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mickib111 03-12-07 09:39 PM

Help! Montgomery County, MD
 
Help! I moved to the DC metro area (near Friendship Heights Metro) a month ago and have no idea where to ride. The only places I can find are the extremely busy multi-use trails. Any suggestions for good road rides in the area?? I just need to get a few basic routes so that I can back on my bike. I moved from Colorado and Washington State, so I am completely spoiled when it comes to good rides... Or, if anyone is in the area and knows of regular rides or wants to meet up and ride sometime, let me know!!!

Thanks!

dingster1 03-12-07 10:52 PM

C&O Canal route is good, Sugarloaf Mountain area. Try hooking up with waba.org and potomac peddlers is another group. Lots of DC'ers here will chime in soon. Welcome

kokomo61 03-13-07 09:57 AM

Potomac Pedalers - they've got rides all over...when you join, they also give you a book of routes in the area.

http://www.bikepptc.org/

Here's a list of PPTC rides in MD...

March -- Mondays



BB * 30ish * MD * 10 AM * Glen Echo Park (GLE)
The Usual Weekday Ride From Glen Echo. Moderately hilly ride through Potomac, with a possible stop at a cafe near the end. No go in the rain or on wet roads. Check with leader if temp is below 40°.
Warren Farb [wfarb@comcast.net] 301/320-4942




March -- Fridays



CC * 35 * MD * 10:30 AM * Buddy Attick Park (BUD) * 49°
Weekend Warmup. Take the day off and join us; we have built a nice crew of regulars and irregulars for this casual and true "CC" paced mostly flat ride with a few climbs to warm us up. And please plan on lunch with us after the ride if temps go into the 60s. NOTE: park in the Buddy Attick parking lot (despite what the ride start description says) and not across the street at Ivy Lane. We will ride if high for the day is forecast above 49°. If colder but sunny and calm please call cell after 8:30 AM on day of ride. Harold Goldstein [mdbiker@goldray.com] 301/854-0388 or C: 202/997-2376 and
George Schneider [gbs319@juno.com] SND/EEE-MAIL




March 11 Sunday





CC * 40 * MD * 10 AM * Poolesville HS (POO) * 30°/50%
Willy's New Year Ride. Got rained out on New Year's Day so let's try it again. No go in rain, wet roads, high winds or temps below 30° at ride start.
Willy Alladro [smd03901@allstate.com] 301/467-2600



B * 25, 32 or more * MD * 10 AM * Forest Glen Metro Station * 35°
Too Lazy To Develop a New Ride. No go in precipitation. If you liked my birthday ride two weeks ago, you will like this one too. It's the same ride. From the Metro parking lot (near the entrance to the Park & Ride lot), we will head down to Beach Drive, which is partially closed to traffic on the weekends. If a cold day, we'll just loop around through Georgetown to the Capital Crescent Trail and head back toward Forest Glen. On a warm day we may head down to Hains Point. If it is 65 and sunny, we'll go up through neighborhoods to Veirs Mill Rec Ctr (VMP) and back down Beach Dr to Forest Glen. Optional stop in Georgetown and /or in Bethesda to warm up. Forest Glen Metro Station is on Forest Glen Rd. From the Beltway, go north on Georgia Ave / Rt 97 and take the first left at the traffic signal. Follow the signs to the Park & Ride.)
Bob Bernstein [robert.bernstein@baesystems.com] 240/593-2539



BB/A * 39/53/61 * MD * 10 AM * Allen Pond Park (ALP)
Winter Training Loops. This is a repeat of the rides we did last month. I will bring cues for all three distances, to allow us to choose based on the weather. The shortest one has no rest stop, appropriate if it is cold. The middle loop goes to Deale, and the longest one to North Beach (with a rest stop in Rose Haven). The worst part of Queen Anne Bridge Rd, along with Patuxent River Rd and Franklin-Gibson Rd have been recently paved, so the whole ride is on smooth pavement, and there is no chip seal. Although Luigi's has closed, it was replaced with an Armand's, which has a $7 all-you-can-eat pizza and salad lunch buffet, so there is no need to starve after the ride. Please call or check the PPTC list server (hopefully working) if the weather is questionable.
Al Robertson [al.rob@verizon.net] 703/549-6170



BB/A * 50 * MD * 10 AM * Laytonsville SC (LAV)
Lovely Legs in Laytonsville. Yes, you can make your legs lovely and strong, building long bellied, sinewy quads, hamstrings, calves, by riding the hills of Laytonsville at an early spring aerobic tempo pace while at the same time enjoying catching up with hibernation horror stories such as excess eating, lack of riding, # of new lbs acquired in the month of February alone, all the while munching on your favorite 7-Eleven snack at the rest stop. Up to Lisbon.
Karen Berlage [karenberlage@comcast.net] 301/963-1482




March 17 Saturday

D * 20 * DC * 11 AM * Pierce Mill (PIM) * 34°
Georgetown Branch Rock Creek Loop. We will ride the Capitol Crescent Bicycle Trail. Easy ride, no big hills. We will stop for lunch in Bethesda returning along Rock Creek.
Tim Bouquet [timothy.bouquet@acm.org] 202/387-8731



CC * 44/37 * MD * 10 AM * Poolesville HS (POO) * 35°
Around Sugarloaf. A ride by Willis Vandevanter and Fawzi Emad. A loop up north around Sugarloaf Mountain with a climb up Thurston Road (few other hills on Park Mills.) Short-cut on more of Park Mills available if you get chilly, wet, or need to hurry back for shopping.
John Hutchinson [hutchjm@us.ibm.com] 301/926-8767 or 240/997-5820



B(H) * 48 * MD * 10:30 AM * Poolesville HS (POO)
MarLu: The Hard Way. A scenic and mostly hilly ride across the MarLu ridge and back. Since it is early in the season we will take a shorter but still hard route. Call leader if weather is doubtful.
Peter Gruber [pmgruber@comcast.net] 301/581-0999



B/BB/A * 40-60 * MD * 10 AM * Davidsonville ES (DAV)
The Beast. Team Shiftless, the Pedaler's eclectic group of fixed gear fanatics, is hosting a relatively-flat, fixed-gear friendly ride though Anne Arundel County. The Beast refers not our route, but to first-cut corned beef and cabbage as it is exquisitely prepared by the Killarney House Restaurant, and this is a St. Patrick's Day ride after all. We have several options available for today and will pick a distance that closely matches the temperature at ride start. Ken, Jim, and I ride about a 70-inch gear which is good for an average speed of 17-18 MPH. Riders with geared, carbon fiber bikes are welcome -- just expect to be ridiculed and asked to ride at the rear of the peleton. The Killarney House has a great selection of traditional Irish food and drink, so bring $15-20 and join us for a great lunch afterward. David Schneider [2tandem@comcast.net] 301/261-7979 and Jim Williams [jimshog@aol.com] 301/356-4009 and
Ken Sanford [sanfordken@yahoo.com] 301/942-5208



A/BB * 40-50 * MD * 10 AM * Glen Echo Park (GLE) * 25°
Green Machines To The Not-So Green Hills. Don your green jerseys, sport your green helmets, throw a leg over your green bike, or fill your water bottle with green sports drink to create a green line of cyclists as we head to Poolesville and back. The route will feature rolling terrain, and there will be one rest stop to keep the train fueled. The ride leaves at 10 sharp! Please keep the Nat'l Park Service happy by parking in the section of the lot furthest from MacArthur Blvd. No go if torrential rain, snow, or lots of ice - otherwise, we roll.
Rudi Riet [rudi@songfta.com] 860/869-7610




March 18 Sunday




CC(H) * 28/38/48 * MD * 10:30 AM * Schoolie Mills Park * 40°
Highland's Horsey Hills. Nice ride on low traffic, somewhat hilly, Howard County roads. Most ride 38 mi in winter. The temperature guide above is just that ... if colder but sunny the ride may go ... call if any doubt. BUT if too cold for the road ride we'll bring mountain bikes for a 1 1/2 hour spin on the nice trails in the park - come and join us. Or, if snow prevents riding call about X-country skiing in the park!! After ride all are invited for nearby hot chocolate and hot tub (bring appropriate wear for tub and carrots for the horses). (Directions: follow directions to SES but continue East on Rt 108 about 5 miles to Hall Shop Rd (about 0.5 mile AFTER crossing Patuxent River). Turn right and in .3 mile turn right into park (address is 12975 Hall Shop Rd - see http://www.co.ho.md.us/RAP/RAP_HoCoP...hooleyMill.htm) then immediately right to first parking area. ...or take either I-95 or Rt 29 north to Rt 216 west to a left on Hall Shop to a left into Park. Out house available in park. Call cell if any problems.) C: 202/997-2376 on ride morning.
Janet Young and Harold Goldstein [mdbiker@goldray.com] 301/854-0388



B * 55 or 25 * MD * 10 AM * Veirs Mill Park Rec Ctr (VMR)
Slow or Fast. Depending on the weather an easy endurance ride out to Poolesville (no one left behind) or a quick romp down through Rock Creek Park at spirited B pace. We'll use a general delineation of 32°, wet or windy and we'll stick to the park. Rain or snow and we'll stay home.
Gunther Stern [gunther.stern@gmail.com] 202/631-2323



BB/A * 40-50 * MD * 10 AM * Sherwood ES (SES) * 25°
Some More Easy Spring Miles. In keeping with the theme emerging with this months rides, expect a few hills as we head out to Lisbon for the break. Mileage will probably be around 50, but everyone knows these roads well enough that we can easily shorten it in case of poor conditions. No go in rain, snow, or ice.
Steve Lafferty [lafferty26@verizon.net] 240/601-2989




March 24 Saturday





CC * 37 * MD * 10 AM * Davidsonville P & R (DPR) * 40°/40%
Galloping to Galesville. Rolling hills and countryside. DOWNHILL on St. George Barber! Country store and scenic river views at the rest stop.
Susie Etcheverry 202/321-0173



B * 47 * MD * 10 AM * Poolesville HS (POO) * 38°/50%
The Ides of March -- Late. Developed by Bob Bloomfield, this is a delightful fairly flat classic around Poolesville passing by the foot of Sugar Loaf. The ride provides several shortcut possibilities at different stages, so we can cut it short in case the weather does not cooperate. No go on wet or icy roads.
Enrique Domenge [edomenge@aol.com] 301/963-0445



A * 50 * MD * 10 AM * Laytonsville SC (LAV)
The Hills of Triadelphia. This ride was not led last month due to the cold. So, let's try again... No major climbs, just lots of smaller ones in and around scenic Triadelphia! Ride leader promises to show up with a shorter cue if it's still really cold.
Hugo Romero [h.romero8@verizon.net 202/546-0784




March 25 Sunday



C(MH) * 36 * VA * 11 PM * Tyler ES, Gainesville (TYL) * 45°/50%
The Plains, Rock Hill Mill, and Rectortown Rds. MOSTLY DOWNHILL AND ALWAYS A TAILWIND. Yet another beautiful ride through Virginia horse country. You will love the unpainted country roads. Rest stops at 9, 19, and 25 miles. The proprietors in The Plains (9 and 25 miles) have stated "no road-biking shoes, socks, or bare feet" due to scratching the floor and health code. MTB shoes are okay. There are a few rollers and a couple of longer, gradual ascents. Total ascent is about 1,480 feet over 36 miles. There are obviously equal descents, and the long downhills are glorious! If weather is doubtful, call ride leader the morning of the ride.
Len Wilkinson [len.wilkinson@verizon.net] H: 703/455-0368 or C: 703/585-1238



CC(MH) * 33/45 * MD * 9:30 AM * Black Hill Regional Park (BLK)
Green & Brown, not Black & Blue. One of my favorite rides through the still - fairly - quiet rural roads of Montgomery County. We'll climb a few hills and roll down some but nothing steep to beat you up. Ride leader will maintain a nice, easy pace for some early season training. If you have any questions about the weather, please call the morning of the ride.
Joan Oppel [oppel.js<>verizon.net] 703/328-1978



B * 40ish * MD * 10 AM * Laytons Village SC (LAV)
Laytonsville Rambler. A pleasant ride on the rolling roads/hills of Montgomery and Howard Counties. One rest stop at the Highs in Lisbon. No go if raining or roads are wet.
Gerry Chan [GeraldChan@aol.com] C: 301/814-2761 or H: 301/216-2483







BB/A * 50 * MD * 10 AM * Riley's Lock (RIL)
Heading into Spring (hopefully). After a lovely January and a rather frigid February, I'm hoping that we've finally turned the corner towards spring. To celebrate what will surely be a fine spring day, we'll head down towards Whites Ferry, then up through Dickerson before winding our way back home.
Karen Berlage 301/963-1482




March 31 Saturday




CC(H) * 28/38/48 * MD * 10:30 AM * Schoolie Mills Park * 40°
Highland's Horsey Hills. Nice ride on low traffic, somewhat hilly, Howard County roads. Most ride 38 mi in winter. The temperature guide above is just that ... if colder but sunny the ride may go ... call if any doubt. BUT if too cold for the road ride we'll bring mountain bikes for a 1 1/2 hour spin on the nice trails in the park - come and join us. Or, if snow prevents riding call about X-country skiing in the park!! After ride all are invited for nearby hot chocolate and hot tub (bring appropriate wear for tub and carrots for the horses). (Directions: follow directions to SES but continue East on Rt 108 about 5 miles to Hall Shop Rd (about 0.5 mile AFTER crossing Patuxent River). Turn right and in .3 mile turn right into park (address is 12975 Hall Shop Rd - see http://www.co.ho.md.us/RAP/RAP_HoCoP...hooleyMill.htm) then immediately right to first parking area. ...or take either I-95 or Rt 29 north to Rt 216 west to a left on Hall Shop to a left into Park. Out house available in park. Call cell if any problems.) * C:202/997-2376 on ride morning.
Janet Young and Harold Goldstein [mdbiker@goldray.com] 301/854-0388





B * 48 * MD * 10 AM * Riley's Lock (RIL)
Sugarloaf Light. A nice and scenic ride to get in shape for the new season. We will circle Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy some light to moderate climbs on Thurston, Fingerboard, Park Mills and Big Woods Road. No go in rain on wet roads.
Peter Gruber [pmgruber@comcast.net] 301/581-0999



BB * 36 * MD * 10 AM * Gwynn Park HS
Brandywine & Mudd. Come join me for a ride on one of my favorite routes. Joint ride with OHBTC. (Directions: From Beltway (I-95) take Exit 7-A / Rt 5 south and go 9 miles to Brandywine Rd / Rt 381. Turn left and go 0.3 mile to Brandywine Rd entrance to the school. Follow the entrance to the left to the parking lot along Brandywine Road.)
Carole Harris [caroleh26@hotmail.com] 301/602-9351




A * 50 * MD * 10 AM * South Germantown Rec Park (SGR)
Back on the Bike. That is right! Ray is back on his bike, not that it matters that he was off, he never seems to get out of shape. A great standard ride heading out past Buckeystown, good for early season spring training. http://www.bikepptc.org/newcue/ BeyondBuckeystownSGR56.xls
Ray Lopiccolo [raylo@comcast.net] 301/515-7663




April 1 Sunday



TANDEM * 8-38 * MD * 10 AM * Mt Airy Bicycles
Mt Airy Spring Demo Day. No Fooling, skip breakfast, come out and play - we'll have the juice, java, bagels and fresh pastries ready. Our later 10 AM start time will give you time to grab helmets and shoes. Rides from the family-friendly 8 miles to the more challenging 38. After the ride try out some of the new tandems, recumbents and singles, plus other interesting 2- and 3- wheel toys. New-to, or wannabes get first-hand tips from the seasoned devotees. After the rides find out more about the club over a healthy catered lunch, courtesy of long time PPTC-ers Larry and Linda Black, tandemming since the days of the 10 speed in the 70' s. Got old gear? Swap with fellow clubfolk - no fees. Maybe even score a great tandem.There will be a bunch of tandems, recumbents, trikes, and other toys to try out all day. Directions: Mt Airy Bicycles, Mt Airy, MD ~ 4540 Old National Pike. From 270, Exit 16(Md 27-Father Hurley Blvd) East approx 13 miles to MD 144(Old National Pike), right (at Shell gas) and go 1/2 mi. More info at: http://www.bike123.com
Team Black [info@bike123.com] 301/831-5151



CC * 37 * MD * 10 AM * Poolesville HS (POO) * 40°
Poolesville Loops. Rolling low traffic roads. No go in rain or temps below 40° at ride start.
Bill Loewe [loeweATcua.edu] 301/681-2648



BB(MH) * 35 * MD * 10 AM * Damascus HS (DAM) * 45°
The "Hey, Mr. DJ" Ride. That's the song you'll be humming on this somewhat hilly ride on the upper Montgomery County/lower Frederick County roads. I've been working on this route throughout the winter; I think you'll enjoy some of the "new roads" that are seldom thought about and off the PP radar screen. Don't let the low mileage concern you. There are some pretty good climbs on this route that will keep the ride interesting and challenging. If the temperatures are low, we'll skip the rest stop and keep moving to stay warm. If, by chance, a 60°+ day is predicted, I'll have a longer cue sheet with an extra 10 miles and a rest stop prepared. Minimum temperature 45° at ride start. Call if in doubt.
Doug Johnston [johnstond@si.edu] 301/787-9664

cc_rider 03-13-07 10:24 AM

PPTC is a good place to start. They usually have cue sheets for the rides. There is also an on-line cue library, but they just made that members only.
Also look at the Oxon Hill Club http://ohbike.org/
http://bikewashington.org/ is another good resource
Waba is an advocacy group. They're not much into rides.

Lots of good riding in upper MoCo and lower Frederick Co, especially around Poolesville.
Howard County, Prince George, Annarundel.
Or you can cross the river at White's Ferry or one of the bridges and ride in Loudon Co. Good rural roads with lots of hills.

edit - opps, I was thinking that you were in upper MoCo
Close in to DC - Beach Drive. Hains Point. MacArthur Blvd to River Road
Some good hill riding in Arlington and Falls Church (Williamsburg, Military, Chesterbrook, Kirby, Idlywood, etc)
Good back roads in Alexandria, especially down by Mount Vernon. And thru Annandale and Barcroft.
Try Loudon County, starting at Leesburg. I like to follow the Reston Century (August) route. Several 1000's feet of climbing.
Or just start riding the DC streets. Explore.

NoRacer 03-13-07 10:30 AM


Originally Posted by mickib111
Help! I moved to the DC metro area (near Friendship Heights Metro) a month ago and have no idea where to ride. The only places I can find are the extremely busy multi-use trails. Any suggestions for good road rides in the area?? I just need to get a few basic routes so that I can back on my bike. I moved from Colorado and Washington State, so I am completely spoiled when it comes to good rides... Or, if anyone is in the area and knows of regular rides or wants to meet up and ride sometime, let me know!!!

Thanks!

I think I may have talked to you once. Did you do a Baltimore Bike Club ride out of the Providence Road Park & Ride (Towson) last Fall?

dkri 03-21-07 12:28 PM

Mickib -
We may live in the same building from what it sounds like. There are many good rides in the area. For a quick ride go to Rock Creek Park. From Friendship Heights go out Miltary Rd (diagonal off the corner of Wisc. & Western, on the J.Crew side), across CT Ave to Nevada Ave. Right on Nevada, across Nebraska and onto Broad Branch (pretty much go straight). Follow Broad Branch to Beach Drive. Beach Drive is closed to traffic on weekends, and there are a ton of good loops off of Beach. A good one for training is up Beach to Ross (take a left after the park police station), to Ridge, then down Ridge to Beach.
Another good place to ride is Macarthur Blvd. Go down Willard to River Road, right on River, left on Little Falls, right on Mass Ave, left on Goldsboro. Goldsboro ends at Macarthur. Right on Macarthur leads you out to Great Falls Park, which is a good climb but nothing like Colorado.
There are good Sunday morning rides at 7am and 10am. The 7 leaves from Beach Drive and East West Highway. The 10 leaves from Beach and Broad Branch. These routes follow much of the best riding in the area. Tuesday nights, go up Beach Drive until you see a huge pack coming the other way. Last night they hit Beach/East West at around 6, but it goes later when it gets lighter. This is an aggressive group.
Good clubs in the area are Squadra Coppi, DCVelo, Artemis, Route 1, M Street Racing and NCVC (I am a member of NCVC).
The Sugarloaf mountain ride described above is very good too.
There is plenty of good riding to be had around here. Welcome to the area.


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