Leader: Joan Oppel

Members: Ron Altemus and Connie Quickstad

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56940200 One rider suggested the route be renamed as it takes a nontraditional route to Bicknell. 

We twisted around to get to Pisgah Marbury and then took Mason Springs and Ironsides, heading for the Nanjemoy Community Center. It was a hot day and Ron suggested altering the original route to take Baptist Church to Route 6 instead of my planned way  - an excellent suggestion! More shade, quieter rural road. Then Poseytown, Bowie, Smallwood Church and the shady shoulder of Chicamuxen plus Marbury Run on the return.

The community center did not disappoint, a gift on a hot day. Bingo was in progress so we sat quietly nearby, filled bottles with cold water, ate snacks. Ron even left to go outside, saying it was too cold for him inside! Temperaures started in the low 80s, ended at about 90. 

But a breeze accompanied us for much of the ride, we had a lot of shade and enjoyed a very lovely ride. 

Leader: Joan Oppel

Members and Nonmembers: Ellen Goodwin, Beth Handler, Jessica Hirschhorn, Marcy Kelley, Susan Kron, Carol Linden, Randy Sim, Pat Walthers and Karen Berlage and John Koehnlein

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44657801      A partly cloudy but humid day, a lovely rural roads route with very little traffic today, and enough elevation of varying length to keep the climbing muscles in shape but (with one very short exception) nothing too hard. Sorghum and soybeans looked good, corn looked dried out. A 10 minute light rain storm made things interesting near the end of the ride.

At the Dickerson Store

Leader: Debby Bowman

Members: John Lynn

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55717829
Two loops connected by Blacks Mill Rd, designed by Lanny Evans, who leads this ride for the BBC. After crossing Utica Bridge, we rode mostly uphill toward Thurmont via Hesong Bridge, Blacks Mill and Cactoctin Furnace Rds, followed by the sweet descent on Blue Mountain. We briefly headed south along Big Hunting Creek on Layman Rd, then cut west on Blacks Mill and up Creagerstown and Graceham to the Roddy Rd Bridge. After paralleling Owens Creek on Roddy Creek Rd toward a stop at Sheetz, we rode Kelbaugh and St Anthony to the Mount St Mary's tunnel under Rt. 15. We took Old Frederick over Loys Station Bridge,  then continued south with a short diversion on Eaton Rd to Blacks Mill (again), then rode Wilhide along Big Hunting Creek to Lewiston Rd and a return to Utica Park.

Weather: Another amazing August day. Cloudless blue skies, negligible wind, temps rising through the 70s.

Mishaps: A dropped chain, quickly resolved. Also one of the 3 registered riders was a no-show. We remained in Utica Park until 9:40 but there was no sign of another cyclist and I received no communications about a late arrival or change of plans, so John and I headed out. 

AMS: 13.5 mph.

Thanks to John for joining me for one of my favorite bike rides. We remained in sight of each other almost the entire time and regrouped a couple of times as needed. While taking a break at Sheetz we were joined by a group of John's friends who were doing a 50-miler from Walkersville. After chatting about the upcoming (and final) Civil War Century and traveling with ebikes, we headed up and over Kelbaugh to a second stop at Loys Station Park, where we wondered why there are no water fountains at Frederick County Parks before finishing the final 9 miles of the route. Overall, it was an enjoyable, scenic bike ride on a beautiful day.

It was a glorious day to ride our bikes, appreciate the DC cycling infrastruture, and make our voices HEARD:  Hains Point is NOT. FOR. SALE. 

RIDERS: Cindy Bertaut, Linda Blackman, Marc Blackman, Pat Broom (and her cycling buddy puppy!), Jessica Hirschhorn, , Marcy Kelley, Anthony Lewis (a new member), Jay Lewis, Adele Natter (a returning member) and Patricia Welty. 

We skedaddled down the Capital Crescent Trail, which was MOBBED with cyclists, runners, strollers, and everyone else enjoying this beautiful day.  Then we went across Water Street, passing the Swedish Embassy, and rode the rest of the way on the Virginia CycleTrack and the 15th Street CycleTrack. 

We met up with the Virginia contingent, lead by Ron Altemus, and took the opportunity to leave a pile of Oxon HIll membership postcards. 

The Hains Point event was very well attended with new and old friends, snacks, and chances to do a few extra loops around this local cycling treasure.  

A few of us stopped at Baked and Wired on the way home for caffeine and sustenance, then headed back up the Crescent Trail. 

Leader:  Ron Altemus

Members:  Peter Stelman, Gene Villiva, Ellen Goodwin, Janell Saunders, RL Shadow, Mary Scala, Joan Oppel at Jones Point Park.  Not pictured:  Steve Brown



Route:   from Jones Point Park, Mount Vernon Trail to 14th St bridge into DC.  East Basin Drive, west side of Ohio Drive to Buckeye Drive and the east side of Ohio Drive to Hains Point Recreational Area.  Return basically retraced outbound route.

Weather:  wonderful for cycling with sunny blue skies, temp range low 70s to low 80s, 3-5 mph NE air, and low humidity/dew point.

AMS:   11ish

Mechanicals/Mishaps:  none

Report:  A group ride with a purpose:  attend the 2nd Hains Point Hoopla to demonstrate against the current administration’s plans to change this park into a private luxury golf course.  Organized by the Washington Area Bicycle Association, hundreds of cyclists, runners, walkers, and nature lovers converged at the Hains Point Recreation Area.  A brief (15-20 minute) series of speakers, including WABA executive director Elizabeth Kiker, Alex Rosen of Save East Potomac Park, D.C. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, and a representative of the Rails-to-Trails Coalition, all denounced the plans, citing that East Potomac Park was created by Congress for all of the people of the US to use.

OHBTC was represented by 8 riders from the Jones Point start and 10 riders from Jessica Hirschhorn’s MD start,.  Additionally, others club member arrived at the rally by different routings or other means, including Chris Moriarity, Walt Chalmers, Pete Czapiewski, Rita Zeidner and Harold Datz, Ed Reardon, Beth Merricks, Chantal Briere, Lois Lightfoot, Robin Butler-LeFrancois, Marcy Kelley, Steve Wartik, and probably others missed in the large crowd.  So at least 30 of us were there to make our presence known.  A number of club members wore their OHBTC jerseys, readily identifiable.  (Photo below courtesy of Mary Scala)  

The Mount Vernon trail was very busy for our ride to Hains Point given that it was a Saturday morning. Once we arrived at the rally point, there was sufficient time to take a lap(s) around Ohio Drive, allowing to reflect how great this park is for its many users.  The golf course was also very busy – it is one of the least expensive courses in the US and a great place to learn how to play golf and refine one’s skills.

The return back to Jones Point was more individualized as some riders routed back to their homes.  The sweeping four riders ended up having lunch in north Old Town, a great way to end the day socializing.

My thanks to all that attended today’s event! 

Leader: Connie Quickstad

Members: Ron Altemus, Pat Colvin, Donaro Gardner, Mark Garrison, Carl Hattery, Oswald Martin, Esther Steward, Gene Villiva

Route: Indian Head Rail Trail heading east from Livingston Rd parking lot to rest stop at White Plains trailhead.  Return westward to ride start.

Weather: High 80’s and humidity was back

AMS: 11-13 depending on the conversations!

Mechanicals/Mishaps: None

Report: We started the ride at 10 since school is back in session and I for one enjoyed that!!  I was filling in for Jackie today who had a bit of an injury to her leg and didn’t want to aggravate it.  We had a great group of riders although we were missing some of our regulars!   It was great catching up with everyone and was wonderful to see Pat Colvin back on her bike!  Her first ride since breaking her ankle earlier this year.  There were a few riders, joggers & walkers.   Not too many wildlife sightings other than one Great Blue Heron, several turtles, and a black snake.  It gave Pat a start because it was going across the trail when she came upon it, as it turns out, she said it was almost the same place where she fell trying to avoid a bird when she fell and broke her ankle.  Thank goodness that didn’t happen again!  I also want to welcome back Donero who was on a fabulous vacation in Europe.  A few of the riders went on to the end of the trail to get some extra miles.  Overall, another great Friday ride and a good way to end the week.  See you next time!

Leader - Joan Oppel

Members - Chantal Briere, Donaro Gardner, Connie Quickstad, Patricia Sanders, Pat Walthers, Bob Thompson

Report -  A beautiful day for a 35 mile ride, temperature ranged from 77 at the start to 80 on the shaded rail trail at the end, low humidity and lots of shaded road sections. The group split up at times and regrouped as some riders off the front waited for a couple of riders in the back having a slower day - a much appreciated gesture. 

Route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50630362

Chantal Briere took the picture at the start - 

Leader:  Ron Altemus

Members:  Pat W, Connie Q, Mary S, Lisa O, Joan O, Jessica H, Amy J, Janell S, Chantal B, Debby B, Jay L, Tony L



Route:  tour of Mason Neck,  starting with an out and back on Belmont Blvd, then using the bike trail to visit. Mason Neck Park.  Continuing on Gunston Road to ride through Hallowing Point and Gunston Manor, then returning to the trail for visits to Gunston Hall and Pohick Bay Regional Park.  Final jaunt to the clubhouse at the golf course just before returning to the start point.

Weather:  fantastic!  Mostly sunny w/blue clouds, temps starting in the low 70s rising to low 80s, hardly noticed 2-5 mph airs, and low humidity/dew point.  Great day for bicycling.

AMS:  swept in the mid 11s, weighted by very very leisurely excursions into Hallowing Point and Gunston Manor and visits to Gunston Hall, Pohick Bay Park and Pohick Bay golf course.

Mechanicals/Mishaps:  one bicycle with a non-functioning front derailleur resulting in the middle chain ring being used exclusively for the ride.  A bit more effort but not a deal breaker.

Report:  a great turnout w/ many "regulars" and a few first timers to riding Mason Neck.  Most of us got 30+ miles by doing the hills at the end of Belmont Blvd and down to the water at Pohick Bay park.

There was a split into a faster group and the rest of us but everyone regrouped at the Mason Neck state park visitor center (picture location) and periodically at other points.  Plenty of other cyclists out riding today though the bigger groups seemed to have an earlier start time as they were heading west as we ventured east.

Thanks to all for coming out, enjoying the ride, and having fun.   

Leader:  Ron Altemus

Members:  Jackie S, Esther S, Paul A, Bob O, Janell S, RL Shadow, Mark G, Connie Q (over Mark's left shoulder), Jay L, Oswald M, Carl H, Gene V



Route: Indian Head Rail Trail, heading east from Livingston Rd parking lot to rest stop at White Plains trailhead, and then returning westward to ride start.

Weather:  Bright sun and cloudless blue skies, temp range of 70-78, 10-12 mph air out of the west, low humidity.  In another words, perfect!

AMS:  varied by rider but probably in the mid 11s/12s

Mechanicals/Mishaps:  none

Report:  Wonderful weather with a great turnout (including Jay who re-upped and is back to bicycling) for today's ride.  Last Friday before school starts next week in Charles County so maybe others were on vacation as like last week, not a lot of additional trail users.

With such great weather, several of us did the entire IHRT, a few looking for ice cream in Indian Head proper.  The stand doesn't open until 1 pm - methinks they should rethink their business plan.  The small market did have ice cream cups for sale - vanilla only, though. 

Not much in the way of wildlife:  lots of kamikaze squirrels all of the sudden; plenty of butterflies on the purple Joe Pye weeds; ever present turtles in the ponds; and, an eagle on the nest near Livingston Road, both outbound and on our return.

Next week, back to a 10 am ride start time with school back in session.

Leader: Connie Quickstad

Members: Ron Altemus, Chantal Briere, Sherwood Byers Sr., Robin Garnett, Patricia Sanders, Jackie Schoch, Tom Short, Bob Thompson and Pat Walthers

Guests: None

Route:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54133983

Weather:  High 70s-mid-80s/high humidity

AMS: Rider leader stayed in the 12-13 range

Mechanicals/Mishaps: None

Report: Great turn out for a Tuesday ride!  Trying to work around the crazy heat & wet summer weather this week.  We’ve had two nights of thunderstorms in southern MD so it was quite steamy for the ride.  We started out at Pisgah Park and easily split into two groups, one faster and the other not too fast!  BTW, they have paved the potholes on Landfill Rd, nice not to have to dodge them.  About seven miles into the ride one of our riders was experiencing some cramping and was not comfortable with the high humidity so decided to shorten their ride.  Traffic was low, we did get some long stretches in the shade as we meandered our way to the Nanjemoy Store for our rest stop.  Caught up with the rest of the group there and hydrated.  Made our way to Hancock Run and a quick pit stop at King James Church before making our way back to the start.  Why is there a climb at the end of the ride??!!!  Anyway, we enjoyed the route and will surely do it again.  See you next time!

P.S.  Note Jackie sporting the Club’s new jersey, looks great!