email me and I'll send you electronic copies of the cue sheet and map. If you are unable to print out your own copies, let me know and I'll be sure to reserve one for you.
Here are the 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 (restrooms available at store on right just before turn). In 0.3 mile turn left into school.
********************************************
PARTY-PARTY!
WHEN: November 7, 2009
WHAT: Dinner after Saturday's weekend ride - Shake Your Groove Thing!
WHERE: Braddock Inn, 4830 Schley Avenue, Braddock Heights, MD
WHY: WGR turns 50!!
If you're doing the ride (or not) on Saturday Nov. 7 and are interested in joining the celebration please RSVP to basketboy@verizon.net so I can give the Inn a head count. Dinner is dutch but there will be free cake.
History note: The Braddock Inn is in a hundred year old building, but real history began in the 70's when it was a bar and ski lodge. It's there a young WGR learned to ski and shake his groove thing!!
***************************************
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
Bob Wagner is leading "ON AGAIN/OFF AGAIN," starting from Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville, Maryland. **MEETING TIME 7:45 a.m., FOR AN 8:00 a.m. RIDE START.**
Here's Bob's ride description:
"Here's a fun one. The NCR (North Central Rail Trail) is one of the best bike trails in Maryland, but its unpaved surface is not very well suited to long miles on a road bike. I developed this ride as a solution. On Again/Off Again rides on every mile of the NCR from Hunt Valley to York, PA with no more than 10 mile stretches on the trail. We drop on and off the trail north, then hit all the sections we missed on our way back home. This also means that there are many turnaround points all along the route. The trail is hard-packed and stable, but bumpy. The route gives you 40.5 miles of trail riding in 5 sections. I rode it on my 100 psi Grand Bois 28mm tires with no problems. The PA portions are more gravely and less bumpy, the MD portions are less gravel and more bump." Lunch at Genova's Pizza in York. 103 miles, with short options of 28, 49, 66 or 82 miles.
Note: The trail portions are flat; the road portions are quite hilly!
Leader: Bob Wagner bobwag@gmail.com
and directions to the start from 95N:
Crista
202-365-3738
DREADED WINTER SERMON!
Dear Friends,
Looks like I forgot to include the sermon last night, sorry! Here it is:
T H E M A N Y T I M E S O V E R R E C Y C L E D D R E A D E D W I N T E R S E R M O N ! !
For the next few months the days will be short. Accordingly, we will be making a concerted effort to finish our weekend rides before the DARK MONSTER catches us. For that reason, I'm asking everyone (that includes Chuck and me) to try to be ON TIME to the ride start so that we can get on the road 15 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. If you show up late and you're one of the "rabbits," please don't expect the group to wait for you while you pump up your tires, put on your cycling shoes, fix the flat tire that you acquired the previous day, etc. You can catch up! We will still attempt to regroup at the rest stops, but we'll try to limit those stops to 15 minutes (20 max). And of course we'll continue to enjoy our leisurely lunches (usually an hour OR SO).
Inevitably, there will be a time or two when the DARK MONSTER gets the best of us - - so please come equipped with **LIGHTS** on your bike!! Also, if you ARE running late, please give me a quick call on my cell phone to let me know. This way if we DO need to start without you, I will know to be looking for you later in the day; it will also remind me to leave extra cue sheets (if there are any) on the windshield of the Chuckwagon! If Chuck and I are late to the ride start we promise a full refund.
Thank you for your patience,
Crista
202-365-3738
Looks like I forgot to include the sermon last night, sorry! Here it is:
T H E M A N Y T I M E S O V E R R E C Y C L E D D R E A D E D W I N T E R S E R M O N ! !
For the next few months the days will be short. Accordingly, we will be making a concerted effort to finish our weekend rides before the DARK MONSTER catches us. For that reason, I'm asking everyone (that includes Chuck and me) to try to be ON TIME to the ride start so that we can get on the road 15 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. If you show up late and you're one of the "rabbits," please don't expect the group to wait for you while you pump up your tires, put on your cycling shoes, fix the flat tire that you acquired the previous day, etc. You can catch up! We will still attempt to regroup at the rest stops, but we'll try to limit those stops to 15 minutes (20 max). And of course we'll continue to enjoy our leisurely lunches (usually an hour OR SO).
Thank you for your patience,
Crista
202-365-3738
WEEKEND RIDES, OCTOBER 31 & NOVEMBER 1, 2009
Dear Friends,
We have two great rides on the schedule this weekend, not to be missed!
For the next few months the days will be short. Accordingly, we will be making a concerted effort to finish our weekend rides before the DARK MONSTER catches us. For that reason, I'm asking everyone (that includes Chuck and me) to try to be ON TIME to the ride start so that we can get on the road 15 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. If you show up late and you're one of the "rabbits," please don't expect the group to wait for you while you pump up your tires, put on your cycling shoes, fix the flat tire that you acquired the previous day, etc. You can catch up! We will still attempt to regroup at the rest stops, but we'll try to limit those stops to 15 minutes (20 max). And of course we'll continue to enjoy our leisurely lunches (usually an hour OR SO).
Inevitably, there will be a time or two when the DARK MONSTER gets the best of us - - so please come equipped with **LIGHTS** on your bike!! Also, if you ARE running late, please give me a quick call on my cell phone to let me know. This way if we DO need to start without you, I will know to be looking for you later in the day; it will also remind me to leave extra cue sheets (if there are any) on the windshield of the Chuckwagon! If Chuck and I are late to the ride start we promise a full refund.
Thank you for your patience,
Crista
We have two great rides on the schedule this weekend, not to be missed!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2009
Paul Donaldson (WGR) is leading our special Halloween ride, "GHOSTS, GHOULS AND GRAVEYARDS," starting from Gathland State Park, Burkittsville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. This exTREEMely scary and challenging ride (~9700 feet elevation gain) visits at least 24 historic cemeteries and graveyards, mostly in Frederick County's beautiful Middletown valley. You'll also commune with the ghosts of fallen Civil War soldiers and see if you can elude the terrifying Snallygaster and Snarly Yow (better ride fast)! See http://wesclark.com/jw/snallygaster.html and http://wesclark.com/jw/s_yow.html.
There are some incredible views, of course. 102 miles with plenty of shortcuts, but you dare not take any of them lest the Snallygaster have his wicked way with you!
Directions to the ride start:
GATHLAND STATE PARK, BURKITTSVILLE, MARYLAND
From I-495, DC Beltway, go North on I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.
West on I-70 west toward Hagerstown, then
Exit 52 onto US340 west toward Charlestown/Leesburg.
In 12 miles take the MD17 exit toward Burkittsville.
Bear right onto MD17 Burkittsville Rd.
In 4 miles turn left onto Main Street in Burkittsville.
In 1 mile turn right onto Arnoldstown Rd at top of climb (War Correspondent's Arch on R), then
QL into parking lot.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2009
"THE RIVER RUNNER," starting from Loudoun Valley High School, Purcellville, Virginia. **MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. Eastern STANDARD Time!** Please be mindful of the time change. A beautiful ride to Shepherdstown, West Virginia featuring several long stretches where you'll be riding along the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers as well as along the C&O Canal (NOT on the towpath itself). We'll actually ride past the confluence of the two rivers just outside of Harpers Ferry – expect some really great views! We traditionally have lunch at the Blue Moon Café in Shepherdstown but, since it doesn't open until Noon on Sunday, we may get there too early. If that is the case, we'll try out the Stone Soup Bistro on German Street. Did I mention hills?
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you plan to attend this ride, please email me and request electronic copies of the cue sheet and map. I will only have a limited quantity available at the ride start, so it will be advantageous if you can print out your own cue sheet and map and bring it to the ride with you.
SECOND IMPORTANT NOTE: Now that we're on Standard Time, it will be dark at 5:30. Lights are highly recommended from now until spring!!
Directions to the ride start:
LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA
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 9 miles to Purcellville exit VA287. Turn left on VA287 Berlin Rd. In 0.3 mi. turn right on Hirst Road. In 0.5 mile turn left on 722 Maple Ave. School is on L in 0.2 mi., just past the W&OD bike trail.
Directions from Frederick:
Take US340 southwest towards Brunswick; take MD17 (Brunswick exit) and turn left at the top of the ramp onto MD17; go past the traffic circle next to Sheetz (tro MD17); turn Right at the traffic light (tro MD17); go around another traffic circle and then cross the bridge over the Potomac River; MD17 becomes VA287; stay on VA287 for several miles through Lovettsville, continuing to Purcellville. Cross under VA7; make a right at the T intersection in Purcellville onto Main Street/Bus. 7; go less than a mile and make a right onto Maple Avenue 722 at the traffic light (a 7-11 is on your left); go about 1/2 mile and turn right into the parking lot of Loudoun Valley H.S.
Oh yeah, now that the days are so short, it's time to drag out ye olde "Dreaded Winter Sermon." Here goes:
THE MANY TIMES OVER RECYCLED DREADED WINTER SERMON!!
For the next few months the days will be short. Accordingly, we will be making a concerted effort to finish our weekend rides before the DARK MONSTER catches us. For that reason, I'm asking everyone (that includes Chuck and me) to try to be ON TIME to the ride start so that we can get on the road 15 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. If you show up late and you're one of the "rabbits," please don't expect the group to wait for you while you pump up your tires, put on your cycling shoes, fix the flat tire that you acquired the previous day, etc. You can catch up! We will still attempt to regroup at the rest stops, but we'll try to limit those stops to 15 minutes (20 max). And of course we'll continue to enjoy our leisurely lunches (usually an hour OR SO).
Thank you for your patience,
Crista
Saturday Ride: Big Beautiful Cacapon 200K Brevet!
Dear Friends,
We're finally starting to see some real fall color around here, and I'm hoping that it will be peaking west of the Blue Ridge just in time for the Cacapon 200K on Saturday. The ride starts at the Super 8 in Middletown, Virginia at 7:00 a.m., and you can find all the necessary information about logistics, entry fee, etc. at the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org. To entice you to come out for this beautiful brevet designed by Lynn Kristianson, here is Lynn's ride description:
"Starting from the Middletown Super 8, this route takes some fairly level terrain slightly west and mostly north along Cedar Creek Grade to an early first control at Cather's Market on US50. Continuing north, there is more of a warm up on Poor House Road and a long slow downhill on Green Spring Road next to Green Spring Creek. After crossing Back Creek, there are several significant hills - with some terrific views - on the way to a volunteer control at Siler and then more big rollers to Cross Junction on US522. Plenty more climbing awaits through the big woods of Whitacre Road, with a last little uphill slog on US50 to break out in the open in the orchards near the aptly named High View. After winding through the orchards and traveling a short stretch of WV259, the riders turn onto CR13 for a wild ride down the mountain (with a few little ups) to Capon Bridge and a much needed break at Greg's Drive-in Restaurant. There is a relatively "flat" stretch along the beautiful Cacapon River back to 259 at Yellow Springs. From there it's familiar territory through Wardensville, up Trout Run and over Wolf Gap, down the mountain to Larkin's and on home down Back Road, through Clary to US11."
See ya there!
Crista
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We're finally starting to see some real fall color around here, and I'm hoping that it will be peaking west of the Blue Ridge just in time for the Cacapon 200K on Saturday. The ride starts at the Super 8 in Middletown, Virginia at 7:00 a.m., and you can find all the necessary information about logistics, entry fee, etc. at the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org. To entice you to come out for this beautiful brevet designed by Lynn Kristianson, here is Lynn's ride description:
"Starting from the Middletown Super 8, this route takes some fairly level terrain slightly west and mostly north along Cedar Creek Grade to an early first control at Cather's Market on US50. Continuing north, there is more of a warm up on Poor House Road and a long slow downhill on Green Spring Road next to Green Spring Creek. After crossing Back Creek, there are several significant hills - with some terrific views - on the way to a volunteer control at Siler and then more big rollers to Cross Junction on US522. Plenty more climbing awaits through the big woods of Whitacre Road, with a last little uphill slog on US50 to break out in the open in the orchards near the aptly named High View. After winding through the orchards and traveling a short stretch of WV259, the riders turn onto CR13 for a wild ride down the mountain (with a few little ups) to Capon Bridge and a much needed break at Greg's Drive-in Restaurant. There is a relatively "flat" stretch along the beautiful Cacapon River back to 259 at Yellow Springs. From there it's familiar territory through Wardensville, up Trout Run and over Wolf Gap, down the mountain to Larkin's and on home down Back Road, through Clary to US11."
See ya there!
Crista
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