Members: Janell Saunders, Alan Kurzweil, Mary Edington
Guests: Stephen Cohen
Ride leader: Debby Bowman
Route: 30-39 miles, 1800 feet of climbing for the full route, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17580247
Average speed: 13 mph at the back
Weather: Another great fall weekend -- warm sunshine, cloudless blue skies, temps in the 60s
Mishaps and mechanicals: None
Farm animal roll call: Horses at numerous farms, a donkey, some unimpressed cows, a couple of llamas on Baden Westwood just before the turn to Westwood Rd
Despite the cold temperatures overnight, we had near-perfect weather for a bike ride this afternoon. Even the usually cold North Keys Park was comfortable in the warm sun. Our route was basically a variation on the top half of the Patuxent River Rural Legacy ride, which was the last time yours truly has ridden in the Brandywine area. We began by heading down Martin, Molly Berry and Baden Naylor to Baden Westwood, Westwood and Bald Eagle School, then up Croom and down Tanyard to Nottingham, Fenno and Merkle. After leaving Merkle we rode up St Thomas Church and continued north on Croom. From there the full route went up to Mount Calvert Rd, then down Duvall and Croom Airport Rd all the way to the Jug Bay picnic area for a second stop. The final leg went up Croom Airport and included the Duley Station-Cheltenham-Old Indian Head-Van Brady loop on the way back to Molly Berry, N Keys and the park.
The ride was pleasantly uneventful. We spread out on the hills and then regrouped again at the turns. All five of us enjoyed the first stop at the Merkle visitors' center. After that we split up. Alan and Stephen rode ahead, planning to do the Mount Calvert-Duvall-Croom Airport loop but skipping the down-and-back to the second stop at the picnic area. Mary opted to take the short cut noted on the cue sheet, turning left onto Duley Station from Croom Rd instead of continuing up to Mount Calvert. Janell and I rode the entire route, including a quick stop at Jug Bay.
The Brandywine area is beautiful in the autumn afternoon sun. Thanks to everyone for enjoying it with me on today's ride!
