Leader: Diane Harris
Members: Theresa R, Liam H
Guests: None
Route: Manokeek Village Center to Mount Carmel
Weather: Initially cloudy followed by the sun coming out, temperature a comfortable 64°
AMS: 13.8mph
Mechanicals/Mishaps: None
Report: The 3 of us took advantage of good weather and dry roads to ride to the Mount Carmel Monastery in Port Tobacco, founded in 1790 by four Carmelite Nuns. The route started in Accokeek and along the way took us to Bryan's Road, a portion of the Indian Head Rail Trail, past the beaver lodge near the trail access at Bumpy Oak Road, and the club's trailside bench in memory of our past president Randy Schoch. We exited the trail onto Middletown Road where the vehicle traffic was heavier than expected and were met by one of the 3 climbs of this route. Mitchell Road takes us past the College of Southern Maryland campus to Mount Carmel Road and the Monastery. We enjoyed the quiet of the grounds as we rested, talked, and ate our snacks. Then, the return to Manokeek Village Center by way Hawthorne and Bumpy Oak Roads, the remaining significant climbs of the route. A great way to spend a mild late winter day.
