Northeast - Where are the MD people's

Weather forecast sez sunday may be in the 40's so I'm thinking about riding out there from Hampden, thus turning this ride into a century(20+60+20). Timing might be: leave B'more at 8am. BBC 60 from 10-3pm then we should be able to get back before 5:20pm sunset.

Any takers? -GB

I'm game! The question is what route do you want to take? Are you up for coming up my way and heading down Old Court and then Old Frederic? NoRacer what do you think? You would probably be comfortable taking E Northern Pkwy to Falls road to get out my way. Take a look at my east west routes http://www.baltimorespokes.org/staticpages/index.php?page=20070815081612328 to get some idea, I don't think the route would add much to your millage as you are basically scooping up rather then scooping down. Anyway a chance for some new scenery for ya.

What you say a nice friendly ride for a while then NoRacer and GreaterB can drop me like a rock on the third uphill? Tentative meeting place Starbucks in Mt. Washington Village or Joe's Bike Shop.

Hi,
Just found this forum and thought I'd go ahead and post. I live in Garrett County in Western MD. Been biking for a few years and recently moved out here. I've found some great places to ride and have been mapping them to share with whomever is interested. So far I have trails in southwestern OH and here in Garrett Co., MD. Just rode in Margroff Plantation which is in the Savage River State Forest. Will have the maps up by the end of the weekend. Check out www.TrailQwest.com (http://www.trailqwest.com/) to see. I'll keep posting new maps as I can ride them or ski them as we have a good bit of snow out here now.

Welcome to the forum! And you live in a very pretty part of the state, I just wish I got out there more then I do. Also congrats to Garrett County for 0 bike/car crashes in 2006.

Hi,
Just found this forum and thought I'd go ahead and post. I live in Garrett County in Western MD. Been biking for a few years and recently moved out here. I've found some great places to ride and have been mapping them to share with whomever is interested. So far I have trails in southwestern OH and here in Garrett Co., MD. Just rode in Margroff Plantation which is in the Savage River State Forest. Will have the maps up by the end of the weekend. Check out www.TrailQwest.com (http://www.trailqwest.com/) to see. I'll keep posting new maps as I can ride them or ski them as we have a good bit of snow out here now.

Welcome This is really cool. I go out there often but never for road biking. I will check out your site. How much snow do you guys have out there. Charlie

I'm game! The question is what route do you want to take? Tentative meeting place Starbucks in Mt. Washington Village.

Hot damn! Glad to have ride buddy. Now, we just need the weather to hold at sunny and 40's
Howzabout this for a route out:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/100164

-GB

Hot damn! Glad to have ride buddy. Now, we just need the weather to hold at sunny and 40's
Howzabout this for a route out:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/100164

-GB

I'm still undecided about this ride, due to lighting problems. The battery for my L&M Arc HID is not charging. The charger seems ok, because the battery is getting warm to the touch, but the light shuts off after about 15 minutes of run time with a fan blowing on it. A new NiMH battery for this is $199US. :eek: Even if I did order one, it won't be here in time for the weekend.

I did dig out my old Viewpoint halogen light from Performance Bike, but after using the L&M Arc HID, this light really sucks! Halfway through my ride to work, this morning, I had to switch to another battery (glad I brought a fully charged backup.) Nevertheless, the light output from that light seemed to me to be about 3/4ths of the HID.

By the way, GB, I tried that link and only got a blank page. Is it still working for you? Is it working for anyone else?

I'm still undecided about this ride, due to lighting problems. The battery for my L&M Arc HID is not charging. The charger seems ok, because the battery is getting warm to the touch, but the light shuts off after about 15 minutes of run time with a fan blowing on it. A new NiMH battery for this is $199US. :eek: Even if I did order one, it won't be here in time for the weekend.

I did dig out my old Viewpoint halogen light from Performance Bike, but after using the L&M Arc HID, this light really sucks! Halfway through my ride to work, this morning, I had to switch to another battery (glad I brought a fully charged backup.) Nevertheless, the light output from that light seemed to me to be about 3/4ths of the HID.

By the way, GB, I tried that link and only got a blank page. Is it still working for you? Is it working for anyone else?

Works for me.
NR: If you want a light for this ride you can borrow my Fenix w/ helmet mnt. I have 4 AA batteries which will get you 4-5 hour burn time. Thing is I need it Monday morn. If you drive or bike to this event You can stop by my house(catonsville so you can't ride w/ GB and Barry t the ride). It's on the way from East Balto. The light in turbo mode get 175 lumen which ain't shabby but no HID. Let me know. I will be going away this wknd so I can leave it in the mailbox or something. You know you want to ride

Works for me.
NR: If you want a light for this ride you can borrow my Fenix w/ helmet mnt. I have 4 AA batteries which will get you 4-5 hour burn time. Thing is I need it Monday morn. If you drive or bike to this event You can stop by my house(catonsville so you can't ride w/ GB and Barry t the ride). It's on the way from East Balto. The light in turbo mode get 175 lumen which ain't shabby but no HID. Let me know. I will be going away this wknd so I can leave it in the mailbox or something. You know you want to ride

Thanks for the offer, charlie. I'm this close -> || <- from getting a Dinotte 200L shipped overnight.

I do want to ride, but the DC RAND folks haven't posted anything for this weekend yet, so I'm waiting to see what they're doing.

Sunday, after riding a century on Saturday, I usually take very easy (i.e., little chainring, higher cadence, being past by little girls on roller skates).

I'll confirm meeting somewhere around the Kelly Ave/Falls Rd area after I get my head out of my butt.

I'm still undecided about this ride, due to lighting problems.

By the way, GB, I tried that link and only got a blank page. Is it still working for you? Is it working for anyone else?

I just changed the bikely route from private to public, but it shouldn't matter. Give the link another try.
As far as lighting goes, I'm being somewhat reckless about it. Probably shouldn't, but I've only got my 2 crappy cateye clip lights up front and a bright blinky in back. I'm planning on just watching my time carefully and getting back before 5:30. :o

If I poop out, I'll just use Barry's extracycle as a sag and give him encouraging words, like "mush, mush"

However, this discussion is making me mad that I haven't built up my Kogswell yet. It's still in the box with a pair of touring wheels- front with a dynamo hub.

I just changed the bikely route from private to public, but it shouldn't matter. Give the link another try.

The link is working for me at home. For some reason, it wasn't rendering for me at work.

A dynamo hub would not go wasted, here.

Anyway, I got the DiNotte 200L that uses rechargeable "AA"s. I won't get stuck with proprietary battery issues again. In an emergency, I can pick up "AA"s from just about anywhere. I've had the DiNotte 140L tail light for awhile and it's been the best tail light I've ever had. I've done rides in some pretty extreme weather with it and it's never failed on me. I'm hoping for the same great performance out of the 200L head light.

The DC RAND folks finally posted there ride schedule for this weekend. It looks like I'll be doing their Saturday ride, but I'm not sure about Sunday.

If I do ride with you guys Sunday, I'm contemplating riding to Mt. Washington to meet up, but that would make for a very, very, long day--probably in the neighborhood of 140 miles for me. That, in itself, is a good reason to have my lights in order, because it's highly likely that I'll get caught out riding home in the dark, not to mention a ride to Mt. Washington in the dark in the morning--not so bad during the warmer months, but no so good after about 14 hours outside at this time of the year.

You guys can have a choice of two of the four lights lights that I carry and no rush on the return (GB lives near me and NoRacer works close enough to me so something can be worked out.) Also I just stocked up on AA batteries so that can be had as well.

NoRacer you should have an easy time riding with me and if not I don't mind slowing down. Also maybe contemplate driving out to met us. This could turn to be a fine mid-winter party.

GreaterB: You and your hills, heavy sigh, ok fine as I love Dogwood Rd.

(re: mush, mush :D you would not be the first ;) I'm one of the only human powered sag wagons. :p )

NoRacer you should have an easy time riding with me and if not I don't mind slowing down. Also maybe contemplate driving out to met us. This could turn to be a fine mid-winter party.


Okay... go over the logistics again. We meet at Joe's Bike Shop? At what time?

Okay... go over the logistics again. We meet at Joe's Bike Shop? At what time?


Guys: Do keep an eye on the weather. I think it is going to stay in the 30's this Sunday w/ chance of flurries. I know; what does not kill you only makes you stronger!!
GB: If you want a light for the ride drop me an email, we can set something up
NR: Dinotte, very nice system. I looked them over but will not pull the trigger until they lose the wires. I really hate the wires on all of the lighting systems. Bike lights should be self contained units. Check out Barry's Fenix if y'all ride together. It is lightweight, NO wires and uses rechargeable AAs. I would like to double the lumen, double the batteries and mount on my bars. As it is now it is perfect for the helmet, actually it is very good for the bars but I want a little more brightness on the bars. Enjoy the ride this wknd. Charlie

Okay... go over the logistics again. We meet at Joe's Bike Shop? At what time?

I'd rather meet at the Starbucks as I'll definitely want a shot of expresso and use of bathrooms before I go.
Calculating a conservative pace (13mph) would take us a little more than 1 1/2hrs to get out there. BBC ride is at 10am, so I was thinking we'd leave Starbucks at ~8am. (they open at 6:30am on sunday)

The BBC ride is +/-60miles. So, also at a conservative pace we should be back to the Mount View School start by 3 or 3:30

After a quick rest stop, we'll have 2 more hours for the last 20 miles home. Sundown at 5:20

BTW I am definitely not trying to add hills unnecessarily to our route out. Barry, any changes you'd want to make to flatten it out are fine with me.

-GB

^^^^^
Ok, Starbuck's at 8am.

Route: Well your route is shorter but I also like to get a new route in on my bike map and it's a heck of a lot more fun to ride the route and post my GPS track then it is to draw it. But there will be other days and other adventures so I can always get it another time.

The DC RAND folks finally posted there ride schedule for this weekend. It looks like I'll be doing their Saturday ride, but I'm not sure about Sunday.


What time will the DC rand ride probably be done Saturday?

What time will the DC rand ride probably be done Saturday?

It's a century that starts at 7:30am with a rest stop usuallly at ~30 miles, lunch at ~50 miles, and another rest stop at about 75 miles - so, plan on about ~8-9.5 hours depending on whether you stay with the group, ride ahead, skip rests, and environmental conditions.

Ok, because I need to be back to Annapolis by 245pm at the absolute latest so I can get ready for work. Trying to plan my Saturday morning ride.

Ok, because I need to be back to Annapolis by 245pm at the absolute latest so I can get ready for work. Trying to plan my Saturday morning ride.

Crista usually has shortcut options on the cue sheet if you need to cut out early.

hmm, I guess I can give her a call. As she has her number listed under the ride on the dcrand site. Thanks for the info.

Barry & greaterbrown,

I apologize for this short notice, but I'm going to have to back out of tomorrow's ride. Today's ride was much hillier than I anticipated and I started having cramping problems. I'm going to skip the ride tomorrow and just take it easy.

Sorry. I really wanted to meet GB and ride with you guys.

NoRacer, you called it right. The BBC ride was a 10+ on the MT scale. My knee is exhausted but feeling very good. I'll post a few pics from the ride latter on but no people shoots as I forgot I had my camera at the ride start.

Edit: I got in a 96 mile ride. :D

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v167/199/49/513493075/n513493075_308473_6913.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v167/199/49/513493075/n513493075_308474_7202.jpg

Welcome to the forum! And you live in a very pretty part of the state, I just wish I got out there more then I do. Also congrats to Garrett County for 0 bike/car crashes in 2006.

Thanks Human Car...we make sound attempts to stay alive.....I think is has a lot to do with the lack of traffic though and gas prices are helping this. There are a lot of nice road and off road rides out here. Have a great day!

MM1

Welcome This is really cool. I go out there often but never for road biking. I will check out your site. How much snow do you guys have out there. Charlie

Hi Charlie,
Thanks for checking out the site. We have a fairly good bit of snow out here right now...enough to xc ski and not worry too much about tearing up your bases. I skied the Wisp Sunday morning and it was pretty good....then took the dog out later in the evening for about 4 miles of XC skiing....hit a couple big rocks, but the base is pretty good for the most part. I'd say we're at about a solid 6 inch base. It's supposed to warm up for the next couple days and then turn cold again with snow. A slight melt will really make for a good base and then snow later in the week should make it really nice.

If you XC ski, I would suggest you check out Backbone Ski Farm in Oakland, MD just south of Deep Creek Lake. It's a low key place, with really nice and helpful folks that run it. www.backbonefarm.com (http://www.backbonefarm.com)

Take Care
MM1
http://www.trailqwest.com

NoRacer, you called it right. The BBC ride was a 10+ on the MT scale. My knee is exhausted but feeling very good. I'll post a few pics from the ride latter on but no people shoots as I forgot I had my camera at the ride start.

Edit: I got in a 96 mile ride. :D

Great pix, Barry.

Yes, I'm glad that I missed the "hike" out to the ride and then the 60 miler followed by the ride back to Starbucks. After Saturday, it definitely would have been too much. As it was, I had to catch back up with my hydration, which is why I had cramps to start out with--not keeping up with my fluids Friday and Saturday.

I did do a ride with the DC Rand folks on Sunday--Glen Echo Century. We rode easy all day going thru the following areas: Poolesville, Beallsville, Point of Rocks, Waterford, Clarkes Gap, Leesburg, Ashburn, Herndon, Vienna, Falls Church, then back into DC at Georgetown, returning to Glen Echo.

It was a nice ride. The sun came out for a spell and the wind wasn't too bad--mostly a tailwind on the way back.

I did do a ride with the DC Rand folks on Sunday--Glen Echo Century. We rode easy all day going thru the following areas: Poolesville, Beallsville, Point of Rocks, Waterford, Clarkes Gap, Leesburg, Ashburn, Herndon, Vienna, Falls Church, then back into DC at Georgetown, returning to Glen Echo.

It was a nice ride. The sun came out for a spell and the wind wasn't too bad--mostly a tailwind on the way back.

Any pics?

Any pics?

No pics for Sunday, but there may be some from Saturday taken by wabeck. I'll check and post the link to them.

EDIT: Here they are:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wabeck/sets/72157603802922131/

I just wanted to take a minute and say how nice people have been in Essex the 2 times I have broke down, first time my rear axle broke @ homberg and eastern, i sat for a few minutes waiting for the wife and a man and his son who just went to 7-11, came over to me and offered to get his truck so i can toss the bike in and take me home, the second time was today, I left at 610, which leaves me extra time in case i get a flat or something, sure enough, while on the back river bridge, I got a flat, I walked to mace ave, flipped the bike upside down and began removing the tube, sure enough my wonderful target schwin pump didn't fit over the scharder valve (WTF, i have a new one now), I had an older gentleman on a walk, stopped and offered to help me out, neither one of us could get the pump to go on. I am just amazed how nice people are.

Thanks for listening.

^^^^^^
That's cool. Just watch out for the MTA bus drivers. Really.

speaking of those intelligent bus drivers (HA HA),after more than once passing a bus on the left due to it being STOPPED and having them pull out while I'm next to them, I had one last week begin to pull out right by the crab shack and the produce place, stop and let me pass, very suprising.

speaking of those intelligent bus drivers (HA HA),after more than once passing a bus on the left due to it being STOPPED and having them pull out while I'm next to them, I had one last week begin to pull out right by the crab shack and the produce place, stop and let me pass, very suprising.

They have become a little more aware of us.

Some of it may have been my correspondance to One Less Car and the MTA regarding an incident where an MTA bus driver went over the solid white line of the road margin to show me who was bigger and badder (road rage). This, after passing me at speed, within about a foot, the bus' turbulance almost throwing me into it's side. I caught up to the bus at the next traffic light and waived an index finger at the bus driver in an attempt to say "watch out". Apparently, this pissed the driver off and that's when the driver aimed the bus at me, crossed the margin line, and this time coming within inches.

Barry (The Human Car) has had run-ins with the MTA as well. He has followed up with complaints.

The best MTA story is when I was riding home from a meeting with the former executive director of One Less Car. We were about a half a block apart and I see an MTA bus driver harass her (comes up behind her at a red light and lays on the horn, inches forward and then more horn, repeats one more time till the light changes, then when passing her the driver uses the bus to push her to the side of the road) and then tries to run me into the curb rather then wait one second to pull into the stop behind me. Two bike advocates in two minutes, that's got to be a record.

I was talking to one of the higher ups of MTA and he was playing the poor bus drivers you don't understand their issues record. And said if we could get you guys to drive a bus just for a few blocks to see all that drivers have to contend with... And I said that's a great idea we'll have cyclists driving buses and bus drivers riding bikes. [Laughter] and then he admitted that we have things to contend with as well.

We still don't have MTA cyclists aware training instituted at MTA so our past actions fade with time. So be on the look out and report any harassment and copy me on that as well. And who knows maybe we will have a bus driver/cyclists switcheroo day. ;)

Hey everyone.

Long time no see. I have been away from the boards for awhile. Probably over a month. I hope everyone is doing well.

Noracer-Good to see you have jumped on the Dinotte wagon. I love them lights. I run dual 200L's up front and a 140 in back. Great setup, and nice and clean mounting (leaves nothing behind when removed). If you don't already have one I would recommend the maha c800s charger. They are awesome.

Hey has anyone here ridden the bike portion of the Savageman Tri? I signed up with some buddies to do it as a relay this year (I'm doing the bike of course). It looks like a fun ride, including the famed Westernport wall.

Route info from last year (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/3976792)

Some videos of the wall (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=westernport+wall&search_type=&search=Search)

If anyone is interested, I have access to a free place to stay at Deep Creek so I plan on going out a few times this spring/summer to spin the course. You are welcome to come join me.

-D

Hey Derath! Welcome back.....

I have "attempted" the W-port wall....once.....but I didn't have the right (cough) tools to get up the hill, though.... :(

...but that was back around 90-91 .... don't know if I could do it now, either haha....maybe later in the summer , when I'm down to a svelte 240-ish....

Me Too!! I been off line for a long time too... Probably since just after the Lancaster ride last fall. I kind of fell off the wagon and lost my mojo!
I'm back in the saddle again and trying to get back where I left off. It really sucks picking up the pieces.
I went and rode 22miles on B&A trail today from Marley Station Mall and back. It felt so good to get back on the bike again.

Cheers

Me Too!! I been off line for a long time too... Probably since just after the Lancaster ride last fall. I kind of fell off the wagon and lost my mojo!
I'm back in the saddle again and trying to get back where I left off. It really sucks picking up the pieces.
I went and rode 22miles on B&A trail today from Marley Station Mall and back. It felt so good to get back on the bike again.

Cheers

Hey Don! What time did you ride B&A? Me and three other TeamBBC racers were out on it today. We started somewhere around 10:20am from the Dixon Observation Parking Lot at BWI and rode down to Annapolis, stopping at the parking lot across from the academy entrance before heading back.

Noracer-Good to see you have jumped on the Dinotte wagon. I love them lights. I run dual 200L's up front and a 140 in back. Great setup, and nice and clean mounting (leaves nothing behind when removed). If you don't already have one I would recommend the maha c800s charger. They are awesome.

-D

Hey -D! Yeah... I like the DiNotte for my randonneur rides, but the single 200L is no match for the L&M ARC HID. Two 200L wouldn't be either, since the ARC HID puts out nearly 600L on high. I much prefer it for bike commuting to and from work.

I spoke to an L&M guy Friday and he had me send the system back. He doesn't think that's it's the battery, but instead, an overheated ballast. He said it'll cost me about $75 plus shipping charges--much better than $200 plus shipping.

Anyway, glad to hear from you again. Have you signed up for the new iBike forum. It's here:

http://ibikeforums.com/

It's no longer associated with Topica. Lots of exciting stuff going on.

For your viewing pleasure, the DC Randonnuer's "Boiling Springs Century":

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wabeck/sets/72157603839729492/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2182/2238647816_699429cc42_m.jpg

We rode this, yesterday, Saturday 2/2/2008.

Hey Don! What time did you ride B&A? Me and three other TeamBBC racers were out on it today. We started somewhere around 10:20am from the Dixon Observation Parking Lot at BWI and rode down to Annapolis, stopping at the parking lot across from the academy entrance before heading back.

Were you guys (how can I say this?;)) wearing pink jerseys?
If so, You guys passed me going south when I was on my way back to Marley Station. I left around 10:10 from Marley Station Parking Lot heading south. I turned at the end of the paved trail before going down the hill to Rt. 2.

Were you guys (how can I say this?;)) wearing pink jerseys?
If so, You guys passed me going south when I was on my way back to Marley Station. I left around 10:10 from Marley Station Parking Lot heading south. I turned at the end of the paved trail before going down the hill to Rt. 2.

That was us!

I was dressed like this minus the balaclava:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2221576577_98b26cb9d9.jpg?v=0

That was us!

I was dressed like this minus the balaclava:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2221576577_98b26cb9d9.jpg?v=0

Yep - that was you guys - You were making pretty good time if you left BWI ten minutes after I left Marley Station. I got to the end of the trail, stopped for a swig or two of water then turned around. I think I passed you guys just north of Glen Oben. I was riding a yellow/black Giant and wearing blue riding jacket/white helmet.

For your viewing pleasure, the DC Randonnuer's "Boiling Springs Century":

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wabeck/sets/72157603839729492/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2182/2238647816_699429cc42_m.jpg

We rode this, yesterday, Saturday 2/2/2008.

That looks like one heck of adventure.

Somewhat related, I got my handlebar camera mount Saturday and was out playing with it on Sunday. There is a lot of vibration for taking movies while riding but taking stills is great.

Yep - that was you guys - You were making pretty good time if you left BWI ten minutes after I left Marley Station. I got to the end of the trail, stopped for a swig or two of water then turned around. I think I passed you guys just north of Glen Oben. I was riding a yellow/black Giant and wearing blue riding jacket/white helmet.

Well, Don, if you ever see a single rider on the trail in that kit, it'll probably be me--say hi.

That looks like one heck of adventure.

Somewhat related, I got my handlebar camera mount Saturday and was out playing with it on Sunday. There is a lot of vibration for taking movies while riding but taking stills is great.

Yeah... I haven't been using my video camera. I need a better way to mount it, so that the vibration is reduced.

Don- Yea I know how you feel. I have done maybe 4 rides in the last 3 months. 2007 felt mostly like I survived it, rather than lived it. I vow to live 2008!

Noracer- Yea the 200L is no match for a 600L light. I would almost get the Dinotte 600L but I really like the flexibility of AA's and the sheer size and simplicity of the 200L's. 2 of them are sufficient for my commute, but then again mine is 99% rural.

Yes I have been lurking on the new ibike forums. I am there as Derath as well. Just haven't posted anything. Definitely some interesting stuff. There might be an ibike for me in 2008.

Maybe a VRK kit can do double duty for your ibike and video camera :)

-D

I would almost get the Dinotte 600L but I really like the flexibility of AA's and the sheer size and simplicity of the 200L's. 2 of them are sufficient for my commute, but then again mine is 99% rural.
[quote]

+1 on the flexibility of the AA batteries.


[QUOTE=derath;6104243]Yes I have been lurking on the new ibike forums. I am there as Derath as well. Just haven't posted anything. Definitely some interesting stuff. There might be an ibike for me in 2008.

Maybe a VRK kit can do double duty for your ibike and video camera :)

-D

Huh, I didn't think of that. I wonder if the VRK would work.

Huh, I didn't think of that. I wonder if the VRK would work.

Now THAT would be an interesting post over on the ibike forums.


-D

Wow, so many near-misses on the trail! :) I have been sick for the past 10 days with an incredibly painful chest cough. It's slooooooowly been getting better, but yesterday I just couldn't stand the inactivity anymore, and I went out and rode around the BWI Trail twice. I was there around noon, I guess. I started coughing again at the end, but it sure felt nice to get outside on the bike again!

Hey I seen you giys. I was sitting at the picnic table at the begining (mile 0) of the B&A trail. I was going to yell GO BBC but settle for hi instead.

Bill