Leader: Sonja Newman

Members: Lou D. Pat S. Tom S. David V. Denny M.

Guests: none

Route: Starbucks Express Manokeek Village Shopping Center

Total Distance: 27

Riders: 6 

Mechanicals/Mishaps: Flat tire, Rear cable issue

Report: ‍️ Bike Ride Report – Saturday, August 23

On a bright Saturday morning, five fellow bike members joined me for a scenic and spirited 27-mile ride. We kicked off our journey from the Manokeek Village Shopping Center, right near Starbucks, energized and ready to roll.

Our route took us toward Route 228, with our first turn onto Mill Hill Road—a stretch that proved to be more challenging than some remembered. Before the ride, Tom advised Pat to shift into her smallest gear ring, warning that the hill ahead was deceptively tough. Pat, recalling a previous ride, didn’t remember it being so bad—but as we approached the incline together, she surged ahead effortlessly while I climbed at a more modest, snail-like pace.

Lou, ever the enthusiast, decided to double down on the challenge. After conquering the hill, he turned around and tackled it again—something he would repeat later on Bumpy Oak Road.

We regrouped near North Point High School and continued onto Middletown Road, where we met up with our sixth rider, Denny, at McDaniel Road. The rolling hills of McDaniel gave way to increased speed and a bit of separation among the group, which continued onto St. Patrick’s Road.

It was here that Pat experienced a flat tire. She and David stopped immediately, and I turned around upon noticing they were no longer behind me. I attempted to reach the others to inform them but couldn’t make contact. I returned to assist with the repair, which was successful—until Pat discovered a rear brake cable issue (or something similar) shortly after.

Just then, Tom, Lou, and Denny returned, looking for us—a huge shoutout to them for coming back! At that point, Pat decided to head back to the starting point. I offered to accompany her, but Tom kindly volunteered to ride back with her.

I continued on and completed the ride with David, Denny and Lou. The day couldn't have been more perfect for a bike ride - clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and great company. It was truly a ride to remember.

Highlights:

• Total Distance: 27 miles
• Riders: 6
• Starting Point: Manokeek Village Shopping Center
• Notable Roads: Mill Hill, Middletown, McDaniel, St. Patrick’s, Bumpy Oak
• Challenges: Steep hills, flat tire, brake issue
• Team Spirit: Strong! Riders regrouped and supported each other throughout

Leader:  Susan Altemus (not Sue or Suzie!)

Members: Don Gardner, Leesha Saunders, Fran Jezisek, Mark Garrison, Carl Hattery, Esther Stewart



Route:   Indian Head Rail Trail

Weather:   GORGEOUS!

AMS:   probably 12-13 mph

Mechanicals/Mishaps:  none

Report:  This was my first time as ride leader.  We all gathered at Livingston to begin our ride.  Our early bird, Esther, rode to the start of the trail at Indian Head and was back at Livingston by the nine o'clock ride start, adding six miles to her ride.  The rest of us rode the twenty miles for our total. 

The weather was beautiful with a slight breeze, blue skies, and comfortable temperatures.  We all rode at our own pace visiting with one another along the way.  At White Plains riders shared interesting events or fun things that are happening in their lives.  We headed back to Livingston without a headwind for an enjoyable ride.  Mark said that he was worried that he would get lost, but that I did a good job making sure he got back to his car safely.  Hopefully our trusty ride leader, Ron, will be back next Friday.  See everyone next week!  Happy Trails!!

24/25 registered riders started at Strasburg RR for our simply terrific and delicious annual pre Covered Bridges Ride. 

• Acs, Greg
• Ade, Catherine
• Bankerd, Linda
• Bouterie, Larry
• Brown, Douglas
• Brown Susanne
• Butcher, Barbara
• Byers, Sherwood
• Goodwin, Ellen
• Hirschhorn, Jessica
• Kidd, Harry (Thank you for your generous SWEEP)
• Lightfoot, Lois
• Mccullough, Renee
• Miller, Cathy
• Miller, Ed
• Morgan, Karen
• Morgan, Taylor
• Oppel, Joan
• Palincsar, Steve
• Roscello, Walt
• Sanders, Patricia
• Sommers, Andrew and guest
• Wittenberg, Anne

The weather was wonderful, somewhat cooler (until the last hour) with a comfortable cloud cover, but still with  yucky 80%humidity. 

We started out at Strasburg RR, following our regular annual 45 mile route with rest stops at Leola Park, Sheetz, and Lapp's Dairy. 

The Lancaster scenery, with stunning farmland and hundreds of acres of verdant farmland (corn, soy, tobacco) was a treat for all.  

Bitzer's Bridge was closed to traffic but open to cyclists and pedestrians (see photo). 

There were no mechanicals or flats.  One rider was felled by the heat a few miles from the end and got a ride back to the RR. 

It was a simply wonderful day enjoyed by all. 

Leader: Sonja Newman

Members: Luis D. Pat C. Liam H. Tom 

Weather: mix of cloudy and sunny skies

Guest: none

AMS: 13 - 14

Mechanicals/Mishps: none

REPORT AUGUST 16

On August 16, five riders gathered at the Manokeek Village Shopping Center  to embark on a scenic  26.5 - mile bike ride. Before setting off, the group briefly discussed the possibility  of extending the ride by an additional 6 miles to reach the Potomac River and return. However, upon reaching Indian Head, the decision was made to forgo the extension and head back to the starting point.

The ride began under a beautiful mix of cloudy and sunny skies, with all riders starting out together. At one point, I was briefly separated from the group due to a stoplight, while the others continued ahead. I continued riding solo until I reached the intersection of Billingsley Road and Middletown Road, where I saw Pam waiting patiently. Before realizing she was there, I had been standing on the corner,  also waiting.

Once Pam and I connected, we rode together until we reached the trail, where Lou, Liam, and Tom were waiting. From that point on, the group reunited and rode back together, maintaining a close formation with no more than a quarter to 1/2 mile of separation between riders.

The ride was a great blend of camaraderie, scenic views, and light adventure,  making for a memorable day on the bikes.

Leader: Walt Roscello

Members: Steve Palincsar, Pat Sanders, Catherine Ade, Joan Oppel, Suzanne and Doug Brown, and Lois Lightfoot

Route: From the western trailhead, down the trail to Quarryville, a brief loop to the shopping center, then return

Weather: Not bad, hot but not oppressive, but better if you keep moving

AMS: 13 mph or below on packed gravel chips

Mechanicals/Mishaps: None

Report: This was a pleasant ride on a trail with a good unpaved surface, some unique views and points of interest, and still some shady spots at midday.

The first 8 miles are along the Susquehanna river but around 75 feet above it, providing continuous views and some small streams and waterfalls on the cliff side.  This section also includes views of the Safe Harbor dam, and crosses the long, curving, Safe Harbor trestle.  Here is an example view captured by Steve:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/97916047@N00/54728683167/in/photostream/

When the trail turns to run eastward, it mostly stays within wooded embankments which thankfully are close enough to sometimes shade the trail even near noon.  After crossing the rebuilt Martic Forge trestle the trail turns quiet providing an 8 mile peaceful ride.

We exited at the west end of Quarryville for a less than half-mile jaunt to the nearest shopping center in quest of nourishment.  While the Browns opted for by-the-slice pizza, the rest of us found various choices in the deli and fruit stands in the Giant grocery.  Unfortunately there were no nearby seats so we had a standing lunch with the pallets of firewood as tables.  The leader then 'encouraged' everyone to go check out the ice cream stand across the road where additional calories were enjoyed.

The return was a retrace of the first half, a bit faster and a bit hotter but still with some cooling from our motion.  A few additional information panels were read about various events along the railroad, and we saw additional rock climbers in the designated sections of cliff alongside the trail.  

Overall everyone was happy with this ride.  The trail surface was a bit better than I had anticipated, and the weather a bit more tolerable as well.  The trail is practically (but not quite) flat so it was a relatively easy start to the three days of riding that many had planned.

(Who has the group photo at the ice cream break on their phone/camera?)

Leader:  Lou Dall'Orso

Members:  none

Guests:  none

Route:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51730263

Weather:  Mid 70s and overcast to start, 80s with a mix of sun and clouds mid ride through the finish with rising humidity.

AMS: Right about 15 mph

Mechanicals/Mishaps: none

Report:  Had 3 riders signed up for the ride, but they fell out before the start, so I decided to add a few miles and meet the CCs who were scheduled to start at the same time from Indian Head coming my way via the Rail Trail, and were sharing the first part of the ride for the first few miles. Did that, and chatted with a couple of them until they turned off on Stuckey from Poorhouse, and I continued to a left on Mason Springs for the loop. Made the rest stop at the King James Church for the first time, as as had skipped it on previous versions, continued on to a rest stop at Mallows Bay Park, and then a final push to Chickamuxen and the car. Ended up with maybe 55 miles or so.

Leader:  Jackie Schoch

Members:  Sonja Newman, Ron and Susan Altemus, Donaro Gardner, Vicki Garlock, Robin Garnett, Stephen Palincsar, and Connie Quickstad.

Route:   http://ridewithgps.com/routes47419189

Weather:  Cloudy, 76 degrees Feels like 78 degree Humidituy 88% Wind 3.0 mi/h from South

AMS:   varied significantly by rider

Mechanicals/Mishaps:  None

Report:  What a wonderful day for a bike ride.  It was great having Susan Altemus on a club ride beside Fridays.  It was Vicki Garlock first road trip with her new electric bike.  Connie Quickstad is getting stronger with her bicycle riding.  We took a little side trip and saw a Fairy House.  It was really nice to see what someone did to a stump.

The rest stop at Smallwood State Park was really nice.  The park has put out more chairs which made it nice for everyone.

Leader: Deb Reynolds, substitute for Steve P. 

Members: 12 members were present: Joan, Lou, Carol, Susan, Bob, Chantel, Tom, Ray, Pat, Ron, Lois, and Deb

Only some are in the photo

https://www.flickr.com/photos/154500031@N05/54712764066/in/dateposted-public/#

Guests: 

Route: 43 miles from Wayson's Corner.  Sands, Chalkpoint and Deale

Weather: fantastic day!  Clear, not too hot.  Started about 70° F and ended about 86° F.

AMS: varied significantly 

Mechanicals/Mishaps: a near miss at a turn between 2 cyclists, but no one fell and all were good.

Report: today was a great day for riding. Nice route, a few hills nothing too bad and really nice views of the bay.  A good time was had by all.

https://flic.kr/ps/3mwwLt

Leader:  Ron Altemus

Members & Guest:  Susan Altemus, Fran Jezisek, Howard Wilson (guest), Robin Garnett, Jackie Schoch, Donaro Gardner, Connie Quikstad, Vicki Garlock, Mark Garrison, Leesha Saunders, Carl Hattery.  Not pictured (late arrivals):  Pat Colvin, Darryl Meyer   

 
Route:   Friday's fav - Indian Head Rail Trail from Livingston Rd parking lot east to White Plains trail head for a rest stop.  Return retraced the IHRT back to the start.

Weather:   another most excellent day.  Partly sunny giving way to mostly sunny w/temp range of 70-78 degrees, very low humidity, and 5-7 mph air out of the east

AMS:   varied significantly by rider

Mechanicals/Mishaps:  none

Report:  a big turnout matched by high numbers of other cyclists on the trail today, especially between Bensville and White Plains.   There were quite a few groups, ranging from 3 to 5+ riders.  Of course, our group spread out considerably, so maybe to others, we also looked like small groups of riders.  Usual number of walkers and/or joggers.  

We welcomed Vicki back to our Friday rides.  She has a new Urtopia ebike that she really enjoys.  Howard was a guest and also enjoyed today's ride.  Minimal wildlife sightings as only a couple of deer were seen on the western part of the trail.

Leader: Steve Palincsar

Members: Tom Short, Sonja Newman, Lou Dall'Orso, Harry Kidd, Sam Perry

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52083886  Newly drafted for the occasion, but the sort of route we used to do very often in the past: Candy Hill from Molly Berry to Nottingham, Tanyard across Croom to Baden Naylor, Baden Westwood and Horsehead to the Five Points at Malcolm, then Mt Pleasant and Woodville to a rest stop at the Moreland Market.   After the break we continued on Woodville to Dr Mudd, Poplar Hill and St Peters Church, across Bee Oak onto Dent and onto Cedarville.  Going left at the Cedarville Deli we took Ashbox to Brandywine and Gibbons Church to North Keys back to the park.  32 miles, 1189' elevation gain.

Weather: Sunny and windy.  A chill-feeling 72 at the start rose to the low 80s, seemingly during our rest stop at the (newly repaved and featuring a newly installed set of Marathon gas pumps) Moreland Market.  Wind held constant at 8-9 mph, although it felt a lot stronger when we were riding on Brandywine Rd.

Mishaps & mechanicals: During the break at Morelands Sonja came in with a loose Speedplay cleat: loose because she had lost one of the four screws that hold the cleat to the shoe.  I carry Sidi cleat screws, but they didn't fit, being too large in diameter; but I also carry a Phillips and a Torx screwdriver, and with them we tightened down the remaining screws so she could finish (and unclip from the cleat) safely.

AMS: 13.2

Report: a pleasant ride on a nostalgic route.  Some leaders have in recent years avoided riding on Cedarville Rd out of fear for dump trucks; we saw half a dozen going in the opposite direction, but none going in our direction and none passed us today. Some sections of Brandywine Rd have new pavement and newly-paved shoulders as well, which was a treat.