Big Saturday - DCR 400K Brevet

Dear Friends,

We're not scheduling our customary Weekend Rides this weekend because the DC Randonneurs Frederick 400K brevet is scheduled for this Saturday, May 21, starting at 4:00 a.m. from the Hampton Inn on Opossumtown Pike in Frederick. 

The cue sheet and GPS files for the brevet are posted at http://dcrand.org/blog/2011/05/17/cue-sheet-and-gps-files-for-may-21-frederick-400k-acp-brevet/.  Registration will be open at the Hampton Inn on Friday from 6-8PM and Saturday from 3-4AM. Be sure to follow the parking instructions and do NOT park at the Hampton Inn unless you are a paying guest. Park instead at the farthest lot of the Pediatric Center across Taney Rd from the Hampton entrance. (Same place we parked for the 300K.) Please bring your bike with attached lights and your reflective gear to registration so they can be inspected.

Here's the official DCR ride description:

The Maryland 400K provides plenty of training opportunities (read: hills). Traveling through four states, it forms a clockwise semi-circle to the southwest, west and northwest of Frederick.

Starting at 4AM from the Hampton Inn and Suites on Opossumtown Pike in Frederick, Maryland, riders head south along the base of and then cross Catoctin Ridge and then the Potomac into Virginia from Brunswick, Maryland. Climbing up to Lovettesville, they continue south to Airmont and then tackle the climb over the Blue Ridge at Snickers Gap. Just east of Berryville, the route turns north and enters West Virginia, traversing mostly level terrain - and many railroad tracks - to Shepherdstown, where several excellent brunch possibilities exist. Riders then head northwest, remaining in West Virginia and following the Potomac, climbing and descending to and from the many creek bottoms before crossing the Potomac back into Maryland and a control in Hancock. A tough climb up to Tollgate Ridge and series of rollers in the orchards north of town bring the riders into Pennsylvania and the beautiful Little Cove Creek valley. Heading north, they traverse an endless march of rolling hills to a final slow climb halfway up Tuscarora Mountain. There is a fast descent to Cove Gap and then a few more rollers before a short breather north of Mercersburg. The hills return in earnest through the orchards and farmland around Edenville. After the Cumberland Valley Business Park, the trip to Newville and Big Spring follows less rigorous terrain through Amish farms. After refueling and relaxing at Kane's Subs in Newville, riders will encounter the final climbs through the Michaux State Forest and the truly popular descent into Gettysburg. Just south of Gettysburg, riders pick up the last 40 miles of the 300K route to return to Frederick.

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

We hope to have a full schedule of rides for next weekend!

Crista

No "Weekend Rides" this w/e -Heading Up to Quakertown PA

Dear Friends,

We're not scheduling rides for this weekend, as we're heading up to Quakertown, Pennsylvania for Tom Rosenbauer's 200K Brevet.  Maybe we'll see some of you up there!

Crista

Important Note regarding Cue Sheets for Sunday Ride

Hi,

I forgot to mention that if you're attending Sunday's ride, you'll need to print out your own cue sheet and bring it to the ride with you.  Please download and print out the cue sheet directly from the DCCenturyRides blog,

http://dccenturyrides.blogspot.com/ .

 

Just click on "Cue Sheets" (on the left side of the page), and you'll find it there!  When you open a pdf file, just click on "Print" to print the cue sheet.  If you're unable to print the cue sheet yourself, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start for you.  I won't be bringing extra copies of cue sheets to the ride start unless you email me directly and advise me that you're unable to print out your own.  GPS files are also available in the same location on the blog.

Thanks,

Crista

Big Saturday Ride and GENTLE Sunday Ride!

Dear Friends,

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2011
The DC Randonneurs 300K Brevet, starting from the Hampton Inn & Suites in Frederick, Maryland, is this Saturday, May 7, beginning promptly at 5:00 a.m.  Registration opens at 4:00 a.m., and onsite registration fee is $15.00.  For further detailed information regarding logistics, etc., see
http://dcrand.org/blog/2011/05/03/cue-sheet-and-gps-files-for-may-7-frederick-300k-acp-brevet/

Here's the description of this beautiful ride:

Starting from the Frederick Hampton Inn, we follow roughly the same route as last year. The ride heads north, skirting South Mountain as far as Thurmont and then turns west to climb the ridge on MD77 through Catoctin Mountain State Park. Just short of the summit, it heads roughly north-north-east into Pennsylvania and through the rolling apple and peach orchards of Adams County. From Arendtsville, it turns northwest and begins a long, stair-step climb with many steep sections, ascending the false summit before Big Flat (altitude 1650 feet) before a rapid descent to a stop sign, followed by the real climb to the summit of Big Flat (altitude 2040 feet). Nine miles of mostly downhill brings riders to a much needed rest stop and control in Shippensburg. The terrain moderates in the Cumberland valley northeast to Bloserville. The return trip heads east and south through Mount Holly Springs, then recrosses South Mountain (by a noticably easier route) and takes several miles of easy rollers to East Berlin. The final miles remain mellow, heading southwest to Thurmont ending with a few rollers paralleling US15. After crossing US15, we'll take a new route into town on Opossumtown Pike.

Lights and reflective gear are required as described in Article 10 of the RUSA rules for riders, and there will be a lighting inspection at registration.

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

SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2011

SOLOMONS ISLAND CENTURY," starting from Southern High School, Harwood, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  A pretty ride over gently rolling terrain.  The ride passes through Friendship as we head south, after which we'll be on and off of MD2-4 most of the way down to Solomons (detouring off of it when we can).  Although Rt. 2/4 is a busy highway, it has a very wide, smooth shoulder, so what it lacks in charm it makes up for in providing an opportunity for fast transit.  At the southernmost point, we'lltake a scenic tour of Solomons Island and then have a leisurely lunch at one of the many local restaurants.  The return route spends a lot less time on MD2-4, and we leave it for good when we get to Prince Frederick.  From there we'll follow our traditional and scenic Cypress Swamp Century route back, passing through Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Rose Haven, and the oh-so-lovely Fair Haven.  101 miles, with a 60-mile short option.

 

Crista

Saturday Permanent - "We Can See Clearly Now"

Dear Friends,

This Saturday we're riding my "We Can See Clearly Now" 201K RUSA Permanent, starting from Marshall, Virginia.  This is a spectacularly beautiful (and challenging) ride, inspired by an impromptu ride that Bennett Minton rode last winter and traveling down many of the same roads taken on that ride. 

Here's the link to the marvelous photos that Bennett took that day:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikerben58/sets/72157625488386376/show/

Starting from Marshall, we'll head west and cross the "Stan Miller Memorial Low Water Bridge" on our way to Front Royal, then cruise through the lovely Fort Valley before the first major climb over Massanutten Mountain at Edith Gap.  After a thrilling descent we'll have lunch in Luray.  Next we'll tackle the climb over Thornton Gap; this one's a bit laborious but the descent is long, swoopy and delightful.  The last climb of note is on Gid Brown Hollow Road.  It's never very steep, and the scenery is so beautiful that you'll hardly even notice that you're climbing :-)  There is a 1.4-mile stretch of hard-pack on the climb, but the beautiful descent on Harris Hollow Road is paved.  Harris Hollow will take us down into "Little" Washington, and from there we'll return over moderately hilly terrain via Flint Hill and Orlean.  Conservative estimate of elevation gain is 9000 feet.

Now that spring is here in all its glory the views will be slightly different from but every bit as gorgeous as what you see in Bennett's slideshow, and we'd love to have some company.  **In order to join us you'll need to contact me no later than Thursday afternoon, and you must be a RUSA member to participate.**  You should also be familiar with and understand the rules associated with riding RUSA Permanents.  For more information on that, please visit the Permanents page of the RUSA website, http://www.rusa.org/perminfo.html.  Once you advise me of your intention to participate, I'll send you the registration form and waiver by email with further instructions.  If you're interested but not sure yet, please contact me now so that I can send you the paperwork in any case.

Crista
crista.dccentury@gmail.com

Saturday Ride - Old Rag 200K Brevet!

Dear Friends,

A ride that is particularly close to our hearts, the Old Rag 200K Brevet, is this Saturday, April 23, starting from the Howard Johnson Inn in Warrenton, Virginia.  Registration opens at 6:00 a.m. and the ride begins promptly at 7:00 a.m.  Onsite registration fee is $10.00.  I hope we will see many of you there!

The Old Rag 200K starts at the "Howard Johnson Inn" at 6 Broadview Avenue in Warrenton, VA‎ (540 347-4141‎). Checkin starts at 6am and the brevet starts at 7am. Pre-ride restrooms are available in the Burger King, just N of the HoJos, on Broadview. Please do not park at the HoJos, unless you are a guest. There is street parking on Waterloo, just west of the HoJos. If you want off-street parking, park at the High School which is at Waterloo and Van Roijen St, about three blocks from the HoJos.

From Warrenton we head generally southwest passing through rolling horse farm country with the Blue Ridge Mountains as our backdrop. We parallel the Blue Ridge as far south as Madison where we begin our return to Warrenton after a stop at the friendly, well-stocked Yoder's Country Market. The route is fairly gentle as we wind our way to Syria in the shadow of Grave's Mountain. A moderate climb followed by a 3-mile descent puts us up and over the Old Rag Grinder. A series of steep and unrelenting rollers–lovingly known as The Three Kings and The Meanies–will consume us for the next hour or so, prompting many to re-fuel at the Laurel Mills store with the sweet spring water that flows nearby. Country roads bordered by stone fences carry us through Ben Venue and into Flint Hill and the final control at the reopened Orlean Market. A final climb over Piney Mountain brings us back to the HoJos in Warrenton. Estimated total elevation gain: 8,000 feet. 

Lights are not absolutely required, and there will not be a mandatory lighting inspection, but lights and reflective gear are required to ride in dark conditions. So we recommended that you bring lights in case you need to ride after it gets dark. Lights might also be needed at the start if it's cloudy.

Cue sheets and GPS files have been posted at http://dcrand.org/blog/2011/04/19/cue-sheet-and-gps-files-for-april-23-old-rag-200k-acp-brevet/.

BIG Saturday Ride - DC Randonneurs "Contrary Mother 300K Brevet"

Dear Friends,

The DC Randonneurs "Contrary Mother of All 300K's" Brevet is scheduled for this Saturday, April 9, starting from the Super 8 in Middletown, Virginia at 5:00 a.m.  Truly an epic ride that will challenge and thrill you all at the same time.  We won't be scheduling a Sunday ride, as we'll be busy licking our wounds.

Here are all the details, courtesy of RBA Bill Beck.  See ya there!

Crista

----------  Forwarded message ----------
From: William Beck <william.a.beck@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 8:02 AM
Subject: [DC Randonneurs] Cue sheet & GPS files posted for April 9 Contrary Mother 300K ACP brevet
To: dcrand@googlegroups.com

The cue sheet and GPS files for the Contrary Mother 300K brevet scheduled for 5AM this Saturday, April 9, are now posted at http://dcrand.org/blog/2011/04/04/cue-sheet-and-gps-files-for-april-9-contrary-mother-300k-brevet/. If you downloaded the GPS files before today you should redownload them since there was a change.

Registration will be open in the lobby of the Super 8 Motel on Friday from 6PM to 8PM and on Saturday morning starting at 4AM. There will be a mandatory bike inspection for front and rear lights firmly attached to the bike, and you will also be asked to show your reflective ankle bands and vest or Sam Browne belt. [See Article 10 of the RUSA rules for riders (http://www.rusa.org/brvreg.html) for details.] Note that the current rules strongly recommend backup lights for both the front and back, but they are not mandatory so we won't require them. But I strongly advise bringing backup lighting since there are many ways for a light to fail, and you would be frozen in place if your light fails in the dark. Riding without front and rear lights is a mandatory disqualification.

 

As the name "Contrary Mother of all 300Ks" suggests, there are a few hills on the route. But it is very beautiful, and will be excellent training for those planning on PBP or another long ride this year. Hopefully we will have better weather than on the checkout ride last Sunday. Our dedicated checkout riders, Gary Dean, Lynn Kristianson, and ride organizer Maile Neel encountered a big lighting storm with hail at the top of Wolf Gap (but finished safely).

 

Bill

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Sunday Ride, April 3, 2011

Dear Friends,

We've got a fairly mellow ride scheduled for Sunday.  Hope you can join us! 

Please download and print out your own cue sheet.   Just click on "Cue Sheets" (on the left side of this page), and you'll find it there!  When you open a pdf file, just click on "Print" to print the cue sheet.  If you're unable to print the cue sheet yourself, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start for you.  I won't be bringing extra copies of cue sheets to the ride start unless you email me directly and advise me that you're unable to print out your own.

Sorry, haven't had time to do a GPS file.  If you want one, let me know and if I have time to produce one I'll send it to you.

Crista

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2011

"VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SMITH," starting from Roy Rogers, 191 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, Maryland.  **NOTE LATE MEETING TIME 8:30 a.m**!!  This kind and gentle ride is adapted from the 2007 Frederick Pedalers Century designed by Bill Smith and Tim Guilford.  (Thank you, Bill!)  The route goes to most of the same places but uses mostly different roads to get there.  In the morning we'll noodle along some of our favorite mellow roads between Frederick and Emmitsburg, then continue north into Adams County PA and slightly east to McSherrystown for lunch at Brothers Pizza.  We'll pass through the village of Harney in the morning and again in the afternoon, and there will be an afternoon rest stop at WGR's favorite refueling spot -- Detour!  Only ~ 4,000 feet elevation gain.  100 miles, with a 58-mile short option. 

Directions to the ride start:

ROY ROGERS, 191 Thomas Johnson Drive, FREDERICK, MARYLAND

From D.C. Beltway (I-495), take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.  Continue north on US15 3.7 miles.  Take Exit 16, Motter Ave exit (sign for Frederick Community College).  Turn RIGHT at the traffic light onto Opossumtown Pike.  In a quarter mile turn right onto Thomas Johnson Drive, then left into the shopping center.  Park at the north end of the parking lot near Weis Market.

Saturday Ride - DCR Urbana 200K Brevet

Dear Friends,

The DC Randonneurs Urbana 200K Brevet is scheduled for tomorrow, March 26.  Registration opens at the Waffle House at 6:00 a.m. and the ride begins promptly at 7:00 a.m.  Details and ride description are posted on the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org.

The cue sheet and GPS files are posted at
http://dcrand.org/blog/2011/03/21/cue-sheet-and-gps-files-for-march-26-urbana-200k-brevet/.

Hope to see you there!  We won't be scheduling a Sunday ride due to the dismal weather forecast.

Crista

No "Weekend Ride" this Weekend -- DCR Dart

Dear Friends,

We're participating in the DC Randonneurs Dart to Gettysburg this weekend and so won't be scheduling our customary weekend rides.  We"ll return to our usual schedule on April 2.  Hope to see you then!

Crista

Saturday Ride, March 12, 2011

Dear Friends,

We're hoping things dry out enough by Saturday that we won't encounter any high water, but our ride does include several creek crossings (kind of hard to avoid around here), so be prepared for an adventure or two.

Please download and print out your own cue sheet and GPS files for Saturday's ride.  Just click on "Cue Sheets" (on the left side of this page), and you'll find them there!  When you open a pdf file, just click on "Print" to print the cue sheet.  If you're unable to print the cue sheet yourself, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start for you.  I won't be bringing extra copies of cue sheets to the ride start unless you email me directly and advise me that you're unable to print out your own.

Here what's up:

"FALLING DOMINOES," starting from Silo Hill Parkway, Emmitsburg, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  The first 35 miles of the ride are pleasant and familiar Adams County PA fodder.  As we had into York County we'll explore some less familiar roads (including the infamous Mud Run Road), and after entering Cumberland County we'll enjoy some truly lovely riding along the Yellow Breeches Creek on our way to the picturesque village of Boiling Springs.  The village surrounds the charming Children's Lake, which is on the Appalachian Trail.  After a nice lunch at Anile's, we'll climb over South Mountain via Whiskey Springs Road, and then enjoy some very scenic and quite hilly travel through the high orchard country of northern Adams County.   After our last rest stop in Arendtsville the terrain moderates somewhat, and we'll pass the Land of Little Horses on our way back to Emmitsburg.  100 miles, with short options of 69 and 76 miles.  The 76-mile option has a lunch stop at the "other" Rocco's in York Springs, assuming you get there late enough.  Estimated elevation gain for the century 6500 feet (or more).

 

Directions to the ride start:

EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND  (Silo Hill Parkway)

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

 

Crista

Saturday Ride, March 5, 2011

Dear Friends,

Sunday's looking pretty weepy, so we're scheduling a ride for Saturday only.  Here's the scoop:

Please download and print out your own cue sheet and GPS files for Saturday's ride.   Just click on "Cue Sheets" (on the left side of the page), and you'll find them there!  When you open a pdf file, just click on "Print" to print the cue sheet.  If you're unable to print the cue sheet yourself, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start for you.  I won't be bringing extra copies of cue sheets to the ride start unless you email me directly and advise me that you're unable to print out your own.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2011

"IT'S DELIGHTFUL, IT'S DELICIOUS, IT'S DELISO!" starting from the Woodbine Park & Ride, Woodbine, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 8:00.**  In our seemingly never-ending quest to sample every single Adams County PA pizza joint, we think we've discovered a hidden gem in a slightly off-the-beaten track location just north of Gettysburg.  Deliso has been very highly recommended, and we'll certainly work up an appetite getting there.  We'll take Bill Beck's "Woodbine 200K" route in reverse as far as Taneytown and then follow a more drunken-sailor route to Gettysburg, visiting some interesting parts of the Gettysburg battlefield that don't appear on our other rides.  After lunch at Deliso Pizza, we'll meander through some additional battlefield sites before turning south and heading back into Maryland, where we'll have an afternoon rest stop in Union Bridge.  The last leg of the ride features the lovely Sams Creek Rd, including 1 mile of beautiful hard-pack surface east of Buffalo Rd.  Pavement weenies can take Hooper Rd to avoid it; their loss:-) 102 miles, with no cued shortcuts, although you could easily shorten the ride to 59 miles by picking up the return cues when you get to Taneytown.  Alternatively, you could BEGIN and end the ride in Taneytown, and that would yield you 43 miles including the lunch stop at Deliso.  Since this is a new ride, please be tolerant of minor cue sheet errors – we'll tweak as we go.  Estimated elevation gain for the century 6000 feet or so.

Directions to the ride start:

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.

Crista

 

Saturday Ride, March 5, 2011

Sunday's looking pretty weepy, so we're scheduling a ride for Saturday only.  Here's the scoop:

Please download and print out your own cue sheet and GPS files for Saturday's ride.  Just click on "Cue Sheets" (on the left side of this page), and you'll find them there!  When you open a pdf file, just click on "Print" to print the cue sheet.  If you're unable to print the cue sheet yourself, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start for you.  I won't be bringing extra copies of cue sheets to the ride start unless you email me directly and advise me that you're unable to print out your own.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2011

"IT'S DELIGHTFUL, IT'S DELICIOUS, IT'S DELISO!" starting from the Woodbine Park & Ride, Woodbine, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 8:00.**  In our seemingly never-ending quest to sample every single Adams County PA pizza joint, we think we've discovered a hidden gem in a slightly off-the-beaten track location just north of Gettysburg.  Deliso has been very highly recommended, and we'll certainly work up an appetite getting there.  We'll take Bill Beck's "Woodbine 200K" route in reverse as far as Taneytown and then follow a more drunken-sailor route to Gettysburg, visiting some interesting parts of the Gettysburg battlefield that don't appear on our other rides.  After lunch at Deliso Pizza, we'll meander through some additional battlefield sites before turning south and heading back into Maryland, where we'll have an afternoon rest stop in Union Bridge.  The last leg of the ride features the lovely Sams Creek Rd, including 1 mile of beautiful hard-pack surface east of Buffalo Rd.  Pavement weenies can take Hooper Rd to avoid it; their loss:-) 102 miles, with no cued shortcuts, although you could easily shorten the ride to 59 miles by picking up the return cues when you get to Taneytown.  Alternatively, you could BEGIN and end the ride in Taneytown, and that would yield you 43 miles including the lunch stop at Deliso.  Since this is a new ride, please be tolerant of minor cue sheet errors – we'll tweak as we go.  Estimated elevation gain for the century 6000 feet or so.

Directions to the ride start:

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.

Crista

 

Fwd: Sunday Ride, February 27, 2011

Dear Friends,

We have a nice ride to Madison, Virginia scheduled for Sunday, and the forecast there is for sunny and 60F!

Please download and print out your own cue sheet and GPS files for the weekend rides.   Just click on "Cue Sheets" (on the left side of this page), and you'll find them there!  When you open a pdf file, just click on "Print" to print the cue sheet.  If you're unable to print the cue sheet yourself, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start for you.  I won't be bringing extra copies of cue sheets to the ride start unless you email me directly and advise me that you're unable to print out your own.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2011

"PORK BARREL CENTURY," starting from Margaret Pierce Elementary School, Remington, Virginia.  **MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  This ride heads in a southwest direction over mellow terrain, as we pass through Brandy Station and Rapidan on the way to lunch at the Madison Inn in Madison, Va.  See http://www.madisoninnva.com/.  We'll have a rest stop in Rapidan in the morning, but please bring your own snacks, as the Rapidan Trading Post will probably not yet have opened its eyes when we get there.  Afternoon rest stop at the Reva Market.  Estimated elevation gain somewhere between 4000 and 5000 feet.  101 miles with an optional 6-mile shortcut before lunch and 4.5-mile shortcut near the end of the ride.

Directions to ride start:

MARGARET PIERCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, REMINGTON, VIRGINIA 

From Beltway Exit 9, take I-66 West 21 miles to Exit 43A (Gainesville/Warrenton).  Take US29 south 24 miles to Remington.  Turn left onto Bus.29, just past VA28.  Proceed 1.4 mi. to school on R. 

Crista

WEEKEND RIDES, FEBRUARY 19-21 2011!

Dear Friends,

First on the docket is the DC Randonneurs "Tappahannock 200K" Brevet, starting from Ashland Coffee & Tea in Ashland, Virginia (center of the Universe) at 7:00 a.m., Saturday, February 19, 2011.  Here's the  ride description, etc.:

The cue sheet and GPS files for Paul Donaldson's Tappahannock 200K brevet scheduled for this Saturday, February 19, are now posted at http://dcrand.org/blog/2011/02/16/cue-sheet-and-gps-files-for-february-19-tappahannock-200k-brevet/. Apparently the power company cut down most of the trees along the unpaved section on Hickory Hill Road so Paul has elected to use the same fully-paved route that we used last year. Please note that if you use the currently posted GPS file, you should follow the directions for using the "99 Alt" segment instead of segment 5. A revised GPS file with standard segment naming should be posted by tomorrow morning if you would rather wait for that.

This route is a favorite that is one of our flatter 200Ks and a great way to start our 2011 season. Paul's description says:

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.

The ride finishes at the Ashland Coffee & Tea, which serves a very nice selection of food.

Registration starts at 6AM behind the Ashland Coffee & Tea. There are no restrooms at the start, but you will pass several places, including a Waffle House, on your way through Ashland. Please pay attention to the parking instructions. Hope to see you there.

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

For Sunday and Monday's rides, please download and print out your own cue sheets and GPS files by clicking

on "Cue Sheets" (on the left side of this page), and you'll find them there!  When you open a pdf file, just click on "Print" to print the cue sheet.  If you're unable to print the cue sheet yourself, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start for you.  I won't be bringing extra copies of cue sheets to the ride start unless you email me directly and advise me that you're unable to print out your own.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2011

"THE CENTURY OF THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE," starting from the Hyattstown Shopping Center in Hyattstown, Maryland.  MEETING TIME 7:30 AM.  A John & Lynne MASTERPIECE, and definitely one of our favorite rides.  We'll travel "over the mountains and through the woods" to Sharpsburg in the morning, then cross the Potomac River into West Virginia, with a lunch stop at the cozy Blue Moon Cafe in Shepherdstown.  After lunch we'll amble along the Potomac River on the way to magnificently beautiful Harpers Ferry, where we'll cross the long footbridge over the Potomac River and then ride a very short stretch (only 0.5 mile) on the C&O Canal towpath. The return route passes through Sandy Hook, Knoxville, Brunswick, Jefferson, and Buckeystown.  101 HILLY miles, with short options of 57, 65, or 87 miles. The two shortest options stay in Frederick County.  The 87-mile option includes a brief tour of the Antietam battlefield.

Directions to the ride start:

HYATTSTOWN SHOPPING CENTER, HYATTSTOWN, MARYLAND 

From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Exit 22 (MD109 - Barnesville/Hyattstown). 

L MD109 North at end of ramp. 

0.5 mi. L MD355 @T (SS). 

0.3 mi. L into shopping center. 

Park away from the stores.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2011

"HALF PONE POINT," starting from T.C. Martin Elementary School, Bryantown, Maryland.  **NOTE LATE MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  We haven't scheduled this ride since 2004, so it's way overdue!  A fairly gentle ride, mostly in St. Mary's County, with a very nice restaurant lunch stop at the Front Porch in Leonardtown.  See website:  http://www.thefrontporchsomd.com/.   103 miles with plenty of short options.

 

Directions to the ride start:

T. C. MARTIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BRYANTOWN, MARYLAND

6315 Olivers Shop Rd, Bryantown, Maryland

From DC Beltway, south on MD5 Branch Avenue, toward Waldorf (Exit 7A)  In 12.2 miles turn left onto MD5 (traffic light) (just after entering Charles County, sign to Lexington Park/Leonardtown).  In 3.2 miles turn left onto Leonardtown Rd to remain on MD5 (traffic light, Bus. 5 goes right).  In 4.9 miles turn right onto Olivers Shop Rd MD232 (blinking traffic light).  In 1.1 miles turn right into school parking lot. 

Crista

Sunday Ride, February 13, 2011

Dear Friends,

We have a beautiful ride scheduled for Sunday, with temps predicted to reach at least 50!  Hope you can join us.

Please download and print out your own cue sheet and GPS files for the weekend rides.  Just click on "Cue Sheets" (on the left side of this page), and you'll find them there!  When you open a pdf file, just click on "Print" to print the cue sheet.  If you're unable to print the cue sheet yourself, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start for you.  I won't be bringing extra copies of cue sheets to the ride start unless you email me directly and advise me that you're unable to print out your own.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2011

"DAM GOOD RIDE TO GLEN ROCK," starting from New Midway Elementary School in Keymar, Maryland.  MEETING TIME 7:30am.  This ride heads in a northeasterly direction with a morning rest stop in Littlestown, PA., and continues past the Long Arm Reservoir and then along the very scenic Impounding Dam Road past the Sheppard Myers Dam.   We'll continue on to the historic railroad village of Glen Rock, where we'll have a relaxed and yummy lunch at Mignano's.  After lunch we'll tackle a few of York County's "interesting" hills as we head back into Carroll County MD.  Afternoon delights include Deep Run, a lovely cruise down Silver Run Valley, and maybe a CAMEL!   The route includes two stretches of lovely unpaved hard-pack surface roads.  Paved options are indicated on the cue sheet and will yield a couple of bonus miles.  101 miles, with 58 and 77-mile short options.

Directions to the ride start:

NEW MIDWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 12226 Woodsboro Pike, Keymar, Maryland  21757

240-236-1500.

From D.C. Beltway, take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.  Continue north on US15 about 2-1/2 miles then exit onto MD26 East/Liberty Rd. toward Libertytown/MD194/Walkersville.  In 2.2 miles bear left onto Woodsboro Pike MD194 North.  In 9.5 miles turn L into the school, JUST past intersection with Detour Rd.

No restroom facilities at ride start.  You'll pass Starbucks/Panera/Sheetz, etc. on the way out, so avail yourselves of those opportunities!

Crista

Sunday Ride

Dear Friends,

We're not scheduling a ride for Saturday due to the ugly weather forecast and already have alternate plans for Sunday, but Bob Wagner is leading a century ride starting from BWI Dixon Observatory. Here are the details, and if you can make it you should print out your own cue sheet from Bob's blog.

Hope to be back on schedule next weekend!

Crista

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Bob Wagner <bobwag@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Feb 3, 2011 at 11:43 PM
Subject: [Dcrand] Sunday Ramble
To: DCRand <DCRand@bikelist.org>

The February Rando Ramble, The Three Glens, is good to go for this Sunday February, 6th, 

102 mile ride start is at Dixon Observatory/BWI at 8AM

(I am leaving Carroll Park in Baltimore at 7AM)

Ride has less than 5,000 feet of total climb- easier than average difficulty. A very nice and very scenic route. 

Stops at 25, 50 and 75 miles. There is a nice shortcut of 75 miles.

Bring lights, proper clothing and dependable equipment for a winter century. 

Many more details on the Ramble blog: http://randoramble.posterous.com/

   -Bob

Sunday Ride, January 30, 2011

Dear Friends,

Sorry for the delay in posting this notice.  We had no power for a couple of days and I just got back online this morning. 

Please download and print out your own cue sheet and GPS files for tomorrow's ride directly from this site.   Just click on "Cue Sheets" (on the left side of this page), and you'll find them there!  When you open a pdf file, just click on "Print" to print the cue sheet.  If you're unable to print the cue sheet yourself, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start for you.  I won't be bringing extra copies of cue sheets to the ride start unless you email me directly and advise me that you're unable to print out your own.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011
"SNOW EMERGENCY RANDO RIDE," starting from the Weis Market on Thomas Johnson Drive in Frederick, Maryland.  MEETING TIME 10:00 a.m.

It doesn't look like there's going to be a whole lot of melting going on today, so we're opting for our Snow Emergency Ride tomorrow.  Even though it's only 53 miles, we'll climb more than 4600 feet and I can guarantee a great workout.  You really get a lot of bang for your buck on this ride, as you'll be either climbing or descending for all but a few miles.   The ride heads due west on US40, a snow emergency route with a wide shoulder and very little traffic.  After climbing over Catoctin and South Mountain, we turn north on Crystal Falls Rd, which offers great winter views.  Note that although the cue sheet indicates lunch at Carmine's Italian Restaurant in Smithsburg, Carmine's is closed on Sundays so we'll have to settle for the Subway tomorrow.  53 miles, 4600+ feet elevation gain.

Directions to the ride start:

WEIS MARKET, 199 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 (traffic light), then left into the shopping center.  Park in the lot just north of Roy Rogers.

Crista

New RUSA Permanent # 1055 - "We Can See Clearly Now"

Several weeks ago, in an email entitled "We Can See Clearly Now," Bennett Minton posted some really fabulous photos from an impromptu ride he did starting from his weekend getaway cabin in Sperryville.  In case you missed them, here's the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikerben58/sets/72157625488386376/show/

The photos were so stunning that it inspired me to design a permanent route incorporating many of the roads from Bennett's ride.  This latest addition to our local library of permanents starts in Marshall, Virginia.  It heads west to Front Royal, then south through Fort Valley, over Edith Gap, and down into Luray, which has many interesting lunch possibilities as well as a friendly bicycle shop, Hawksbill Bicycles.  The views descending Edith Gap when the trees are bare are truly spectacular!  Leaving Luray, the route climbs over Thornton Gap and then takes the beautiful "back door" into "Little" Washington via Gid Brown Hollow Rd and Harris Hollow Rd, perhaps my favorite part of the entire ride.  It includes 1.4 miles of hardpack, no problem at all for road bikes, and the descent on Harris Hollow is entirely paved.  Washington – Flint Hill – Orlean and back to Marshall is all on lovely roads familiar to most of you.  While I agree with Bennett that the views are really best in winter, the cold temps and short days can make this ride particularly challenging, so it won't be available in January and February. 

Crista

Sunday Ride, January 14, 2011

Dear Friends,

Conditions for this Sunday are looking good and so we're rescheduling the ride that we were going to do LAST Sunday.  Here's the warmed-over ride description!. 

Please download and print out your own cue sheet and GPS files.   Just click on "Cue Sheets" (on the left side of this page), and you'll find them there!  When you open a pdf file, just click on "Print" to print the cue sheet.  If you're unable to print the cue sheet yourself, let me know and I'll bring a hard copy to the ride start for you.  I won't be bringing extra copies of cue sheets to the ride start unless you email me directly and advise me that you're unable to print out your own.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2011

"GET TO THE POINT," starting from T.C. Martin Elementary School, Bryantown, Maryland.  **MEETING TIME 8:00 a.m.**  A pretty ride through Charles and St. Mary's Counties to Colton's Point and the Potomac River Museum at St. Clement's Island.  We'll have lunch at the quaint but charming, off-the-beaten-path Morris Point Restaurant (see http://www.morris-point.com/), where once upon a time the owner served us lunch in her pajamas and mink coat!  We'll pass several picturesque Amish farms in the afternoon.  Terrain is flat to gently rolling.  Well, OK, there are a few of hills, but total elevation gain shouldn't be much more than 3,000 feet.  101 miles, with several short options.

Directions to the ride start:

T. C. MARTIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BRYANTOWN, MARYLAND

6315 Olivers Shop Rd, Bryantown, Maryland

From DC Beltway, south on MD5 Branch Avenue, toward Waldorf (Exit 7A)  In 12.2 miles turn left onto MD5 (traffic light) (just after entering Charles County, sign to Lexington Park/Leonardtown).  In 3.2 miles turn left onto Leonardtown Rd to remain on MD5 (traffic light, Bus. 5 goes right).  In 4.9 miles turn right onto Olivers Shop Rd MD232 (blinking traffic light).  In 1.1 miles turn right into school parking lot.

Crista