Wild Goose Chase 2009

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Originally Posted by Kalidurga

Oh my gosh, you all and your early rides :eek:

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It's good for you. It builds character! Try coming out with us on the 7:30 rides. Always fun in the middle of February! :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Kalidurga

When I ride solo, I don't get started until at least 2:00pm. One of these days we need to have a late-day group ride.

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Not bad this time of year...but by that time, other commitments for the day take hold. It's hard to find time to get out for a ride at that hour, when there are other things that need to be done. Unless, of course, it's kayaking at that time after biking on those mythical multi-sport days....

OK, I called Cambridge Pedal and Paddle and had a great conversation. We should definitely avoid the kayak put-in where we started last year. She's going to have tours there all day long, and it will be crowded.

But she recommended going to the Transquaking River, and paddling 5 miles between the bridges (on Drawbridge Rd and Decoursey Bridge Rd.) She said we could call them and they'd pick us up and take us back to our cars, or we could turn around halfway (2.5 miles) and paddle back. She said it was beautiful and peaceful and we'd love it.

Does that change your mind about paddling, Tam?

If you look at the map for the Terry ride you'd take Aireys Rd (just east of Route 16) south to Drawbridge Rd and the river crosses near Higgins Mill Pond Rd.

She also recommended two restaurants: Suicide Bridge Restaurant in Hurlock and Kay's at the Airport.

1) Late-day rides: I do all my other stuff in the morning, then leave my afternoons free for riding. And, personally, I think I've already got character in spades (though probably not the kind you're referring to) :D

2) Hmmm, yes, that alternate location certainly might change my mind about paddling that Saturday. Good sleuthing, Janice, and great that they offered to shuttle us (did she mention what they'd charge for that?). Suicide Bridge restaurant sounds tasty, but ever so slightly pricey. How far is that from Cambridge?

3) Anyone want a free house out near Blackwater? I'm guessing this might be the old house that's on the way to the paddling put-in, near one of last year's Wild Goose rest-stops.

I thought there was a deadline on that house. I hope someone takes it.

Hmmm.40K.....I could subdivide my lot, sell the front house and move that to the back half of the property.

But I want to live in town.

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Originally Posted by Kalidurga

2) Hmmm, yes, that alternate location certainly might change my mind about paddling that Saturday. Good sleuthing, Janice, and great that they offered to shuttle us (did she mention what they'd charge for that?). Suicide Bridge restaurant sounds tasty, but ever so slightly pricey. How far is that from Cambridge?

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She said they'd charge $10 per kayak to shuttle us back to our cars. As an alternative, we can shuttle our own selves (leave one car at the end, then go get our other cars and drive back to the end to load the boats) if we want to park along the side of the road. She said theft hasn't been a problem, but of course we'll have our bikes with us so we need to consider that.

(Zen, I'm not sure how it would work to share Regina's kayak with your friend if we paddle 5 miles from bridge to bridge. I guess one of you could rent a kayak, but it might get pricey and they'd need to know right away since they have to rent kayaks to handle all the tours they're doing for the goose chase.)

Suicide Bridge restaurant is about 15 miles from Cambridge; I'm not too keen on it, both because of the menu (nothing vegan) and the price. I'd vote for either going to Easton (if someone else is willing to drive) or going to Kay's at the airport. Anywhere but where we ate last year.

So, who all is going? Martha, are you and your friend going to kayak with us this year?

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Originally Posted by divingbiker

(Zen, I'm not sure how it would work to share Regina's kayak with your friend

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She can go for a ride. Or something.

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Originally Posted by divingbiker

Kay's at the airport.

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I have no idea what the menu is there but I was looking at the Suicide Bridge menu and it looks like it could get spendy there

For those of us planning to kayak on Saturday: Janice and I did some chattin' today and we're thinking that 12:00 noon would be a good time to meet. That would allow us time for a 2-3 hour paddle, then to head back to our various hotels and clean up for dinner, and still get to bed at a decent time to rest up for Sunday (for those of us who will need the rest ;) ). Do want to meet at the boat put-in along Drawbridge Road, or try to figure out a spot along route 50?

In order to choose a place for dinner that evening, we should probably figure out where everyone's staying and go from there. I'm in Easton at the Days Inn. Anyone else staying up that way?

Did you guys do the Peach Tree ride today? How was it?

Anyone planning to meet up Sunday morning for the ride? I'll be coming down that morning and I'm planning to do the metric.

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Originally Posted by ny biker

Did you guys do the Peach Tree ride today? How was it?

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Peach Tree loop was beautiful. Weather was absolutely spectacular. The scenary on that route is fantastic. The roads could be in better shape, but if they were, there'd probably be more tourist car traffic.


I'm also doing the metric for the WGC, Becky. Look for the cars (wagons) with the kayaks on them. I'll be on a Seven. I'm meeting a friend who is driving in for the day, and we're doing the metric together - If the weather is good, I'm hoping for a 17-18 mph average for the day - not crazy fast, but not dawdling. But, I don't know what my friend has in mind! I may be pulling her the whole way....or she may be pulling me!

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Originally Posted by 7rider

I'm also doing the metric for the WGC, Becky. Look for the cars (wagons) with the kayaks on them. I'll be on a Seven. I'm meeting a friend who is driving in for the day, and we're doing the metric together - If the weather is good, I'm hoping for a 17-18 mph average for the day - not crazy fast, but not dawdling. But, I don't know what my friend has in mind! I may be pulling her the whole way....or she may be pulling me!

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Thanks for the info. I'll be riding my ruby-colored Bianchi. If my last hilly metric is any indication (14-15 mph), 17 should be doable.

What time are y'all planning to roll out?

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Originally Posted by divingbiker

So, who all is going? Martha, are you and your friend going to kayak with us this year?

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Yes, I am meeting Annette at the Comfort Inn in Cambridge Friday night. We'll kayak on Sat. Just tell us where and when. Same for dinner Sat night. I'm easy. For Sunday she'll do a shorter ride but I'll probably do 40-ish whatever they are offering. Of course if the weather is nasty, I reserve the right to do something short.

Did you see all the other cue sheets they put on the website? I could spend a week over there doing all the rides. Sweet!

I'll be at the Comfort Inn as well, driving the Mothership.

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Originally Posted by 7rider

I'm hoping for a 17-18 mph average for the day - not crazy fast, but not dawdling.

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I am going to have a special beverage for you before the ride http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/s...atdrink008.gif

Why drive all that way to zoom through the scenery?
I plan on enjoying the day at my leisure and taking lots of photos.

Becky...I've no idea what time we plan to shove off. More as we get closer, no doubt....

i recently walked a portion of the canal that I normally ride. It's an entirely different experience. Sometimes you just have to stop, look around and take it all in.

Good for you.
I'm sure you're a better person for it.

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Originally Posted by withm

Yes, I am meeting Annette at the Comfort Inn in Cambridge Friday night. We'll kayak on Sat. Just tell us where and when. Same for dinner Sat night. I'm easy. For Sunday she'll do a shorter ride but I'll probably do 40-ish whatever they are offering. Of course if the weather is nasty, I reserve the right to do something short.

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Great!

I'd love to do the 40ish mile ride with you. Maybe Tam will join us also.

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Originally Posted by Zen

i recently walked a portion of the canal that I normally ride. It's an entirely different experience. Sometimes you just have to stop, look around and take it all in.

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Which is one of the reasons I stop cycling when the weather gets colder and go back to hiking instead.

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Originally Posted by divingbiker

I'd love to do the 40ish mile ride with you. Maybe Tam will join us also.

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Considering that I survived the Peach Tree Loop and still felt good yesterday, the weather on 5/3 is now the deciding factor on whether I do the 25- or 43-mile route.

And, there definitely seem to be more dining options up in Easton. Do folks staying down in Cambridge want to drive up to Easton for our TE dinner Saturday evening, or should we try to find something from the slimmer pickings down around Cambridge?

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Originally Posted by 7rider

Good for you.
I'm sure you're a better person for it.

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Yes I am.

I spoke with my friend and decided to skip the kayaking. We'd like to spend some time at the visitors center and maybe ride Saturday too.

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Originally Posted by Zen

I spoke with my friend and decided to skip the kayaking. We'd like to spend some time at the visitors center and maybe ride Saturday too.

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Well, that's too bad.

But Regina, I guess we can ride together now? I'll pay for gas.

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Originally Posted by divingbiker

Well, that's too bad.

But Regina, I guess we can ride together now? I'll pay for gas.

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Sure, Janice. That sounds great.

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Originally Posted by Zen

i recently walked a portion of the canal that I normally ride. It's an entirely different experience. Sometimes you just have to stop, look around and take it all in.

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I actually walked around my neighborhood for the first time a couple of weeks ago (yeah, I've been living here more than a year, but I'm always in my car or on my bike...)

And was surprised to find a nice dry creekbed that went underneath a culvert to a nice old stone farmhouse....

went another direction and found some terrain that I think would be great for me to bring my mountain bike and practice basic bike handling skills, find a log to practice riding over, etc.

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Originally Posted by Kalidurga

And, there definitely seem to be more dining options up in Easton. Do folks staying down in Cambridge want to drive up to Easton for our TE dinner Saturday evening, or should we try to find something from the slimmer pickings down around Cambridge?

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Does everyone like Mexican food? Plaza Tapatia in Easton looks like the best option for finding vegan food.

I've asked one of my coworkers who has a house in St. Michaels to find out if there are other vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Easton, but Plaza Tapatia would be fine with me. Mmmmm, veggie fajitas...

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Originally Posted by divingbiker

Does everyone like Mexican food? Plaza Tapatia in Easton looks like the best option for finding vegan food.

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Their menu sounds pretty tasty. And it looks like they have a location in Cambridge, as well, so we could always decide later which town works better logistically.

Too bad they don't do breakfast... ;)

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Originally Posted by Kalidurga

Their menu sounds pretty tasty. And it looks like they have a location in Cambridge, as well, so we could always decide later which town works better logistically.

Too bad they don't do breakfast... ;)

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Well, heck, I vote for going to the one in Cambridge then!

Tam, you could take a shower and change in our room after kayaking, then head back to Easton after dinner to minimize driving if you want.

I'm not the quickest shower-taker in the world, so I don't know if you want me tying up your bathroom. It's about 25 minutes between Easton and Cambridge. I could always just sit there and be sweaty ;)

Let's get a few more votes from folks, especially since no one else has commented on the restaurant. Do we even know yet who's interested in getting together for dinner?

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Originally Posted by Kalidurga

I'm not the quickest shower-taker in the world, so I don't know if you want me tying up your bathroom. It's about 25 minutes between Easton and Cambridge. I could always just sit there and be sweaty ;)

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If that's our options....I'd say "Go ahead and shower. We'll wait!" ;)

I'm always up for dinner. Mexican is fine.

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Originally Posted by divingbiker

Great!

I'd love to do the 40ish mile ride with you. Maybe Tam will join us also.

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Sounds like a plan. I sooooo hope it doesn't rain this year!

Martha

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Originally Posted by divingbiker

Does everyone like Mexican food? Plaza Tapatia in Easton looks like the best option for finding vegan food.

I've asked one of my coworkers who has a house in St. Michaels to find out if there are other vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Easton, but Plaza Tapatia would be fine with me. Mmmmm, veggie fajitas...

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Annette has a friend that has a place in Cambridge, and is going to ask for restaurant recommendations. I asked her specifically about vegetarian options.

Mexican is ok (not my favorite but I can put up with it a couple times a year.)

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Originally Posted by withm

Annette has a friend that has a place in Cambridge, and is going to ask for restaurant recommendations.

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I'd like to wait and hear about that. Mexican will do in a pinch.

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Originally Posted by withm

I sooooo hope it doesn't rain this year!

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At the moment, it sounds as if that weekend's forecast is going to be almost, kinda, sorta the opposite of last year: http://www.accuweather.com/us/md/eas...chg=1&metric=0. Time for us all to cross our fingers and do a non-rain dance.

I will do the Hully Gully

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Originally Posted by withm

Annette has a friend that has a place in Cambridge, and is going to ask for restaurant recommendations. I asked her specifically about vegetarian options.

Mexican is ok (not my favorite but I can put up with it a couple times a year.)

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Annette's friend with a house in Cambridge turns out to be a vegetarian and said she would send her some Cambridge restaurant suggestions - hopefully tomorrow. I will post them as soon as she sends them on to me.

Martha

I got an email that there were a few spots open - so I registered myself & my friend Julie this morning. Time to look for lodging.

I'll probably be bringing a couple of kayaks to go kayaking on Saturday, so I'll look at the maps to see where you guys are going.

I got out and paddled for a bit this afternoon on the Monocacy. It was absolutely gorgeous on the water. I'm not liking the Saturday weather forecast for Cambridge, though, so I'm having second thoughts about paddling that day...

Zen, need to kick that hully gully into high gear.

I paddled today in the Assawoman Canal - with a slight breeze and canopy of trees over top we didn't even notice the 90o temps! By the time I got home the thermometer in my BR window said 100. Yikes!

I have to go to a funeral in DC on Saturday, but will probably go to Cambridge on Friday anyway. I'll miss the paddling, but ought to be back to Cambridge Sat evening for dinner (I hope).

Weather is showing some rain around the end of the week, but really you can't put much more than 50% on that forecast this far in advance. I'm planning on it being a beautiful day on Sunday and I'm just going to make it happen. :)

What's that they say? A bad day on a bike is still better than a good day at work. Works for me.

Still waiting on the veggie restaurant suggestions. I sent a gentle reminder...

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Originally Posted by withm

Weather is showing some rain around the end of the week, but really you can't put much more than 50% on that forecast this far in advance. I'm planning on it being a beautiful day on Sunday and I'm just going to make it happen. :)

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I'm an avid forecast checker, I can't help it. Can you make it a beautiful day on Saturday, too, even though you won't be with us that afternoon? (Sorry to hear about your reason, by the way :( )

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Originally Posted by Kalidurga

I got out and paddled for a bit this afternoon on the Monocacy. It was absolutely gorgeous on the water. I'm not liking the Saturday weather forecast for Cambridge, though, so I'm having second thoughts about paddling that day...

Zen, need to kick that hully gully into high gear.

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Where do you paddle on the monocacy? It always seems so shallow & I hate feeling bottom drag when paddling.

I went down to Monocacy Aqueduct and paddled up to the rte 28 bridge. With the rain we've had lately, the river was at 4 feet or so, so it was easy. Only downside was that it was also a tad muddy. So much nicer when the water's clear.

I've been wanting to do more of the Monocacy, but haven't found a put-in spot I like as much as that one (nearby toilet or porta-john is a must). I have a plastic boat so I don't worry about dragging the bottom. If it's too shallow to skootch through, I'll get out and pull the boat over rocks, sand, whatever.

If you're ever interested in doing a shuttled paddle of the Monoc, let me know :D