Previous Weekend Training/Touring Rides

About these rides (first-time riders, please read this)

To receive weekly ride notices by e-mail, or for more information, subscribe to the DCRand mailing list or contact Crista Borras.

Note: These rides are not official DC Randonneurs events nor are they sponsored by DC Randonneurs. Though, because these rides are great training opportunities for randonneuring, we gladly publish them on this site.

DATE(s)	RIDE	START LOCATION
PREVIOUS RIDES [view all]
Sun Dec 28 2008	OVER TO DOVER	Thurmont, MD
Sat Dec 27 2008	TOUR DE TINY TOWN	Williamsport, MD
Fri Dec 26 2008	MAINLINING AT THE MAIN CUP	Seneca, MD
Sun Dec 21 2008	HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY	Rockville, MD
Sat Dec 20 2008	Middleburg "If-You're-Not-Rich-You're-Not-Welcome" Virginia	Hyattstown, MD
Sun Dec 14 2008	MISSING THE POINT	Accokeek, MD
Sat Dec 13 2008	DC Randonneurs Woodbine Wallop 200K RUSA Brevet	Woodbine, MD
Sat Nov 29 2008	PILGRIMAGE TO PINEY POINT	Bryantown, MD
Fri Nov 28 2008	MAY YOUR PAIN BE EXQUISITE	Frederick, MD
Sun Nov 23 2008	SUMMIT CUM LAUDE	Marshall, VA
Sat Nov 22 2008	NO NAME WINTER CENTURY	Arlington, VA
Sun Nov 16 2008	WOODSBORO ONE HUNDRED	Potomac, MD
Sun Nov 09 2008	OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS	Marriottsville, MD
Sat Nov 08 2008	VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SMITH	Frederick, MD
Sun Nov 02 2008	GETTYSBURG GALLOP CHECK-OUT RIDE	Brookville, MD
Sat Nov 01 2008	MONKTON CHECKOUT RIDE	Brookville, MD
Fri Oct 31 2008	GHOSTS, GHOULS AND GRAVEYARDS	Burkittsville, MD
Sun Oct 26 2008	PILGRIMAGE TO PROSPECT PEAK	Williamsport, MD
Sun Oct 19 2008	UNMARKED AND UNCHAINED	Berryville, VA
Sat Oct 18 2008	DC RANDONNEURS CACAPON 200 KILOMETER RUSA BREVET	Middletown, VA
Sun Oct 12 2008	HYATTSTOWN HILLY HUNDRED	Hyattstown, MD
Sat Oct 11 2008	BLUE GRASS BYWAYS	Brandywine, WV
Sat Oct 11 2008	THE HORNETS NEST HUNDRED	Frederick, MD
Sun Oct 05 2008	BOILING SPRINGS CHECK-OUT RIDE	Emmitsburg, MD
Sat Oct 04 2008	UP, UP AND AWAY	Frederick, MD
Sat Sep 27 2008	THE BERRYVILLE CENTURY	Berryville, VA
Sun Sep 21 2008	ORCHARD ORGY!!	Emmitsburg, MD
Sat Sep 20 2008	Frederick Pedalers 2008 Century	Frederick, MD
Sun Sep 14 2008	THE PIGEON HILLS HUNDRED	Emmitsburg, MD
Sat Sep 13 2008	PAUL'S PARADISE	Poolesville, MD
Sun Sep 07 2008	SKY-MASS CENTURY	Front Royal, VA
Mon Sep 01 2008	THE CONOCOCHEAGUE CREEK CRAWLER	Williamsport, MD
Sun Aug 31 2008	OVER THE HILL WITH DOCTOR DISC	Frederick, MD
Sat Aug 30 2008	THE VIRGIN GRANDMOTHER RIDE	Clear Spring, MD
Sun Aug 24 2008	KINGS GAP CENTURY	Emmitsburg, MD
Sun Aug 17 2008	STATE LINE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sat Aug 16 2008	DC RANDONNEURS "RENO 911" RUSA ANNIVERSARY 200 KILOMETER BREVET	Poolesville, MD
Sun Aug 10 2008	THE SWINGING BRIDGE CENTURY	Halethorpe, MD
Sat Aug 09 2008	FERRY TO FERRY	Poolesville, MD
Sun Aug 03 2008	THE HORSESHOE HUNDRED	Marshall, VA
Sat Aug 02 2008	CORNQUEST	Hyattstown, MD
Sun Jul 27 2008	THE SANDGATES CENTURY	Bryantown, MD
Sat Jul 26 2008	WASHINGTON-PARIS-WASHINGTON	Washington, DC
Sat Jul 26 2008	BONNE ROUTE	Potomac, MD
Sun Jul 20 2008	LOLLYGAG TO LIBERTYTOWN	Rockville, MD
Sat Jul 19 2008	DC Randonneurs Warrenton 200K RUSA Brevet	Warrenton, VA
Sun Jul 13 2008	GETTYSBURG GLORY	Mt Airy, MD
Sat Jul 12 2008	A BIG FLAT RIDE	Thurmont, MD
Sat Jul 05 2008	Rendezvous at Union Bridge	Rockville, MD
Sat Jun 21 2008	Appalachian Adventure Send-Off Century	Rockville, MD
Sun Jun 15 2008	HYATTSTOWN HILLY HUNDRED	Hyattstown, MD
Sat Jun 14 2008	NAME THAT 200K	Poolesville, MD
Sun Jun 08 2008	THE LOW WATER RENDEZVOUS	Leesburg, VA
Sat Jun 07 2008	BURY MY HEART ON THE BLUE RIDGE	Marshall, VA
Sun Jun 01 2008	DOCTOR DISC'S CENTURY OF CENTURIES	Thurmont, MD
Sat May 31 2008	DC RANDONNEURS URBANA 200K BREVET	Urbana, MD
Sun May 25 2008	HALF A DOUBLE	Purcellville, VA
Sat May 24 2008	A PIECE OF FLECHE	Hereford, MD
Sun May 18 2008	E-I-E-I-O	Emmitsburg, MD
Sat May 17 2008	BIG OL' HONKIN' RIDE	Frederick, MD
Sun May 11 2008	A PIECE OF FLECHE	Rockville, MD
Sat May 10 2008	THE CENTURY OF THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE	Hyattstown, MD
Sun Apr 20 2008	E-I-E-I-O	Emmitsburg, MD
Sat Apr 19 2008	RANDONNEURS RIDE TO OLD RAG	Warrenton, VA
Sun Apr 06 2008	GENERAL RENO'S REVENGE	Point Of Rocks, MD
Sun Mar 30 2008	ALL ABOUT ABBOTTSTOWN	Thurmont, MD
Sat Mar 29 2008	CREEKS & CRANNIES & MAYBE YOUR GRANNY	Hereford, MD
Sat Mar 15 2008	GORDONSVILLE FLECHE TUNE-UP RIDE	Warrenton, VA
Sun Mar 09 2008	PAVED WITH GOOD INTENT	Emmitsburg, MD
Sun Mar 02 2008	HAMBURG HEAVEN	Frederick, MD
Sat Mar 01 2008	VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SMITH	Frederick, MD
Sun Feb 24 2008	THE PURCELLVILLE PRANCE	Warrenton, VA
Sun Feb 17 2008	ST. LEONARD CENTURY	Harwood, MD
Sat Feb 16 2008	FUNKY MONKEY BUSINESS	Woodbine, MD
Sun Feb 10 2008	ST. LEONARD CENTURY	Harwood, MD
Sat Feb 09 2008	HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY	Rockville, MD
Sun Feb 03 2008	THE BERRYVILLE CENTURY	Berryville, VA
Sat Feb 02 2008	THE BOILING SPRINGS CENTURY	Emmitsburg, MD
Sun Jan 27 2008	GLEN ECHO CENTURY	Glen Echo, MD
Sat Jan 26 2008	OH BROTHER (not another pizza joint!)	Woodbine, MD
Sat Jan 19 2008	COBB ISLAND CENTURY	La Plata, MD
Sun Jan 13 2008	BIGLERVILLE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sun Jan 06 2008	HAIL, MARY!	Potomac, MD
Sat Jan 05 2008	A SERENE CENTURY	Westminster, MD
Tue Jan 01 2008	THE WEENIE ONE HUNDRED	Washington, DC
Mon Dec 31 2007	Call Crista for latest info
Sun Dec 30 2007	HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY	Rockville, MD
Sat Dec 29 2007	THE RIVER RUNNER	Purcellville, VA
Mon Dec 24 2007	BONNE ROUTE	Potomac, MD
Sun Dec 23 2007	UNION BRIDGE CENTURY	Rockville, MD
Sat Dec 22 2007	THE WELLSVILLE ONE HUNDRED	Westminster, MD
Sat Dec 15 2007	MAYBE	Washington, DC
Sun Dec 09 2007	SWEET SUGARLOAF CENTURY	Washington, DC
Sat Dec 08 2007	THE SANDGATES CENTURY	Bryantown, MD
Sat Dec 01 2007	THE STEPMOTHER OF ALL RIDES	Frederick, MD
Sat Nov 24 2007	LOVELY LOVETTSVILLE LOOP	Marshall, VA
Fri Nov 23 2007	FUNKY MONKEY BUSINESS	Woodbine, MD
Sun Nov 18 2007	LOLLYGAG TO LIBERTYTOWN	Rockville, MD
Sat Nov 17 2007	A DAM GOOD RIDE TO GLEN ROCK	Keymar, MD
Sun Nov 11 2007	LOUISA RE-MEMBERED	Ashland, VA
Sat Nov 10 2007	TAPPAHANNOCK 200K RUSA BREVET	Ashland, VA
Sun Nov 04 2007	JERICHO'S JEWEL	Hydes, MD
Sat Nov 03 2007	NORTH MOUNTAIN NIRVANA	Winchester, VA
Sun Oct 28 2007	THE HORNETS NEST HUNDRED	Frederick, MD
Sun Oct 21 2007	CATOCTIN CREEK CROSS, CRAWL AND CURSE (CCCC&C)	Potomac, MD
Sat Oct 20 2007	DC RANDONNEURS 200 KILOMETER BREVET	Woodbine, MD
Sun Oct 14 2007	HYATTSTOWN HILLY HUNDRED	Hyattstown, MD
Sat Oct 13 2007	NO UNGER, NO UNGER	Sharpsburg, MD
Sun Oct 07 2007	UNMARKED AND UNCHAINED	Berryville, VA
Sat Oct 06 2007	LOST RIVER STATE PARK LOOP	Strasburg, VA
Sun Sep 30 2007	VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SMITH	Frederick, MD
Sat Sep 29 2007	HI-LO	Middletown, MD
Sun Sep 23 2007	THE CYPRESS SWAMP CENTURY	Harwood, MD
Sat Sep 22 2007	CHRIS CUSSING UP COXEY BROWN	Frederick, MD
Sun Sep 16 2007	STATE LINE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sat Sep 15 2007	THE WHISKEY SPRINGS ONE HUNDRED	Emmitsburg, MD
Sun Sep 09 2007	THE FLINT HILL FOOD FROLIC	Strasburg, VA
Sat Sep 08 2007	DC RANDONNEURS SLANESVILLE 200K BREVET or fun ride	Lebanon Church, VA
Mon Sep 03 2007	BACK FROM BREEZEWOOD	Breezewood, PA
Sun Sep 02 2007	ON THE WARPATH	Breezewood, PA
Sat Sep 01 2007	TO BREEZEWOOD AND BACK	Williamsport, MD
Sat Sep 01 2007	AIN'T NO BREEZE TO BREEZEWOOD	Williamsport, MD
Sun Aug 12 2007	CROOM AND OTHER DELIGHTS	Crofton, MD
Sat Aug 11 2007	Send-Off Pot-Luck Party	Potomac, MD
Sat Aug 11 2007	BONNE ROUTE	Potomac, MD
Sun Aug 05 2007	THE SNAKE AND THE BEE	Strasburg, VA
Sat Aug 04 2007	LOOKING FOR AN ADVENTURE (69 miles/dirt)	Sperryville, VA
Sat Aug 04 2007	DC RANDONNEURS GAPPITY GAP 200K	Sperryville, VA
Sun Jul 29 2007	A TASTE OF FLECHE	Thurmont, MD
Sat Jul 28 2007	E-I-E-I-O	Emmitsburg, MD
Sun Jul 22 2007	THE BERRYVILLE CENTURY	Berryville, VA
Sat Jul 21 2007	GENERAL RENO'S REVENGE	Point Of Rocks, MD
Sat Jul 14 2007 - Sun Jul 15 2007	PBP TUNE-UP WEEKEND	Strasburg, VA
Sun Jul 08 2007	BIGLERVILLE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sat Jul 07 2007	SKY-MASS CENTURY	Front Royal, VA
Fri Jun 29 2007 - Sun Jul 01 2007	Bears Den Weekend	Bluemont, VA
Sun Jun 24 2007	LOVELY LOVETTSVILLE LOOP	Marshall, VA
Sat Jun 23 2007	BLUE HILL HEAVEN	Winfield, MD
Sun Jun 17 2007	GETTYSBURG GLORY	Mt Airy, MD
Sat Jun 16 2007	A DAM GOOD RIDE TO GLEN ROCK	Keymar, MD
Sat Jun 09 2007	DC RANDONNEURS 600 KILOMETER BREVET	Middletown, VA
Sun Jun 03 2007	A DAM GOOD RIDE TO GLEN ROCK	Keymar, MD
Sat Jun 02 2007	PAX RIVER WANDERER	Takoma Park, MD
Sat May 26 2007	DC RANDONNEURS LEBANON CHURCH 400 KILOMETER BREVET	Lebanon Church, VA
Sat May 19 2007	A Sweet Meet in Shepherdstown	Frederick, MD
Sat May 19 2007	DC RANDONNEURS FREDERICK 400 KILOMETER BREVET	Frederick, MD
Sun May 13 2007	FREDERICK PEDALERS CENTURY	Thurmont, MD
Sat May 12 2007	THE SWINGING BRIDGE CENTURY	Halethorpe, MD
Sun May 06 2007	FERRY TO FERRY	Poolesville, MD
Sat May 05 2007	ORCHARD ORGY!!	Emmitsburg, MD
Sat May 05 2007	DC RANDONNEURS FREDERICK 300 KILOMETER BREVET	Frederick, MD
Sat Apr 28 2007	DC RANDONNEURS LOST RIVER ACP-SANCTIONED 300 KILOMETER BREVET	Middletown, VA
Fri Apr 27 2007	FREDERICK PEDALERS SPRING CENTURY	Emmitsburg, MD
Sun Apr 22 2007	SIVANOVA CENTURY	Warrenton, VA
Sat Apr 21 2007	DC RANDONNEURS WARRENTON 300 KILOMETER BREVET	Warrenton, VA
Sun Apr 15 2007	SIVANOVA CENTURY	Warrenton, VA
Sat Apr 14 2007	DC RANDONNEURS "OLD RAG" 200 KILOMETER BREVET	Warrenton, VA
Fri Apr 06 2007	A TASTE OF FLECHE	Thurmont, MD
Sun Apr 01 2007	NORTH OF NEWVILLE	Gettysburg, PA
Sat Mar 31 2007	Mar-Lu-Lu Fun Ride	Urbana, MD
Sat Mar 31 2007	DC RANDONNEURS URBANA 200 KILOMETER BREVET	Urbana, MD
Sun Mar 25 2007	LOUISA RE-MEMBERED	Ashland, VA
Sat Mar 24 2007	RICHMOND ROUNDABOUT	Ashland, VA
Sun Mar 18 2007	UNION BRIDGE CENTURY	Rockville, MD
Sat Mar 17 2007	CANNON BALL CENTURY	Hartwood, VA
Sat Mar 17 2007	DC RANDONNEURS LOST RIVER 200K	Middletown, VA
Sun Mar 11 2007	STONEWALL'S REVENGE	Remington, VA
Sat Mar 10 2007	GETTYSBURG GLORY	Mt Airy, MD
Sun Mar 04 2007	THE SANDGATES CENTURY	Bryantown, MD
Sat Mar 03 2007	LES LAMENTATIONS DE LOTHAIRE	Frederick, MD
Sun Feb 25 2007	BROADWAY BOOGIE	Strasburg, VA
Sat Feb 24 2007	PAX RIVER WANDERER	Washington, DC
Sat Feb 24 2007	DC RANDONNEURS RIDE AROUND MASSANUTTEN 200K BREVET	Strasburg, VA
Mon Feb 19 2007	COBB ISLAND CENTURY	La Plata, MD
Sun Feb 18 2007	LOVELY LOVETTSVILLE LOOP	Marshall, VA
Sat Feb 17 2007	PAX RIVER WANDERER	Washington, DC
Sun Feb 11 2007	BIGLERVILLE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sat Feb 10 2007	POIs and ORFs	Damascus, MD
Sun Feb 04 2007	LOUISA RE-MEMBERED	Ashland, VA
Sat Feb 03 2007	DC RANDONNEURS 200K BREVET	Ashland, VA
Sun Jan 28 2007	BIGLERVILLE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sat Jan 27 2007	THE SWINGING BRIDGE CENTURY	Elkridge, MD
Sun Jan 21 2007	BIGLERVILLE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sat Jan 20 2007	GLEN ECHO CENTURY	Glen Echo, MD
Sun Jan 14 2007	FROM HERE TO TIMBUKTU	Elkridge, MD
Sat Jan 13 2007	THE WHISKEY SPRINGS ONE HUNDRED	Emmitsburg, MD
Sun Jan 07 2007	PORK BARREL CENTURY	Remington, VA
Sat Jan 06 2007	DC RANDONNEURS 200 KILOMETER BREVET	Woodbine, MD
Mon Jan 01 2007	THE WEENIE ONE HUNDRED	Washington, DC
Sun Dec 31 2006	HYATTSTOWN HILLY HUNDRED	Hyattstown, MD
Sat Dec 30 2006	PAVED WITH GOOD INTENT	Emmitsburg, MD
Sun Dec 24 2006	A DAM GOOD RIDE TO GLEN ROCK	Keymar, MD
Sat Dec 23 2006	A NEW WAY TO NEW WINDSOR	Rockville, MD
Sun Dec 17 2006	GET TO THE POINT	Bryantown, MD
Sat Dec 16 2006	DC RANDONNEURS WALKERSVILLE 200 KILOMETER BREVET	Walkersville, MD
Sun Dec 10 2006	LOVETTSVILLE LOOP	Rockville, MD
Sat Dec 09 2006	THE BERRYVILLE CENTURY	Berryville, VA
Sun Dec 03 2006	THE FEAST AT THE FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN	Frederick, MD
Sat Dec 02 2006	THE WINDY HILL HUNDRED	Frederick, MD
Sun Nov 26 2006	THE PIGEON HILLS HUNDRED	Emmitsburg, MD
Sat Nov 25 2006	THE CENTURY OF THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE	Hyattstown, MD
Sun Nov 19 2006	MIRACLE AT MOUNT HOPE	Thurmont, MD
Sat Nov 18 2006	RAILROAD RIDER	Sykesville, MD
Sat Nov 11 2006	DC RANDONNEURS YIN & YANG 240km BREVET	Glen Echo, MD
Sun Nov 05 2006	HALF A DOUBLE	Purcellville, VA
Sat Nov 04 2006	OVER THE HILL WITH DOCTOR DISC	Frederick, MD
Sun Oct 29 2006	THE HORNETS NEST HUNDRED	Frederick, MD
Sat Oct 28 2006	Checkout of the DC Randonneurs 200K Brevet scheduled for January 2007	Woodbine, MD
Sun Oct 22 2006	A DELTA DALLIANCE	Manchester, MD
Sat Oct 21 2006	A TASTE OF FLECHE	Thurmont, MD
Sun Oct 15 2006	LAND O'GOSHEN	Harrisonburg, VA
Sat Oct 14 2006	BLUE GRASS BYWAYS	Brandywine, WV
Sat Oct 07 2006	DC RANDONNEURS SNICKERSVILLE 200KM BREVET	Warrenton, VA
Sun Oct 01 2006	HAMBURG HEAVEN	Frederick, MD
Sat Sep 30 2006	A BIG FLAT RIDE	Thurmont, MD
Sun Sep 24 2006	THE 2006 FREDERICK PEDALERS CLUB CENTURY	Thurmont, MD
Sat Sep 23 2006	THE SANDGATES CENTURY	Bryantown, MD
Sun Sep 17 2006	BOTH SIDES NOW	Washington, DC
Sat Sep 16 2006	SPINNING WHEEL CENTURY	Thurmont, MD
Sun Sep 10 2006	BROADWAY BOOGIE	Strasburg, VA
Sat Sep 09 2006	THE DC RANDONNEURS ANNUAL MEETING	Lebanon Church, VA
Sat Sep 09 2006	SLANESVILLE 200KM BREVET AND 100KM POPULAIRE	Lebanon Church, VA
Mon Sep 04 2006	THE QUARRYVILLE CENTURY	Perryville, MD
Sun Sep 03 2006	Delaware Valley Bicycling Club's Brandywine Tour century	Pocopson, PA
Sat Sep 02 2006	MARGHERITA'S MISADVENTURE	Perryville, MD
Sat Aug 26 2006	GAPPITY GAP 200K BREVET AND 100K POPULAIRE	Sperryville, VA
Sun Aug 20 2006	THE CONOCOCHEAGUE CREEK CRAWLER	Williamsport, MD
Sat Aug 19 2006	BLUE HILL HEAVEN	Winfield, MD
Sun Aug 13 2006	STATE LINE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sat Aug 12 2006	BERKELEY SPRINGS DOUBLE METRIC	Middletown, VA
Sat Aug 05 2006	CORNQUEST	Hyattstown, MD
Sat Jul 29 2006	THE COVERED BRIDGES CRUSADE	Frederick, MD
Sat Jul 29 2006 - Sun Jul 30 2006	B-M-B TUNE UP RIDE	Warrenton, VA
Sun Jul 23 2006	THE CYPRESS SWAMP CENTURY	Harwood, MD
Sat Jul 22 2006	SKY-MASS CENTURY	Front Royal, VA
Sun Jul 16 2006	NAME THAT RIDE!	Middletown, VA
Sat Jul 15 2006	THE LOST RIVER 200K BREVET	Middletown, VA
Sun Jul 09 2006	E-I-E-I-O	Emmitsburg, MD
Sat Jul 08 2006	A QUAD STATE RIDE	Williamsport, MD
Mon Jul 03 2006	THE PUNXY PHIL RENDEZVOUS RIDE	Rockville, MD
Sun Jul 02 2006	BURY MY HEART ON THE BLUE RIDGE	Marshall, VA
Sat Jul 01 2006	THE BIGLERVILLE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sat Jun 24 2006	THE STEPMOTHER OF ALL RIDES	Frederick, MD
Sat Jun 17 2006	DC RANDONNEURS 300 KILOMETER / 322 KILOMETER BREVET	Warrenton, VA
Sun Jun 11 2006	SWEET SUGARLOAF CENTURY	Washington, DC
Sat Jun 10 2006	THE VIRGIN GRANDMOTHER RIDE	Clear Spring, MD
Sat Jun 03 2006 - Sun Jun 04 2006	DC RANDONNEURS 600 KILOMETER BREVET	Frederick, MD
Mon May 29 2006	THE FAT CAT CENTURY	Rockville, MD
Sun May 28 2006	DOCTOR DISC'S CENTURY OF CENTURIES	Thurmont, MD
Sat May 27 2006	THE HORNETS NEST HUNDRED	Frederick, MD
Sat May 20 2006	DC RANDONNEURS FREDERICK 400 KILOMETER BREVET	Frederick, MD
Sun May 14 2006	NAME THAT RIDE!	Middletown, VA
Sat May 13 2006	THE QUICKSBURG QUICKIE	Middletown, VA
Sat May 13 2006	DC RANDONNEURS MIDDLETOWN 300 KILOMETER Brevet	Middletown, VA
Sun May 07 2006	FREDERICK-FAIRFIELD-FREDERICK	Frederick, MD
Sat May 06 2006	DC RANDONNEURS FREDERICK 300 KILOMETER Brevet	Frederick, MD
Sun Apr 30 2006	LOVELY LOVETTSVILLE LOOP	Marshall, VA
Sat Apr 29 2006	GENERAL RENO'S REVENGE	Point Of Rocks, MD
Fri Apr 28 2006	Frederick Pedalers spring century	Thurmont, MD
Sun Apr 23 2006	SIVANOVA CENTURY	Warrenton, VA
Sat Apr 22 2006	DC Randonneurs 200 Kilometer Brevet	Warrenton, VA
Sat Apr 15 2006	In Search of Flèche	Washington, DC
Sun Apr 09 2006	ZIP OVER TO ZEPP	Strasburg, VA
Sat Apr 08 2006	THREE SHEETZ TO THE WIND	Frederick, MD
Sun Apr 02 2006	NO MAN'S CORNER	Ashland, VA
Sat Apr 01 2006	RICHMOND ROUNDABOUT	Ashland, VA
Sun Mar 26 2006	THE ECOW EXCURSION	Haymarket, VA
Sat Mar 25 2006	HAMBURG HEAVEN	Frederick, MD
Sun Mar 19 2006	HI-LO	Middletown, MD
Sat Mar 18 2006	THE RIVER RUNNER	Purcellville, VA
Sun Mar 12 2006	ONCE IN A BLUE MOON	Middletown, VA
Sat Mar 11 2006	HIGH VIEW VELOVENTURE	Middletown, VA
Sun Mar 05 2006	THE BERRYVILLE CENTURY	Berryville, VA
Sat Mar 04 2006	A TASTE OF FLECHE	Thurmont, MD
Sun Feb 26 2006	The Snake & the Bee	Strasburg, VA
Sat Feb 25 2006	Ride around Massanutten Mountain - RUSA 200km Brevet	Strasburg, VA
Mon Feb 20 2006	THE SANDGATES CENTURY	Bryantown, MD
Sun Feb 19 2006	THE BERRYVILLE CENTURY	Berryville, VA
Sat Feb 18 2006	THE HORNETS NEST HUNDRED	Frederick, MD
Sun Feb 05 2006	POINT LOOKOUT DOUBLE METRIC	Mechanicsville, MD
Sat Feb 04 2006	DOCTOR DISC'S CENTURY OF CENTURIES	Thurmont, MD
Sun Jan 29 2006	THE HERNDON HUNDRED	Herndon, VA
Sat Jan 28 2006	HEY YOU, GET THE #*&^% OFF THE ROAD!	Rockville, MD
Sat Jan 28 2006	SOLOMONS ISLAND DOUBLE METRIC	Harwood, MD
Sun Jan 22 2006	PORK BARREL CENTURY	Remington, VA
Sat Jan 21 2006	SWEET SUGARLOAF CENTURY	Washington, DC
Sun Jan 15 2006	UNION BRIDGE CENTURY	Rockville, MD
Sat Jan 14 2006	DRIVING MISS LIBBY	Emmitsburg, MD
Sun Jan 08 2006	THE SNAKE AND THE BEE or Hike up to Signal Knob	Strasburg, VA
Sat Jan 07 2006	Preview of 200K Ride Around Massanutten Mountain	Strasburg, VA
Mon Jan 02 2006	THE SANDGATES CENTURY	Bryantown, MD
Sun Jan 01 2006	THE WEENIE ONE HUNDRED	Washington, DC
Sat Dec 31 2005	THE BIGLERVILLE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Mon Dec 26 2005	FREDERICK PEDALERS 2004 CENTURY	Thurmont, MD
Sat Dec 24 2005	HELLUVA HILLY HUNDRED	Potomac, MD
Sun Dec 18 2005	HYATTSTOWN HILLY HUNDRED	Hyattstown, MD
Sat Dec 17 2005	A NEW WAY TO NEW WINDSOR	Rockville, MD
Sun Dec 11 2005	COBB ISLAND CENTURY	La Plata, MD
Sat Dec 10 2005	THE CANNONBALL CENTURY	Hartwood, VA
Sun Dec 04 2005	UNION BRIDGE CENTURY	Rockville, MD
Sat Dec 03 2005	A PEEK AT PIKE'S PEAK	Manchester, MD
Sun Nov 27 2005	THE HORSESHOE HUNDRED	Marshall, VA
Sat Nov 26 2005	THE CENTURY OF THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE	Hyattstown, MD
Fri Nov 25 2005	UNMARKED AND UNCHAINED	Berryville, VA
Thu Nov 24 2005	Thanksgiving Dinner Appetizer	Brookeville, MD
Sun Nov 20 2005	OVER THE HILL WITH DOCTOR DISC	Frederick, MD
Sat Nov 19 2005	ALCOVA ON THE ROCKS	Arlington, VA
Sun Nov 13 2005	CROOM AND OTHER DELIGHTS	Crofton, MD
Sat Nov 12 2005	THE RIVER RUNNER	Purcellville, VA
Sun Nov 06 2005	RAILROAD RIDER	Sykesville, MD
Sat Nov 05 2005	MIRACLE AT MOUNT HOPE	Thurmont, MD
Sun Oct 30 2005	YE OLDE STONE CENTURY	Middletown, VA
Sat Oct 29 2005	Fall Foliage Populaire - 161 Kilometers (100 miles)	Middletown, VA
Sun Oct 23 2005	STATE LINE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sat Oct 22 2005	UNION BRIDGE CENTURY	Rockville, MD
Sun Oct 16 2005	LOVELY LOVETTSVILLE LOOP	Marshall, VA
Sat Oct 15 2005	Spinning Wheel Populaires	Thurmont, MD
Thu Oct 13 2005	Checkout of 161-KM DC Randonneurs Populaire	Thurmont, MD
Mon Oct 10 2005	SWEET SUGARLOAF CENTURY	Washington, DC
Sun Oct 09 2005	BIG SPRING CENTURY	Emmitsburg, MD
Sat Oct 08 2005	STATE LINE CENTURY	Frederick, MD
Sun Oct 02 2005	JOURNEY TO GIOVANNA'S	Remington, VA
Sat Oct 01 2005	A BIG FLAT RIDE!	Thurmont, MD
Sun Sep 25 2005	FREDERICK - FAIRFIELD - FREDERICK	Frederick, MD
Sat Sep 24 2005	DC RANDONNEURS SEPTEMBER 200K BREVET, 100K POPULAIRE, AND ENGLISH CENTURY	Warrenton, VA
Sun Sep 18 2005	IN SEARCH OF THE BRANDENBURG GATE	Thurmont, MD
Sat Sep 17 2005	THE EXPLODING PEANUT TOUR	Centreville, MD
Sun Sep 11 2005	THE WHISKEY SPRINGS ONE HUNDRED	Emmitsburg, MD
Sat Sep 10 2005	Civil War Century	Thurmont, MD
Mon Sep 05 2005	GGMMZZ	Middletown, VA
Sat Sep 03 2005 - Sun Sep 04 2005	Labor Day Weekend Tour	Middletown, VA

Dear Friends,

Seems like we've spent a lot of time in Maryland and Pennsylvania lately, and we like to try to give Virginia equal time, so that's where we're headed this weekend.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2005

"MORE THAN A STACK OF FODDER," starting from the Food Lion parking lot in Haymarket, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Lynn Kristianson designed this scenic ride through classic Virginia horse country and led it back in June when we were on vacation. This will be our first opportunity to do the ride -- hope you can join us! The route passes through New Baltimore, Amissville and Viewtown on the way to lunch at the Country Café in little Washington, and returns through Flint Hill, Marshall and The Plains. There are two one-mile-long stretches of gravel road before lunch, so be prepared to grin & bear it. NO WHINING!! 101 miles with some short options here and there. If you combine all of them you can do a 75-mile ride and omit ONE of the gravel stretches. Total elevation gain yet to be determined, but expect 5,000 - 6,000 feet (or more).

Update: I've cued a 32-mile shortcut going through Orlean. No Rappahannock County, no little Washington, but Orlean Market has wonderful eats.

Directions to the ride start:
FOOD LION, HAYMARKET, VIRGINIA

From DC Beltway, west on I-66 about 24 miles to Exit 40.
L US15 South (traffic light)
0.3 L VA55 (traffic light)
0.1 R into Food Lion parking lot. Park away from the stores near the road.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2008

"THE 23RD ANNUAL RESTON CENTURY," starting from the Reston Town Center Pavilion, Reston, Virginia. On-site registration begins at 6:30am ($35.00). We plan to arrive somewhere around 7:15 and hope to be on the road by 7:30, depending on how long registration takes. There will be a lot of people there, but let's look around for each other. For more information on this event, see http://www.restonbikeclub.org/restoncentury/restoncentury2005folder/RBC05Century3colbrochure1.pdf

I couldn't find directions to the Reston Town Center on the website, but here are the ones we used last time we did this event (several years ago). If anyone has better or more up-to-date directions, please advise!
RESTON TOWN CENTER, RESTON, VIRGINIA

From DC Beltway, take Exit 45A Dulles Toll Road (VA267 West).
In about 8 miles, take Exit 12, VA602/Reston Parkway.
Turn right onto Reston Parkway and merge to the left.
At the second set of lights, turn left onto Bluemont Way, which will lead you into the Reston Town Center.
The start is at the Reston ice rink pavillion in the center of the Town Center; closest parking is either in the parking lot across from Big Bowl and Rio Grande or in the parking garage both of which are accessed on Library Street which is a right turn off of Bluemont.

Dear Friends,

The weekend weather forecast is looking fair enough, and we have two very nice rides planned.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2005

"SPINNING WHEEL POPULAIRE CHECKOUT RIDE," starting from Catoctin High School, Thurmont, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Rudy Hewitt designed this ride and plans to run it as a DC Randonneurs Populaire some time in October. The ride incorporates parts of the Maryland 300 and 400K brevets. It starts out on a very hilly note, beginning with the climb up MD550 to Sabillasville. The route then descends to Harbaugh Valley, climbs over Jacks Mountain, and heads north to Peach Glen via Fairfield, Orrtanna, and Arendtsville. Turning south, the route moderates a lot on its way to East Berlin (any excuse for lunch at Rocco's will do), and then follows the Maryland 300K brevet route back to Thurmont over very mellow terrain. 100 miles, with short options of 58 or 66 miles. Total elevation gain yet to be determined.

Directions to the ride start:
CATOCTIN HIGH SCHOOL, THURMONT, MARYLAND

From DC Beltway go North on I-270 about 31 miles.
Continue north on US15 in Frederick.
In about 19 miles, take 3rd Thurmont exit (MD550/Sabillasville).
Turn left on MD550.
0.2 mi. R into high school parking lot.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2005

"THE STEPMOTHER OF ALL RIDES," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This is a beautiful, mountainous ride. The ride starts out fairly innocently, noodling north to Emmitsburg and on to Fairfield, Pa. The first climb, up Cold Springs Road to South Mountain, Pa., is the longest and most challenging of the day, with many steep pitches and several false summits. After a fast and swoopy descent to Mont Alto, we'll have lunch at Arturo's Pizzeria in Quincy and then wander around the Cumberland Valley for a few miles before the next big climb up to Cascade via Old Rt. 16 and Buena Vista. Then we'll head south a bit and ride the length of Park Central "the easy way" (assuming it's open), followed by Catoctin Hollow, eventually descending along Hunting Creek. If Park Central is closed, we'll just go down 77 to Catoctin Hollow. There is one more "little hill" (whose name shall not be mentioned) near the end of the ride. 100 miles, with a few little optional shortcuts. The shortest cued option is 89 miles, and it does not include lunch at Arturo's, so if you do shortcut you might want to consider having lunch at Nan & Pap's in the village of South Mountain. Estimated total elevation gain 7100 feet.

Directions to the ride start:
MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, FREDERICK, MARYLAND

From D.C. Beltway, take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.
North on US15 3.7 miles.
Take Motter Ave exit.
R @ TL onto Opossumtown Pike.
In 1.7 mi. R into Monocacy Middle School parking Lot (across the street from Frederick Community College).

Dear Friends,

This Saturday we will be doing a ride starting from the Baltimore area, with plans to attend Tom Bruni's wake after the ride. The ride start is very close to the Boordy Vineyards, so we may stop by the winery and pick up a bottle of wine to take to the wake. Therese Spedaro (sp?), Tom's widow, has invited all interested parties to attend the Irish Wake, which will take place at the Bruni home from 4pm to 9pm Saturday. She encourages everyone to bring along their favorite "Tom" stories and photographs for all to hear and see. Bruni bikes may also be displayed on the grounds if you wish to bring them. RSVP's not necessary.

The Bruni's house is at 2923 Sylvan Avenue in the Hamilton area of Baltimore, 21214 and accessed from Harford Road, south of Northern Parkway.

Saturday, August 13, 2005

"JERICHO'S JEWEL," starting from St. John the Evangelist School in Hydes, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Inspired by a ride designed many, many years ago by the one and only Tom Burns, this very scenic AND very hilly ride begins in northeastern Baltimore County and, after visting Jericho's "jewel," a charming covered bridge in the village of Jerusalem Mills (and, to my knowledge, the ONLY covered bridge in Baltimore County), heads deep into the heart of Harford County and travels east to the Susquehanna River, passing through Susquehanna State Park and by Rock Run Mill. Some other highlights include the Boordy Vineyards, Gunpowder Falls State Park, the Maryland Horse Farm, Rocks State Park, and the Loch Raven Dam overlook. There is one stretch of unpaved road early in the ride, but it is a truly lovely road and we've always found the surface to be in good shape for road tires. There are several optional shortcuts, so please don't hesitate to give it a whirl. Lunch at the Ball Park Restaurant in Poplar Grove. Estimated elevation gain 6500-7000 feet.

DIRECTIONS TO THE RIDE START: (note, we've never used this ride start before. The directions are from MapQuest -- hope they work).

From DC Beltway, North on I-95 about 38 miles to Exit 64B.
West on I-695 (Baltimore beltway) about 3 miles to exit 31B.
North on MD147 Harford Rd toward Carney.
Continue north on Harford Rd about 4 miles, then turn left onto Long Green Pike (aka Factory Rd?).

School will be on your right in about 4 miles (about a mile after passing the Boordy Vineyards).

Ed Felker just advised me of the following: "This is probably obvious to most folks, and you do put the 1-95 exit number, but it might be worth noting that the Saturday ride start is off 695 on the *north* side of Baltimore. DC folks comeing up 1-95 will pass (but not take) 695 on the south side of Baltimore before going through the Harbor tunnel."

Steve Palinczar advises: "And, of course, you know they're closing the Westbound side of the Wilson Bridge this weekend, too..."

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2005

"DRIVING MISS LIBBY," starting from Emmitsburg, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. You want an easy ride you got it. Only 3200 feet of elevation gain. On this ride through the "gentle" side of Adams County, Pa., we'll pass the home of Miss Libby Ying-Ling, noodle along Tape Worm Road, pass a nice pig pen, climb up Town Hill Road just after lunch, etc. (ok, it's not ALL gentle). The ride heads generally in a north-easterly direction into Pennsylvania, over mostly gently rolling terrain. We'll encounter a few hills on the way to lunch at Rocco's in York Springs, but no brutal climbs. After lunch we'll venture into York County, where we'll explore some roads that follow Bermudian Creek. 102 miles, with short options of 36 or 79 miles. Additionally, on the century route there is an optional 7-mile shortcut before lunch as well as a 7-mile shortcut AFTER lunch! If you take both of those you can cut the total distance down to 88 miles and still have lunch at Rocco's with us.

DIRECTIONS TO THE RIDE START:
EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND

From I-495 DC Beltway, take I-270 North to Frederick.
Continue North on US15 to Emmitsburg.
Exit onto MD140 West (after the Seton Ave/Bus.15 exit).
Go about 0.2 mi. and turn right onto Silo Hill Rd (McDonald's on R).
Park along the right side of the street, past McDonald's (white fence on right).

Dear Friends,

Two "special" rides this weekend! Hope you can make both of them. Please note that meeting time for both rides is 7:45 a.m. ("on the road" by 8:00 am).

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2005

"CORNQUEST," starting from the Hyatt Shopping Center in Hyattstown, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:45 am. For the past 10 or so years, on the first Saturday in August, we have been riding to the annual corn roast at the Union Mills Homestead in Union Mills, Maryland. It is a great ride and a great event! I can't remember who reigns as the current KornKing, i.e., whether it's Kernel Gordon Meuse or Dave Berning, or Dave "Rambo" Frankel (who CLAIMS to have eaten 14 ears at a Union Mills Cornroast back in the 20th century, which was about the same time he last made an appearance on a ride). In any case, I am on a mission this year to become KornKween, which means I'll have to pass up the fried chicken so as to have plenty of room to consume more ears than any of the pretenders ever did...so, if you are the first to say you're showing up and you actually DO make an appearance, you can have my chicken (AND my sliced tomatoes, roll and applesauce)! Please bring out your Dura-Ace corn skewers and join us for this wonderful ride! $11.00 (or $5.00 for children under 12) buys you a serving of fried chicken, applesauce, roll & butter, sliced tomatoes, iced tea or lemonade, and ALLLLLLLL the sweet slippery roasted corn (and melted butter) you can eat! You will get your money's worth. Old raggedy clothing highly recommended, as your jersey may well be permanently butter-stained by the time you finish eating. They also have great ice cream!

"CornQuest" is quite hilly and very scenic. We will pass through Union Bridge, Uniontown, and Pleasant Valley on the way to lunch, and visit Silver Run and Libertytown on the way back. 101 miles, ~7500 feet elevation gain. The ride doesn't easily lend itself to shortcuts, but I have made up a few, and if you take all of them you can shorten the ride to 87 miles. Alternatively, if that's too long a ride for you, I have cues for a 57-mile route that starts in Libertytown. It meets up with the long riders at the first stop in Union Bridge and then follows the identical route to the corn roast and back to Libertytown. If you are interested in this abbreviated route, let me know and I will email a copy of the cue sheet to you directly. ***ALSO, Leslie Tierstein will be leading an 80-mile ride to the corn roast starting from Damascus High School at 9:30am. If you're interested in that ride, please contact her directly at ltierstein@earthlink.net.

For those of you who are not interested in making pigs of yourselves at the corn roast (shame on you), there is a store 3-1/2 miles further on the route where you can purchase Gatorade and other boring stuff.

Directions to ride start:
HYATT SHOPPING CENTER, HYATTSTOWN, MARYLAND

From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Exit 22
L MD109 North at end of ramp
0.5 mi. L MD355 @T (TL)
0.3 mi. L into shopping center - park away from stores

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2005

"HI-LO," starting from Middletown High School, Middletown, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:45am. A major highlight of this ride will be that Mark Frank, the diabolical mastermind who designed "QUADZILLA," will be joining us! (See http://www.ultracycling.com/results/quadzilla2002.html. Note that Keith Krombel was the first finisher in 2002!) If you've ever contemplated the notion of attempting Quadzilla, or if you'd just like to meet a great fellow randonneur and all-around wonderful human being, you should definitely come out and meet Mark. He is a very generous spirit who will let you pick his brain!

This ride scales the heights of Catoctin and South Mountains and plumbs the depths of the Middletown and Cumberland Valleys. It crosses the Appalachian Trail twice, visits the Antietam National Battlefield and Gathland State Park, and meanders along Catoctin Creek, Middle Creek, Antietam Creek, and Conococheague Creek. If you grow weary of all that creek crawling, not to worry -- you can take flight at the Washington County Airport! Lunch at Tony's New York Pizza, near the airport. 100 miles, with several optional shortcuts and even a 46-mile option.

Directions to the ride start:
MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL, 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 3.8 miles to Middletown.
Turn right at TL onto Schoolhouse Drive.
Go past elementary school on L and middle school on R over several speed bumps toward tall water tower.
In a little over 1/4 mi. turn right at high school and proceed to east parking lot - the one closest to Middletown Park entrance. Port-a-johns in park.

Dear Friends,

Even though it's pretty miserable outside right now, the weekend forecast looks LOVELY, particularly to the north and west (where we're headed) -- highs in the 70s!! I hope you can come out and ride with us....

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2005

"NORTH MOUNTAIN NIRVANA," starting from James Wood High School in Winchester, Virginia. (NOTE: This is NOT the MIDDLE school on Amherst Street. Be sure to make note of the directions to the HIGH SCHOOL. NOTE EARLY MEETING TIME: 7:15am!! We want to be on the road by no later than 7:30; it will be a long day. My notes from the last time we did this ride indicate that it's a DOOZY, with around 8200 feet of climbing. In fact, it's all coming back to me--a couple of climbs over North Mountain, a climb over Sleepy Creek and Third Hill Mountains, and a bunch of steep, gut-busting "molehills." The one called "Cannon Hill" particularly comes to mind. My notes also indicate that we were treated to many spectacular views, and that was when we did the ride on a cloudy day in March of 2004. We'll also pass the Woods Resort, and there will be some nice, mellow stretches through orchards that will be full of peaches and little green apples now! Lunch at the friendly Venice Pizzeria in Hedgesville. 105 miles, with plenty of short options.

Directions to the ride start:
JAMES WOOD HIGH SCHOOL, WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
161 Apple Pie Ridge Rd, 540-667-5226

1. From DC Beltway I-495 or I-66, take VA267 Dulles Toll Rd to the end and continue onto Greenway toll road to its end (about 26 miles total).
2. Then take VA7 West approx. 35 miles.
3. Then take I-81 north toward Martinsburg.
4. In about 2 miles, take US11 exit No. 317 toward VA37/Winchester/US522/US50 W.
5. Merge onto VA37 S.
6. In about 2 miles exit onto US522 toward Winchester/Berkeley Springs.
7. Turn right onto US522 North, N. Frederick Pike, then QR onto 739 Apple Pie Ridge Rd, then QL into school. Distance from DC is about 80 miles.
1. From Frederick, jnct. I-270 and I-70, go west on I-70 about 1.2 mi.,
2. then US340 West (exit 52) for about 24 miles,
3. then merge onto US340 South.
4. Go about 13 miles and merge onto VA7 West toward Winchester.
5. In 8.7 miles take I-81 North.
6. In 2 miles take the US11 exit (Exit #317) toward VA37/Winchester/US522/US50 W.
7. Merge onto VA37 S.
8. In about 2 miles exit onto US522 toward Winchester/Berkeley Springs.
9. Turn right onto US522 North, N. Frederick Pike, then QR onto 739 Apple Pie Ridge Rd, then QL into school. Distance from Frederick is about 52 miles.

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2005

"E-I-E-I-O," starting from old McDonald's "farm" (aka McDonald's in Emmitsburg). Note late meeting time: 8:00a.m.! (That's because the last time we did this ride we got to Rocco's before it opened.) Old McDonald went for a bike ride, and on that ride he set out from his farm in EMMITSBURG, danced a jig in IRISHTOWN, dined like a king at Rocco's in EAST BERLIN, picked a few apples in IDAVILLE, and crossed the tracks in ORRTANNA. We will attempt to find at least one of each of Old McDonald's farm animals. The first half of the ride is fairly mellow. The second half is moderately hilly and oh-so-scenic. 100 miles, with an 80-mile short option that includes the lunch stop and still eliminates all the afternoon hills!

Directions to the ride start:
McDONALD'S, EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND

From I-495 DC Beltway, take I-270 North to Frederick.
Continue North on US15 to Emmitsburg.
Exit onto MD140 West (after the Seton Ave/Bus.15 exit).
Go about 0.2 mi. and turn right onto Silo Hill Rd (McDonald's on R).
Park along the right side of the street, past McDonald's (white fence on right). Note: In the past we have used the Jubilee Supermarket's parking lot, but the last time we rode out of Emmitsburg we were warned that unauthorized vehicles would be towed from that lot. For that reason we've decided to park on the street instead.

Dear Friends,

Whether you crave the water or the mountains, we have a ride for you this weekend! Please make a note of the meeting times for both rides, as Saturday's ride starts LATER than usual and Sunday's ride starts EARLIER than usual.

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2005

"GET TO THE POINT," starting from Oak Ridge County Park, Hughesville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 8:00am!! A pretty ride through Charles and St. Mary's Counties to Colton's Point and the Potomac River Museum at St. Clement's Island, passing some picturesque Amish farms along the way. The terrain is mostly gently rolling, and there are several miles that are fairly flat. Lunch at the charming, off-the-beaten-path Morris Point Restaurant (see http://www.morris-point.com/ ) . 102 miles, with several short options.

Directions to Oak Ridge County Park:
OAK RIDGE COUNTY PARK, HUGHESVILLE, MARYLAND:
From DC Beltway, south on MD5 Branch Avenue, toward Waldorf (Exit 7A)
12.2 miles L MD5 Mattawoman-Beantown Rd (just after entering Charles County)
(Sign to Lexington Park/Leonardtown) (TL)
3.2 mi. L Leonardtown Rd tro MD5 (TL) (Bus. 5 goes R) (Shell Station has restrooms)
4.9 mi. R Olivers Shop Rd MD232 (blinking TL)
2.4 mi. BR to stay on Oliver Shop (MD231 bears L)
0.1 mi. QL Oaks Rd
1.5 mi. R entrance to Oak Ridge County Park. Proceed straight back on main park road (several speed bumps)
0.2 mi. L into parking area. Park near the restrooms.

SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2005

"BURY MY HEART ON THE BLUE RIDGE," starting from the VDOT Commuter Lot in Marshall, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:15am. After a few nice little warm-up molehills, we will climb up to and beyond the little town of Chester Gap, all the way to where the road ends at a foot trail designated "Shenandoah National Park Back Country." Looooooooooow gears highly recommended; if you have EVER wanted or needed a triple on any of our rides, you will definitely want it AND need it on this ride. After the steep/thrilling/terrifying descent from Chester Gap, we'll continue down into Front Royal. Then we'll ride the northern 3rd of Skyline Drive. Leaving Skyline Drive, the descent from Thornton Gap is a blast if automobile traffic isn't too heavy and too slow. After passing through Sperryville and past the shop that advertises "Antique chairs (or is it tables) made here daily," we'll have a late lunch stop -- I can't remember the name of the place but it's next to what USED to be Rae's Place Deli. After lunch we'll visit the lovely town of Washington, Virginia, then return to Marshall by way of Flint Hill, Orlean, and Free State Rd. 102 miles. You can easily omit the climb up to Chester Gap, as it's an out & back (and thus shorten the ride by 3.5 miles). There is also a 56-mile option which omits Skyline Drive and takes a relatively mellow, direct route back to Marshall from Front Royal--it's boring and anticlimactic, though, so why bother--come and make a day of it with us!!

Directions to Marshall:
MARSHALL VDOT COMMUTER LOT:
From DC beltway, take I-66 west to Bus.17 exit into Marshall.
L on Main Street/VA55 at SS.
R Frost St. in ~ 0.2 mi. & follow to parking lot at end of the road.

Dear Friends,

Weather permitting (i.e., anything other than a total wash-out), we're planning a double century for this Saturday. Since we can't afford the air fare to Paris to view the Tour d'France, we'll RIDE OUR BIKES to Paris instead!

We are NOT scheduling a ride for Sunday. Here are the details:

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2005

"WASHINGTON - PARIS - WASHINGTON" (aka WPW), starting from Hains Point, Washington, D.C. MEETING TIME 5:00am!! If you've been yearning for a double century, this one's for you. We will aim to be on the road by 5:15, when the monuments and the Georgetown waterfront are still lit up. This "mixed" terrain ride begins as did the New Years Day DC Randonneurs Populaire (Point-to-Point), with lovely views of the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Potomac River, and Georgetown waterfront en route to the Capital Crescent Trail. After a few miles on the trail, we head over to Glen Echo, then travel in a northwesterly direction through Potomac, Seneca, and Dickerson on our way to Point of Rocks. Next we cross the Potomac River into Virginia and pass through Lovettsville, Hillsboro, Round Hill and Airmont before climbing up to Snickers Gap. The climbing continues on Blue Ridge Mountain Road, as we ride up to and along the crest of the Blue Ridge for 11 miles before plunging down into PARIS. After another little climb over Naked Mountain, the terrain moderates as we pedal into Marshall for lunch. Then it's a rolling/moderately hilly trek due north to Purcellville and a flat return to OUR FAIR CITY via the W&OD and Custis trails.

200 miles, with a short 145-mile option that omits the two significant climbs. In addition, if anyone is interested in a mere century starting from and ending at Hains Point, I will be happy to email (upon request) an electronic copy of the cue sheet for "Point to Point," so that you can start at a more civilized hour (i.e., whenever you like). Scheduled rest stops for the double century are at mile 43 (Dickerson), 83 (Airmont), 118 (lunch in Marshall), and 151 (Purcellville), and there are an ample number of additional stores/restaurants along the route where riders can refresh/refuel.

****LIGHTS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED, AS WE INTEND TO START RIDING BEFORE DAWN!!****

Note: This is a ride-at-your-own-pace, unsupported, unsagged, unsweeped, unofficial, no-fee, no-frills, non-catered, no T-shirt ride.

Directions to ride start:
HAINS POINT (EAST POTOMAC PARK)
Take I-395 north into Washington (over 14th Street bridge) and take the first exit for Potomac Park/Park Police. Turn left at the T intersection (Buckeye Drive, unmarked), then left into the parking lot near the tennis courts.

Dear Friends,

We have returned from our fabulous tour to Niagara Falls and back and are looking forward to seeing you this weekend! We have a great new ride designed by Lynn Kristianson scheduled for Saturday and an oldie but goody planned for Sunday . Read on.

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2005

"PREVIEW OF DC RANDONNEURS FALL CENTURY," starting from Fauquier County High School, Warrenton, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Lynn Kristianson has designed an exciting new 200K brevet to be held in the fall, along with a century and a metric century. We'll be riding the century route this Saturday. The route is a surprise! As it heads north from Warrenton, you can expect it to be quite hilly. Lunch stop at the Pine Grove Restaurant on the horseshoe curve near Snickers Gap. 102 miles, with a 60-mile short option.

Directions to the ride start:
FAUQUIER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, WARRENTON, VIRGINIA
From DC Beltway, take I-66 west 21 miles to Exit 43A (Gainesville/Warrenton). South on US29 for 11.5 miles where road forks near Warrenton. Bear right at split, taking Warrenton exit (Bus. US29/15). Continue straight for 2 miles, following signs for US211 (*NOT* Bus.211). Turn RIGHT onto Frost Avenue (US211) (traffic light). Go 0.3 mi. & turn RIGHT onto Van Rojen. Go 0.2 mi. and turn LEFT onto Waterloo @T, then Quick RIGHT into school.

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2005

"THE GREAT VALLEY SHORT CIRCUIT," starting from Maugansville Elementary School, Maugansville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This route is an abbreviated version of Tom Burns's classic double metric ride, the "Great Valley Circuit." By moving the ride start from Smithsburg to Maugansville, I have shortened the ride to just 101 miles. This also eliminates the climb up to Smithsburg High School at the end of the double metric ride! It is a truly beautiful ride, rolling in the morning and hilly in the afternoon. The ride makes a big scenic loop in Franklin County, Pa. through the Cumberland Valley, with highlights including (among others) Franklin Furnace, the Mercersburg Academy, Anderson Mill, the Witherspoon Covered Bridge, and the Martins Mill Covered Bridge. The last half of the ride includes several short, steep climbs. There are three optional shortcuts interspersed through the ride. The first cuts off 5 miles before the lunch stop. The second cuts off 4-1/2 miles and some steep hills after lunch. The last one only cuts off 3-1/2 miles after the last rest stop, but it also avoids the steepest hills of the day.

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

Dear Friends,

Chuck and I are taking off for the Wally Tour to Niagara Falls on Friday, and we'll be away until July 3. But, thanks to a wonderful group of volunteer ride leaders, we have a full schedule of century rides while we're gone. Here's the "scoop":

Saturday, June 18

Rudy Hewitt will lead "Three Sheetz to Gettysburg," aka "Three Sheetz to the Wind," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Rudy has the cue sheet, but I did this ride once upon a time and believe it was just around 100 miles. Don't know if he has any shortcuts. In fact, the Sheetz in Gettysburg is long "gone with the wind" (actually moved out to US30, east of US15), but there is another very nice convenience store where it used to be, with outdoor seating where you can watch the tourists parading by. Plenty of restaurants in Gettysburg, too.

Rudy Hewitt, 301-933-9334 (home), 301-648-7279 (cell), rudie84@comcast.net

Directions to the ride start:
MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, FREDERICK, MARYLAND
>From D.C. Beltway, take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.
North on US15 3.7 miles.
Take Motter Ave exit.
R @ TL onto Opossumtown Pike.
In 1.7 mi. R into Monocacy Middle School parking Lot (across the street from Frederick Community College).

Sunday, June 19

Jeff Magnuson will lead "Frederick-Fairfield-Frederick," starting from the Holiday Inn - Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. A relatively mellow ride north into Adams County, Pa. on scenic country roads to lunch at Ventura's in the little town of Fairfield. Some of the many points of interest include the village of Detour, Orrtanna, Fairfield, the Gettysburg Game Park, the Mid-Atlantic Soaring Center, and the pretty campus of Mount Saint Mary's College. 100 miles (almost on the nose), with many shortcut options.

Jeff Magnuson - jemag@starpower.net, cell phone 202-441-7182. If weather looks iffy, please contact Jeff before heading out.

Directions to the ride start:
HOLIDAY INN FORT DETRICK, FREDERICK MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway (I-495) take I-270 north to Frederick.
Then go north on US15 and take the exit for West Patrick Street WEST (US40 West). This is AFTER the exit for W. Patrick Street East (MD140).
As soon as you come off the ramp, get over to the right lane.
Turn right onto Baughman's Lane at 2nd TL, then right into the Holiday Inn.
Park at the end of the lot closest to West Patrick Street, farthest from the motel entrance.

Saturday, June 25

Lynn Kristianson will lead "MORE THAN A STACK OF FODDER," starting from the Food Lion parking lot in Haymarket, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:15am.

Here is Lynn's ride description: "This ride is a slightly revised version of the Ecow Excursion; we will have lunch at Sunnyside Square in Washington, VA and hopefully we will find more than Fodderstack. The ride goes through New Baltimore, Airlie, Amissville and Rock Mills to Washington, and returns to Haymarket via Flint Hill, Marshall and The Plains. There are 2 sections of unpaved road that are 0.9 miles each, but there is no lack of pavement on Waterfall and Antioch Road. There are enough hills and hopefully some shade. 100.1 miles with several shortcuts. The shortest ride using all of them is 75 miles, you'll have to do the arithmetic to figure out the rest. One skips the second gravel section and the lunch stop, the rest go to lunch but you will be riding a considerable portion of VA55."

Directions to the ride start:
>From I-495 take I-66 west about 24 miles to exit 40 - US 15.
Turn left on US15 at the traffic light.
Turn left on VA55 John Marshall Hwy at the traffic light.
Go about 0.1 and turn right into the Food Lion parking lot.
Park away from the stores near the road.

Lynn Kristianson, 703-979-7177, gfmeuse@earthlink.net

Sunday, June 26

Lynne Rosenbusch and John Fauerby will lead "A Big Flat Ride," starting from Catoctin High School, Thurmont, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am.

Lynne's ride description: "103/63/87/78/95. Crista ride that goes over at least one mountain. Lunch at that gourmet Place in Arendtsville."

In fact, if you do the whole ride as written, Mamma's in Fayetteville would be the recommended lunch stop, and you will climb over SEVERAL mountains -- do you REALLY want to know how many? Of course the "high"light of the ride is Big Flat Ridge, and I know everyone misses that climb from the old 300K brevet out of Frederick! Estimated total elevation gain for the full century is 7900 feet. If you're lucky there will be rhododendrun and/or mountain laurel in bloom.....

Lynne Rosenbusch and John Fauerby, 301-253-1748, jltandem@erols.com

Directions to the ride start:
CATOCTIN HIGH SCHOOL, THURMONT, MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway go North on I-270 about 31 miles.
Continue north on US15 in Frederick.
In about 19 miles, take 3rd Thurmont exit (MD550/Sabillasville).
Turn left on MD550.
0.2 mi. R into high school parking lot.

Saturday, July 2

Rudy Hewitt will lead "The Union Bridge Century," starting from Lucy Barnsley Elementary School, Rockville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This ride follows our fairly standard hilly route up to Mount Airy and then continues on to Union Bridge, via Buffalo, Talbot Run, Black Ankle, etc. Lunch at either Original Pizza or the quaint Buttersburg Inn. More nice scenery and hills after lunch! 100 miles, with several shorter options. Estimated elevation gain for the century ~ 6500 feet.

Rudy Hewitt, 301-933-9334 (home), 301-648-7279 (cell), rudie84@comcast.net

Directions to the ride start:
LUCY BARNSLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ROCKVILLE, MD.
>From the South:
DC Beltway to Georgia Ave.
Georgia Ave north to Bel Pre.
Left on Bel Pre.
Left on Norbeck MD28.
1st left on Nadine.
School is 0.2 mi. on right 14516 Nadine Drive.

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

Sunday, July 3

Jeff Magnuson will lead "The Horseshoe Hundred," starting from the VDOT Commuter Parking Lot in Marshall, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. A VERY scenic and hilly ride through classic Virginia horse country, visiting The Plains, Middleburg, Airmont, Bluemont, Pine Grove, Frogtown, Linden, Markham, Hume and Orlean. We'll climb over Snickers Gap, then swoop down to the Shenandoah River with a sidetrip on the Horseshoe Curve. There is even a 4-mile FLAT stretch along the Shenandoah River. Lunch stop at the Apple House in Linden. 103 miles, with short options of 54, 82, 88 or 97 miles. Estimated total elevation gain 7,000+ feet.

Jeff Magnuson - jemag@starpower.net - if weather looks iffy, please contact Jeff before heading out.

Directions to the ride start:
MARSHALL VDOT COMMUTER LOT:
>From DC beltway, take I-66 west to Bus.17 exit into Marshall.
L on Main Street/VA55 at SS.
R Frost St. in ~ 0.2 mi. & follow to parking lot at end of the road.

A million thanks to Rudy, Lynn, Jeff, and John & Lynne. See you on Saturday, July 9; until then, happy trails!

Dear Friends,

Time for the MAIN EVENT! Lynn promises us a spectacularly beautiful and INTENSELY challenging 600K brevet this weekend -- be prepared! As of today the weekend weather forecast for the Shenandoah Valley is for mid to high 80s and humid conditions, with a chance of thunderstorms both days (not quite as soupy as it's supposed to be here in DC!). But be smart and get an update on Friday!

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2005

The DC Randonneurs 600 Kilometer Brevet starting from the Super 8 Motel in Middletown, Virginia. Registration and bike inspection begin at 3:00 am in the breakfast area/lobby of the Super 8. The ride will begin promptly at 4:00 am. The on-site registration fee is $30 for DC Randonneurs members, $35 for non-members. Even if you have pre-registered, you still must pass bike inspection, sign in at registration and pick up your control card, cue sheet and map. You will get through registration must faster if you arrive with your release form (and registration form if not already pre-registered) already completed. These forms may be downloaded from the DC Randonneurs website (www.dcrand.org). There will also be an early-bird Friday night bike inspection AND registration from 5-7pm at the entrance to the Super 8 in Middletown. Steve Ashurst and Lynn Ho will be doing a bag drop, serving the Glen Maury Park Campground at mile 216 (540-261-6121), the Budget Host Motel in Buena Vista at mile 218 (540-261-2156), and the Days Inn in Raphine at mile 238 (540-377-2604). Limit is one bag per rider, no larger than 18" X 12".

Note that lights are absolutely required for this event! For information on the lighting requirements, see the DC Randonneurs website (www.dcrand.org). Please do not email me with questions about lighting; I won't know how to answer them!

Here's Lynn's ride description:
"The 600K begins and ends at the Super 8 in Middletown VA this year. It heads south through Fort Valley, climbs over Massanutten Mountain via Edinburg Gap, continues south through Mount Jackson and New Market, then hugs the base of Massanutten Mountain on the wonderful roller coaster road, Route 620. Bypassing Harrisonburg, the route cuts over to Bridgewater. Continuing south along lovely Augusta County back roads, it crosses US250 between Staunton and Churchville and then follows Walker's Creek Road to Rockbridge Baths. It follows the Maury River through Goshen Pass heading west and then turns south along Brattons Run to the foot of Brushy Mountain. A short, easy climb and pass under I-64 brings a long descent to Denmark, and then some challenging foothills to Collierstown. The rollers continue to the southernmost point of the ride, just north of Buchanan. From here, the route turns north toward Natural Bridge and then begins a long stretch on route 608, diverting to Buena Vista for restaurants and the earliest motel stops (218 miles). Returning to 608, it continues to Vesuvius, following the South River, and then heads west to Raphine for an overnight at the Days Inn at I-81 and a meal at the 24-hour truck stop. A spectacular descent to route 252 is followed by the long climb up to Middlebrook and some hilly terrain over to Churchville. The return features minimal navigation and many, many rolling hills, with long stretches on routes 42 to Bridgewater, 613 through Singer's Glen to route 259 and back to route 42 to Woodstock. The final challenges to the riders are the ceaseless ups and downs of Back Road to Lebanon Church and, finally, Chapel Road into Middletown."

Please note that, although there will be a control at the Days Inn at Raphine, we will not have a "control room." The control will be at the registration desk. Don't even THINK ABOUT taking a snooze in the hotel lobby. If you want to sleep in Raphine, get a room!!

As this is yet another *!NEW RIDE!*, we cannot tell you what the total elevation gain will be. I am guessing that it will be at least 20,000 feet, but 21,000 would not surprise me. If you have an altimeter, please report to us after the ride as to how much elevation gain you registered for the ride.

If you have any questions about the brevet that are not answered here, please visit the DC Randonneurs website, www.dcrand.org. If you STILL have questions after studying the website, please contact Gordon Meuse, the Regional Brevet Administrator, at gfmeuse@earthlink.net.

Directions to the Super 8:

from Washington, D.C. and south, from the D.C. beltway I-495, travel west on I-66 to I-81. Take I-81 north and exit at Middletown (exit #302) onto Reliance Rd, heading west. The Super 8 is on the right. from Pennsylvania and north, take I-81 south to Middletown (exit #302). Take Reliance Road west. The Super 8 is on the right.

Greyhound bus lines has three daily departures from its Washington D.C. terminal (one block north of Washington's Union Station) to Winchester. The bus station is located on the northeast side of the city, 220 Imboden Dr, Winchester, VA 22603. Stephens City is about 8 miles from Winchester, Middletown about 15 miles.

Dear Friends,

Last chance to tune up before the big 600K BREVET on June 11, so please come out and ride with us this weekend! We have a very challenging ride scheduled for Saturday, followed by a mellow antidote on Sunday. Here's the menu:

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2005

"CHRIS CUSSING UP COXEY BROWN," starting from Monocacy Middle School in Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30AM. A VERRRRY hilly/mountainous/gloriously scenic ride that includes several major climbs, the major attraction being Coxey Brown Road. Expect somewhere between 8,500 and 9,000 feet of climbing. There are a couple of fairly brief unpaved stretches which should not be a problem for road bikes, but options for avoiding them are included on the cue sheet (for the timid). We'll spend some time up in the Catoctins and then go down into Wolfsville for refueling; then we'll climb over South Mountain and wander around Smithsburg and environs a bit before climbing up to Cascade. Since this ride is dedicated to our beloved Dr. deMento, we'll celebrate his Italian heritage by having lunch at Rocky's Pizza (which, once upon a happier time, was under Italian ownership or, at least, management). After lunch there will be a wonderful descent to Harbaugh Valley, followed by a nice climb up to the Eylers Valley Chapel, then another beautiful descent to the Frederick valley. It's pretty easy going to our last rest stop in Detour, then we tackle a few more hills on our way back to Frederick. The last 10 miles are pretty mellow. 100 miles, with several optional shortcuts.

Important Note: The cues to omit the climb up Coxey Brown and the dirt stretch on Mink Farm Rd (an 11-mile shortcut) take MD17 from Harmony to Wolfsville. I believe the bridge on 17 near Highland School Rd is still closed, which means riders opting for this shortcut will most likely have to take Harp Hill into Wolfsville instead! It's possible that construction is far enough along that you can walk over the bridge on 17, but I haven't been able to verify that, so be prepared! In any case, there are more shortcuts available later in the ride.

Directions to the ride start:
MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, FREDERICK, MARYLAND
From D.C. Beltway, take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.
North on US15 3.7 miles.
Take Motter Ave exit.
R @ TL onto Opossumtown Pike.
In 1.7 mi. R into Monocacy Middle School parking Lot (across the street from Frederick Community College).

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2005

"FREDERICK PEDALERS 2004 CENTURY," starting from the Food Lion parking lot in Thurmont, Maryland. MEETNG TIME 7:30AM. This ride was designed by Bill Shakespeare Smith, and the terrain is much more gentle than that of his 2003 century! In fact, I believe our altimeters registered only 3,800 feet when we did this ride last September. The ride heads east into Carroll County, MD and north into Adams County, PA, passing through Taneytown, Littlestown, and Bonneauville on the way to lunch at Rigo's Diner in Abbottstown. On the way back we will find ourselves on Mt. Misery Rd ever-so-briefly but will escape the "miserable" climb! We'll also pass through Taneytown a second time. 101 miles. At this moment I haven't cued any short options but will try to come up with one or two before the weekend. Contact me if concerned.

Directions to ther ride start:
FOOD LION, ORCHARD VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER, THURMONT, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to 31 miles to Frederick
North on US15
In about 13 mi., exit onto MD806 (you will see Wendy's & Super-8 Motel off to L just before exit-if not, keep going-there are 3 MD806 exits).
L @ SS & immediately head up hill & to the right.
Park away from the Food Lion, near Wendy's.

Dear Friends,

Chuck and I will be away this weekend but, thanks to Bill Shakespeare Smith and Liznmatt, we have a full schedule of excellent rides for the Memorial Day weekend. Here's what's happening:

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2005

Bill Smith is leading the "KINGS GAP DOUBLE CENTURY," starting from the Holiday Inn (Fort Detrick) in Frederick, Maryland. The ride will depart from the Holiday Inn promptly at 5:00 a.m., so please plan to arrive as early as you need to in order to be ready to start riding at 5:00. LIGHTS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED!!! This is a new ride that includes much of the old 300K brevet route from Frederick. As you might surmise from the ride name, it also features the beautiful climb up Kings Gap. Another highlight will be the lovely Big Springs Road (ridden in the opposite direction from the old 400K route). Sorry to inform the ultramasochists among you that the ride does NOT include Big Flat. The total distance is 201 miles, with short options of 104, 161 and 169 miles. For more info, please contact Bill directly.

Bill Smith
Home 301-698-9090
Cell 301-514-7941
Email fellinicat@aol.com

Here are the directions to the ride start:
HOLIDAY INN FORT DETRICK, FREDERICK MARYLAND
From DC Beltway (I-495) take I-270 north to Frederick. Then go north on US15 and take the exit for West Patrick Street WEST (US40 West). This is AFTER the exit for W. Patrick Street East (MD140). As soon as you come off the ramp, get over to the right lane. Turn right onto Baughman's Lane at 2nd TL, then right into the Holiday Inn. If you are not an overnight guest, park at the end of the lot closest to West Patrick Street, farthest from the motel.

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2005

Matt Settle and Liz Crotty are leading a "checkout/preview" of the northernmost section of Lynn Kristianson's new 600K brevet route (which will make its debut on June 11). Since the brevet will go right past their house, they'll be starting the ride there. Meeting time will be 7:00 a.m. at Liznmatt's house. Alternatively, you can meet them at 8:00 at the Super 8 Motel in Middletown, about 11 miles into the ride. If you want to do that, you should plan to park your car at Lord Fairfax Community College (directions below) unless you are a registered guest at the Super 8. It would also be a good idea to let Liznmatt know if you plan to do the remote start. Liznmatt say "sleepovers are welcome," so contact them if you're interested in spending the night at their house. Obviously, the first 11 miles of the ride will head north from Matt & Liz's house to Middletown. From there it will go through Front Royal over to Fort Valley, over Edinburg Gap to Edinburg, south to Mount Jackson via Palmyra Church and Red Banks Roads, and then work its way back north to good ol' Back Road. The total distance is 102 miles. No cued short options. For more info, please contact Matt & Liz directly.

Matt Settle & Liz Crotty
Phone: 540-465-2116
Email liznmatt@shentel.net

Directions to Liznmatt's:
MATT SETTLE & LIZ CROTTY, Strasburg, Virginia
Take I-66 to I-81 South. In approximately 3 miles take exit 296, the second Strasburg exit. Go right on VA55 (now signed as US48 as well!).
In 2.5 miles turn left on 623 toward Mount Olive (also marked Back Rd).
In 0.9 mi., turn right onto Cullers Lane. Matt & Liz are the first house on left, #67, Blue house, red roof.

Directions to Middletown:
From DC beltway, west on I-66 to I-81 (Exit 1B), toward Winchester.
North on I-81 for 2 miles to Exit 302 (Rt. 627), toward Middletown.
0.2 mi. L 627 Reliance Rd. THE SUPER 8 WILL BE ON YOUR RIGHT.
To get to Lord Fairfax Community College continue west on Reliance Rd.
0.4 mi. R US11 Main Street in Middletown.
0.2 mi. R Cougill Road into the college parking lot. DON'T PARK NEAR THE MOTORCYCLE CLASSES!
(About 70 miles west of the beltway).

MONDAY, MAY 30, 2005

Matt and Liz will lead "The Snake & the Bee," again starting from their house just off Back Road near Strasburg, Virginia. Meeting time 7:30am. They led this ride back in January and it was a big hit--a wonderful, fanciful tour of Shenandoah County! Here's Matt's original ride description:

"I titled it this because the route will coil about like a snake, slithering further and further down Back Rd, going out to the Shenandoah River and back repeatedly, and finishing with a beeline up Back Rd. There will be 6 coils of 10.5 to 15.5 miles long. I've identified possible routes of 13, 20, 23, 32, 41, 44, 50, 62, 69, 81, 89, and 102 miles, and that's just a few of the possibilities. We will start the ride from our house on Cullers Lane, The ride really showcases the views of Massanutten, especiallly Signal Knob early in the ride, lots of peeks at Little North Mt., we get some glimpses of the Shenandoah River and the many creeks that feed it, later the ridges past Little North come into view and, of course, farmland abounds. The Valley is not flat. Though there are no major climbs, the hills are constant. There are 3 sections of unpaved roads (5.5 miles total) which can be avoided, but the surface is hard pack and the views on 2 of them are outstanding; on the other it keeps the snake from overlapping on itself and takes you off Rt. 11 for a few miles. The ride will pass through the valley communities of Strasburg, Toms Brook, Maurertown, and Woodstock, where we will have lunch."

See contact info and directions to Liznmatt's above.

Dear Friends,

Another new route! The DC Randonneurs 400K Brevet is this Saturday, and Lynn has designed another exciting and scenic new route for us. See details below. Most of you will be happy to hear that the terrain is quite a bit kinder and gentler than that on the 300K a couple weeks ago. As of today, the weather forecast is for cloudy but dry conditions, with highs in the low 70s. Better keep checking as the weekend approaches, though--you all know about the "curse of the 400K."

We do NOT have a ride scheduled for Sunday, May 22 (we expect to be plumb tired after the 400K). Also, please be reminded that we will be away over Memorial Day weekend. As mentioned earlier, Bill Smith will be leading a double century on Saturday, May 28 but, as of now, we do not have any rides scheduled for Sunday, May 29 or Monday, May 30. If you are interested in leading a century ride on one of those days, please contact me ASAP!

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2005

The DC Randonneurs 400 Kilometer Brevet starting from the Hampton Inn in Warrenton, Virginia. (NO, not HoJo's!!!) Registration and bike inspection begin at 3:00a.m. and not a moment earlier. The ride will begin promptly at 4:00 am. The on-site registration fee is $20 for DC Randonneurs members, $25 for non-members. Even if you have pre-registered, you still must pass bike inspection, sign in at registration and pick up your control card, cue sheet and map. You will get through registration must faster if you arrive with your release form (and registration form if not already pre-registered) already completed. These forms may be downloaded from the DC Randonneurs website (www.dcrand.org). There is a 27-hour time limit for completing the ride.

Note that lights are absolutely required for this event! For information on the lighting requirements, see the DC Randonneurs website (www.dcrand.org).

The first half of the ride is pretty upsy-downsy, as it (mostly) follows the 200K route as far as the low-water bridge on Lillard's Ford Road, then passes through Old Somerset, Dyke, White Hall, Crozet, and Batesville (a true "Ol' Virginny" ride). After the village of Esmont, the terrain moderates somewhat on the way to Lake Monticello, then becomes "unhilly" to the finish. No major climbs--just plenty of rollers.

"EARLY BIRD" BIKE INSPECTION: For those of you who can get to Warrenton early on Friday afternoon, Fred Robbins will conduct bike/lights inspection on Friday, May 20 from 4:30 - 6:30pm at the entrance to the Hampton Inn. This is offered ONLY to pre-registered riders, and no registrations will be accepted during this time. Also, note that even if you have preregistered and have your bike inspected Friday evening, you must still show up at registration Saturday morning to get your control card stamped, submit your release form, and pick up your cue sheet and map.

Directions to the Hampton Inn:
from Washington, D.C. and northeast, from the D.C. beltway I-495, travel west on I-66, exiting onto US-29 South at Gainesville. After 12 miles, exit right onto Business Routes US-29/15 toward Warrenton. Continue straight on Lee Highway through several traffic lights (about 2 miles), following signs for US-211. The Hampton Inn is soon after the split of Business 29 from 29.
from Pennsylvania and west, take US-17 south past I-66, continuing on US-17 south to Warrenton. To get to the Hampton Inn, turn left (north) on US-211; the inn will be ahead on your right.

Dear Friends,

Despite the threat of thunderstorms both days, we are boldly and brazenly going forth with our plans for this weekend! Here's the menu:

SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2005

"THE HORNETS NEST HUNDRED," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland Meeting time 7:30am. This is a new version of "Flat Tire Folly," a ride which was originally designed as the second in a series of check-out rides for the epic "Perimeter of Frederick County." The first 50 miles includes a few major climbs (and LOTS of not-so-major ones), stunning views and magnificent scenery. The second half is generally rolling--and still very scenic. The route joins the northern perimeter of Frederick County about 22 miles into the ride, near Myersville, and follows the perimeter (with a few newly added deviations) for the next 55-60 miles, to the quaint village of Detour. Then it cuts back through the center of the county to return to Frederick. Rest stops in Wolfsville and Detour, lunch in Emmitsburg. 100 miles, with several short options.

Directions to the ride start:
>From D.C. Beltway, take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.
North on US15 3.7 miles.
Take Motter Ave exit.
R @ TL onto Opossumtown Pike.
In 1.7 mi. R into Monocacy Middle School parking Lot (across the street from Frederick Community College).

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2005

"THE FREDERICK PEDALERS 2003 CENTURY," starting from Glade Elementary School, Walkersville, Maryland. Meeting time 7:30am. This ride was rained out a couple of weeks ago, so let's see if we can use up those cue sheets and maps this weekend. William Shakespeare Smith (and Chris Borkman??) masterminded this route for the 2003 Frederick Pedalers annual club century. It was very scenic and pretty hilly (quite a bit hillier than the 2004 route that started in Thurmont). After a minimal warm-up, riders will tackle the entire length of Coppermine Road. The terrain eases up A BIT after that, but not for long. The ride heads into Carroll County and eventually into York County, Pa. We'll have lunch at Genova's Pizza IF IT STILL EXISTS, or Bachmann's Valley Inn, IF IT STILL EXISTS. There's a good chance that both of these businesses have vanished, in which case we'll be stuck having lunch at a High's. This would be very sad, indeed, but at least it has a restroom. According to Bill, we pass one of the hundreds of places where George Washington slept around on the way back to Walkersville. 103 miles with short options of 55 or 73 miles. Don't know what the total elevation gain is but if I had to guess I'd say about 6,000 feet.

Directions to the ride start:
Glade Elementary School (Walkersville)
>From DC Beltway, North on I-270 to Frederick, then continue north on US15, then right (east) on MD26, then bear left (north) on MD194 (traffic light) and continue through Walkersville. Turn left at the light onto Devilbiss Bridge Rd, then left into the school parking lot in about 3/4 mile. No restrooms at ride start.

Dear Friends,

Lynn Kristianson has designed a spectacular, totally gorgeous, **EPIC** 300 Kilometer Brevet for this Saturday and we hope to see many of you there! The weather forecast is quite good--just be prepared for a chilly start Saturday morning.

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2005

The DC Randonneurs 300 Kilometer Brevet starting from the Super 8 Motel in Middletown, Virginia. Registration and bike inspection begin at 4:00 am (not earlier--please be considerate and DO NOT not be in your RBA's face, chomping at the bit, at 3:55!!). The ride will begin promptly at 5:00 am. The on-site registration fee is $20 for DC Randonneurs members, $25 for non-members. Even if you have pre-registered, you still must pass bike inspection, sign in at registration and pick up your control card, cue sheet and map. You will get through registration must faster if you arrive with your release form (and registration form if not already pre-registered) already completed. These forms may be downloaded from the DC Randonneurs website (www.dcrand.org).

Here's Lynn's ride description: The ride begins by heading south along the base of Great North Mountain on the lovely if grueling Back Road. At Columbia Furnace, it turns west over the mountain, crossing into West Virginia at Wolf Gap. After a beautiful, mellow descent and some ups and downs to the first control in Lost River, the ride turns north and follows the north-south stream valleys up to Romney, WV and then turns south and east at Slanesville. For the next dozen miles, riders will cross several ridges which descend to lovely stream valleys and finally turn south at Capon Bridge to follow the beautiful Capon River to Capon Lake and Capon Springs. Climbing back over North Mountain, the riders will pass through apple orchards, gaining elevation up to High View, VA. The ride then swings north briefly through Frederick County to a much needed food stop at the control on US522. More orchards form the scenery for the return to Middletown.

Directions to the Super 8:

From Washington, D.C. and south, from the D.C. beltway I-495, travel west on I-66 to I-81. Take I-81 north and exit at Middletown (exit #302) onto Reliance Rd, heading west. The Super 8 is on the right.

From Pennsylvania and north, take I-81 south to Middletown (exit #302).
Take Reliance Road west. The Super 8 is on the right.

As for total elevation gain, this is a new ride so we don't have the numbers. But there isn't a whole lot of "mellow," so I'm guessing at least 12,000 feet.

SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2005

"YE OLDE STONE CENTURY," starting from Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown, Virginia. Meeting time 8:45am! Yes, we're starting this ride an hour later than usual because we anticipate being up a bit late Saturday night. This is a mostly rolling ride that heads north and climbs up to and along pretty Apple Pie Ridge before heading into West Virginia. It's probably too late for apple blossoms (plus we OD'd last weekend), but we've had cool weather this week, so we may get lucky. We'll return to Virginia briefly for lunch at the Olde Stone Restaurant in Clear Brook and then head back into West Virginia for several almost flat miles. Later in the ride, back in Virginia for good, there is a beautiful, very remote stretch down by the Shenandoah River, including about a half mile of unpaved road. After a steep climb away from the river, we return to rolling terrain. We'll have a rest stop at the charming store in Millwood before returning to Middletown (good chocolate always available there). 101 miles, with short options of 73, 78, or 91 miles. All the short options omit the dirt road, plus there are cues for avoiding it on the century route. There is a good possibility that your ride leaders may opt for the wimpy 91-mile ride, given how they expect to feel after the 300K.

Directions to the ride start:
LORD FAIRFAX COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MIDDLETOWN, VIRGINIA:
From DC beltway, west on I-66 to I-81 (Exit 1B), toward Winchester.
North on I-81 for 2 miles to Exit 302 (Rt. 627), toward Middletown.
0.2 mi. L 627 Reliance Rd.
0.4 mi. R US11 Main Street in Middletown.
0.2 mi. R into the college parking lot. (About 70 miles west of the beltway)

Dear Friends,

UPDATE!! UPDATE!! UPDATE!!

Because of the precariousness of Saturday's weather forecast, we are switching around the Weekend Rides so that we can do ORCHARD ORGY on Sunday instead of Saturday. Consequently, we will be doing the FREDERICK PEDALERS 2003 CENTURY on Saturday. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but Orchard Orgy is such a special ride that we want to do it when the weather is at its best.

So here is the corrected schedule:

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2005

"THE FREDERICK PEDALERS 2003 CENTURY," starting from Glade Elementary School, Walkersville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This is the route that William Shakespeare Smith (and Chris Borkman??) masterminded for the 2003 Frederick Pedalers annual club century. It was very scenic and pretty hilly (quite a bit hillier than the 2004 route that started in Thurmont). After a minimal warm-up, riders will tackle the entire length of Coppermine Road. The terrain eases up A BIT after that, but not for long. The ride heads into Carroll County and eventually into York County, Pa. We'll have lunch at Genova's Pizza IF IT STILL EXISTS, or Bachmann's Valley Inn, IF IT STILL EXISTS. There's a good chance that both of these businesses have vanished, in which case we'll be stuck having lunch at a High's. This would be very sad, indeed, but at least it has a restroom. According to Bill, we pass one of the hundreds of places where George Washington slept around on the way back to Walkersville. 103 miles with short options of 55 or 73 miles. Don't know what the total elevation gain is but if I had to guess I'd say about 6,000 feet.

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2005

"ORCHARD ORGY," starting from the Jubilee Supermarket parking lot, Emmitsburg, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This is one of our all time favorite rides, and I can promise a stunningly beautiful ride no matter what stage we find the apple blossoms in. It's always kind of hit or miss, but I've called an orchard in Adams County and they advised me that some of the trees are already in bloom.

The ride begins innocently enough, heading up into Adams County toward Cashtown on very pretty roads. As we enter the high orchard country near Arendtsville, the terrain becomes QUITE hilly and the views are really spectacular. By the time we get to York Springs, everyone will be more than ready for lunch at Rocco's. After lunch we'll head back into the orchards; some riders may find themselves in "overdose" territory. We'll be passing by the Round Barn as we head toward our final sweet little climb up Mt. Carmel Road. A thrilling descent on Cold Springs Road takes us back down into the valley as we return to Emmitsburg.

101 miles with several short options--50 miles, 81 miles, or "little" shortcuts you can take between each rest stop. The 81-mile option, for which I will have a separate cue sheet, is actually a combination of all the "little" shortcuts, and it DOES include the lunch stop at Rocco's. The 50-mile option follows the main route to the first rest stop in Arendtsville and then jumps ahead to the last 25 miles of the return route. Estimated total elevation gain for the century is 8100 feet.

Here are the directions to the ride start:
JUBILEE SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT, EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND
I-270 North to Frederick
Continue North on US15
Exit onto MD140 West (AFTER the Seton Ave/Bus.15 exit)
Go about 0.2 mi. and turn right onto Silo Hill Rd (McDonald's on R)
Quick left into supermarket parking lot.
Restrooms at McDonald's across the street.

Dear Friends,

SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2005

The DC Randonneurs 200 Kilometer Brevet starting from Warrenton, Virginia is this Saturday, April 23! The ride will start from Black Wolf Coffee, 20 Broadview Avenue (next to HoJo's). Registration begins at 6am (NOT EARLIER!), and the ride departs promptly at 7am. There is a 13.5-hour time limit. The on-site registration fee is $20 for DC Randonneurs members, $25 for non-members. Even if you have pre-registered (good choice!), you still must sign in at registration and pick up your control card, cue sheet and map. You will get through registration must faster if you arrive with your release form (and registration form if not already pre-registered) already completed. These forms may be downloaded from the DC Randonneurs website (www.dcrand.org).

The ride begins adjacent to the Howard Johnson Motel in Warrenton, Virginia and heads generally southwest to Madison, Virginia, passing through rolling horse farm country. The Blue Ridge Mountains come into view soon after leaving Warrenton. Lunch (at your own expense) is at the mid-point of the ride. After lunch, the route is fairly gentle for a while as it parallels the scenic Robinson River tumbling out of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is a moderate climb and then a 3-mile descent as we pass in the shadow of Old Rag Mountain. A series of steep and unrelenting rollers consume riders for the next hour. Many choose to re-fuel at the Laurel Mills store, relax on the porch, and drink deeply of the spring water that flows continuously nearby. Roads bordered by stone fences carry you into Flint Hill. A final climb over Piney "Mountain" returns you to Warrenton. Estimated total elevation gain 8,000 feet. If you have any questions about the brevet that are not answered here or on the DC Randonneurs website, please contact Gordon Meuse, the Regional Brevet Administrator, at gfmeuse@earthlink.net.

Directions to the start (Black Wolf Coffee):
>From the D.C. beltway I-495, travel west on I-66, exiting onto US-29 South at Gainsville. After 12 miles, exit right onto Business Routes US-29/15 toward Warrenton. Continue straight on Lee Highway through several traffic lights, following signs for US-211. Black Wolf Coffee is at the intersection of US-211 and Waterloo St.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2005

"SIVANOVA CENTURY," starting from the Municipal Parking lot in Warrenton, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:45am. Here's a "kinder, gentler" ride if you've been waiting for just that. Also, your ride leaders will be tired after Saturday's brevet and intend to ride at a pokey pace. Although the first 25 miles are moderately hilly, the remainder of the ride is really very mellow. We will ride south to Brandy Station (but definitely not as the crow flies) and on to Batna. A major highlight will be lunch at Pelham's Pub at the Inn at Kelly's Ford, and if the weather is nice we'll eat outside. For a sneak peak at the menu, see http://www.innatkellysford.com/dining.asp and scroll down to the Pelham's Lunch Pub Menu. For the Civil War historians among you, we'll be visiting Kelly's Ford after lunch, and your homework assignment is to read all about the battle at http://www.nps.gov/frsp/kelly.htm and all about the "Gallant" John Pelham at http://www.civilwarhome.com/pelhambio.htm . And, while you're at it, read about the Battle of Brandy Station at http://americancivilwar.com/brandy_station.html . After lunch we head over to Bristersburg and return to Warrenton via Neavils Mill and Casanova. 102 miles, with plenty of shorter options, including a possible 29-mile shortcut after lunch. Total elevation gain ~ 3500 feet.

Directions to Warrenton Municipal Lot: >From DC Beltway, take I-66 west 21 miles to Exit 43A (Gainesville/Warrenton). South on US29 for 11.5 miles where road forks near Warrenton. Stay in left two lanes marked "Culpeper/Fredericksburg" and go under the overpass. Continue south 1.1 mi. and take exit for VA643 Meetze Road. Right on Meetze, which becomes Lee St. after the SS @ top of hill. Continue on Lee St. 0.8 mi. into Old Town Warrenton. Just past Fauquier County Court House, turn left into the public parking lot adjacent to Sheriff's Office across from the intersection of West Lee St. and Ashby St.

Dear Friends,

In addition to our regular Saturday and Sunday rides, this Friday Bill Smith will be leading a century ride for those of you who are able to play hooky!

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2005

Assuming your tax returns are "done," Bill Shakespeare Smith invites you to join him on his annual Frederick Pedalers Spring Century. This year he will be leading "A TASTE OF FLECHE," starting from the Food Lion parking lot in Thurmont, Maryland. This is the same ride that Chuck and I led last Sunday, and it was really beautiful. Many of the peach trees on Kelbaugh Road were already in bloom. By Friday there will be even more stuff popping out. THE RIDE WILL DEPART FROM THE PARKING LOT AT 8:30AM, beginning with the scenic climb up MD77. The descent on the west side of South Mountain is a screamer, with only one switchback. The ride continues in a northwest direction, flirting with the Conococheague Creek now and then, to Marion, Pa., where riders have a choice between a leisurely lunch stop at Vinnie's Pizzeria or a quickie store stop. The climb back over South Mountain on US30 is virtually painless, and the descent on OLD Route 30 is thrilling and scenic. The return through Gettysburg passes several of the battlefield monuments and travels through the "HAUNTED" Sachs Covered Bridge. 101 miles, total elevation gain ~ 6100 feet. Many short options.

Directions to the ride start:
FOOD LION, ORCHARD VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER, THURMONT, MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Frederick.
Continue North on US15.
In about 13 mi., exit onto MD806 (you will see Wendy's & Super-8 Motel off to L just before exit;if not, keep going--there are 3 MD806 exits).
L @ SS & immediately head up hill & to the right.
Park away from the Food Lion, near Wendy's.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2005

"PAVED WITH GOOD INTENT," starting from the Jubilee Supermarket parking lot, Emmitsburg, Maryland. Meeting time 7:30am. This ride includes some of the prettiest climbs in south central Pennsylvania--Mount Hope, Old Forge Road (South Mountain) and Piney Mountain--all of them in the morning while we're still fresh. Good bet that we'll see peach blossoms up in the Adams County orchards, but the views up there are magnificent any time of year. We'll definitely work up an appetite for lunch at the Little Italy Restaurant in Aspers, but the terrain mellows out a lot in the afternoon. After lunch we'll visit a fairly remote section of the Gettysburg battlefield that we don't often see. 101 miles, with several short options, including a couple AFTER lunch! Estimated elevation gain ~6500 feet.

Directions to the ride start:
JUBILEE SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT, EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway go North on I-270 about 31 miles.
Continue north on US15 in Frederick.
In about 25 miles exit onto MD140 West (after the Seton Ave/Bus.15 exit).
Go about 0.2 mi. and turn right onto Silo Hill Rd (McDonald's on R).
QL into supermarket parking lot.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2005

"MOUNTAIN MISSION," starting from Loudoun Valley High School, Purcellville, Virginia. Meeting time 7:45am. There's some fabulous scenery on this ride, as we climb up Chestnut Hill Road from the Shenandoah River near Harpers Ferry. West Virginia to Keyes Gap. The first part of this climb is somewhat "challenging," but I promise that it does mellow out quite a bit after the first quarter mile or so. After a scenic descent, we'll head north along the Shenandoah River and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Blue Moon Café in Shepherdstown. After lunch we'll cross the Potomac River into Washington County, Maryland. There will be a few more mellow miles paralleling the C&O Canal (not on the towpath) before we work our way back across South Mountain into Frederick County at Gathland State Park. We'll cross back over the Potomac River into Virginia at Brunswick, visiting Lovettsville and Waterford before returning to Purcellville. 102 miles with several several shortcuts available. Estimated elevation gain 6200-6500 feet.

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.
Left on VA287 Berlin Rd.
0.3 mi. R Hirst Rd.
0.5 mi. L 722 Maple Ave.
0.2 mi to school on L, just past W&OD biketrail.

Dear Friends,

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!! AT LAST a beautiful weekend weather forecast! Stop hibernating and come out and ride with us!

SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2005

The DC Randonneurs inaugural 200 KILOMETER BREVET, starting from the Hyattstown Volunteer Fire Department in Hyattstown, Maryland. If you haven't already preregistered for this event, I fear it's too late to plan to do this ride, as pre-registration is required. For details visit the DC Randonneurs website, http://www.dcrand.org/. Please note there will be a second 200K Brevet on April 23, starting from Warrenton, Virginia (the traditional "Old Rag" route). Pre-registration is encouraged but not required for that event.

SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2005

"A TASTE OF FLECHE," starting from the Food Lion Parking Lot, Thurmont, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Yes, this is the same ride that was scheduled for last Saturday. Yes, it was a total wash-out. No, we didn't ride that day. Here is the warmed-over ride description. There actually isn't a whole lot of the fleche left in this new version of a ride we led back in January, but it still promises to be a very nice ride. It begins with the long gradual climb up MD77. There should be plenty of water in the adjacent streams and lots of peepers to serenade us as we climb. After the enjoyable descent, we'll wander around the bucolic Cumberland Valley for the rest of the morning, gradually heading northwest to Marion, Pa., where we'll have lunch at Vinnie's Pizzeria. After lunch we'll follow our fleche route east to Gettysburg. A slightly shorter option goes to South Mountain, Pa. instead and takes gnarly but scenic Cold Spring Road down into Fairfield. 102 miles, with plenty of shortcuts. All options return to Thurmont on beautiful Kelbaugh Road.

Dear Friends,

Although Saturday's threatening to be a bit drippy, we are going to schedule a ride for both days. So there. The Saturday ride is somewhat "tentative," i.e., if it looks like a wash-out when you get up Saturday morning, please call me on my cell phone to confirm that the ride is a go before heading out to the ride start.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2005

"A TASTE OF FLECHE," starting from the Food Lion Parking Lot, Thurmont, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Just can't get enough of a good thing. Well, there actually isn't a whole lot of the fleche left in this new version of a ride we led back in January, but it still promises to be a very nice ride. It begins with the long gradual climb up MD77. There should be plenty of water in the adjacent streams and lots of peepers to serenade us as we climb! After the enjoyable descent, we'll wander around the bucolic Cumberland Valley for the rest of the morning, gradually heading northwest to Marion, Pa., where we'll have lunch at Vinnie's Pizzeria. After lunch we'll follow our fleche route east to Gettysburg. A slightly shorter option goes to South Mountain, Pa. instead and takes gnarly but scenic Cold Spring Road down into Fairfield. 102 miles, with plenty of shortcuts.

REMEMBER TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD 1 HOUR BEFORE YOU GO TO BED SATURDAY NIGHT

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2005

"HAMBURG HEAVEN," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:45am, EASTERN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!!! We'll start 15 minutes later than usual to help ease the pain of losing that hour of sleep. The scenery on this ride is spectacular, the climbs will get your heart pounding, and the descents are thrilling. Several major climbs over Catoctin and South Mountains. The route has been slightly revised to omit the infamous turn off of Edgemont onto Leathers Road. All the best parts of the ride, including everyone's favorite gut-buster (Garfield), remain intact. Lunch at Vince's New York Pizza in Smithsburg. Be prepared for a challenging day. The last 20 miles are mellow. 100 miles with several short options.

Dear Friends,

The rides this weekend are not too ambitious, so as to offer fleche riders an opportunity for a gentle last-minute tune-up. But they are both very nice rides!

SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2005

Rudy Hewitt is leading "THE BIGLERVILLE CENTURY," starting from Monocacy Middle School in Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Here is a ride that appeals to just about everyone ("not too hilly, not too flat"), through the beautiful rolling countryside of northern Frederick County, Md. and southern Adams County, Pa. Lunch at Mamma's in Biglerville, Apple Capital of the U.S.A. (has our vote for the best pizza in Adams County). 101 miles, with short options of 38,52, 64, or 82 miles. Estimated total elevation gain ~4500 feet.

Rudy's contact info:
Email rudie84@comcast.net
Home phone: 301-933-9334
Cell phone: 301-648-7279

Directions to Frederick:
MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, FREDERICK, MARYLAND
>From D.C. Beltway, take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.
North on US15 3.7 miles.
Take Motter Ave exit.
Right @ TL onto Opossumtown Pike.
In 1.7 mi. R into Monocacy Middle School parking Lot (across the street from Frederick Community College)

SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2005

Chris Mento is leading "DRIVING MISS LIBBY," starting from the Jubilee Supermarket parking lot in Emmitsburg, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. We tried out this new version of an older ride back in November and discovered that it is quite a bit flatter than the original version! We still pass the home of Miss Libby Ying-Ling, noodle along Tape Worm Road, climb up Town Hill Road just after lunch, etc. The ride heads generally in a north-east direction into Pennsylvania over gently rolling terrain, with a lunch stop at Rocco's in York Springs. Rocco's pizza isn't as good as Mamma's in Biglerville, but they do make a great steak & cheese sub and Mama Rocco always has some wicked dessert that she's pushing. Watch out for all the metal grate bridges on this ride, particularly if the roads are wet! And don't miss the pig pen on the left on Centennial Road. 102 miles, with several short options. Total elevation gain only ~3200 feet (MELLOW)!

Chris's contact info:
Email cmento@manekin.com
Cell phone: (410) 977-8178

Directions to the ride start:
JUBILEE SUPERMARKET, EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway go North on I-270 about 31 miles.
Continue north on US15 in Frederick.
In about 25 miles, exut onto MD140 West (after the Seton Ave/Bus.15 exit).
Go about 0.2 mi. and turn right onto Silo Hill Rd (McDonald's on R).
QL into supermarket parking lot.

If you have any questions about the rides, please contact the respective ride leaders. Also, it's too soon to predict this weekend's weather. Rudy will usually ride in almost anything (Chris, too, for that matter), but if it is raining or snowing either morning, please contact the ride leader to confirm that the ride is still on.

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow's forecast is still kind of iffy just about everywhere, but it does look a bit warmer to the south, so we'll head in that direction for tomorrow's ride start. If it's raining or snowing tomorrow morning, please call me on my cell phone (202-365-3738) to confirm that the ride is a go before venturing out.

We are cautiously optimistic that conditions will be OK for both days.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2005

"THE CANNONBALL CENTURY," starting from Hartwood Elementary School, Hartwood, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:45am (later-than-usual start). Our thanks to The Fredericksburg Cyclists for the route. They used to run this ride as their annual club century. The terrain is gently rolling, the roads are quiet, and the scenery is pleasant enough. The route heads north to Remington, where we'll have lunch at the Corner Deli. We pass the Hartwood Winery on the way back. 100 miles, with several optional shortcuts.

Directions to the ride start:
HARTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
From DC Beltway (I-495), South on I-95 toward Fredericksburg. Take exit 133B, US17 North towards Warrenton. Go north on US17 for 6 miles, then turn right on 705 Hartwood Rd (TL). Make a quick right turn onto 754 Shackleford Well Rd., then immediately turn right into the school.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2005

"SWEET SUGARLOAF CENTURY," starting from Pierce Mill in Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C. MEETING TIME 7:30am. OK, you out there who have been waiting for a ride with a close-in start--here it is!

Enjoy the scenic and quiet country roads of upper Montgomery County, and maybe even learn a few tricks for avoiding the increasing traffic volume around Potomac. Of course, we couldn't call the ride "Sweet Sugarloaf" if it didn't include the gentle climb up Sugarloaf Mountain. Lunch at the cozy Hyattstown Deli. Late in the day we'll take you past some of the biggest, ugliest, and most ostentatious homes of Potomac--not to be missed! And DC natives will enjoy the nostalgia-inducing sweep through Glen Echo Park on the way home. 103 miles, with two shorter options--an 85-mile ride that does not go all the way to Sugarloaf, and a 54-mile ride that has a remote start location (the shopping center at Travilah & Glen Roads). The 54-mile ride follows the century route, merely cutting off the first 20 and last 29 miles. If you are interested in the remote start, let me know. I'll be happy to email you a copy of the cue sheet and we can ATTEMPT to rendezvous at the first rest stop, in Poolesville.

Directions to the ride start:
PIERCE MILL, WASHINGTON, D.C.
From DC Beltway, Exit 33, go south on Connecticut Avenue (MD185) into DC.
After going around Chevy Chase Circle and entering DC, continue south on Connecticut Avenue about 2 miles and turn left onto Tilden Street (traffic light).
Go to the bottom of the hill (about = mi.) and turn RIGHT, just before the bridge, then QL into the large parking lot. Do NOT park in the little lot next to the mill and the Art Barn.

Dear Friends,

We are going ahead with our plans to ride the 176-mile "RICHMOND ROUNDABOUT" on Saturday, even though the forecast is for a 40% chance of showers or "a little rain," with lows in the morning in the 30s and high in the afternoon around 50--good fleche training:). PLEASE bring rain gear if you plan to do this ride! Please DO NOT send me weather forecast updates; you can be sure that I check it at least as often as you do. And, remember, this is an unsupported RANDONNEUR ride, i.e., you bring what you're going to need and you carry your own crap.

Note that both rides this weekend begin from the same location (Ashland Coffee & Tea Co., Ashland Virginia--see directions below).

Here's the plan:

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2005

"THE RICHMOND ROUNDABOUT," starting from Ashland Coffee & Tea Co., Ashland, Virginia. **MEETING TIME 5am!!!!** Lights are absolutely required, as we will start in the dark (and historically have ALWAYS finished in the dark, too).

This is an excellent training ride for those who are planning to ride the Fleche on Easter weekend, but everyone is welcome. There are plenty of stores along the route, and we'll have several rest stops, including at least one sit-down meal. Paul Donaldson (aka World's Greatest Randonneur) is the master-mind behind this delightful 176-mile odyssey that circles around Richmond. The ride has a historical flavor, passing many Civil War sites and other historical points of interest. It crosses three rivers (the James, Chickahominy and Appomattox) and Skinquarter Creek, and spans 7 counties. And there's more--You'll see 2 frogs on a bike!! The terrain is very gentle without being boringly flat. Estimated total elevation gain 5200 feet. There are two short options--a 7-mile shortcut at the very beginning of the ride and a 14-mile shortcut near the end. If you take both you will shorten the ride to 155 miles (unless you miss a turn). There are other places where you might cut some miles, but they haven't been cued because they involve riding for several miles on busy roads with no shoulder and so are not recommended. We will provide detailed maps with the route brightly highlighted.

And here is an exciting "offer you can't refuse" from Joel Dechter: "...after days of contemplating the weather and numerous bottles of wine donated to my wife's cellar it has been determined that in fact I WILL KICK OFF THE CYCLING SEASON WITH THE WORLD RENOWNED RICHMOND ROUNDABOUT....I know you're thinking that you Chuck and Rudy and other die hards have been riding all year and this is merely another walk in the park wellllllllll...some of us have been skiing playing tennis and training indoors for this great day ....rumor has it that Chuck is going to come down with some rare cycling illness and will not be in attendance ...that being said I gladly will offer you the stoker position on the rocketship known as the Blue Cadooo (Rudy has since retired from said position due to contracting restrictions placed on him from one of the kilt manufacturers) See you in the am ...I will be lonely guy asking anyone to ride stoker RUDY THIS IS YOUR FINAL OFFER ...... so if you don't mind please bring another cue sheet ....Joel"

Rudy's response was: "....if I did not have to ride the fleche on single. Riding another bike is like cheating on your wife. My Trek would be highly disappointed."

SOOOOO, If you'd like to stoke for Joel (on his truly cool Bike Friday tandem) on Saturday, please contact him TODAY at: Joel_Dechter@fc.mcps.k12md.us

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2005

"THE HADENSVILLE HUNDRED," starting from Ashland Coffee & Tea Co., Ashland, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This ride heads west to Hadensville. The first half of the ride is gently rolling with one significant hill before lunch; there are a few more hills after lunch, but no big climbs. Lunch stop at the Country House Cafe in Hadensville. 103 miles, with several shorter options. Not sure what the total elevation gain is--guessing around 4,000 feet or so, certainly no more than 4,500.

DIRECTIONS TO THE RIDE START (for both Saturday and Sunday): ASHLAND VISITORS CENTER, ASHLAND COFFEE & TEA CO., Ashland, Virginia
>From DC Beltway, go south on I-95.
Take Exit 92B (Ashland exit), VA54 West.
Follow VA54 into Ashland (about a mile, maybe less).
After crossing the railroad tracks and Railroad Avenue (Visitors Center to R), turn right into the little lot behind and slightly south of the Henry Clay Inn (just past the Ashland Coffee & Tea Co.). Park near the trees. Alternatively, you can park on the street adjacent to the Visitors Center. Look for the Chuckwagon.

LODGING in ASHLAND:
Ashland Inn - 804-752-7777
Best Western - 804-550-2805
Budget Inn - 804-798-9291
Days inn - 804-798-4262
Econo Lodge - 804-798-9221
Hampton Inn - 804-752-8444
Holiday Inn Express - 804-752-7889
Microtel - 804-521-2377
Quality Inn - 804-798-4231
Sleep Inn - 804-752-2355
Super 8 - 804-752-7000
There are some mom & pops that I haven't listed here.

Crista Work 202-662-4557 Cell (weekends only, 5am-9am) (This Saturday ONLY you may call as early as 4am!)

Dear Friends,

While I can't promise perfect road conditions tomorrow, we are going to ride anyway. If we find the back roads to be in bad shape, we can take MD2 and MD4, which both have big shoulders, all the way to Solomons Island. But I've been advised by a "reliable source" that Calvert County does a good job plowing the back roads. And by Sunday I'm hoping that the Madison County roads will have been plowed, too. If we have to improvise, we will.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2005

"SOLOMONS ISLAND DOUBLE METRIC," starting from Southern High School in Harwood, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:00AM!! It's been exactly 3 years since we last did this pleasant ride, which I recommend as a good tune-up for NEXT weekend's big Richmond Roundabout. We will head south over gently rolling terrain to the charming nautical community of Solomons Island, passing through Friendship, Lower Marlboro, and the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp on the way down. There will be a nice lunch stop at one of the many restaurants at Solomons Island. After lunch, there are optional side trips to the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant and to Flag Ponds Park for those who are interested. The return route passes through St. Leonard, Prince Frederick, Chesapeake Beach, Rose Haven, and lovely Fairhaven. 126 miles and only 5600 feet of elevation gain. There are also several short options, including a century. Please note that the short options do NOT go all the way to Solomons Island.

Directions to the ride start:
SOUTHERN HIGH SCHOOL, 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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2005

"THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY," starting from the Reva Market (about 6 miles south of Culpeper, Virginia). MEETING TIME 7:30am. This is one of our top 10 favorite rides! It is a hilly ride (about 7,000 feet total elevation gain), but there are several extended mellow stretches. Absolutely stunning views of Old Rag and the Blue Ridge, and many, many bridge crossings. As the store in Aroda is closed on Sunday, there will be no morning rest stop, so please plan accordingly (bring snacks from home). The Reva Market doesn't open until 8am on Sundays, so don't count on buying food at the start. We do pass the Brightwood General Store at mile 6.5, and it will be open at 8am. Lunch stop at the new Mountaineer Café in Madison. We want to check out its suitability as a control for the 200K. Afternoon rest stop at the Little Country Store in Etlan. 102 miles, with several short options.

Directions to the ride start: REVA MARKET, 7015 James Monroe Highway (US29), REVA, VIRGINIA
>From DC Beltway, take I-66 west 21 miles to Exit 43A (Gainesville/Warrenton) onto to US29 South.
South on US29 ~44 miles to Reva Market/Shell Station on R (where 633 intersects on R) (5 or 6 miles south of Culpeper). (Note this is the SECOND Shell Station you'll see heading south on 29)

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm) 202-365-3738

Dear Friends,

It sure would be nice if we could get in 3 rides this holiday weekend! As of now, though, Monday is looking pretty dismal. We are tentatively scheduling a ride for Monday (hoping that the weather forecasts are wrong while suspecting otherwise), but if you plan to attend please call me on my cell phone Monday morning (202-365-3738, after 5am) to confirm that the ride is a go, as I will not have email access over the weekend. Here's the plan:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2005

"COVERED BRIDGES 200K," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 6:45am. A very scenic ride with two extended (but not too steep) climbs--Catoctin Hollow and Hampton Valley. The terrain on the rest of the ride is fairly tame (i.e., rolling). We'll ride through four covered bridges, including the charming (and HAUNTED!) Sachs Covered Bridge near Gettysburg http://hauntedfieldsofglory.com/gallery/gettysburg/sachs/gallery.html. Lunch at good ol' Mamma's in Biglerville, Pa., apple capital, USA! http://www.gettysburgrail.com/History%20of%20the%20Line/Highlights_Biglerville.htm. 126 miles, with short options of 47, 75 or 107 miles. Total elevation gain 7,000 feet or so.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2005

"THE CONOCOCHEAGUE CREEK CRAWLER," starting from Williamsport High School, Williamsport, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This ride heads north through the rolling Cumberland Valley into Franklin County, Pa. We'll have a leisurely lunch at Arturo's in Quincy, Pa., and you'll have many opportunities to "bond" with the meandering Conococheague Creek. This ride has undergone major revisions over previous versions, resulting in a hillier (and even prettier) ride, and NO Waynesboro! We will ride through the Martin's Mill Covered Bridge http://william-king.www.drexel.edu/top/bridge/CBMartin.HTML and cross the old Wilson Bridge over the creek http://www.washco-md.net/slideshow/images/Wilson-1.jpg, (both closed to automobile traffic) on the return route. 102 miles, with short options of 60, 74, or 85 miles. Total elevation gain ~5800 feet.

Directions to the ride start:
WILLIAMSPORT HIGH SCHOOL, WILLIAMSPORT, MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway, take I-270 north approx. 32 miles to Frederick.
Take I-70 west 28 miles to Exit 26 (I-81).
Take I-81 south (toward Roanoke) for 1.5 miles to Exit 2 (US11).
Take US11 south toward Williamsport.
In 3/4 mile, turn left onto Clifton Drive (TL - before center of town)
Proceed 1/4 mile to parking lots on right.
Total driving time from Beltway approx. 1 hr. 10 min.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2005

"STONEWALL'S REVENGE," starting from Margaret Pierce Elementary School, Remington, Virginia. MEETING TIME 8am. Well, this ride will probably get rained or snowed out, but if it DOES come off you don't need to get to the start until 8am! This is an abbreviated version of a ride designed by Tom Burns many years ago. The terrain is gently rolling, heading south through Brandy Station and Stevensburg on the way to the first rest stop at the Rapidan Trading Post (if it's open) http://www.jacksamuels.com/listings/rapidan/rapidan.html. Then we continue south and cross Lake Anna twice before our lunch stop at the Lakeview Restaurant at Hunter's Landing. On the way back we'll ride through part of the Chancellorsville National Military Park, but we WON'T stop at the Visitors Center where they want to assess us $4.00 for using the restroom. 104 miles, with a 72-mile short option. Total elevation gain ~3600 feet. Note: opening time at the Rapidan Trading Post is unpredictable (assuming it hasn't closed down for good). There is a chance that we'll find it closed when we get there. If that is the case, there is another store 10 miles further down the road (mile 40 on the route). Please come prepared for that event!

Directions to the 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
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm)
NO WEEKEND EMAIL ACCESS!!

Dear Friends,

Spring MUST be around the corner--I saw daffodils blooming on Daffodil Hill along Rock Creek Parkway this morning! One thing's for SURE--it's only 6 weeks before the FLECHE--if you're on a fleche team this year it's time to get serious. We hope you'll come out this weekend and get some miles in your legs. NEXT weekend (weather permitting) we will be scheduling the first 200K ride of the season (just a ride, not a Brevet). And our big 176-mile fleche training ride, the Richmond Roundabout, is tentatively scheduled for March 12. Mark your calendars!

Here's what's up for THIS weekend:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2005

"THE CENTURY OF THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE," starting from the Hyattstown Shopping Center in Hyattstown, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30AM. 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 across the river into West Virginia, with a lunch stop at the Blue Moon Cafe in Shepherdstown. After lunch we'll enjoy some mellow miles ambling along the Potomac River on the way to magnificently beautiful Harpers Ferry. The return route passes through Sandy Hook, Knoxville, Brunswick, Jefferson, and Buckeystown. 101 HILLY miles (~7600 feet), with short options of 57, 65, or 87 miles. The two shortest options stay in Frederick County. The 87-mile option tours the Antietam battlefield.

Directions to the ride start:
HYATT SHOPPING CENTER, HYATTSTOWN, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Exit 22
L MD109 North at end of ramp
0.5 mi. L MD355 @T (TL)
0.3 mi. L into shopping center - park away from stores

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2005

"THE SANDGATES CENTURY," starting from T. C. Martin Elementary School, Bryantown, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:45am. Yes, since this is a fairly mellow ride, we will meet 15 minutes LATER than usual! This gentle southern Maryland ride, mostly in St. Mary's County, got snowed out a couple weeks ago. So, since the cue sheets and maps are already done, let's go for it again! Highlights include many Amish farms and an Amish meeting house, the Loveville Bike Shop (closed on Sunday), Greenwell State Park, an optional side trip to the Sotterley Mansion, and lunch at the Seabreeze Restaurant in Sandgates, where if we're lucky we might get a glimpse of Shrimpy the Kelp Gull! See http://www.livejournal.com/community/birdlovers/100577.html?mode=reply. 102 miles, with plenty of shortcuts.

T. C. MARTIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BRYANTOWN, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, south on MD5 Branch Avenue, toward Waldorf (Exit 7A)
12.2 miles L MD5 (TL) (just after entering Charles County)
(Sign to Lexington Park/Leonardtown)
3.2 mi. L Leonardtown Rd tro MD5 (TL) (Bus. 5 goes R) (Shell Station has restrooms)
4.9 mi. R Olivers Shop Rd MD232 (blinking TL)
1.1 mi. R into school parking lot

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am - 9pm) 202-365-3738
No email access on weekends!!

Dear Friends,

The forecast looks good enough to head west this weekend, so we plan to ride in the upper Shenandoah Valley both days. Here's the scoop:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2005

"UNMARKED AND UNCHAINED," starting from Clarke County High School, Berryville, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:45am. Yet another reincarnation of this ride into West Virginia's eastern panhandle! It now bears almost no resemblance to the original ride. The new route features much improved scenery, and most of the roads are now signed, but there are still plenty of unchained West Virginia dogs. We'll climb up to Apple Pie Ridge in the morning and visit with "Daisy the Country Dog" at the White Hall store. The route to lunch through Berkeley County's fruit orchards is particularly scenic. After lunch in Hedgesville the terrain mellows out quite a bit as we head into Jefferson County. We'll have a rest stop at Charlie Brown's store late in the ride. 101 miles with a few shorter options. Rolling terrain--shouldn't be much more than 5,000 feet.

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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005

"ZIP OVER TO ZEPP," starting from Liz'n'Matt's house in Strasburg, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. All rides from LiznMatt's start on Back Road! The first half of this ride was adapted from parts of Tom Burns's classic "TOP OF VIRGINIA TOUR." We'll climb over Little North Mountain via Fetzer's Gap while we're still fresh and descend to Zepp via the CHUCK WOOD MEMORIAL CURVE. Then we'll head north to Siler and cross over Apple Pie Ridge twice, with a lunch stop at the Olde Stone Restaurant in Clear Brook. Lunch is at mile 62, and there is no afternoon rest stop planned, so you might want to stock up on snacks at the store adjacent to the restaurant. 100 miles with a few shorter options.

Directions to Liznmatt's:
Take I-66 to I-81 South. In approximately 3 miles take exit 296, the second Strasburg exit. Go right on VA55 (now signed as US48 as well!).
In 2.5 miles turn left on 623 toward Mount Olive (also marked Back Rd).
In 0.9 mi., turn right onto Cullers Lane. Matt & Liz are the first house on left, #67, Blue house, red roof.
Phone: 540-465-2116

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
No email access on weekends!

Dear Friends,

Saturday's looking "OK." The prognosis for riding on Sunday continues to deteriorate, but I am going to list a TENTATIVE ride for Sunday. There is at least a 50% chance that Sunday's ride will have to be canceled, SOOOOO: if you are planning to attend, please call me on my cell phone (202-365-3738) Sunday morning (any time after 5am) to confirm that the ride is a GO. I won't have access to email after tomorrow so I won't be able to send out a last minute update.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 2005

"A NEW WAY TO NEW WINDSOR," starting from Chuck's house in Rockville, Md. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Yes, it is true that we scheduled this ride only a few short weeks ago (Christmas Eve). But attendance was, shall we say, low. Accordingly, we are offering a second oppportunity to experience this scenic and hilly ride through Howard, Frederick and Carroll Counties. After wending our way through the neighborhood streets that "come with the territory" whenever we do a ride from Chuck's house, we'll head north through Mount Airy and Unionville on our way to lunch at Kosta & Beth's in New Windsor. The return route follows Sams Creek for a while, including the unpaved portion. Since the ground may still be frozen and have icy patches, we might opt for the less charming but paved detour (Hooper Rd). I've made a few changes in the route that have not yet been checked out, so please be tolerant of minor cue sheet boo-boos. 100 miles, with a few shorter options, including a metric century that turns around in Mount Airy.

Directions to Chuck's house (take your pick):
>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)
0.3 mi. R Bel Pre Rd (TL)
0.1 mi. R Janice Drive (1st R)
3rd house on L - 14725 Janice Drive
301-871-8121 (but best to call my cell phone 202-365-3738)

>From DC Beltway:
North on Georgia Avenue
approx. 4 mi. X Connecticut Avenue
0.3 mi. L Bel Pre
0.7 mi. L Janice Drive (just before TL at MD28)
3rd house on L - 14725 Janice Drive
301-871-8121 (but best to call my cell phone 202-365-3738)

Another way:
0.0 I-270 split - heading north from I-270 split (get in right lane)
1.0 1.0 R Montrose Rd East
(At split on ramp you can also get in left lane & go under Montrose Rd)
1.2 0.2 L Tower Oaks Rd (1st L)
2.0 0.8 R Wootton Parkway (follow curves)
3.3 1.3 X Rockville Pike MD355
3.5 0.2 X Veirs Mill Rd (becomes MD28 East)
5.5 2.0 X Bauer Dr. (TL)
6.1 0.6 R Bell Pre (next TL)
6.2 0.1 R Janice Dr.
3rd house on L (14725 Janice Dr.)
301-871-8121 (but best to call my cell phone 202-365-3738)

>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 L Bel Pre (2nd TL)
0.1 R Janice Drive
14725 Janice Drive (3rd house on L)
301-871-8121 (but best to call my cell phone 202-365-3738)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005

"THE SANDGATES CENTURY," starting from T. C. Martin Elementary School, Bryantown, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:45am. Yes, IF this ride comes off, we will meet 15 minutes LATER than usual! This is a gentle southern Maryland ride, mostly in St. Mary's County. Highlights include many Amish farms and the Amish meeting house, the Loveville Bike Shop (closed on Sunday), Greenwell State Park, an optional side trip to the Sotterley Mansion, and lunch at the Seabreeze Restaurant in Sandgates, where if we're lucky we might get a glimpse of Shrimpy the Kelp Gull! See http://www.livejournal.com/community/birdlovers/100577.html?mode=reply. In past years another highlight of this ride has always been the fabulous winter sunset. Can't promise the skies will cooperate THIS Sunday. 102 miles, with plenty of shortcuts.

T. C. MARTIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BRYANTOWN, MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway, south on MD5 Branch Avenue, toward Waldorf (Exit 7A)
12.2 miles L MD5 (TL) (just after entering Charles County)
(Sign to Lexington Park/Leonardtown)
3.2 mi. L Leonardtown Rd tro MD5 (TL) (Bus. 5 goes R) (Shell Station has restrooms)
4.9 mi. R Olivers Shop Rd MD232 (blinking TL)
1.1 mi. R into school parking lot

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am - 9pm) 202-365-3738
No email access on weekends!!

Dear Friends,

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!
All, the Monday Jan. 17 ride from Frederick is ON! No need to check Sunday, though I will send a reminder Sunday evening. See below for ride description.

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!

All, the Monday Jan. 17 ride from Frederick is ON! No need to check Sunday, though I will send a reminder Sunday evening.

See below for ride description.

Things are looking slightly up for the weekend temps, i.e., looks like they will rise above freezing and the sun will shine both days, so we'll continue to play in the hills. In addition to the rides scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Ed Felker is TENTATIVELY planning to lead a ride on Monday, Martin Luther King Day. Watch your inboxes late Sunday evening for a possible DC-Brevet announcement from Ed, who is considering a Monday century from Frederick, Md. No announcement means no ride. If you do not subscribe to DC Brevet, you can do so by sending a blank message to DC-Brevet-subscribe@topica.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2005

"BLOWING UP ON BUFFALO," starting from Windsor Knolls Middle School, Ijamsville, Maryland. Meeting time 7:30am. This is a new ride start for this ride and the route has been revised quite a bit, too. The original route had 8,000 feet of elevation gain, and I expect the new route will be in the same ballpark. How do you accumulate 8,000 feet without climbing over any mountains? You will see. The scenery is truly lovely on this ride through northeastern Frederick County and western Carroll County. Lunch will be in Union Bridge, either at Original Pizza or the Buttersburg Inn. Although the hills are a contstant presence, there will be a few mellow, oh-so bucolic miles along Sams Creek after the last rest stop in New Windsor, prior to our major confrontation with Buffalo Road. 100 miles, with optional shortcuts between all the rest stops. If you take ALL the shortcuts, you can shorten the ride to 66 miles and still do lunch!

Directions to the ride start:
WINDSOR KNOLLS MIDDLE SCHOOL, IJAMSVILLE, MARYLAND
11150 Windsor Rd, Ijamsville MD 21754
>From DC Beltway, go North on US270 toward Frederick.
Take Exit 22 (MD109 North).
In 0.1 mi. left onto MD109 Old Hundred Rd.
In 0.4 mi. left onto MD355 Frederick Rd.
In 0.6 mi. right onto MD75 Green Valley Rd.
In 3.0 mi. right onto Windsor Rd.
School is 0.1 mi. on the left.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 16, 2005

"LOVELY LOVETTSVILLE LOOP," starting from the VDOT Parking Lot in Marshall, Virginia. Meeting time 7:30am. A very scenic, HILLY ride that hits most of the classic Fauquier/Loudoun County horse-country towns and villages, including Airmont, Round Hill, Hillsboro, Lovettsville, Waterford, Purcellville, Aldie, and The Plains. Since the pizza joint in Lovettsville is closed on Sunday, we'll probably have lunch at Mario's in Purcellville. 101 miles, with plenty of shorter options.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am - 9pm) 202-365-3738
NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS!

Nothing new here. I've decided to do the Biglerville Century again, in part due to the expected cold temperatures. Here's the description:

MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2OO4

"THE BIGLERVILLE CENTURY," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. Meeting time 7:30am. This old standby will keep us just warm enough on a cold day. Mostly rolling hills, no big climbs. Two rest stops plus lunch at Mamma's Pizza in Biglerville. 101 miles, with shortcut options of 38, 52, 64 and 82 miles.

Directions to the ride start:

MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, FREDERICK, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, go North on US270 toward Frederick
In 30 miles continue straight onto US15 North (through Frederick).
In 3.4 mi Exit Oppossumtown Pike Exit. Bear right at end of ramp onto Oppossumtown Pike.
In 2.0 mi right into school at 8009 Opossumtown Pike.

Ed Felker
work (202) 662-7241
cell (202) 277-2487
(Sporadic weekend email access -- call my cell if in doubt)

Dear Friends,

As previewed a couple of weeks ago, Matt Settle and Liz Crotty will be leading both of this weekend's rides from their house in Strasburg, Virginia. BOTH RIDES WILL BEGIN AT 7:30am, SO PLEASE TRY TO ARRIVE AT THEIR HOUSE BY 7:15!

After Saturday's ride, they have invited us all to join in some merrymaking, eating, and a bonfire! ***PLEASE RSVP TO MATT & LIZ IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND!!*** Liz is providing hot dogs, corn bread and her fabulous chili. They'll have a big cooler and ice, and you should plan to bring your own "whatever you want to drink" and any other food that you may want in addition to what Liz is fixing. Chuck and I will bring a couple bottles of wine.

Here are Matt's details about the rides:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2005

"The Snake and The Bee."

I titled it this because the route will coil about like a snake, slithering further and further down Back Rd, going out to the Shenandoah River and back repeatedly, and finishing with a beeline up Back Rd to the Bonfire. There will be 6 coils of 10.5 to 15.5 miles long. I've identified possible routes of 13, 20, 23, 32, 41, 44, 50, 62, 69, 81, 89, and 102 miles, and that's just a few of the possibilities. We will start the ride from our house on Cullers Lane, I plan on doing the entire route starting at 7:30, and Liz is going to do a shorter version starting at 8:30. She will be eliminating the first coil so we should be close to the same spot on the course until she short cuts probably at 69 miles to get ready for the bonfire. For the folks who may want to do the entire route but would like a little extra time in the morning to get here, the route passes a Park and Ride lot on Rt 11 just off I-81 at exit 298. Go right off the exit ramp 0.1 miles then left onto Quarry Rd - the lot is right there. I will be riding by at about 8:00 and will have extra cue sheets. Just subtract 7 miles from the cumulative totals and do the 7 miles at the end. For anyone who may want to start even later, cue sheets will be left at the house. So options, options, options. The ride really showcases the views of Massanutten, especiallly Signal Knob early in the ride, lots of peeks at Little North Mt., we get some glimpses of the Shenandoah River and the many creeks that feed it, later the ridges past Little North come into view and, of course, farmland abounds. The Valley is not flat. Though there are no major climbs, the hills are constant. There are 3 sections of unpaved roads (5.5 miles total) which can be avoided, but the surface is hard pack and the views on 2 of them are outstanding; on the other it keeps the snake from overlapping on itself and takes you off Rt. 11 for a few miles. The ride will pass through the valley communities of Strasburg, Toms Brook, Maurertown, and Woodstock, where we will have lunch.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2005

We will do a variation on Crista's WAY-FAR-OUT IN WILD-WONDERFUL-WEST-BY-GOD-VIRGINIA with the climb over Wolf Gap and great descent into Wardensville, and then some nice views from High View and later Frederick County, Va. and maybe some new roads at the end. If I get a chance I may be able to get a couple of different short options cued out that would have you climb over Zepp from the backside.

DIRECTIONS TO MATT & LIZ'S:
Take I-66 to I-81 South.
In approximately 3 miles take exit 296, the second Strasburg exit.
Go right on Rt 55.
In 2.5 miles turn left on 623 toward Mount Olive (also marked Back Rd).
In 0.9 mi., turn right onto Cullers Lane. We are the first house on left, #67, Blue house, red roof.
Phone: 540-465-2116
Email: liznmatt@shentel.net

Dear Friends,

As we look forward to the balmy weekend that's in the forecast, let's plan to make the most of it before we plunge back into the deep freeze!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2004

"THE STEPMOTHER OF ALL RIDES," starting from Monocacy Middle School in Frederick, Maryland. Meeting time 7:30am. This is a beautiful, mountainous ride. I don't know what the total elevation gain is but it will be substantial. The ride starts out fairly innocently, noodling north to Emmitsburg and on to Fairfield, Pa. The first climb, up Cold Springs Road to South Mountain, Pa., is the longest and most challenging of the day, with many steep pitches and several false summits. After a fast and swoopy descent to Mont Alto, we'll have lunch at Arturo's Pizzeria in Quincy and then wander around the Cumberland Valley for a few miles before the next big climb up Old Rt. 16 and Buena Vista. From Cascade, we'll ride south a bit and then do the length of Park Central "the easy way" (assuming it's open), followed by Catoctin Hollow, eventually descending along Hunting Creek. If Park Central is closed, we'll just go down 77 to Catoctin Hollow. There is one more "little" climb (whose name shall not be mentioned) near the end of the ride. 100 miles, with only a few little shortcuts. The shortest cued option is 89 miles, and it does not include lunch at Arturo's, so if you do shortcut you might want to consider having lunch at Nan & Pap's in the village of South Mountain.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2005!!

Gordon & Lynn are running the DC Randonneurs inaugural populaires, beginning at Hains Point in Washington, D.C. Official starting time is 7am. You have the choice between a 106-mile route with an 11-hour, 20-minute time limit, and an 84-mile route, with a 9-hour time limit. Here are the pertinent details:

Come ring in the New Year with us on the DC Randonneurs inaugural rides -- an 84-mile populaire "ONE LESS POINT" and 106-mile populaire "POINT TO POINT." We will begin at Hains Point and head out toward Glen Echo on the Capital Crescent Trail. From there, we'll continue on to Point of Rocks via Potomac and Poolesville, cross the Potomac River into Virginia, and return to Hains Point via Taylorstown, Waterford, Clarkes Gap, Leesburg, and back on the W&OD and Custis Trails. The shorter route will cross at White's Ferry and pick up the return route in Leesburg. The terrain is moderate, with a few hills between Point of Rocks and Clarkes Gap. The last 40 miles are mostly FLAT. Total elevation gain 4300 feet. LIGHTS, ANKLE BANDS, AND VESTS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED.

OFFICIAL STARTING TIME 7:00a.m. We will be handing out control cards to DC Randonneur members and doing light inspections from 6:30-7:30 AM. There is no charge, so start your Mileage Challenge the first day of the year. For more information on the Mileage Challenge, see www.dcrand.org.

Controls:
106 miles - Hains Point, Point of Rocks, Leesburg.
84 miles - Hains Point, Whites Ferry.

Directions to the ride start:
(from PPTC Reference Manual): From I-395 north, bear right coming off 14th St. bridge. Take first exit ramp, turn right onto Buckeye Dr and then right into parking lot.

Alternate directions (from Keith--these are the ones we use, and they work!):
Take I-395 north into Washington and take the exit for Potomac Park.
Turn left at the T intersection and then left into the parking lot.

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 2005

"A TASTE OF FLECHE," starting from Catoctin High School, Thurmont, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. We're going to be checking out part of a new Fleche route on Sunday, and one and all are invited to join us. Most of the ride will be lovely, but the proposed fleche route includes several miles on US30 west of Gettysburg. We need to check it out now to determine whether it will be an acceptable route, because if it isn't it's back to the drawing board! If you are uneasy about the prospect of riding on US30, there is a 12-mile shortcut that does not include it.

This ride begins with the climb up MD77 over Catoctin and South Mountains. We rarely follow 77 all the way into Washington County, so it will be a somewhat novel experience. We'll head south from Smithsburg on Crystal Falls Road and then wander a bit before picking up the fleche route near Funkstown at mile 29. From there we ride north into Franklin County, Pa., passing through Greencastle on our way to lunch at Vinnie's Pizza, a few miles south of Chambersburg. (Ah, yes, yet another Pennsylvania pizza joint waiting to be rated by our discerning comrades.) After lunch we'll continue on quiet Cumberland Valley roads to Fayetteville, where we'll pick up US30 east. If we really HATE it, we can get off of Route 30 at Caledonia State Park and take PA233 over to South Mountain, where we can pick up the route for the 12-mile "shortcut." I'm hoping that won't be necessary. In any case, we'll still get in our 100 miles. Assuming 30 isn't too obnoxious, we'll continue on it and then get a 6-1/2 mile breather on OLD Route 30 (very quiet and pleasant) before the last few miles into Gettysburg. From Gettysburg, it's easy riding south to Emmitsburg and then back to Thurmont via Mount St. Mary's and Kelbaugh. 100 miles, with several short options, including a metric century (which does NOT include Route 30).

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm) 202-365-3738
NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS!

Dear Friends,

Too bad we're not all out riding TODAY--it is SO GORGEOUS outside! We have only one ride planned this weekend, for Friday, December 24. Christmas Day is forecast to be very very cold, and we're not desperate enough yet to brave it, although we may consider a hike up in the Catoctins mid-day. Contact me if you're interested in joining us for a hike and/or dinner in Frederick. On Sunday we have family obligations down in Harrisonburg, Va., so no ride is scheduled for that day. If we don't see you this weekend, have a wonderful holiday and please come out on New Year's Day for the D.C. Randonneurs inaugural mileage-challenge ride (details posted next week, or visit www.dcrand.org now).

Here's the scoop on Friday's ride:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2004

"A NEW WAY TO NEW WINDSOR," starting from Chuck's house in Rockville, Maryland. **PLEASE NOTE EARLY MEETING TIME 7:15am.** Once you get past the obligatory neighborhood streets that we have to do on every ride that starts from Chuck's house, this will be a scenic and hilly ride through Howard, Frederick and Carroll Counties. We'll head north through Mount Airy and Unionville on our way to lunch at Kosta & Beth's in New Windsor. They WILL be open on Friday! The return route follows Sams Creek for a while, and then the hills begin anew. Several nice downhills, and a tailwind after lunch! 100 miles, with a few shorter options, including a metric century that turns around in Mount Airy.

Another way:
0.0 I-270 split - heading north from I-270 split (get in right lane)
1.0 1.0 R Montrose Rd East
(At split on ramp you can also get in left lane& go under Montrose Rd)
1.2 0.2 L Tower Oaks Rd (1st L)
2.0 0.8 R Wootton Parkway (follow curves)
3.3 1.3 X Rockville Pike MD355
3.5 0.2 X Veirs Mill Rd (becomes MD28 East)
5.5 2.0 X Bauer Dr. (TL)
6.1 0.6 R Bell Pre (next TL)
6.2 0.1 R Janice Dr.
3rd house on L (14725 Janice Dr.)
301-871-8121 (but best to call my cell phone 202-365-3738)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2004

If you're not otherwise engaged on Christmas day, you are invited to join us for a hike in the Catoctin mountains. We'll meet at the Catoctin Mountain National Park Visitors Center on Park Central Road (just off MD77, west of Thurmont) at 11:00 a.m. If interested in the hike and/or dinner in Frederick please contact me. Looks like Chinese restaurants are about all that's open in Frederick so we'll probably go to the China Garden downtown.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am - 9pm) 202-365-3738

Dear Friends,

Lynn Kristianson is leading her annual "LONGEST SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR" century this Saturday. I can guarantee a great ride AND a long day! We also have a ride tentatively scheduled for Sunday. The weather forecast is IFFY, so if conditions are questionable Sunday morning, please call me on my cell phone to confirm that the ride is still on before venturing out to the ride start. Sunday's ride is designed such that there are ample bail-out opportunities if it starts to snow.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2004

Lynn Kristianson will lead "THE LONGEST SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR", starting from the Hyattstown Shopping Center, Hyattstown, Maryland. Here is Lynn's ride description:

Contrary to the "no parking" signs, I am assured by the property manager that no one will be towed. MEETING TIME 7:00 am. (Need some time to hand out cookies plus try to beat the dark monster.)

This ride has a short but lively history of misadventure. The first year a mob of riders came with holiday clothes and bike decorations. The day was warm but ridiculously windy so there were plenty of Big Shortcuts after the lunch stop. My personal dilemma was broken front brake calipers within the first 5 miles, for which Gordon and Keith and a host of other roadside mechanics devised a reasonable fix.

Last year the crowd was smaller and more subdued, but game enough for the totally horrible Deep Run and Bixler Church Roads (removed from this year's route by popular demand). The reverse side of the cue sheet was missing, which I didn't notice until I was back in Hyattstown. Crista got everyone back in one piece using her unbelievable memory of every road within 100 miles of DC.

What adventures are in store this year? Santa sightings? Ptomaine from the lunch stop at Bullock's Airport Inn? Suit up in your holiday finest, decorate your bike and don't miss the last Saturday ride before 2005.

The ride is your basic Cornquest!, with some variations and sections in reverse to get us to lunch a little later. We visit Unionville, Union Bridge, Uniontown and Union Mills on the way to lunch in Westminster and return through Pleasant Valley, Libertytown and Bartonsville. There are 2 short stretches of unpaved roads; you are on your own to work out getting around them from the maps. 100 miles with several shortcuts to the lunch stop and a 67 and 83 mile version with no lunch.

Directions to the ride start:
HYATT SHOPPING CENTER, HYATTSTOWN, MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Exit 22.
L MD109 North at end of ramp.
0.5 mi. L MD355 @T (SS).
0.3 mi. L into shopping center.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2004

"YOUR HEART'S DESIRE," starting from the Park & Ride in Mechanicsville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This is the second in a series of six check-out rides for a M-U-C-H longer ride called "NO EXIT." At the rate we're doing these, we should have the whole route checked out by the year 2008. "NO EXIT" is "sort of" a perimeter ride of St. Mary's County. It explores all the little dead-end roads that go down to the water's edge. Expect some surprises, an adventure or two, and quite possibly some dirt roads. Riders should feel free to skip any of the dead-end roads that look troublesome. On the first "No Exit" checkout we discovered several dirt roads that turned into MUD. We were not smart enough to turn around before we were already in the thick of things. Please use your own judgment and don't just play follow the leader. The ride is 101 miles, and there are no CUED shortcuts, but you can make the ride a little shorter or a LOT shorter by omitting one or MANY of the dead-end roads, which are in abundance. We may very well cut out some of them ourselves. For those of you participating in the UMCA Mileage Challenge, you are hereby authorized to make up any miles that you cut off by improvising--e.g., if you get back to the parking lot and only have 95 miles, you can ride south (or north) on Route 5 for 2-1/2 miles and turn around to make up the difference. Or if you particularly ENJOY one of the dead-end roads, you can do it twice! Be flexible and you might have FUN!

I have designated a lunch stop at Abell's Diner at mile 60, but it isn't great. We will pass the Frank Morris Point Restaurant (which IS VERY NICE) at mile 37. If it's already open when we get there, we may opt to have an early lunch there instead.

One more note: don't be surprised if the cues are not 100% accurate! I've done my best to interpret the county map, but in reality things may not be as they appear on paper. Keep your maps handy and remember it's an ADVENTURE!

Here are the directions to the ride start:
MECHANICSVILLE PARK & RIDE, MECHANICSVILLE, MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway, south on MD5 Branch Avenue, toward Waldorf (Exit 7A).
12.2 miles left on MD5 Mattawoman-Beantown Rd (just after entering Charles County)
(Sign to Lexington Park/Leonardtown) (TL)
3.2 mi. left on Leonardtown Rd tro MD5 (TL) (Bus. 5 goes R).
In about 17 miles, turn right onto Old Village Road (WAWA on left), then immediately Turn right into Park & Ride

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm) 202-365-3738
NO EMAIL ACCESS ON WEEKENDS

Dear Friends,

Looks like we might slip into late December with daytime temps still reasonable, i.e., 50-ish if we're lucky. I figure we'll have to be heading south soon enough, so let's continue to enjoy the beautiful scenery to the north and west while we can.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2004

"MOUNTAIN MISSION," starting from Loudoun Valley High School, Purcellville, Virginia. MEETIMG TIME 7:30am.

Every time we do the "River Runner," we see an intriguing looking road named Chestnut Hill that rises above the Shenandoah River from US340 near Harpers Ferry, and we've always been curious to see what it's like. On this ride we will explore Chestnut Hill Rd to its end at the top of the Blue Ridge, where it joins Route 9 at Keyes Gap. This should be fun, and there is a great view from Keyes Gap, but I do have a word of warning: i.e., we will have to endure 4 miles of Route 9 between Keyes Gap and the Shenandoah River after we leave Chestnut Hill Rd. Most of it will be downhill, but I understand there are two short steep climbs in the midst of this stretch, and the shoulder is minimal. Still, we anticipate getting there fairly early in the morning, when traffic should be light. We haven't ridden on this part of Route 9 before, but we're willing to gamble; if you feel uneasy about it, there is a 13-mile shortcut that omits the Chestnut Hill/Route 9 section. We will ride to Shepherdstown for lunch (at the Blue Moon Café), using a different route from the one we use on "River Runner." After lunch we'll head into Washington County, Maryland, eventually climbing over South Mountain into Frederick County at Gathland State Park. Our final river crossing back into Virginia will be at Brunswick. 100 miles, with several optional shortcuts.

Directions to the ride start:
>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.
Left on VA287 Berlin Rd.
0.3 mi. R Hirst Rd.
0.5 mi. L 722.
0.2 mi to school on L, just past W&OD biketrail.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2004

"IN SEARCH OF THE BRANDENBURG GATE," starting from Catoctin High School, Thurmont, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am.

A pretty ride over mostly rolling terrain, heading north into Adams County, Pa. We'll have a morning rest stop at the Irish Moon Coffee House in Taneytown, which is reputed to be a den of pagans and witches! There is a Sheetz down the street for less adventurous spirits. We'll climb over the Pigeon Hills of York County on the way to lunch at Rocco's in East Berlin, where we can warm up by the fireplace. The return route manages to elude the Pigeon Hills. We'll pass through the pretty Mount Saint Mary's College campus on the way back, finishing up the ride on Kelbaugh Road.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm) 202-365-3738
No email access on weekends!!

Dear Friends,

This time of year I usually wait until Thursday to send out the ride notice, but things are busy here this week so I want to get it out now before I get buried by other tasks. The weekend weather forecast looks OK at the moment but, since it's not a "sure thing," please remember to call me to confirm that the ride is a go before venturing out to the ride start in the event of dismal weather conditions. A few showers will probably not deter us.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2004

"BERRYVILLE CENTURY," starting from Clarke County High School in Berryville, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:45am. Note that we're meeting 15 minutes later than usual, since Berryville is a long drive for many of us. This is a Tom Burns ride from the early '90's, although you may have ridden it more recently as the Potomac Pedalers club century. It's one of Tom's LEAST hilly rides, and it certainly is one of the prettiest "flattish" rides that we do. The route is sort of a figure 8--the first (and flattest) half mostly in Jefferson County, West Virginia. The second half of the ride stays in Virginia and features a few hills. Points of interest include the historic village of Middleway, West Virginia, the pretty waterfall on Tilthammer Mill Road, the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood (see http://www.clarkehistory.org/the_mill.htm), and White Post Restorations in White Post (see http://www.whitepost.com/). I have changed the sequence of the last half of the ride for logistical purposes (so as to have a rest stop at mile 81 instead of mile 89), and some stretches will be ridden in the opposite direction of Tom's original route, but we'll still travel on all the same roads. Lunch stop at the charming Bon Matin Bakery & Café in Berryville (see http://www.winchesterstar.com/TheWinchesterStar/040204/Life_cafe.asp). 100 miles, with a half century option and several other optional shortcuts.

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2004

"OVER THE HILL WITH DOCTOR DISC," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. I know Rudy just led this ride a month ago, but Chuck and I were in New Jersey that weekend and, besides, this is Chuck's official birthday ride! The route was originally designed in celebration of his 60th birthday (a year ago), but we intend to do this ride every December. In fact, we'll still be doing it when it comes time to change the ride name to "ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE WITH DOCTOR DISC"! But that will be SEVERAL decades from now. In the meantime, this is a little gem of a ride that heads east from Frederick, with an abundance of scenic views, turns, sweet and squirmy little one-lane roads, and HILLS. Rest stops in Union Bridge (home of the Western Maryland Railway Museum - http://www.carr.org/~unionbr/photo_gallery/train%20station2.jpg) and Libertytown. Lunch at the Country Kitchen in Taneytown. 101 miles, with several short options.

Directions to the ride start:
MONOCACY MIDDLE SCHOOL, FREDERICK, MARYLAND
>From D.C. Beltway, take I-270 north 31 miles to Frederick.
North on US15 3.7 miles.
Take Motter Ave exit.
Turn right @ the traffic light onto Opossumtown Pike.
In 1.7 mi. turn right into Monocacy Middle School parking Lot (across the street from Frederick Community College).

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm) 202-365-3738
No email access on weekends!

Dear Friends,

Since we are officially entering the season of excess, we'll start things off right with 4 successive days of riding! Note that Thursday's ride will NOT be a century, but rather a little Thanksgiving Dinner Appetizer.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2004

Joel Dechter is leading the "PRE-PIGOUT PRANCE," starting from the Longwood Community Center in Brookeville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This will be an early morning jaunt to establish a calorie deficit before the big meal. Joel says "The ride rambles on the perimeter of Howard and Montgomery Counties, visiting Hipsley Mill, Howard Chapel, Jennings Chapel, and a high-speed stretch on Route 650 north of Sunshine. I have no cue sheet but between Rudy and me, we can guarantee no one will get lost. The shortest route is 27 miles, with options mid-route to add on miles (for a total of up to 42), depending on the time available. One turn adds a few twists and turns and miles."

I don't know if Joel and Rudy will be on Joel's tandem, but if they are you will be treated to a grand spectacle.

Joel advises that the Thanksgiving morning Pre-Pig-Out Prance will go if there is light rain; no go if hard rain. Any questions you can contact him on his cell phone tomorrow morning--301-807-3718. His email address (at work) is joel_dechter@fc.mcps.k12.md.us

Directions to the ride start:
LONGWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
>From I-495, DC Beltway, go north on Georgia Avenue.
In approximately 10 miles, X MD108 in Olney (traffic light)
Go another mile and a half and, after X-ing Gold Mine Rd (TL), turn left into community center.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2004

"COBB ISLAND CENTURY," starting from the College of Southern Maryland, La Plata, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. A gentle ride, with some flat stretches and a few hills. Points of interest include Port Tobacco, Chapel Point, Popes Creek, and Cobb Island. Lunch at Captain John's Crab House on Cobb Island. 103 miles, with several shorter options.

Directions to the ride start:
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND, LA PLATA, MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway,exit 7A, Route 5 South (Branch Ave.) towards Waldorf.
In ~ 10 mi. straight on US301 (merges with MD5; eventually MD5 goes left, but you will continue straight on US301 through Waldorf).
In ~ 11 mi. RIGHT on Mitchell Rd (traffic light, 1st Right after Turkey Hill Rd).
In 1.5 mi. RIGHT into college. Immediately turn RIGHT into parking lot.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2004

"RAILROAD RIDER," starting from South Carroll High School, Winfield, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. A very interesting and scenic ride through Carroll County's undulating terrain into hilly York County, Pa. Numerous railroad crossings, plus a couple of FLAT!! miles on the North Central Rail Trail. The ride visits several quaint little railroad villages, including Lineboro, Seven Valleys, Glen Rock, and Railroad itself (yes, there really IS a Railroad, Pa!). Some nice old churches and cemeteries, too. Lunch at Mignano's (really GOOD) in Glen Rock for those opting for the full century. 101 miles and about 7500 feet of climbing, with short options of 35, 52, 57, 66, 75, and 89 miles!

Directions to the ride start:
SOUTH CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL, WINFIELD, MARYLAND
>From DC Beltway, go North on I-270 15 miles to exit 16/Father Hurley Boulevard. Take MD27 north 23 miles (past Damascus and Mt. Airy).
Right on MD26 in Taylorsville (TL).
In ~2.5 miles turn left into school (next to Winfield Fire Station).

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2004

"MOUNT AIRY CENTURY," starting from Pierce Mill in Washington, D.C. MEETING TIME 7:30am. The close-in ride start should appeal to all. We head out Beach Drive, using the standard Olney Ale House route through Rockville and heading over to Laytonsville for a rest stop. Then we continue on to Mount Airy by way of Damascus Regional Park and Kemptown. Lunch will be at the Olive Leaf Cafe. We return through Howard County WITHOUT a scheduled afternoon rest stop, but if we decide we need one there is a store only 1 mile off the route at mile 70 (noted on the cue sheet). The first and last 30 miles of the ride are fairly mellow. The middle of the ride is moderately hilly. 102 miles. Although the route doesn't lend itself to shortcuts, there are two short options, both involving a remote start. You can start from Viers Mill Park for a 75-mile ride or from Cashell Elementary School for a 58-mile ride, as we pass both of these sites on the way out and on the way back. If you're interested in either of the short options, please contact me for more detailed info and an electronic copy of the cue sheet, as it would be impossible for me to pinpoint the exact time that we'll be passing Viers Mill Park or Cashell Elementary.

Directions to the ride start:
PIERCE MILL, WASHINGTON, D.C.
>From DC Beltway, Exit 33, go south on Connecticut Avenue (MD185) into DC.
After going around Chevy Chase Circle and entering DC, go about 2 miles and turn left onto Tilden Street (traffic light).
Go to the bottom of the hill (about ½ mi.) and turn RIGHT, just before the bridge, then QL into the large parking lot.
Do not park in the little lot next to the mill and the Art Barn.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only) 202-365-3738
Note: I may be leaving the office early Wednesday afternoon, after which time you can reach me on my cell phone for the remainder of the weekend.

Dear Friends,

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2004

"DRIVING MISS LIBBY," starting from the Jubilee Supermarket parking lot in Emmitsburg, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. We're trying out a new version of this ride, just to see a few roads that we've never been on before. They might be really nice, or maybe not so nice, but they will definitely be new to us! There are two in particular that MIGHT be unpaved, but they are short stretches and can be avoided easily. Still, a lot of the ride remains the same, i.e., we'll still pass the home of Miss Libby Ying-Ling, noodle along Tape Worm Road, climb up Town Hill Road just after lunch, etc. The ride heads generally in a north-east direction into Pennsylvania, over mostly gently rolling terrain. We'll encounter a few hills on the way to lunch at Rocco's in York Springs, but no brutal climbs. After lunch we'll venture into York County, which does tend to be hilly, where we'll explore some roads that follow Bermudian Creek. There are about 7 or 8 miles that are new to us in this stretch, and I don't know what adventures await us! 100 miles, with short options of 35 or 77 miles. Additionally, on the century route there is an optional 6-mile shortcut before lunch and a 7-mile shortcut AFTER lunch. If you take both of those you can cut the total distance down to 87 miles and still have lunch at Rocco's with us.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2004

"THE HORSESHOE HUNDRED," starting from the VDOT Commuter Parking Lot in Marshall, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. A VERY scenic and hilly ride through classic Virginia horse country, visiting The Plains, Middleburg, Airmont, Bluemont, Pine Grove, Frogtown, Linden, Markham, Hume and Orlean. We'll climb over Snickers Gap, then swoop down to the Shenandoah River with a sidetrip on the Horseshoe Curve. There is even a 4-mile FLAT stretch along the Shenandoah River. Lunch stop at the Apple House in Linden. 103 miles, with short options of 54, 82, 88 or 97 miles. Estimated total elevation gain 7,000+ feet.

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

Dear Friends,

We got plum-tuckered-out last weekend riding in the flats and the wind up in New Jersey! This weekend we're heading back into the hills where we can "relax." At least SO FAR far I haven't seen the word "WIND" in the weekend forecast. Here's the scoop:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2004

"THE RIVER RUNNER," starting from Loudoun Valley High School in Purcellville, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30 AM. A beautiful tri-state ride. We'll cross the Potomac River twice and the Shenandoah River once, and ride alongside both of them (as well as the C&O canal--but not on the towpath) for extended stretches during the ride. We'll also be treated to dramatic views of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. There will be many railroad crossings in the morning, as we pass through Hillsboro, Mechanicsville, Bloomery, Mechanicstown, Shenandoah Junction and Duffields on our way to lunch at the Blue Moon Cafe in historic Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The return route visits Sandy Hook, Knoxville, Brunswick, Point of Rocks, Taylorstown, Waterford, and Paeonian Springs. The scenery is stunning and there are enough hills to keep your heart rate pleasantly elevated through much of the ride. Still, there are ample mellow stretches where you can lollygag and just enjoy the river views. 101 miles, with several short options. Total elevation gain for the century approximately 6000-6500 feet.

And here are Dave Whitaker's 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 Potomac Bridge;
MD17 becomes VA287;
Stay on VA287 through several miles through Lovettsville;
Stay on VA287 several miles south to Purcellville (Go 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.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2004

"MIRACLE AT MOUNT HOPE," starting from Catoctin High School, Thurmont, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. The first quarter of the ride is very hilly, beginning with the long climb up MD77 and becoming more interesting with each passing mile, as we climb about 2500 feet in the first 25 miles up to Mount Hope, Pa. The scenery is fabulous and the descents are thrilling. After the first rest stop in Fairfield, the terrain moderates quite a bit on the way to lunch at Mamma's in Biglerville. We'll visit the reputedly haunted Sachs Covered Bridge (circa 1815) during this stretch. See http://www.angelfire.com/pa4/gettysburg/sachs.html and http://www.snakebyte.biz/MPRS/122102.htm and http://www.jennie-wade-house.com/gettysburg-sachs-bridge.htm. After lunch we'll head for the hills again and ride through some of the beautiful orchard country of northwestern Adams County (yes, we really do love this part of the world, even when there are no more apples). Other points of interest include the Eisenhower Bridge (circa 1886), the Land of Little Horses, and the Eylers Valley Chapel. 100 miles, with many shorter options. You can even omit the steepest climb of the day (Iron Springs) and substitute it with the kinder and gentler Jacks Mountain, but then you'll miss Mount Hope! Total elevation gain for the century 7500 feet.

Directions to Catoctin High School:
>From DC Beltway go North on I-270 about 31 miles to Frederick.
Continue north on US15.
In about 19 miles, take 3rd Thurmont exit (MD550/Sabillasville).
Turn left on MD550.
0.2 mi. R into high school parking lot.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm) 202-365-3738

Dear Friends,

Here's what's happening this weekend!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2004

Rudy Hewitt is leading "OVER THE HILL WITH DOCTOR DISC," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. We first did this ride last December in celebration of Chuck's 60th birthday. Now that he's been officially over the hill for almost a year, the ride is anybody's domain. It is a little gem of a ride that heads east from Frederick, with an abundance of scenic views, turns, sweet and squirmy little one-lane roads, and hills. Rest stops in Union Bridge and Libertytown, lunch at the Country Kitchen in Taneytown. 101 miles, with several short options. If you have questions about the ride or if weather is questionable (although Rudy usually rides under any conditions), please contact Rudy directly. Home phone 301-933-9334, email rudie84@comcast.net (home) or rudy_hewitt@fc.mcps.k12.md.us (work). Cell phone Saturday a.m. 301-648-7279.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2004

Matt Settle and Liz Crotty are leading "WAY-FAR-OUT IN WILD-WONDERFUL-WEST-BY-GOD-VIRGINIA," starting from Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30 a.m. A ride that we believe rates a "top 10" classification, and definitely worth the drive out to Middletown. As the days are growing so short, Matt and Liz will be leading the century version of this ride rather than the double metric. The terrain is mountainous and very scenic. It begins heading south on hilly roads into Shenandoah County and takes Back Road all the way to Columbia Furnace, then heads west and climbs over Great North Mountain into Hardy County, West Virginia, via Wolf Gap (an extended climb, very pretty and not too steep, featuring a spring half-way up where you can rehydrate and cool off). The descent is long and gentle, followed by a brief climb before the lunch stop in Wardensville. After lunch there are several mellow miles heading north through Capon Lake and Capon Springs, and then the ride follows Back Creek on a beautiful road to Gore, Virginia. The first three miles of Back Creek Road are hard-packed dirt. Alternatively, if you are squeamish about dirt roads, there is a hillier but very scenic paved option that takes you through High View, Virginia, which lives up to its name, and adds 3 miles. Leaving Gore, riders follow US50 east to Hayfield and then return to Middletown via Mt. Williams, with a final easy climb over Little North Mountain. 102 miles, with short options of 75 and 86 miles. ~ 6,900 feet of climbing. For information regarding the ride or if weather is questionable, please contact Matt and Liz directly: Email ecrotty@prodigy.net. Home phone 540-465-2116. Cell phone Sunday morning 859-640-1258.

Directions to the ride start:
LORD FAIRFAX COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MIDDLETOWN, VIRGINIA:
>From DC beltway, west on I-66 to I-81 (Exit 1B), toward Winchester.
North on I-81 for 2 miles to Exit 302 (Rt. 627), toward Middletown.
0.2 mi. L 627 Reliance Rd.
0.4 mi. R US11 Main Street in Middletown.
0.2 mi. R into the college parking lot.
(About 70 miles west of the beltway).

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm) 202-365-3738
(no email access on weekends)

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!
Dear Friends, Hallelujah on Halloween -- All systems go! Sunday's ride is ON. See ya there. ALSO: These directions to Hains Point (Saturday ride start) MAY be better than the ones I posted earlier: Heading north on I-395 over the 14th Street bridge, take the Potomac Park/Park Police exit, go 0.2 mi., turn right onto Buckeye Drive, then right into the parking lot. Though there are signs indicating a two-hour time limit for parking and that the lot is restricted to users of the tennis courts, Bob Sheldon thoughtfully checked with the Park Police and they advised that the parking restrictions are not enforced on the weekends. Crista

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!

Dear Friends,

Hallelujah on Halloween -- All systems go! Sunday's ride is ON. See ya there.

ALSO:

These directions to Hains Point (Saturday ride start) MAY be better than the ones I posted earlier: Heading north on I-395 over the 14th Street bridge, take the Potomac Park/Park Police exit, go 0.2 mi., turn right onto Buckeye Drive, then right into the parking lot. Though there are signs indicating a two-hour time limit for parking and that the lot is restricted to users of the tennis courts, Bob Sheldon thoughtfully checked with the Park Police and they advised that the parking restrictions are not enforced on the weekends.

Crista

Dear Friends,

DON'T FORGET TO TURN YOUR WATCHES AND CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR BEFORE YOU GO TO BED SATURDAY NIGHT!!!

We saw a lot of peak fall foliage last weekend, and with this week's moderate temperatures we're hoping for more of the same this weekend, so we hope you'll come out and enjoy it with us! Here's the schedule:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2004

"POINT TO POINT," starting from Hains Point in Washington, D.C. MEETING TIME 7:30am. We invite you to join us on this check-out of a ride that may be scheduled to ring in the New Year as the D.C. Randonneurs Bicycle Club's inaugural event--a "populaire." We'll be heading out toward Glen Echo on the Capital Crescent Trail, then riding out to Point of Rocks and returning through Virginia via Taylorstown, Waterford, Clarks Gap, Leesburg, and back on the W&OD and Custis Trails. The terrain is moderate, with a few hills between Point of Rocks and Clarks Gap and the last 40 miles mostly FLAT!! 107 miles, with an 84-mile option that crosses the Potomac River at Whites Ferry instead of Point of Rocks. Two stops are planned: morning coffee break at the Corner Café in Poolesville and a late lunch at Andy's in Leesburg.

Directions to the ride start:
HAINS POINT (EAST POTOMAC PARK)
From I-395 north, bear right coming off 14th Street bridge; take first exit ramp and then turn right into parking lot. I'm not sure these are the best driving directions; they're from the PPTC Reference Manual and I THINK they work, but if you have better directions, please send them to me! The parking lot is on Buckeye Drive.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2004 -- HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

"GHOSTS, GHOULS & GRAVEYARDS," starting from Gathland State Park, Burkittsville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:15 Eastern STANDARD Time! Yes, we're meeting 15 minutes early for this ride, but you will have had an extra hour's sleep the night before, so please don't whine about it.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: THERE IS A VERY SMALL CHANCE THAT CHUCK MAY GET CALLED AWAY ON BUSINESS ON SUNDAY, BUT HE WON'T KNOW UNTIL HE GETS INTO WORK ON FRIDAY. IF HE DOES HAVE TO TRAVEL ON SUNDAY, WE WILL POSTPONE THIS RIDE UNTIL THE WEEKEND OF NOVEMBER 13-14. I AM CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC THAT WE'LL BE ABLE TO DO THE RIDE, BUT IN ANY CASE I WILL SEND OUT A SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE TOMORROW ADVISING ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.**

We will visit over 20 (maybe 30!) haunted cemeteries and graveyards and encounter ghosts, ghouls, goblins, beasts and demons as we skulk around the Middletown Valley and up and down South Mountain. There may be heavy casualties on this VERY SCARY ride of attrition. **LIGHTS REQUIRED** if you plan to do the ride in its entirety, as there is much to be seen and savored along the way, and we anticipate a climactic, post-twilight mountain-top finale! All survivors are invited to join us for dinner after the ride, at which time we will mourn the loss of those who on this day fall victim to the Snallygaster or the Snarly Yow....or simply to the accumulated elevation gain. 103 miles, with more short options than you can shake a broomstick at. Educated guess is over 9,000 feet of climbing.

Note--there will be an optional brief hike (less than 0.1 mile) on a dirt path to visit a well hidden life-size bronze statue of a dying Civil War soldier, in the center of the area where the most intense fighting took place at Fox's Gap during the battle of South Mountain. If you'd like to accompany us on this little detour you might want to consider bringing covers for your cleats or wearing mountain bike shoes (or walk in your stocking feet, in John Hughes fashion--actually not a bad idea, as there are ghosts in every little nook and cranny of Fox's Gap and we want to be quiet so as not to disturb).

If there is sufficient interest, we may even attempt to dine at the Old South Mountain Inn after the ride--a fitting end to the day since it, too, is haunted!

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.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am - 9pm) 202-365-3738
Remember: I have no email access on the weekend!

Dear Friends,

The area is now exploding with fall color, the weekend weather's looking decent, and we plan to be OUT THERE, so please join us this weekend! Here is the schedule:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2004

"BLUE HILL HEAVEN," starting from Winfield Elementary School in Winfield, Maryland. NOTE EARLY MEETING TIME 7:15am. This is a VERRRRRRY hilly ride, which is our reason for starting the ride earlier than usual. The ride heads in a northeasterly direction up into York County, Pennsylvania, traversing many short steep hills and a few that are not so short. Although there are no mountains on this ride, the infamous Pigeon Hills are not exactly insignificant. The beautiful scenery, interesting little towns, and delicious lunch at Rocco's in East Berlin will reward you for your efforts. We'll even have a taste test to see which of the two Brothers Rocco makes the best Steak & Cheese sub; Rocco of York Springs received high marks a couple of weeks ago on the Orchard Orgy ride. In addition to East Berlin, we will visit the small towns and villages of Manchester, Porters Sideling, Menges Mills, Smiths Station, Pleasant Hill, Silver Run, and Pleasant Valley. The return route is not QUITE as hilly as the first half of the ride, taking advantage of the easiest route back over the Pigeon Hills that I've found. 104 miles, with short options of 65, 89 or 95 miles. Note that none of the short options include the lunch stop at Rocco's. The 89 and 95-mile routes have a lunch stop in Menges Mills. There are at least 13 railroad crossings on the century route. Expect to "make a day of it" in the Tom Burns tradition!

Directions to the ride start:
WINFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Winfield, Maryland.
From DC Beltway, go North on I-270 15 miles to exit 16/Father Hurley Boulevard.
Take MD27 north 23 miles (past Damascus and Mt. Airy).
Right on MD26 in Taylorsville (TL).
In 1.8 miles turn left onto Salem Bottom Rd (TL).
~0.4 mi. right into school.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2004

"SWEET SUGARLOAF CENTURY," starting from Pierce Mill in Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Did you know that some of the best fall color around is in our own backyard--Rock Creek Park? With that in mind, after starting this ride from Glen Echo for the past several years, we are finally returning to our ORIGINAL ride start--Pierce Mill.

Enjoy the scenic and quiet country roads of upper Montgomery County, and maybe even learn a few tricks for avoiding the increasing traffic volume around Potomac. Of course, we couldn't call the ride "Sweet Sugarloaf" if it didn't include the gentle climb up Sugarloaf Mountain! Lunch at the cozy Hyattstown Deli. Late in the day we'll take you past some of the biggest, ugliest, and most ostentatious homes of Potomac--not to be missed! And DC natives will enjoy the nostalgia-inducing sweep through Glen Echo Park on the way home. 103 miles, with two shorter options--an 85-mile ride that does not go all the way to Sugarloaf, and a 54-mile ride that has a remote start location (the shopping center at Travilah & Glen Roads). The 54-mile ride follows the century route, merely cutting off the first 20 and last 29 miles. If you are interested in the remote start, let me know. I'll be happy to email you a copy of the cue sheet and we can ATTEMPT to rendezvous at the first rest stop, in Poolesville.

Note to all: please wear bright colors. I understand there's a lot of deer-hunting taking place in upper Montgomery County.

Directions to the ride start:
PIERCE MILL, WASHINGTON, D.C.
From DC Beltway, Exit 33, go south on Connecticut Avenue (MD185) into DC.
After going around Chevy Chase Circle and entering DC, continue south on Connecticut Avenue about 2 miles and turn left onto Tilden Street (traffic light).
Go to the bottom of the hill (about ½ mi.) and turn RIGHT, just before the bridge, then QL into the large parking lot. Do NOT park in the little lot next to the mill and the Art Barn.

Crista
Work 202-662-4557
Cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm) 202-365-3738

UPDATE: Sunday's SKY-MASS CENTURY on Skyline Drive
I forgot to mention on the Weekend Rides notice that there is a park entrance fee of $5.00 per bicyclist. Also, please be prepared for temperatures in the upper 30s when we begin the ride in Front Royal on Sunday morning. It should warm up nicely just about the time we get to Thornton Gap!

Dear Friends,

We have our fingers crossed that Skyline Drive might actually experience its peak fall foliage this weekend, so we're heading out there on Sunday to see what we can see! Saturday's ride will start from Middletown.

Here's the plan:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2004

"YE OLDE STONE CENTURY," starting from Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown, Virginia. Meeting time 7:30am. The ride is rolling to moderately hilly, as we head north and climb up to and along pretty Apple Pie Ridge before heading into West Virginia. If Kit shows up we'll definitely have a rest stop at the store in White Hall so that he can visit with Daisy The Country Dog. We'll return to Virginia briefly for lunch at the Olde Stone Restaurant in Clear Brook and then head back into West Virginia for several almost flat miles. Later in the ride, back in Virginia for good, there is a beautiful, very remote stretch down by the Shenandoah River, including about a half mile of unpaved road. After a steep climb away from the river, the rest of the ride is rolling. We'll have a rest stop at the store in Millwood before retuning to Middletown. 101 miles, with short options of 73, 78, or 91 miles. All the short options omit the dirt road, plus there are cues for avoiding it on the century route.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2004

"SKY-MASS CENTURY," starting from Warren County High School in Front Royal, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:15 a.m. We want to be on the road by 7:30 in the interest of getting off Skyline Drive before it gets overrun by leaf-peepers of the 4-wheeled variety.

This is the classic SKY-MASS ride with an scenic little loop added south of Luray to make it a century. The cue sheet will also include directions for the original 82-mile route. Of course, you can make this ride as short as you like by just turning around on Skyline Drive whenever you've had "ENUF."

The ride begins by heading south on Skyline Drive, with an uninterrupted 5-mile climb up to the Dickey Ridge Visitors Center. After a brief descent, the climbing continues for about 15 miles up to the Hogback Mountain overlook, with a few little downhills and flat spots thrown in for variety. There are many overlooks with wonderful views in the first 22 miles. There's a great 3-mile descent to Elk Wallow, then a bit of very gradual climbing followed by some flat and downhill to Panorama. We don't have a planned rest stop on Skyline Drive, but there are stores at Elk Wallow and Panorama if you need them. Our plan is to descend into Luray for lunch at one of our favorite spots, "A Moment To Remember." After lunch you'll have to decide whether you want to continue on with us for the full century or take the standard SKY-MASS route (82 miles). The century route does a very nice loop to the south of Luray and then returns to the SKY-MASS route at the beginning of the climb up Massanutten Mountain. While the climbing on Skyline Drive is not particularly steep, the Massanutten climb is more challenging. It begins on a very mellow note and gradually steepens--the last mile of the climb is QUITE NOTICEABLE. After the initially steep descent, there are several miles of utterly delightful riding through the lovely, bucolic Fort Valley. Then there's one short, steep molehill before the easy cruise back to Front Royal.

Here are the directions to the ride start:
FRONT ROYAL, VIRGINIA - WARREN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
From DC Beltway go west on I-66 51 miles to exit 13 (VA55 Linden/Front Royal).
L VA79, Apple Mountain Rd @ end of ramp.
0.25 mi. R VA55 west @ TL.
Follow 5 miles to Front Royal (becomes South Street).
R US340 South Royal Avenue @ T.
L Jackson Street (TL).
L South Luray Avenue (SS). School is on left at top of hill. Park in diagonal spaces on street, not in school parking lot. School is about 1 mile northwest of entrance to Skyline Drive. Total distance from beltway is about 57 miles.

Crista Work 202-662-4557 Cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm) 202-365-3738

Dear Friends,

Here's what we're up to this weekend:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2004

"CROOM AND OTHER DELIGHTS," starting from the Crofton K-Mart, Crofton, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Jim Kuehn designed this ride many, many years ago and it remains one of our favorite southern Maryland centuries. The ride rolls through Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties and includes a visit to the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, a winter resting place and home for thousands of migratory geese. 100 miles with several short options.

Here are the directions to the ride start:
CROFTON K-MART
From DC Beltway Exit 19, take US50 east 8 miles to exit 13B, MD3 North.
Go North on MD3 for 5-1/2 miles to Crofton K-Mart on right @ MD424.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2004

"ORCHARD ORGY," starting from the Jubilee Supermarket parking lot, Emmitsburg, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This is one of our favorite rides, and we've been waiting and waiting for apple season to schedule it. The ride begins innocently enough, heading up into Adams County toward Cashtown on very pretty roads. As we enter the high orchard country near Arendtsville, the terrain becomes QUITE hilly and the views are really spectacular. Of course we wouldn't even dream of picking any of those apples, even though the trees are pendulous and absolutely weeping with them, begging us to lighten their load. By the time we get to York Springs, everyone will be more than ready for lunch at Rocco's. After lunch we'll head back into the orchards, fighting off temptation again. We'll be passing by the Round Barn, where we can actually BUY apples. Adams County apples are THE BEST! 101 miles with several short options--50 miles, 81 miles, or "little" shortcuts you can take between each rest stop. The 81-mile option, for which I will have a separate cue sheet, is actually a combination of all the "little" shortcuts, and it DOES include the lunch stop at Rocco's. The 50-mile option follows the main route to the first rest stop in Arendtsville and then jumps ahead to the last 25 miles of the return route.

Crista Work 202-662-4557 Cell (weekends only 5am - 9pm) - 202-365-3738

Dear Friends,

The past few weekends we've been doing somewhat easy rides on Saturday followed by KILLER rides on Sunday. This weekend we will break that pattern and offer a challenging ride on Saturday and a mellow antidote on Sunday.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2004

"TAKE TWO HILLS," starting from the VDOT commuter parking lot in Marshall, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Lynn Kristianson designed this epic ride through Classic Virginia horse country last year, and it was loved by all who took on the challenge. She named the ride after the Blue Ridge and Bull Run Mountains, but the name doesn't take into account Naked Mountain or the many, many additional "molehills" that present themselves on this ride. The ride originally started from Warrenton, but this year we will be starting from Marshall for logistical reasons. Much of the ride follows the "Blue Ridger" route in reverse, but there are additional highlights, including an optional stop at Stribling Orchard in the morning and lunch at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant, situated next to the Appalachian Trail. We will do the entire length of Snickersville Turnpike after lunch--love it or hate it! 102 miles, with several shorter options. Expect significant elevation gain.

Directions to the ride start:
MARSHALL VDOT COMMUTER LOT:
From DC beltway, take I-66 west to Bus.17 exit into Marshall
L on Main Street/VA55 at SS.
R Frost St. in ~ 0.2 mi. & follow to parking lot at end of the road.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2004

"UNMARKED AND UNCHAINED," starting from Clarke County High School in Berryville, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. A very pleasant ride, mostly in West Virginia's eastern pnahandle. This ride has been redesigned so many times (to FINALLY eliminate all riding on WV51) that, in fact, the loose dogs that we encountered in earlier incarnations (Rudy counted 19 on the inaugural ride) are no longer quite so prevalent (but be prepared just in case). And West Virginia has actually made great strides in putting up road signs since we first did the ride back in 1999. The terrain is rolling, with some long flat stretches and some hills (nothing major). Rest stops in Bunker Hill and Mechanicsville (Charlie Brown's store), and lunch in Hedgesville. 101 miles, with several shorter options.

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

Crista Work 202-662-4557 Cell (weekends only, 5am - 9pm) 202-365-3738

Dear Friends,

I think/hope last Sunday launched a stretch of "best cycling weather of the year" weekends. We have two lovely rides planned for this weekend, so come out and enjoy!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2004

The "2004 FREDERICK PEDALERS CLUB CENTURY," starting from the Food Lion in Thurmont, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. For detailed info, see http://206.246.115.109/pages/bits_2004_09.htm .

Here is Bill Smith's ride description:
"Our annual no-frills, no-cost, no-sag century and metric return for 2004. We've got a much flatter route this year than the last two. The rides pass over rolling terrain through Detour and Taneytown into Pennsylvania. They diverge here - the century ride will go on to Abbottstown PA and the metric century will meander its way back to Thurmont. You will get a cue sheet and map for the rides and a chance to explore some unfamiliar territory. Restaurants and stores available every 20 miles or so. Bring some food and/or money, a couple of water bottles, patch kit, etc. There is no official ride leader. Please park away from the Food Lion, near Wendy's."

Directions to the ride start:
THURMONT FOOD LION
From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Frederick.
Continue North on US15.
In about 13 mi., exit onto MD806 (you will see Wendy's & Super-8 Motel off to L just before exit; if not, keep going--there are 3 MD806 exits).
L @ SS & immediately head up hill & to the right. Park away from the Food Lion, near Wendy's.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2004

"THE HORNETS NEST HUNDRED," starting from Urbana Park & Ride, Urbana, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. A beautiful (yes, that means challenging) ride that heads west over Marlu Ridge into the Middletown Valley and then over South Mountain into the Cumberland Valley (briefly). A series of climbs follows as we head north, eventually reaching Friends Creek. After the lovely wooded climb (and thrilling descent) on Hornets Nest Road, you will find the return route from Emmitsburg through the Frederick Valley a little more forgiving. Rest stops in Middletown and Woodsboro, lunch stop at Rocky's Pizza in Cascade. Distance will be approximately 100 miles with several shorter options, but the exact route is still a work in progress, so I can't give you specific numbers at this moment.

Here are the directions to the ride start:
URBANA PARK & RIDE
From DC Beltway, take I-270 north 25 miles. Take exit #26 onto MD80, then straight into Park & Ride.

By the way, if you loved the 2003 Frederick Pedalers Century route as much as we did, not to worry! We plan to ride that route some time in the next month or so!

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

Dear Friends,

It must be spring because the tourists have arrived! With that in mind, we're going to get as far away from DC as we can this weekend. Both the Saturday and Sunday rides will start from Williamsport, Maryland. Here's the plan:

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2004

"A QUAD STATE RIDE," starting from Williamsport High School, Williamsport, Maryland. ***NOTE EARLY MEETING TIME: 6:40 am!!!*** We want to be ON THE ROAD by no later than 7am, so PLEASE make an effort to arrive on time and, if you ARE late, don't expect the group to delay its departure while you pump up your tires. For those rabbits who would prefer to sleep in and start later, I will leave cue sheets and maps on the windshield of the Chuckwagon. **PLEASE TAKE NOTE: Predicted temp. at ride start in Williamsport Saturday morning is 20! Forecast for Berkeley Springs is sunny, high in the upper 40s, NW winds 10-15 mph. Please be prepared.**
ALSO: **LIGHTS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!** If you are one of those who did
not have lights last year and finished after dark, please be forewarned!

This is a very scenic and challenging tour that visits four states in one
day: Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania! The terrain is very hilly throughout, with major climbs up to Warm Springs Ridge, Horse Ridge, and Prospect Peak. Starting from Williamsport, we'll immediately cross the Potomac River into Berkeley County, West Virginia. After passing through Little Georgetown and North Mountain, we'll cross the Allen Muchnick Memorial Low-Water Bridge and then continue on into Morgan County, passing through Cherry Run and Sleepy Creek. Leaving Sleepy Creek we'll head north, eventually climbing up onto Warm Springs Ridge, and pass through the tiny hamlet of Unger before entering Virginia. We re-enter West Virginia via Timber Ridge, then head west to the Coolfont Resort, where we'll have lunch at the Treetop House Restaurant. After lunch we climb up to Prospect Peak. While this long out-and-back climb can be omitted, it's worth the effort, as the view from Prospect Peak is one of the most photographed in the United States. We'll pass the old Berkeley Springs Castle as we descend into Berkeley Springs. After a steep climb up to Horse Ridge, we'll enjoy several mellow miles with great views before we descend to the Potomac river and cross back into Maryland, entering the historic town of Hancock. We'll then head north into Pennsylvania over hilly terrain, and finally re-enter Maryland for the last time as we pass through the Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area on our way to Clear Spring. Leaving Clear Spring, the last few miles back to Williamsport are pretty mellow! 122 miles, with many, many shorter options (the shortest being 60 miles). Estimated elevation gain approximately 8500 feet.

**VERRRRRRY IMPORTANT**: Please note that, unless you take the 67 or 82-mile option, the first store on the route (in Unger) is at mile 48 (after a good bit of climbing) and is not particularly well stocked, so be sure that you carry a good supply of fluid and snacks. The lunch stop at Coolfont is at mile 70.

Here are the diretions to the ride start:
WILLIAMSPORT HIGH SCHOOL, WILLIAMSPORT, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, take I-270 north approx. 32 miles to Frederick. Take I-70 west 28 miles to Exit 26 (I-81). Take I-81 south (toward Roanoke) for 1.5 miles to Exit 2 (US11). Take US11 south toward Williamsport. In 3/4 mile, turn left onto Clifton Drive (TL - before center of town) Proceed 1/4 mile to parking lots on right. Total driving time from Beltway approx. 1 hr. 10 min.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2004

"THE CONOCOCHEAGUE CREEK CRAWLER," starting from Williamsport High School, Williamsport, Maryland (see driving directions above). Meeting time 7:30am. This ride heads north through the rolling Cumberland Valley. We'll have a leisurely lunch at Arturo's in Quincy, Pa., and you'll have many opportunities to "bond" with the meandering Conococheague Creek. If you've done this ride before, you can expect a fresh experience, as I have made MAJOR revisions in the route after the first rest stop in Mercersburg, resulting in a hillier (and even prettier ride) and NO Waynesboro! 103 miles, with short options of 60, 74, or 85 miles.

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Crista
Work 202-662-4557
cell (weekends only, 5am-9pm): 202-365-3738

Dear Friends,

Sorry I'm so late getting this out. Without further ado, here's the scoop for this weekend. Note that both rides start from the same location:

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2004

"THE BIGLERVILLE CENTURY," starting from Monocacy Middle School in Frederick, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Here is a ride that appeals to just about everyone ("not too hilly, not too flat"), through the beautiful rolling countryside of northern Frederick County, Md. and southern Adams County, Pa. Though all the roads may be familiar, there's something comforting about this ride on a wet, windy day. Maybe it's visiting Tripod the 3-legged cat at the first rest stop in Detour (she's been there for at least as many years as we've been riding), or maybe it's the friendly faces (and the best pizza in Adams County) at Mamma's Pizza in Biglerville. Whatever, it's a very pretty little ride! 102 miles, with short options of 38,53, 65, or 83 miles. About 5,000 feet of climbing for the century. REMEMBER YOUR RAIN GEAR.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2004

"HAMBURG HEAVEN," starting from Monocacy Middle School, Frederick, Maryland. **EARLY MEETING TIME 7:15am!!!** Coinkydinkally, this is the third time we've ridden this HAMDINGER of a ride and both previous rides were in March. For a trip down memory lane, check out Carol Schaeffer's wonderful trip reports for those rides at www.dccenturyrides.com (under "Trip Reports" see 3-23-02 and 3-23-03). My notes indicate that we had 8800 feet of climbing, so be prepared for a challenging ride. The scenery is spectacular, the climbs will get your heart pounding, and the descents are thrilling. Several major climbs over Catoctin and South Mountains. As I recall, Garfield was voted everyone's favorite last year but Hamburg, which is much much longer, came in a close second. Lunch at Vince's New York Pizza in Smithsburg. 100 miles with several short options. The last 20 miles are mellow (the first 80 ain't).

Directions to ride start are the same as for Saturday's ride.

We're looking forward to spectacular weather this weekend and plan to take advantage of it by scheduling a couple of SPECIAL hilly rides. Here goes:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2004

"GENERAL RENO'S REVENGE," starting from Point of Rocks Railroad Station, Point of Rocks, Maryland. Please note EARLY MEETING TIME: 7:15am! It's only 100 miles, but I expect about 9,000 feet of climbing, so please be prepared for a long day of riding. We will generally be following the route of the southern half of "ULTRA MASOCHISM." There are several excruciatingly steep climbs and some screaming downhills and, of course, plenty of great views and generally beautiful scenery. The ride hugs the Catoctins and the Blue Ridge all day, and the most notable climbs include Gapland, Mount Lock Hill, Churchey, Red Hill, Zittlestown, and Reno Monument (west to east). There are many additional lesser climbs and some seldom ridden roads. Three opportunities to cut off major chunks of the ride. Someone (can't remember who) told me that the Red Byrd in Keedysville is open again. If it is, we'll have lunch there. Otherwise, we'll head into Boonesboro for lunch.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2004

Lynn Kristianson is leading the "FOUNDING FATHERS RIDE," starting from Poolesville High School, Poolesville, Maryland. NOTE EARLY MEETING TIME 7:00am! Here is her ride description:

Sunday, February 29 (Leap Day!) Founding Fathers Ride
We are honoring the Fathers of DC Randonneuring, Dave Berning and Gordon Meuse, one day after their birthday. How can it be that both of these proponents of long distance riding share a birthday? We don't know, but we sure are thankful that they both happened along, otherwise we be headed to Raleigh or Princeton to qualify for P-B-P or B-M-B.

The ride will be doing some of their favorite roads and visiting Gordon's preferred brunch stop in The Plains. The route is hilly enough for Dave, has a few miles of unpaved roads for Gordon and is direct enough for both of them. Nothing too new or unusual, but still some very scenic riding that passes through Leesburg, Middleburg (2 times!), The Plains, Purcellville and Waterford.

It's a little over the century mark, so we need to get an early start.
Meeting time 7 AM. 108 miles with 56, 70 and 90 mile options, none of
which go to The Plains brunch stop, but have restaurant options in Middleburg or Purcellville. There are also detours to avoid the 2 sections of unpaved roads.

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Let's hope the weather forecast doesn't change between now and the weekend. At least so far no one has mentioned WIND!

I don't know where the week went, but here it is Thursday and I don't even have the rides ready for the weekend. Even so, I'm going out on a limb and scheduling something. I'll try to pull it all together in time for the rides.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2004

"LUNCH AT MY PAPPY'S PLACE," starting from Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. The truth is that I haven't even finished designing the ride, but I will do so by Saturday! I can tell you that the terrain for at least the first half of the ride is fairly gentle, as it heads north to Berryville and then into West Virginia, passing through Summit Point on the way to "My Pappy's Place." I don't know how Summit Point got its name, but its one of the flattest spots in West Virginia. I haven't decided how we'll return to Middletown, but we'll probably work our way west and pass through Clear Brook, and maybe go up to Apple Pie Ridge so that Kit can play with Daisy at the White Hall store. If that works out, the second half of the ride will be somewhat hillier than the first half. I can't tell you the exact distance of the ride, but it will be 100 miles or so. Probably won't have time to cue shortcuts, but I'll try. Our main objective is to check out during the day some parts of our Fleche route that were a little tricky in the dark last year, so attendance is required for all Team Carnivore members!

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2004

"A NEW WAY TO NEW WINDSOR," starting from Chuck's house in Rockville, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Once you get past the obligatory neighborhood streets that we have to do on every ride that starts from Chuck's house, this will be a hilly ride. We'll head north through Mount Airy and Unionville on our way to lunch at Kosta & Beth's in New Windsor. The return route follows Sams Creek for a while, and then the hills begin anew. Several nice downhills! 100 miles, with a few shorter options, including a metric century that turns around in Mount Airy.

The weather's looking good for the weekend, particularly for Saturday, so we're FINALLY heading for the hills. We've planned something mellow for Sunday, as our winter-weary legs are not yet ready for back-to-back hilly rides. But that will change as spring approaches, so now is a good time to come out of your cocoons....

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2004

"THE CENTURY OF THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE," starting from the Hyattstown Shopping Center in Hyattstown, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30AM. 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 across the river into West Virginia, with lunch at the Blue Moon Cafe in Shepherdstown. After lunch there are several mellow miles ambling along the Potomac River on the way to magnificently beautiful Harpers Ferry. The return route passes through Sandy Hook, Knoxville, Brunswick, Jefferson, and Buckeystown. 102 hilly miles (~7500 feet), with short options of 58, 66, or 87 miles. The two shortest options stay in Frederick County. The 87-mile option tours the Antietam battlefield.

Directions to the ride start:
HYATT SHOPPING CENTER, HYATTSTOWN, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, go north on I-270 to Exit 22
L MD109 North at end of ramp
0.5 mi. L MD355 @T (SS)
0.3 mi. L into shopping center - park away from stores

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2004

"THE SONG OF HIAWATHA," starting from White Marsh Elementary School, Newmarket, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. Back to St. Mary's County we go, in search of higher temps for Sunday. This is the first in a series of five check-out rides that we'll be doing. Each of the five rides covers part of the "perimeter" of St. Mary's County, including all the little dead-end roads that end at the water's edge. The perimeter ride in its entirety will appropriately be named "NO EXIT." This checkout ride includes the northernmost parts of the county. The terrain is gentle, with a few hills here and there.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ABOUT THIS RIDE: This is an exploratory ride, much of it on roads we've never seen before. Since I used the ADC St. Mary's County Street Atlas to design the ride, there is a good chance that some of the roads don't even exist. Also, some of the roads may be dirt/gravel. If we find that some roads are unrideable we'll skip them, in which case we might have to be creative in adding miles at the end if we want to have a full century, i.e., we may not actually want or be able to do the ride "as written" (blasphemy)!! We/you may need to exercise flexibility to enjoy this ride. Stores are not as conveniently placed as on most of our rides. The first store is at mile 27; after that there may be nothing until the lunch stop at mile 67 (Abell's Diner in Clements). Please be sure you have enough snacks and fluids to ride 40 miles without a stop.

The cued distance is 106 miles, but we may end up with more or less. There are no cued shortcuts, but you can easily shortcut all over the place by just skipping any (or all) of the MANY MANY "U-turn" roads.

If you have any non-silly questions about the ride, feel free to call me. We're looking forward to the adventure!

Directions to the ride start:
WHITE MARSH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, NEWMARKET, MARYLAND
From DC Beltway, south on MD5 Branch Avenue, toward Waldorf approx. 12 miles L MD5 Mattawoman-Beantown Rd (just after entering Charles
County) (TL)
approx. 3.5 mi. L tro MD5 (TL) (Bus. 5 goes R)
approx. 13 mi. (I'm guessing here!) R MD236 Thompsons Corner Rd (just after X-ing MD6) 0.3 mi. L into school

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We're heading south again this weekend to escape the ice and possible flooding. Here's the plan:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2004

"BATTLEFIELD BONANZA," starting from Wal-Mart in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
MEETING TIME 7:30am. This is a century version of a couple of much longer
rides that we have done in the past (including the Gordonsville Double Century). The terrain is mellow (except for one nasty hill at the end), and the route features many interesting civil war sites, including the Fredericksburg battlefield, Spotsylvania Courthouse battlefield, Chancellorsville battlefield Wilderness battlefield, and Chancellorsville National Military Park. There is also a plaque bearing a replica of Stonewall Jackson's last dispatch to Robert E. Lee, supposedly written while on horseback. Reading it is always a challenge. For the truly adventurous there is a dirt road with a tiny stream to ford (we may well decide to pass it up this time around). Lunch at the Roadside Grill in Nowheresville. 101 miles, with an 81-mile short option.

Directions to the ride start:
WALMART, FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA
From DC Beltway, South on I-95 about 40 miles
Take Exit 130B, VA3 WEST
1st R into Central Park shopping center (Carl D. Silver Parkway) (TL) Take the road almost to the end (about 1 mile) and turn left into the Walmart parking lot.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2004

"NO MAN'S CORNER," starting from the Ashland Visitors Center/Ashland Coffee & Tea Co., Ashland, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. A new ride from Ashland! This should be an interesting ride with some historical flavor. It heads north, passing by Scotchtown, Patrick Henry's home, into Caroline County, where we pass by the Stonewall Jackson Shrine at the site where Jackson spent the last six days of his life. There are many river crossings, including the North Anna, Pone, Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers! After lunch in Bowling Green we'll head south into King William County. The terrain is mixed. There are some hills, but there's a lot of flat stuff, too. We'll be trying out several roads that we've not been on before, so who knows what we might find! 102 miles. Just made up this ride yesterday and I haven't had time to make up any shortcuts, but I'll provide detailed maps.

Directions to the ride start:
ASHLAND VISITORS CENTER, ASHLAND COFFEE & TEA CO., Ashland, Virginia From DC Beltway, go south on I-95 Take Exit 92B (Ashland exit), VA54 Follow VA54 into Ashland (about a mile, maybe less) After crossing the railroad tracks and Railroad Avenue (Visitors Center to R), turn right into the little lot behind and slightly south of the Henry Clay Inn (just past the Ashland Coffee & Tea Co.). Alternatively, you can park on the street adjacent to the Visitors Center. Park near "the trees" and look for Chuck's van.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2004

"HALF PONE POINT HUNDRED," starting from T.C. Martin Elementary School, Bryantown, Maryland. MEETING TIME 7:30am. A gently rolling ride through St. Mary's County. Some nice river views, Amish farms, all very tranquil. If you need to be challenged, just try saying the words "Half Pone Point" 10 times FAST. Do 3 sets of 10. 101 miles, with several shorter options (including a 60-miler).

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2004

"THE HARTWOOD HUNDRED," starting from Hartwood Elementary School, Hartwood, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. We sure have missed the mountains, and it will probably be a few more weeks before we see them again. So how is it that Skyline Drive is on our route? Come out and see for yourselves. 101 miles, with plenty of short options (even a half century).

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2004

"THE HADENSVILLE HUNDRED," starting from Ashland Visitors Center/Ashland Coffee & Tea Co., Ashland, Virginia. MEETING TIME 7:30am. This ride heads west to Hadensville and is relatively mellow, particularly compared to the rides we have in store for the weeks ahead (assuming we ever get a break in the weather)! The first half of the ride is gently rolling; there are some hills after lunch, but no big climbs. The route has been revised to omit the gravel road! Lunch stop at the Country House Cafe in Hadensville. 105 miles, with short options of 62, 76, 93, or 102 miles.