Ride leader: Steve Palincsar

Members: Harry Kidd, Doug Lesar, Ron Altemus, Janell Saunders, Vic Caldarola, Martine Palmiter

Guests: Jim Houghton, Walter Green, Steve Wick

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5454859 (57 mi, 1960' elevation gain) & http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5444411 (64 mi, 2234' elevation gain)

Weather: low 70s at the start, rising to 80 by early afternoon; heavily overcast to partly cloudy with sunny spots and blue skies between the clouds, to dark ominous-looking clouds, shifting every few minutes and every few miles from one to the other in succession.  In all, a great day for riding, and proof that it pays to shop for a good weather forecast (sometimes), and further proof that when they buckle down to work rather than having spitball fights in the break room, the weather forecasters can get it absolutely correct once in a while.

Mishaps & mechanicals: it was a great day for flats.  Not too surprising, considering last night's rain and the fact that we were on Chicamuxen for 4 miles (it's well known, if you're going to get a flat chances are it will be on either Chicamuxen or Hawthorne, and today Chicamuxen took the honors). 

It began for the CC group at the first rest stop at Scott's Store.  We had our break, and when Vic and Martine (who had started late) arrived Doug, Jim Walter and I decided to wait for them.  As they were getting ready, somebody noticed that Jim's back tire was flat.  A lengthy and not atypical CO2 adventure followed (nothing quite so dramatic as that time on Chicamuxen the guy's inflator exploded, but a nice POOFFFF!! of gas followed by "Oh, I guess that is how it works...") during which time Vic and Martine continued on together.

On Chicamuxen just before the intersection with Smallwood Church we came upon Steve Perakis and a small group of B riders, one of whom was fixing a flat tire.   My group had decided they were doing the 57 mile route, so we continued on to Sweetman and then headed back towards Pisgah on Bicknell. 

Before long, I noticed a distinct lack of directional stability, the bike steering itself around at random.  Hope that I could make it to the Pisgah Store quickly faded and I stopped.  Front flat, small piece of glass.  Same as Tuesday (same bike, same wheel, same cause) but this time not nearly so convenient a location.  As I was finishing up, Harry Kidd rolled up and gave me a hand with the bike.  He told me that flat we saw being fixed at Smallwood Church was that rider's third flat for the day.  

AMS: 14.1.  Last year this might have been considered "Barely B" but not in 2014.

Leader: Steve Perakis      

Members: Jocelyn Herrington, Phillip Mitchell, Mike Bevins, , Larry Peed, Jim McPherson, Jerry Reynolds, Robert Smith, Pano Giannotis, John Harris, Ryan Dono?, and Vernon Daley

Guests: Stefanie Isley, Kyle Phillips

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5444411 (64 mi, 2234' elevation gain)

Weather: 65 to 75 degrees, overcast.

AMS: Reports at rest stops were between 17 to 18. For those of us pulling up the rear, I have no idea.  I can only report the average speed (total distance/total time (including rest stop time and time to repair the flats) the way we were taught in high school math and physics courses: 9.8. As you know, there is no need for bike-based technology to determine average speed.

Mechanicals/Mishaps: Three flats: one by Jim, and two by Ryan, the latter were within 2 miles of one another.  Luckily, my handy SAG bag, a.k.a. a backpack had spare inner-tubes which kept us moving.

Report: I can’t imagine better riding weather, 65 to 75 degrees and overcast.  A spirited group of 14 riders came out for a Steve Palincsar inspired piggyback ride.  As Steve reported in his ride, our bad luck with flats meant that the CC riders passed us by.  There were no issues to report.  Thank you for the pleasant and enjoyable ride.  

We did a 39 mile version of Steve Palincsar's 57/64 mile ride. Starting at Pisgah Firehouse, we intended to meet Steve's group 2 miles into our ride. We decided to continue on and not wait for Steve's group. My ride was joined by riders: Reginald Stokes, Sharon Miller, Chuck G, Walter M, M Johnson. We did meet up with Steve's group twice and the ride went well.

Ride leader: Randy Schoch (Jackie was helping Gretchen move into her new home in Greenbelt).

Members: Mia Haynes and Vicki Garlich

Guests: None

Weather: An overcast morning in the 70's and light sprinkle of rain.

Route: Mia and I made it to the OHBC bench (near the Old Woman's Run) at the 8 mile point and with the light rain decided to abort and return. Vicki had gone on ahead and we didn't see her again. We saw Bob Moye twice and several others walking and riding braving the rain but no wildlife except squirrels and birds.

Mishaps & mechanicals: Mia was experiencing a creaking sound as she peddled and decided to take the bike to Bike Doctor for an exam first chance she got.

AMS: About 12 mph

Future Friday Rides will be a Trail/Road Combo 22+ miles.

Ride Leader: Sam Perry

Members: Darryl Lowry, Mike Bivens, Linda Bankerd, Vernon Daley, Larry Peed, Norm Lisy, Robert Smith, Jim Hudnall, Daniel Lanokea, Paige Martin, Paul Bankerd , Sonja Newman, Jay Lewis.

Route: Merkle, River Airport & Nottingham 35miles

Between the B class and CC class we  had a great turnout for today's ride crafted by Steve Palincsar.

The weather was outstanding again, low Seventies at ride start. The route was hill challenging ( for those of us who believe in southern MD hills) with two rest stops. The fast group kept together with only a slight decline in average speed, while the ride leader swept the rear with a barely B average.  As promised, I rode down River Farm Rd and back up, there were witnesses.  The CC group met with us at each of the rest stops Merkle and Nothingham Store.  We had two new riders come out for today's ride and they were impressed with our club and how we conducted our rides. Both hope to become frequent riders with us.  Although Linda signed for Paul, he rode with the CC group. I did notice a smile on Steve's face when Linda groaned about the last five miles of the route including Martins Rd.  But we had fun with it.

Photos

Ride leader: Steve Palincsar

Members: Patricia Sanders, Harry Kidd, Sonja Newman, Jay Lewis, Tom Roberson, Joan Oppel, Ron Altemus

Guests: Daniel Zavolka

Weather: remarkable early September weather, low 70s at start to low 80s by early afternoon; sunny.

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5429460  35.5 mi, 1763' of elevation gain  Rolling (although some seemed to have been of the opinion that there hills in abundance) with many rural views.  Who knew there was tobacco growing on Croom Road?

Mishaps & mechanicals: none

AMS: 12.8 for the "main" CC group

Ride report: a thoroughly enjoyable day.  Today Sam led the A/B group on the same route the CC's took, one I put together for the occasion.  When I posted the ride, the route hadn't been devised.  I said then, "There's plenty of beautiful rural riding in the Brandywine area, and this ride will explore some of it. One thing for sure: we're not going to Malcolm or Gallant Green."  As promised, we stayed away from the flat part of Brandywine, visiting instead in the most rural section close to the Patuxent, a mini "Best of the Rural Legacy" with official rest stops at the Merkle Sanctuary and the Nottingham Store and a brief "visit the cornfield, enjoy the view, let Jim get a photo and get ready for the climb back" stop at the end of the pavement on River Airport, in sight of the Patuxent River.

The highlight of the day for me had to be seeing Sam down at the bottom of River Airport Road, first time he's actually gone down there: "Get a good look," he said, "you'll never see me here again!" -- and that was before that little climb (7/10 mi, 120', max grade 8.4% for about 100 feet).  But the scenery is so very pretty there: the view of the Patuxent over the green fields as you make the left turn and start your descent is breathtaking... but don't look too long, things intensify very shortly afterwards and you do need to pay attention! 

Joan has a theory that at least for the short distances we have between rest stops, only a few minutes separate the B and CC groups.  I'm not sure how much in advance of us the A/B group was today, but we did see them coming up River Airport as we turned onto it, and we were all together at Merkle.  The A contingent might have left the Nottingham store by the time the CC's arrived, but several of the B's were there while we were.

Photos

Category: Open
Class: A, AA/1-3
Distance: 26.7mi
Gain: 703ft
Max Grade: 6.2%
Rest Stops: None
Founders: Benny Budd and Joni King
Support: OHBTC and Paul Bales/Casey Jones Restaurant
Motto: “For the love of the people and the ride” - Michael Blaine
Ride Leader: Scott Walker
Riders:  Steve Koegle, Brad Francisco, Zack Peacock, Steve Wilk, Cy Tandy, Jon Agazzi, Jason Hendricks, Chris Zabriskie, Paul Bales, Mike Dent, Alan Canfield
Weather:  Beautiful, 79, no humidity, light winds
AMS:    Leaders    21.7mph (Brad, Steve K., Scott)
           Chase-1    20.6mph
           Chase-2    20.1mph
           Chase-3    19.6mph
           Sweep      18.4mph
Mishaps: None
Mechanicals:  None                        
Report:  A good turnout on this gorgeous evening with eighteen B/A/AA riders. 

Welcome to Steve Koegle who came out to try his first CJE!  We’ve been riding with Steve for some time but he’s not been able to make this ride until now.  Steve’s a strong rider and tonight (to no surprise) he finished with the leaders.  Great to have you with us on the CJE Steve.

Super to have Cy Tandy and Lou D’Allorso back tonight for a second go! (Lou signed on with the Bs for this ride).

Blake is on vacation and was out this week, but will be back for next week‘s ride.  I’ll be on vacation with family in Duluth, Minnesota next week but Blake and Karen will lead.

This week’s play-by-play:  The A/AA group remains intact all the way to Rt-6.  We splinter up the hill into Port Tobacco (mi 5.5 on the course profile above) but nine reform the line behind Brad by the time we reach the Blue Dog Saloon.

We splitter again on the climb into Welcome (mi 9.5).  As I move across Welcome Rd I pass Lou and he takes my wheel.   We turn onto Fire Tower and tuck behind Zack’s massive slipstream.  Four leaders are off the front.  The Big Man, Zack goes to work and pulls the leaders to within 100 meters.  I drop to the aero's, take the pull and surge to 27 with Zack right behind.  We pull in the leaders within 45 seconds.  Six leaders now make turn onto Annapolis Woods.   Lou is off the back (nice effort with the leaders today Lou)! 

We pace-line across Annapolis, Ripley and onto Hawthorne.  Five leaders are still intact.  Mike M. (from the B's) is off the back (Great effort up in front, Mike…you’re looking very strong)!

On the final climb up Locust Grove (mi 22.5), Brad eases off the front 30 meters.  Steve K. and I respond and pull him back in by the turn onto Old Stagecoach.  We trade pulls back to the CJR, with Steve W. and the Big Man not far behind in the chase-1 position.

I love this ride!  See ya on the 13th…

Ride Leader:  Shane LaBrake

Date:  30 July 2013

Ride Name:  Tour de Accokeek

Ride Distance:  About 17 miles

Average Speed of the Ride:  Ride Leader averaged 15.4 over 20.7 miles (I backtrack a lot).  A few riders were in the 13 - 14 range, and I'm quite certain there were a few riding 17.0+.

Ride Class:  C and Up

Ride Route:  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5440782

Elevation Profile Image:  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5440782/elevation_profile

Guest Riders:  None

Member Riders:  Kirsten Watts; Majesta Hartley; Jackie Schoch; Randy Schoch; Reginald Stokes; Sherwood Byers; Ryan Steadman; Mayra Cora; Vernon Daley; James Denmark; Sam Carts; Eric Petersen; Mark Wimbush; Brian Taylor; and Brookey Givens.   

Weather:  Is this September?  Absolutely amazing - for the end of July in Southern Maryland.  Starting temp of 79F with low humidity, and the temp at the end of the ride was 74F.  A light breeze, but no strong headwind.  Truly wonderful weather.  Excellent summer evening riding weather, and payback for all of the rainy Wednesdays earlier this year!

Mishaps and Mechanicals:  None to report. 

Report:  Sixteen club members came to ride the Tour on a beautiful Wednesday evening - the last of July 2014!

Is this payback?  After so many cancelled rides earlier in the season due to rain or forecast thunderstorms, the weather tonight was truly wonderful - and very rare - for this time of year here in Southern Maryland.   It made the ride all the more fun.

As per the usual, the stronger riders set a fast pace early.  I think I saw Ryan, Eric and Sam take the lead. 

Both Majesta and Mark rode to the ride start (as did Brookey), and they waited for Brian Taylor to arrive, and started well after the rest of the group.  I have a hunch they made great time to the river rest stop.    

This was the first Tour ride for Mayra Cora and Vernon Daley.  Welcome to both of you, and we hope to see you again. 

The rest of us were Tour regulars and took our usual place in the line.  Both Reggie and Kirsten continue to improve, each averaging near to, or over, 15 mph as their ams.

Sam was riding strong after his return to Accokeek from the Bon Ton Roulet ride in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State last week.  Sam - maybe you can write a report about this ride for the newsletter?  Sam works for me, and I was happy to learn that he was cycling through some of my old cycling territory.  

A great ride was had by all!

Thanks to OHBTC Road Captain Eric Petersen for mapping the route on "Ride with GPS" (he is much more tech savvy than your humble correspondent).  The link will be included in all future ride postings. 

Ride Leader:  Robert Smith

Date:  30 July 2013

Ride Name:  Casey Jones Express Alt 2 B Version

Ride Distance:  26.4 miles

Average Speed of the Ride:  Ride Leader averaged 15.5

Guest Riders:  Lisha Peacock

Member Riders: Larry Peed, Mike Wilson, Lou Dallorso, Mike McCahill. 

Weather:  Absolutely amazing - for the end of July in Southern Maryland.  Starting temp of 79F with low humidity, and the temp at the end of the ride was 74F.  A light breeze, but no strong headwind.  Truly wonderful weather!

Mishaps and Mechanicals:  None to report. 

Report:  All of the riders on the the B sign in sheet stayed with the A group except Lisha and I. She had a brand new Trek road bike and we enjoyed a 15.5 AMS on the alternate route. We both agreed the alt route is a little more difficult than the normal route but still offers some great views of SoMD. All in all a wonderful Wed afternoon of cycling.

“Keep Crankin”

Rob

 Ride Leader: Mike Bivens

Class: B

Members: Larry Peed, Diane Harris, Jay Lewis, Jon Agazzi, Teresa Martin, Richard Harrington, Sam Perry, Vernon Daley, Lou Dallorso, and Jim Hudnall     

Ride Name: Southern Exposure (Straights and Narrows)

Distance: 39.5 miles.  AMS ranged from upper 16s to upper 15s.  Ride leader, sweeping the group from the rear, averaged 15.9.  Lou rode to the start from home and added at least another 25 miles.  Richard, leaving for FL early this afternoon, turned around at the rest stop to retrace giving him 36 miles for the day.  And Jon, also riding from and returning home, left us on 210 to get on Chapman’s Landing.   

Weather: Another almost perfect day to be riding a bike.  Temperatures ranged from low to mid 70s; moderate humidity; and a light breeze.  Hard to believe it’s the end of July.  This was almost early fall riding weather.

Ride Report:  Today’s ride had long stretches of straights (Livingston, Chickamuxen, Riverside, Post Tobacco Road and Mason Springs) and a few narrows (from four to two lanes on Chickamuxen and Port Tobacco Roads).  With the exception of 210, all other roads were two lanes.  Very, very light traffic. The first rest stop was at the Namjemoy Store at mile 18.4.  We were welcomed by the owner.  Stock is still being replenished (honey buns instead of Clif Bars).  While there were drinks and ice cream, there was no public restroom.  Quick stop at the Namjemoy Community Center helped alleviate building pressures.  All decided to stop at the optional second rest stop (Pisgah Store, mile 30.8), where the CC riders (3) riding a different route, met us.  With the long straights, and everyone riding a low A/high B pace, most of the group was visible from the rear.  A lot of sharing of pulls, plenty of rollers, and very few hills, combined with remarkable weather, made for one of the most enjoyable rides of the summer.

Mechanicals/Incidents: Jay Lewis had a rear flat two miles from the end of the ride on 210.  No other mechanicals and no incidents.