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Randonneurs Of the Mid-Atlantic (ROMA) |
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Route Descriptions |
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March, 15 2008 ACP 200km Brevet - Urbanna, MD Start Time: 7am Ride Start: Waffle House 8904 Fingerboard Rd Urbana, MD Parking: Park'n'Ride Ride Description: The ride begins at the Waffle House and heads north through rolling hills in eastern Frederick County arriving at the Union Bridge 7-11. Turning roughly west, the ride is a little flatter, but that's just so you can catch your breath before the SCENIC climb from Thurmont (altitude 500') winding up MD77 through Catoctin Mountain State Park, topping out at about 1700'. A 3-mile descent ends at Smithsburg followed by some big rollers and finally a very gradual uphill into State Line, PA where riders can re-fuel with a quick convenience store stop or a leisurely sit down lunch (keeping in mind Matt's aphorism: When you're stopped on a brevet, you're going infinitely slowly). From here the terrain is flat to moderately rolling as the route heads south to Williamsport, through farmland and then along the lovely Conococheague Creek. After a little side trip to the control at the KOA (watch for gravel, cars, and children), there is more mildly rolling farmland into the Antietam National Battlefield (21,000 dead and wounded in the Civil War's bloodiest single day of battle). Riders can take a break at the Battleview Market control. After Sharpsburg, we return to the hills, which come in rapid succession, with the next 20 miles containing many rollers as well as a 600' climb over South Mountain at Gapland, followed by big rollers and a 500'climb up Catoctin Ridge via Mountville Road. After a gradual descent, and ultimately a short climb away from the Monocacy River on Fingerboard Road, you've only got about 3 miles to ride, and you've ridden three miles before, haven't you? Controls: Urbana, Union Bridge, State Line, Williamsport, Sharpsburg, Urbana and possibly Secret Control &/or Question Control.
March, 29 2008 "Lost River" ACP 200km Brevet - Middletown, VA Start Time: 7am Ride Start: Super 8 2120 Reliance Rd Middletown, VA Ride Description: The ride starts out going south on the Valley Pike past the Civil War Battlefield of Cedar Creek to Strasburg. Past Strasburg, the riders go by Fishers Hill Battlefield on their way to Back Rd. with its views of Massanutten and Little North Mountains. After Back Rd., the ride turns west climbing over Wolf Gap and then to the control at the Lost River Grill in West Virginia. Reversing course here, the route goes to the Mountaineer Country Store and Deli in Wardensville for a second control before reversing course again and returning over Wolf Gap to Virginia. The ride continues to Edinburg and reverses course again to return on Back Rd to the start in Middletown. These three out and backs on the course allow the rider to see others coming and going in the middle of the ride.
April, 5 2008 ACP 300km Brevet - Frederick, MD Start Time: 5am Ride Start: Holiday Inn 999 Patrick St Frederick, MD Ride Description: The ride heads north from Frederick along the base of South Mountain as far as Thurmont and then turns west to climb the ridge on MD77 through Catoctin Mountain State Park. Just short of the summit, it zigzags north, west and north into Pennsylvania through the rolling apple and peach orchards of Adams County. From Arendtsville, it begins a long stair step climb with many steep sections finally reaching the summit of Big Flat. A four mile downhill brings the riders to a much needed rest stop and control in Shippensburg. The terrain moderates in the Cumberland valley north to Bloserville. The return trip heads east and south through Mount Holly Springs, then crosses South Mountain and takes several miles of easy rollers to East Berlin. The final miles remain mellow to Thurmont ending with a few rollers paralleling US15, a series of short hills on Bethel and a long downhill into Frederick on Yellow Springs.
April, 12 2008 ACP 300km Brevet - Middletown, VA Start Time: 5am Ride Start: Super 8 2120 Reliance Rd Middletown, VA Ride Description: This hilly and gorgeous brevet starts south from Middletown, Va working its way to the rollers and scenic views of Back Rd. the riders then climb over Wolf Gap into WV, with a nice streamside descent and then a second climb through the GW National Forest. A second fast descent brings the riders to the first control in Lost River. The course then proceeds north and west as it follows the streams through many small valleys on its way to Romney. There is an extended climb heading east on US 50 followed by several miles of riding the ridge to Points. Here the route turns southeast and climbs several ridges on the way to the control in Slanesville. More ridges follow on the way to the beautiful Cacapon River with its welcome flat stretch. The ride continues south on WVA 259 to Wardenville. Many riders will refuel here before beginning the long, gradual ascent to Wolf Gap, followed by the downhill run to the Control at Columbia Furnace. The brevet then returns along scenic Back Rd to the finish in Middletown.
April, 26 2008 ACP 400km Brevet - Leesburg, VA Start Time: 5am Ride Start: Days Inn 721 East Market St Leesburg, VA Ride Description: Details soon...
3 May 2008 ACP 400km Brevet - Lebanon Church, VA Start Time: 7am Ride Start: Lebanon Church CC 43 Post Ofc Rd Lebanon Church, VA Ride Description: Details soon...
17 May 2008 ACP 600km Brevet - Middletown, VA Start Time: 5am Ride Start: Super 8 2120 Reliance Rd Middletown, VA Ride Description: Details soon...
28 June 2008 ACP 600km Brevet Details soon... |