Leader: Ron Altemus
Members: Pat Walthers, Randy Sims, Janell Saunders, Joan Oppel, Dave Van Ameyden, Patricia Sanders
Route: Casual tour of Mason Neck, visiting Mason Neck Park, Hallowing Point, Gunston Estates, Gunston Hall, and Pohick Bay Parks. Approx. 30 miles, 954' elevation change
Weather: Mostly cloudy though sometimes thinning enough that sunlight filtered through; temps mid 70s to low 80s; 8+ mph air out of the eastern quadrant; unpleasant humidity at start lowering to moist as the day progressed.
AMS: swept in the mid 11s. Others could have been faster
Mechanicals/Mishaps: dropped chain quickly remedied
Report: Other than a little slow in getting everyone started, a pleasant ride with moderate temperatures and decreasing humidity. Randy's first time riding on Mason Neck; the rest of us have done it before but keep coming back because it is a nice ride with some scenic views, a bit of history, and the possibility for some hill work for those desiring same.
Traffic was normal for a Sunday morning/mid-day, which is to say not very much. We didn't see many other riders for whatever reason though the mountain bike parking lot had users for those trails.
The out and back on Belmont Blvd provided an opportunity to see firsthand what is this year's summer attire for the well-dressed garden scarecrow. Janell took "her" picture per the accompany photo :
The trail descent down to High Point Road has gotten a bit more treacherous very close to its end. A couple of tree roots have gotten some size and traveling over them provides enough of a jolt to shake loose any fillings one might still have left in their mouth. The RL will alert the Mt Vernon supervisor, requesting some remedial action.
