Burwell Morgan Mill Photo by APK https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115720437. This mill comes up about a mile into the ride.
(Note from 4/6: As of now, weather is forecast to be chilly and cloudy. Also, it may be about a week too early for the blossoms. Currently, we plan to go, but please check this website before you head out. If the weather further deteriorates, there is a chance the ride will be cancelled. If it is cancelled, it will say so on the website. That being said...
This is a wonderful, scenic route. Under the right conditions, it's well worth the 80 minute drive from I-66 and the Beltway.
The ride is posted with both Oxon Hill and PPTC.
This route is a bit longer and hillier than the typical Oxon Hill ride, especially this early in the season. Please be realistic about your fitness level before committing to this ride. If you use an ebike, please be confident that it can go the distance; options for shortening the route in the second half are limited.
There are two options for stores and indoor restrooms -- in Stephens City (Mile 21, where I recommend the Sheetz) and at Mile 31 at a 7-11 in Middletown.
RIDE LEADER WON'T BRING PAPER CUE SHEETS UNLESS SHE HEARS FROM SOMEONE WHO NEEDS ONE.
A note for CC riders: In the past, this ride has attracted riders of widely varying abilities. As always, participants are welcome to ride at their own pace. CC ride leader will average 11-12 mph. If you go much slower, you may find yourself riding on your own as this is not a no-drop ride.
About the ride start location. Park in the lower athletic parking lot of Powatan School - on the left side of the school. We have never started at this location before. Don't park where you parked to start this ride last year. Powatan School is a private school and we got permission to park there for this ride and the rain date only. (Don't confuse this ride start with the Boyce Elementary School, another common starting place that's about 2 miles away.) Don't count on restrooms at the ride start. There may be an open rest room at the nearby mill, but best bet for a rest room on the way to the ride is to stop at the Sheetz in Boyce.
Weather Forecast as of 4/6
Rita Zeidner will lead the 49-miler at a CC pace and will lead the ride the next day (Easter) if Saturday is a washout.
Mike McCarley will lead the 62-miler at a B/BB pace. No rain date.
RWGPS:
49-mile route (what the CC leader will be riding at an 11-12 mph pace): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42181444
62-mile route (led at a B or BB pace): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42189877
Cue sheet: 49-miler for CC's: http://bit.ly/3IXChw1
Directions: Link to Google Maps http://bit.ly/3F7M6GD
CC ride leader: Rita Zeidner, cell: 703.402.5118,
B/BB ride leader: Mike McCarley
Advance registration is required.
All riders must agree to follow the Guidelines for Rides During the Pandemic and agree to the Informed Consent for COVID-19 and the Release and Waiver of Liability.
