Leader: Ron Altemus
Members: Jackie & Randy Schoch
Route: From the Northern Senior Center, we took the 3NT north into Charles County and Deborah Lane before turning and riding south to John Baggett Park. After a short rest stop, we returned on the trail back to our start.
Weather: A very nice day for the 11th of January featuring cloudless blue skies with plenty of sunshine; temps starting in the low 40s and maybe reaching 50 by ride's end; air movement from the SW quadrant, 5 mph early and closer to 10 mph by the finish.
AMS: maybe 11ish(?)
Mechanicals/Mishaps: none
Report: We only saw three, maybe four, other bicyclists today, with a fair number of walkers, mostly near the start or Baggett Park. Perhaps perceived temperatures were too low for many riders or it could be that they knew of the trail conditions. The Tuesday storm's high winds had littered the trail with countless small branches, gum balls, and other debris. Unlike Charles County and the Indian Head Rail Trail, St Mary's County does not have designated staff for 3NT trail maintenance. We spoke with a Parks employee at Baggett Park who said he had alerted higher-ups to the need of having the trail blown off but they are short staffed and said employee is the only one covering most of the parks in that part of the County. Thus, we spent most of the ride zigging and zagging to avoid the clutter on the trail but it did make for an interesting though slower ride.
