TE-DC Canal Ride

[HillSlugger]

Would anyone be interested in a TE-DC ride on the C&O canal? Saturday's are currently best for me, but Sunday is also a possibility.

I'm especially hoping to meet Zen and F8th and the others that I've only met on line.

What about Saturday June 21?

Nicole

[F8th637]

June 21st works for me as well, Nicole. Would love to meet you and the rest of the crew since I've only met Zen in person.

[ny biker]

I would like to join you but will be en route to NY for my parents' 50th anniversary party.

Have fun!

[7rider]

I really need to spend some long miles on the C&O on the Big Buzz, but I don't think June will work for me for that.
Have fun if you all do go....

[dingster1]

Can't make that one!! :( I have planned on doing Whites Ferry to Harpers Ferry this summer though, maybe in July when I get back from SC.

[Possegal]

Probably a very stupid question, but I've never biked the canal so I have to ask - this is something I would need my hybrid for I presume, rather than my road bike?

[F8th637]

As long as you have wider tires on that road bike you should be ok. The path is mostly crushed gravel and some tree roots here and there. At least for the sections I've been on it. Don't forget you can rent hybrids cheaply too in the area.

[HillSlugger]

All: I threw out June 21 because it looked good on my calendar. If it's no good for you, please suggest and alternative.

Possegal: If your bike can take 28mm semi knobby tires you'd be ok on it. Otherwise, you'll be better on your hybrid. I'll be on a flat bar road bike with 30mm tires. Kalidurga rides the canal on a cyclocross bike.

[divingbiker]

I'll be out of town June 14/15 and 21/22, and Cycle Across Maryland is July 26-27, but other than that I'm around and would love to do a canal ride.

[F8th637]

I'm out of town June 14/15th too and June 28/29. I'm also out the last week of July.

[Zen]

I'm not going anywhere.
In fact, I'm riding out of Williamsport tomorrow and north out of Hancock sometime in the coming month.

Be there or be...not there.

[juliemcd]

I'd love to meet up and do a ride--I'm out of town on June 21, my summer schedule is kind of crazy, now that I think of it. I'm in town the weekend of June 28th, July 26th, and Augst 16th and August 21st.
I have a road bike, also, so am not sure if the Canal would be great for my bike, although the paved portion would be fine.

[Zen]

I have two spare canal bikes...

[7rider]

Don't forget....
The Oxon Hill Patuxent River Rural Legacy Ride is Saturday June 7th.
See: http://ohbike.org/events/rural_legacy_eflyer.html
I intend to do the metric. It's a really nice ride...anyone gonna be there?

As for the C&O....
The weekend of the 14th I could probably do a ride.
Not the 21st or 28th.

[ny biker]

Don't forget....
The Oxon Hill Patuxent River Rural Legacy Ride is Saturday June 7th.
See: http://ohbike.org/events/rural_legacy_eflyer.html
I intend to do the metric. It's a really nice ride...anyone gonna be there?


I will be there - not sure yet if I'm doing the metric or 46. I've been having minor knee problems and I don't want to make them major knee problems that could derail my training for the Livestrong ride. So I will probably decide at the last minute, or possibly during the ride itself. But I will definitely be there!

[HillSlugger]

OK canal fans, if you would like to ride, please state your availability for:

Saturday June 21: MDHillSlug
Sunday June 22: MDHillSlug

Saturday June 28: MDHillSlug
Sunday June 29: MDHillSlug

Saturday July 12: MDHillSlug
Sunday June 13: MDHillSlug

[7rider]

OK canal fans, if you would like to ride, please state your availability for:



Saturday June 21: MDHillSlug
Sunday June 22: MDHillSlug

Saturday June 28: MDHillSlug
Sunday June 29: MDHillSlug; 7rider

Saturday July 12: MDHillSlug; 7rider
Sunday June 13: MDHillSlug; 7rider

Obviously...only one of those 2 weekend days....if we go Saturday, I won't ride again on sunday..

[Zen]

Saturday June 21: MDHillSlug
Sunday June 22: MDHillSlug
definite yes for those

Tentative for these, depends on work
Saturday June 28: MDHillSlug
Sunday June 29: MDHillSlug; 7rider

Saturday July 12: MDHillSlug; 7rider
Sunday June 13: MDHillSlug; 7rider

[F8th637]

Saturday June 21: MDHillSlug; zencentury; f8th637
Sunday June 22: MDHillSlug; zencentury; f8th637

Saturday June 28: MDHillSlug; zencentury (tentative)
Sunday June 29: MDHillSlug; 7rider; zencentury (tentative)

Saturday July 12: MDHillSlug; 7rider; f8th637
Sunday June 13: MDHillSlug; 7rider; f8th637

[Zen]

Saturday June 21: MDHillSlug; zencentury; f8th637
Sunday June 22: MDHillSlug; zencentury; f8th637

Saturday June 28: MDHillSlug; zencentury (tentative)
Sunday June 29: MDHillSlug; 7rider; zencentury (tentative)

Saturday July 12: MDHillSlug; 7rider; f8th637, ZenMaybe
Sunday June 13: MDHillSlug; 7rider; f8th637, ZenMaybe

[Zen]

Look what I saw today
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Deer1-1-1.jpg

I also saw a mullet :eek:

[divingbiker]

Saturday June 21: MDHillSlug; zencentury; f8th637
Sunday June 22: MDHillSlug; zencentury; f8th637

Saturday June 28: MDHillSlug; zencentury (tentative); divingbiker
Sunday June 29: MDHillSlug; 7rider; zencentury (tentative); divingbiker

Saturday July 12: MDHillSlug; 7rider; f8th637, ZenMaybe; divingbiker
Sunday June 13: MDHillSlug; 7rider; f8th637, ZenMaybe; divingbiker

[juliemcd]

Saturday June 21: MDHillSlug; zencentury; f8th637
Sunday June 22: MDHillSlug; zencentury; f8th637

Saturday June 28: MDHillSlug; zencentury (tentative); divingbiker, juliemcd
Sunday June 29: MDHillSlug; 7rider; zencentury (tentative); divingbiker, juliemcd

Saturday July 12: MDHillSlug; 7rider; f8th637, ZenMaybe; divingbiker
Sunday June 13: MDHillSlug; 7rider; f8th637, ZenMaybe; divingbiker

I'd love to borrow a hybrid, but could also rent one...I'm 5 ft.

[Possegal]

Saturday June 21: MDHillSlug; zencentury; f8th637; Possegal (possibly)
Sunday June 22: MDHillSlug; zencentury; f8th637; Possegal (possibly)

Saturday June 28: MDHillSlug; zencentury (tentative); divingbiker
Sunday June 29: MDHillSlug; 7rider; zencentury (tentative); divingbiker

Saturday July 12: MDHillSlug; 7rider; f8th637, ZenMaybe; divingbiker; Possegal
Sunday July 13: MDHillSlug; 7rider; f8th637, ZenMaybe; divingbiker; Possegal

I may have to get my hybrid and put the original tires back on. I'm picking it up today from an overhaul and new slick tires, so my niece can use it for the Livestrong Challenge in August. I'm assuming those tires won't work for the canal. (the bike shop folks will think I'm incapable of making a decision) :)

[Zen]

Once again, I have two spare canal bikes
Both for short people. Like me.

[withm]

I could possibly come on any of the dates mentioned, provided I can stay at my sister's house. It would be good preparation for the ride in the fall and maybe I can figure out what bike to use. Hybrid with 32s or commuter bike with 28s for the tires? I've decided to swap out my 20" hybrid for the smaller frame, and they should have it in next weekend so I'll be curious to try it out.

Where would the meeting place be to start the ride?

Martha

[Zen]

I have a spare apartment you could stay in. I'd even give you a dog for the night. Which one do you want?
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/CurlyDogs-1.jpg
take the top one, she's quieter

[Zen]

http://www.bikewashington.org/routes/antietam/index.htm

About ten miles of it is battlefield (asphalt road). We could add miles toward Harpers Ferry to get more canal mileage.

[juliemcd]

Looks cool...

[Zen]

I went to Sharpsburg today and stopped at Battlefield HQ. That battlefield is shadeless and I'd probably want to look at a bunch of stuff that no one else is interested in. I'll do that one by myself.

The canal is very nice up that way. I started from Shepherdstown and went toward Harper's Ferry. Quite a few people out but I wouldn't call it crowded.

I keep waiting for Ranger Tam to chime in here :rolleyes:

[withm]

Has this fizzled out or is there still interest in doing some section of the canal next weekend? I'd like to come over for that.

This Sunday (6/115) I'm going to do the Bay to Bay ride in Betterton -
http://www.chestertownlions.org/bay_to_bay.htm

But the following weekend could do canal something. Where would we meet up?

Martha

[juliemcd]

I'm not able to do next weekend, but would definitely love to do another ride with you all this summer. I've been doing the canal ride (paved) from Georgetown to Bethesda, and it's lovely under the trees...

[HillSlugger]

I've been busy with other things, but had been meaning to resurrect this thread.

The consensus is looking like Saturday July 12 would allow the most people to ride. Is this still looking good?

[Zen]

I have made a note to not schedule myself to work Friday or Saturday.

the 12th is good.

Now we just have to decide where to ride from. I vote y'all come up this way.
It's less crowded.
Harpers Ferry to Shepherdstown?
Williamsport to Shepherdstown?
Williamsport to Fort Frederick (or farther)?

I'm not sure about mileage for those. I'd like to aim for a 25-30 mile round trip.

[HillSlugger]

I'd definitely like to ride above Whites Ferry since that the furthest I've gone. 30 miles or so sounds good.

[HillSlugger]

I have made a note to not schedule myself to work Friday or Saturday.

the 12th is good.

Now we just have to decide where to ride from. I vote y'all come up this way.
It's less crowded.
Harpers Ferry to Shepherdstown?
Williamsport to Shepherdstown?
Williamsport to Fort Frederick (or farther)?

I'm not sure about mileage for those. I'd like to aim for a 25-30 mile round trip.

Where's the best lunch/pie?

[Zen]

Where's the best lunch/pie?
:D:D:D

We could pack something and stop at one of the hiker/biker spots or tote our bikes over the bridge to Harper's Ferry.

[7rider]

I'd support packing and picnicking.....because I'd like to load up the Big Buzz and see how it rides with gear on it.

[divingbiker]

I'm in for July 12. I'll have to order the roof rack for the Xracycle and try the bike and rack out. I vote for picnicing also; I can haul food & drinks. Up Zen's way sounds good.

(Am now in Nebraska getting ready for my ride that starts Wednesday. I took the bike into town this morning and rode back out to my sister's, just to make sure I put it back together right. The wind out here is NOTHING like the wind in MD. It might take me a verrry long time to ride 60 miles each day!)

[Kalidurga]

Sorry, I haven't been paying attention to the forum lately (life/work/etc issues...), but I was informed that I should check out this thread so here I am. I'm going to have to do some schedule finagling to see if I can join you ladies for Saturday 7/12. The store is doing inventory on 7/15 and since I'm the inventory manager, it stands to reason that I may have to work that Saturday :rolleyes:

Personally, I think that food options are a great way to decide which section of the towpath to ride ;) Whether I join y'all or not, I'd suggest:

For pie-- Weaver's, the place where Zen got pie in Hancock.

For ice cream-- Harper's Ferry's got good options for ice cream, but not for pie. As Zen can tell you, hoofin' it up and across the train bridge is fun.

Other assorted refreshments-- Shepherdstown's also got an ice cream place, a cool coffee shop and, of course, a tea shop (I have no news on that, sorry, the owners haven't gotten back to me yet. It's probably a no-go at this point :o ). It's a quick ride across the Route 34 bridge to get into town.

I did two rides last weekend: From Hancock to Ft Frederick, then from Lander Road to Harper's Ferry. Let me warn you, ladies... They keep adding more and more gravel to the towpath every summer. It used to be composed of dirt and crushed stone, but now longer and longer stretches are crushed gravel instead. I'm guessing that it's cheaper for the park service to refurbish with gravel than with stone. Be ready for some serious vibration. After last weekend, I felt like a Big Buzz.


Zen, I was going to do one of my Antietam Battlefield loops (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Antietam-N-of-Rte-34-1) today, but what with the rain and all I decided to go hiking instead. I may head back out that way again tomorrow to ride, after stopping to fuel up at the Waffle House on Route 65. I'm not used to riding with another person out there and my pace is all over the place on that route due to the rolling hills, but let me know if you're interested.

[Kalidurga]

Me, again. Just checked some stats from my BikeJournal and here's mileage on the routes below:


Harpers Ferry to Shepherdstown?
Williamsport to Shepherdstown?
Williamsport to Fort Frederick (or farther)?

I'm not sure about mileage for those. I'd like to aim for a 25-30 mile round-trip.

Harper's Ferry > Shepherdstown is roughly 25 miles round trip, with food options at either end. From Harper's Ferry up to Dam 3 is a very beautiful stretch of the towpath/river, I highly recommend this section. Parking's tight on the MD side of the river near Harper's Ferry, though, so you might want to start at Sheperdstown and head downstream.

Williamsport > Shepherdstown is looooong and has the detour in the middle of it. I'm not sure of the exact mileage, but I'd guess that it's over 30 miles one-way. But from Shepherdstown to Big Slackwater (where the detour area begins) is just shy of 30 miles round-trip. And there are two parking lots on the MD side of the river across from Shep'town.

Williamsport > Ft Frederick is approx. 30 miles round-trip, depending on where you turn around. I usually ride to the top of Big Pool (you'll know it when you see it), then head back. Food options are limited in Williamsport, but it's got good parking and a Nat'l Park office/C&O musuem.

Sorry if this has become info overload, but the accumulated knowledge just started spilling out. I've now re-corked the bottle :rolleyes: ;)


I also wanted to let you ladies know that I'm not going to be able to do the October through-ride. I'm just not prepared for it, in so many ways. But I'm planning to do my annual Cumberland vacation around that time, so I'd love to join you on the day you go through the Paw Paw Tunnel. That is a lot of fun, and another really beautiful section of the towpath. And, trust me, it's better without a flashlight!

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z163/KaliDurga/Cumberland_2007-09/Blog_size/004-b.jpg

[Zen]

, so I'd love to join you on the day you go through the Paw Paw Tunnel. That is a lot of fun, and another really beautiful section of the towpath. And, trust me, it's better without a flashlight!


You're just looking for a way to noodge me into the canal ;)

[Kalidurga]

You're just looking for a way to noodge me into the canal ;)

Bah. There's usually less than 6 inches of water in that stretch, and there's a railing along the towpath. And why would I want to noodge you into the canal on the first day when I know the Muffin riders are going to noodge you into the river after you've been camping for a couple of days? ;)

Couple more pics of Paw Paw:

In the tunnel, taken with the flash
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z163/KaliDurga/pawpaw_tunnel_view.jpg

Facing the opposite direction from the photo of the tunnel entrance
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z163/KaliDurga/Cumberland_2007-09/Blog_size/005.jpg

[juliemcd]

I also wanted to let you ladies know that I'm not going to be able to do the October through-ride. [/IMG]

What's the October through-ride?

I'm so bummed I can't join you all--my mom is in town that weekend to go wedding dress shopping with me--UGH...it goes without saying that I would MUCH rather be biking.

[Zen]

Skip the fancy wedding.
Spend that money on bike stuff.
Priorities, woman.
Gotta have priorities.

[7rider]

So, Tam....does the Paw Paw echo? And...can you scream the entire length of it????? ;)

[juliemcd]

HaHa! It's not a fancy wedding, but I still have to find something to wear.:o

[DebW]

Here's what the tunnel looked like a couple weeks ago. There were actually workmen lolly-gagging around outside the west end, and some vehicles parked inside.

[Kalidurga]

So, Tam....does the Paw Paw echo? And...can you scream the entire length of it????? ;)

Sorry, my excess of knowledge ends at that, it's not something I'd ever think of trying.


Deb, any idea what they were working on? Just general maintenance? And, did you use a flashlight? ;)

[DebW]

Deb, any idea what they were working on? Just general maintenance? And, did you use a flashlight? ;)

No, not obvious what they were working on. I didn't use a flashlight. But it was freaky without one.

[Zen]

Sorry, my excess of knowledge ends at that, it's not something I'd ever think of trying.


I'll do it!

[7rider]

I'll do it!

It's good to see someone else in touch with her inner 8 year old! :D

[madscot13]

Hi everyone, Zen alerted me to this ride. Would anyone be willing to let me carpool with them? I live in the Georgetown area.

[divingbiker]

Sure, I can pick you up at a metro station somewhere along the way. Maybe Grosvenor? I've got a bike rack so that's no issue.

[HillSlugger]

I looks like we've settled on Saturday July 12 as the ride date and it looks like we're planning to carry our lunch and eat somewhere on route. We still need to decide which section of the canal we will ride. I've only ever ridden the section from Rileys Lock to Whites Ferry, so I'd like to start further up towards Zen.

[Zen]

The starting point and destination depends on how far you guys are willing to drive and to parking availability. I'm partial to the Williamsport to Fort Frederick choice simply because of parking availability at Wmspt.

I'll think on it some more.

[Zen]

On my ride last week I discovered some parking I didn't know about before. If we get an early start, we can start at Harper's Ferry and go toward Shepardstown.

[divingbiker]

Well, it looks like I won't be able to ride the Xtracycle on this ride because my roof-top rack likely won't be here in time. I'll bring panniers to haul my share of the lunch, and whatever others can't carry.

[Zen]

Drat!
I guess that means no Pina Coladas (http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=850-865&categoryid=2210).

You guys have ten days to decide how far you want to drive to a starting point.

Once again, I'm just sayin'...

You know I have rear panniers too, right? I ahve front panniers as well but no rack yet:o

[F8th637]

I don't mind where we start just as long as you give me enough time to get there. I've only been a little past Edwards Ferry if that so I'm open to seeing the C&O more up your way, Zen.

Anyone else need a ride?

And if I read the posts right, we bring our own lunch, correct?

[Kalidurga]

This is funny. I keep reading the threads about C&O rides (here and at the Yahoo group) and wondering "What took these ladies so long to discover the towpath and realize how great it is?" ;)

[Zen]

This is funny. I keep reading the threads about C&O rides (here and at the Yahoo group) and wondering "What took these ladies so long to discover the towpath and realize how great it is?" ;)

So are you going with us or are you just going to stay home and take a smug bath?

I used to hike the C&O back in the __'s.
Then a few things got in the way.
Around 1992 I got a bike but no carrier (what was I thinking?)
Three years ago I got a road bike. And a carrier for it :D. Makes a BIG difference.
Thought I was gonna be a roadie. Thought the canal was for people that couldn't hang on the road.
Rode the old Haro a few times with you last year.

Now I have Pink and we're having a torrid love affair. That bike has made all the difference.

I always knew how great it is, I just wasn't thinking :confused::o




And if I read the posts right, we bring our own lunch, correct?

No. You bring foot long subs for everyone.

[F8th637]

No. You bring foot long subs for everyone.

I suppose i was asking for that one, wasn't I? :p

[Kalidurga]

So are you going with us or are you just going to stay home and take a smug bath?

Actually, I've already said (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=328631&postcount=40) that I might have to work that day, which would leave me wishing that I could be out there with you. I might end up being too busy laying area tags to be smug about anything. Hey, you work in inventory now, wouldn't you rather come downtown and help me than ride the towpath? :p;):rolleyes:

I'll have to let you know next week whether I can ride on the 12th. Just out of curiosity, which parking area are you thinking of to start at Harper's Ferry? One of the ones at the base of Maryland Heights? Brunswick is another option to start: It's only a few miles downstream from Harper's Ferry, there's good parking at both the train station and the boat launch, and there's a terrific coffee shop.

And you thought the canal was for folks who couldn't hang on the road, huh? Guess yer learnin' otherwise, huh? ;)

[madscot13]

I suppose i was asking for that one, wasn't I? :p

Just in case someone forgets the subs at home, (do we have Jimmy John's out here?) what is the plan for food?

and then we did decide on the 12th?

[Zen]

Actually, I've already said (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=328631&postcount=40) that I might have to work that day, I know. I thought you might know for sure by now
Hey, you work in inventory now, wouldn't you rather come downtown and help me than ride the towpath?

I'll do just about anything for the right amount of money.


which parking area are you thinking of to start at Harper's Ferry? One of the ones at the base of Maryland Heights?

If you drive a little farther down there are two more parking areas

And you thought the canal was for folks who couldn't hang on the road, huh? Guess yer learnin' otherwise, huh? ;)

Now i think you're channeling my mother :p


Just in case someone forgets the subs at home, (do we have Jimmy John's out here?) what is the plan for food?

I was thinking maybe potluck style?


and then we did decide on the 12th?
Yup.

[madscot13]

that is sounding good. what shall I bring. hmmm

[Zen]

I think I'm bringing cheese, apple slices, crackers, salad greens and dressing.
And paper plates/forks
That is until I change my mind.

[Kalidurga]

I'll do just about anything for the right amount of money.

And here I thought you might do it out of the goodness of your heart.


If you drive a little farther down there are two more parking areas

Those can be some tricky spots to get in and out of. I almost got rear-ended once trying to back out of one of them. Why not begin the ride somewhere with easier parking? (Do I still sound like your mother?)

Regarding food: There's a Sheetz just off of Route 340 on the way out towards Harper's Ferry-- Good spot to pick up a sub or some other munchies.

[Zen]

If we start at Brunswick and go to Antietam Creek aqueduct I estimate that to be about a thirty mile round trip.

OK,Mother.

[Kalidurga]

Or if 30 miles is too much, Dam 3 is a good spot to stop and hang out for a while before turning around (that'd be approximately 25 miles round-trip). I've always wanted to take off my shoes and do some wading in the river there. If I join y'all, I may have to squeeze a small towel into my Camelbak ;)

[Zen]

Let's see...

Brunswick is mile 54

Harpers Ferry is mile 60

Dam 3 (http://canal.mcmullans.org/feeder_dam_3.htm) Is mile 62.27

How do you figure 25 miles?

[Kalidurga]

So I flunked math. That's why I spit out info, but don't actually lead rides.

[7rider]

So I flunked math. That's why I spit out info, but don't actually lead rides.

And you're in charge of inventory???
Oy, brother!!! :rolleyes:

[Kalidurga]

And you're in charge of inventory???
Oy, brother!!! :rolleyes:

Man, I think I'm going to go back to not posting for a while.

[madscot13]

oh don't go away!

[Zen]

Yes, don't you want to be there when Mad comes out of her box?
And if she sees her shadow, it's six more weeks of summer :D

[7rider]

Man, I think I'm going to go back to not posting for a while.

Oh, we kid because we love! :p

[madscot13]

I never thought of that. hmm keeping up the enigma.

[Zen]

So that I can pick out the most interesting section possible I need to know-

Are all you guys coming down in one car?

I have DB, 7, Mad, F8th(?),...anyone else?


I also need to know how far you are willing to drive (which also means how early you want to get up;)

[HillSlugger]

It's now looking like I won't be able to ride! :(

[7rider]

So that I can pick out the most interesting section possible I need to know-

Are all you guys coming down in one car?

I have DB, 7, Mad, F8th(?),...anyone else?

I also need to know how far you are willing to drive (which also means how early you want to get up;)

MDHS....You HAVE to come!!! (I still owe you $40....don't you want that?)
I'm not sure...DB....who do you have with you? Can I mooch a ride?
I have no preference....I'm not too keen on driving for hours but I'll do a fair bit I guess.
RE: Food.....I thought it was BYOL, but a pot luck would work (hmmm, what to bring now???). I'd vote for DB's curry lentil salad! I think she'd run screaming from PB&J's ..;)

[divingbiker]

MDHS....You HAVE to come!!! (I still owe you $40....don't you want that?)
I'm not sure...DB....who do you have with you? Can I mooch a ride?
I have no preference....I'm not too keen on driving for hours but I'll do a fair bit I guess.
RE: Food.....I thought it was BYOL, but a pot luck would work (hmmm, what to bring now???). I'd vote for DB's curry lentil salad! I think she'd run screaming from PB&J's ..;)

Yes, Nicole, you have to come. You started this thread!

I think I'm picking up Madscot at a metro station. My bike will work in the roof rack, I think, so you can ride with me.

I'll bring the lentil salad if you'd like (sounds good to me, too), but I guess that means we each have to bring a plate and silverware also?

Zen, I guess I'd rather not drive any further than Harpers Ferry. And I'd rather not get on the road before 8am, so that probably means meeting around 10, wherever we meet? I have no idea.

[madscot13]

I hate to be a pain but I don't think I can come on Saturday.
I joined team in training and I haven't been to any of the Saturday rides and so unless someone can get me a good reason to skip it (pm me), I don't think I can make it. I met my coach today and she busted my ***. I did not appreciate that at 8:30 in the morn.

can I don't have medical insurance be my reason?

[HillSlugger]

Yeah, I know I started this thread...

I know we haven't even picked a start point, but what time can I count on being done and home?

[Zen]

OK then
ten AM
Brunswick (because of parking)

I am bringing sweet potatoes and apples and have plenty extra room to carry plates, etc.

I guess I have to start a list of people who's arses I have to kick. Seems to be getting longer and longer.

JUST DON'T PUNK OUT ON ME IN OCTOBER!
I know where you live and I'm not afraid to go back to prison :mad:;)


what time can I count on being done and home?
Hmmm, how long do you think it will take to ride, DB? Allow a half hour for lunch, 25 miles at 11 mph...I'd say a three hour ride and an hour to get home.

[divingbiker]

OK then
ten AM
Brunswick (because of parking)

Hmmm, how long do you think it will take to ride, DB? Allow a half hour for lunch, 25 miles at 11 mph...I'd say a three hour ride and an hour to get home.

So, Zen, is this the right place? Shall we plan to park under the bridge or in the commuter lot?

Take I-270 North to Frederick.
At Frederick, follow Route 340 South toward Harpers Ferry
After about 10 miles on Route 340, take the Route 17 Exit for Brunswick.
Route 17 will bear right at a traffic light.
Upon entering the town, follow the traffic circle almost all the way around. Exit at "A-Street"
Once on "A-Street", bear to the right and cross over both sets of railroad tracks.
The towpath access point is directly under the Route 17/287 bridge (you can't miss it!)
Parking is available under the bridge, or back in the large commuter lot located between the railroad tracks.

Your timing sounds about right. If it would help, Nicole, we could get started riding by about 9:30 probably (if we leave at 8; Mapquest says it will take about 1:10 to get there.) So that would put you home around 2ish.

[Zen]

Those are great directions, where did you get them?

one thing to note, after you cross both sets of tracks and start getting close to the canal you'll see pictograph signs, one of a trailer, one depicting a boat launch. Go right toward the boat launch.

Brunswick is mile 54
Antietam Aqueduct is mile 67, a good landmark to turn around. I guess we'll have to find a table on the return trip.

[divingbiker]

Those are great directions, where did you get them?

one thing to note, after you cross both sets of tracks and start getting close to the canal you'll see pictograph signs, one of a trailer, one depicting a boat launch. Go right toward the boat launch.

I got the directions from the Bike Washington (http://www.bikewashington.org/canal/canal_e.php) website.

[F8th637]

10 AM is my sweet spot!

I'm thinking of bringing a 7-layer vegetarian dip and some chips. Hmmm. . . what else?

So the list keeps getting shorter and shorter as to who is attending . . who's all left?

[Zen]

I'm not too keen on driving for hours but I'll do a fair bit I guess.

Hours?
How far away do you think you're going?

If MDHS doesn't come and no one is in a hurry to get somewhere we can go to Beans In The Belfry after.

[F8th637]

So how many of us are coming? Is this still on? Should we postpone?

[HillSlugger]

I'm out. I hope you all do it as planned! I'll catch up with you another time.

[divingbiker]

I'm planning to be there. As far as I know, 7rider and I are riding together. Kalidurga, are you coming or do you have to work? I can put my rack on the roof and we can pick you up if you want.

F8th, if Kalidurga doesn't come, are you located somewhere near 270 so we could pick you up to carpool?

[Kalidurga]

It looks as if I'm going to be able to get done everything that I need to by the end of the day tomorrow, so I'm gonna go ahead and say I'm in. I'll go ahead and drive myself there, though, just 'cause I love the roads out that way :p

Re: the potluck-- I'm no cook, so Trader Joe's is going to have to do my food prep for me tomorrow night after work. What do we still need?

And I definitely vote for a stop in Beans in the Belfry afterwards. I need to remember to bring my camera because I've been wanting to take photos of the interior. Zen, have you been there yet?

[divingbiker]

Yeah, I'm sure it would really annoy you to ride with grandma Janice on those roads. Have fun driving!

So far the food we have is

sweet potatoes and apples (zen)
curried lentil salad (db)
7 layer dip and chips (f8th)
? (7rider)

I've got some paper plates I can bring, but we'll have to pack them out of course. And I've got plastic forks and knives (no spoons).

I've got no schedule so I'm fine with stopping at Beans in the Belfry. What is it, a coffee shop?

[Kalidurga]

Now, Janice, I've ridden with you before and survived ;) But I take all sorts of fun backroads to get to Brunswick, and will probably stop to run errands in Frederick on the way home.

Sounds like a good menu so far. Do we want juice, perhaps, or cookies? Any other ideas?

Beans in the Belfry (http://www.beansinthebelfry.com/) is an old church in Brunswick that was converted into a coffee shop a few years ago. The interior is very cool, with stained glass windows and a lot of funky, mis-matched furniture. I have no idea what their coffee is like since I drink tea, but their food is fairly good.

[7rider]

Yeah, I'm sure it would really annoy you to ride with grandma Janice on those roads. Have fun driving!

So far the food we have is

sweet potatoes and apples (zen)
curried lentil salad (db)
7 layer dip and chips (f8th)
? (7rider)

I've got some paper plates I can bring, but we'll have to pack them out of course. And I've got plastic forks and knives (no spoons).

I've got no schedule so I'm fine with stopping at Beans in the Belfry. What is it, a coffee shop?

I was thinking a fruit salad...assuming I can keep it cold in my quilted pannier. Would that work?

[divingbiker]

I was thinking a fruit salad...assuming I can keep it cold in my quilted pannier. Would that work?

Sounds good to me. I guess we'll make a meal of side dishes, which is pretty much what I do all the time. Don't feel like you all have to bring vegetarian things because of me...I'll make sure I've got enough to get by on.

[Kalidurga]

Are we carrying the food or eating when we get back to Brunswick after the ride? If we're hauling the food and eating somewhere along the way, I'm gonna have to beg space in someone's pannier.

[Zen]

How about this-
If we're gonna go to BITB afterwards why not just wait and eat there?

I haven't been there yet. Do they have outside seating so we can just bike over?

I always have my camera in case of canal honeys:D

[divingbiker]

How about this-
If we're gonna go to BITB afterwards why not just wait and eat there?

That would make the logistics a lot easier, and I see a few vegan things on the menu so it sounds good to me.

[7rider]

So.....we're not bringing our own?
We're buying lunch??

Oh...btw, yes DB, you and I are riding together...you said you'd pick me up at 8:30- unless it's gotta be earlier.

[Zen]

Oh...btw, yes DB, you and I are riding together...you said you'd pick me up at 8:30- unless it's gotta be earlier.

You make it sound like you're really taking a trip somewhere.
It will take you less time to get to Brunswick than it did to get up near my house in Hillbillyville.

so we have two votes for eating after at BITB (http://www.beansinthebelfry.com/)
Do I hear three more?
can we get a quorum?

[madscot13]

I was thinking a fruit salad...assuming I can keep it cold in my quilted pannier. Would that work?

you could freeze some water bottles and put them underneath the dish to keep it cold. Later it will be nice to have the cold water also.

sorry I can't go. This whole TNT thing has taken over my life. umm you could get me off the hook by donating? Imagine if you donate $25 a month ( or the equivalent of one night on the town) until my century, you will have donated $1/ mile and made the world a better place/ me less stressed.

[7rider]

You make it sound like you're really taking a trip somewhere.
It will take you less time to get to Brunswick than it did to get up near my house in Hillbillyville.

so we have two votes for eating after at BITB (http://www.beansinthebelfry.com/)
Do I hear three more?
can we get a quorum?

I'm a homebody. Anything farther than about 20 minutes away makes me itch! I have to start thinking escape routes...contingency plans...

I guess I have no problem with eating out. I was kind of hoping to ride the Big Buzz with some weight on the back (via lunch in a pannier) so I could see how the bike rides and handles on the tow path. But...I guess I could throw the rack and stuff on there anyway. And there's time for more canal rides this summer/fall in prep for the BIG trip....

[Zen]

Hauling a load is something you definitely need to get used to, especially if you only have rear bags.

[Kalidurga]

There's no outdoor seating, but Beans is just a block up from the towpath. We could easily stow the bikes on our cars and walk there. I'll add my vote for eating there.

[dingster1]

I'm checking to see if I have rehearsal tomorrow or not. If its cancelled I'll try and make it!

[Zen]

Now, that is exciting!
Let us know for sure cuz' we'll wait for ya'!!!

[divingbiker]

I'm checking to see if I have rehearsal tomorrow or not. If its cancelled I'll try and make it!

Oh, that would be great! I'd love to meet two new TE folks--F8th and Dingster!

[F8th637]

That WOULD be great if Dingster were to join us! I'm all for meeting the more, the merrier. ;) I'm in Tysons Corner so I will drive myself and pick up anyone if need be. I was about to suggest us just eating at the Beans when someone else had that great idea. I'm all for it! I'm a sucker for eating out. :D

[Kalidurga]

Accuweather's (http://www.accuweather.com/forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=1&zipChg=1&zipcode=21716&metric=0) forecast for tomorrow is calling for a "real feel" temp of 100. Should make for a nice sweaty ride :eek: At least Zen and I will enjoy that ;)

[7rider]

Oh, joy. Sweaty weather. :rolleyes:
Okay...so I will NOT be stopping at the store today on my way home and getting the makings of a fruit salad. We'll be eating out.
I probably will, however, put the rack on the bike and cart around some useless junk...for the experience of it all. :rolleyes:
I do hope you can make it, Dingster. Like the rest, I'd love to meet you (and F8th too!).

[Kalidurga]

I think I mentioned this a few pages ago, but the area around Dam 3 (a few miles upriver from Harper's Ferry) is great for wading. I'm seriously thinking of throwing a small towel in my Camelbak. Anyone else up for getting their feet wet on a hot day?

[7rider]

I think I'd be up for dipping my toes in the water.....

[F8th637]

I'm up for more than just toe-wading. ;) Why couldn't the humidity stay away for just one more day?

[Zen]

I'm seriously thinking of throwing a small towel in my Camelbak.

Between me and DB we have plenty of space to carry towels, wading shoes, and your water wings :D

[divingbiker]

Actually, now that I'm riding my commuter bike instead of the Xtracycle (didn't get roof rack yet) and we're not bringing lunch, I'll probably just have my camelbak and my handlebar bag. Sounds like Regina's bringing panniers, though.

I'll be at your house at 8:30, Regina, and we'll all meet at Brunswick at 10. Think we need to exchange cell phone numbers by PM, just in case?

[Zen]

Oh, joy. Sweaty weather. :rolleyes:



http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Princess22.jpg:D

[7rider]

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Princess22.jpg:D

Already there, sweetheart! ;)

I'll have the carpet bag...

[Kalidurga]

I had a lot of fun today, ladies, and hope that the rest of you did as well. Great weather, beautiful scenery, very pleasant company, and good food afterward (mine, at least, was worth the wait) made for an excellent day. Hope you all got home quickly and safely, especially those of you who had longer drives.

Nicole, we missed you! Though I'm glad you got some good bike karma out of your day :)

[Zen]

And there was only one fistfight! That is a good day :)

[dingster1]

It was great meeting all of you ladies!!!

[withm]

Nah - I don't think they actually did the ride. Otherwise there'd be a detailed RIDE REPORT and PICTURES!

[madscot13]

I hope you guys had fun today! next time i will skip training to hang with you guys. I promise! My coach after much pressure did not ride with me today. I'm not tiffed but please more than a "good morning" and a "how was your ride?" next time.

[F8th637]

It was wonderful spending time with you ladies and putting names with faces and screen names! I got home safely and realized that going home via 15 is definitely closer than going 270 but I did tack on an extra 30 minutes since the only way to 15 from Brunswick that I knew of was off 340. I should have asked before I left. Anywho, it was a great ride and great company with good food at the end which is how I like to finish any ride. I am definitely tired and sore tonight and will fall fast asleep once my head hits the pillow.

Pictures and ride reports to follow I'm sure for all you doubters out there! ;)

[Zen]

OK, here's the ride report.

it was so hot that we pooped out after six miles and decided to just sit here and drink beer, hence the fistfight.
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Potatobreak4-1.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Potatobreak2.jpg

We missed you today, Mad. You would have definitely enjoyed this.

[F8th637]

Darned it. . I think one of those wayward arses facing the camera is mine. Oops. :rolleyes:

[Zen]

Oh, sorry :o
I really didn't even notice that, I just liked that one because of the vantage point.
i can make a copy with a circle and an arrow if you like :D

[Kalidurga]

Actually, Mad, we passed a woman at one point who was wearing a Team in Training jersey and we wondered if you could have counted a ride like this towards your training. Next time, you need to tell your coach she has to let you join the gang, since she skipped out on you this time.

I took no photos of the group, but this is the coffee shop at which we rested our wayward arses after the ride:

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z163/KaliDurga/Beans%20in%20the%20Belfry_2008-08/017-2.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z163/KaliDurga/Beans%20in%20the%20Belfry_2008-08/015.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z163/KaliDurga/Beans%20in%20the%20Belfry_2008-08/012.jpg

[sfa]

Glad you all had a good time! I seriously considered ditching the training I had to attend yesterday to join you all, rank newbie though I am. But the four miles I did to get to my session in yesterday's humidity nearly did me in, so I'm glad I didn't attempt anything harder! I felt sorry for the women sitting near me, even though I tried to stay downwind (speaking of rank....).

Sarah

[withm]

OK, OK, I guess you really did do the ride. I really had wanted to do this too, but the logistics for going to DC this weekend were not good.

But to make up for it, I did a 50 mile loop around Rehoboth Bay today. Well I had to go around the block at home to make the full 50, but I did it even though EVERYTHING hurt by that time. The last 15 miles were due south on Rt. 1 with 10-15kt headwinds. UGH!

[HillSlugger]

I'm glad you all had a good ride. I wish I could have been with you. Hopefully next time!

[7rider]

We missed you, Nicole! This was, after all, your ride....
We had a great time. Lunch was yummy. Company was great. Was really nice to meet two new (to us) TE'ers....F8th and Dingster.

Here are some pix (http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z85/7rider/CO_Canal/?albumview=slideshow) I loaded of the day's events.

[HillSlugger]

We missed you, Nicole! This was, after all, your ride.... Well, at least I helped get it organized...

We had a great time. Lunch was yummy. Company was great. Was really nice to meet two new (to us) TE'ers....F8th and Dingster.
I really wanted to meet them, Madscott, too. Obviously, we need to do another ride!