Leader: Ron Altemus
Members: Chantal Briere, Lisa Oken, Gene Villiva, Connie Quickstad
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40798783 30 miles, 954' elevation change Casual tour of Mason Neck, visiting Mason Neck Park, Hallowing Point, Gunston Manor, Gunston Hall, and Pohick Bay Parks.
Weather: temp range of 51-57; cloudy with one brief sun appearance; intermittent 10-12 air out of the SW (some stretches noticeable, others seemed calm regardless of directionality). Another one of those days were it seemed colder than the registered temperatures!
AMS: low 11s for ride leader's combination of being in front or sweeping
Mechanicals/Mishaps: none
Report: "Better than staying at home" was one rider's comment regarding the weather. Nice congenial group, staying together almost the entire ride. Chantal's first ride of 2026 though she rode like had been out on the bike everyday. Also her first time on Mason Neck.
Wildlife sightings featured Bald Eagles - one soaring above Belmont Bay at the Mason Neck State Park visitor's center, several spotted over Pohick Bay as we toured Gunston Manor. Additionally, a great blue heron was observed wading along the shoreline just below the visitor's center
