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Tubman Blackwater Brevet
This flat Eastern Shore route follows much of the Underground Railroad driving tour, and takes in a large portion of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, where the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park is located. This route adds to DCRand’s list of “flatbread” November routes, with their tradition of fast runs. RWGPS rates this at 10 feet of climbing per mile!
Sunrise for the November brevet is 0731, and that Jack will be inspecting lights, ankle bands, and reflective clothing for RUSA compliance.
Here is Jack’s pre-ride report:
If you’re looking for flat-flat-flat (biggest climb is one bridge), this ride is for you. If you’re looking for natural coastal beauty, this ride is for you (Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge). If you are looking to set a personal best 200k time, this ride is for you (many including me have, but note you’re time at 200k/124.3 miles…you still have 6 miles to go). But I can’t guarantee there won’t be serious headwinds at times…that’s the Eastern Shore for you…but sometimes it’s calm.
Note that there is a ~46 mile stretch in the middle where there is no food to be had, just water at the halfway point. Plan ahead and carry some chow.
The start is at Royal farms in Denton, but DONT PARK IN THEIR SMALL LOT. I usually park on the street behind the store. You might consider parking near Pizza Empire, a block to the west, as that is the finish.
Supply opportunities include Hometown Pride Market and Deli (mile 23.8), Cindy’s Kitchen (mile 32.9 – a small restaurant), and Emily’s Produce (mile 42.3 – wide variety…this is probably the best of the early stops).
Except for the Woolford Store (mile 46.1, but why you? It’s just past Emily’s?), there is no food until Vienna Food Mart at mile 88.8. There is water at the Harriet Tubman Museum (mile 67.3), but the outdoor spigot tastes like sulfur. Use the fountain inside the museum by the restrooms.
After Vienna the best resupply spot is probably the Goose Creek Store (mile 100.2), and there are a couple opportunities in Preston (mile 107.2).
I’ll be at Pizza Empire (mile 130.2) for the traditional post-brevet gathering.
