The weather for this Sunday is supposed to be partly cloudy and cool, highs in the low 60's, w/ a chance of rain in the late evening. It should be good riding weather for our vintage ride North of Baltimore. If anyone needs directions, please return this e-mail and I'll be glad to forward them to you. A synopsis of the ride posting follows. Cheers,
Dan Artley in Parkton, Maryland
I'm hosting a vintage, bobbish ride in Parkton, Maryland on Sunday October 22, around 11:00 am. Bring your classic, shake out the old wool jersey and come on down for a ride and party. You're welcome to arrive as early as 9:00 am or so to our house, but since the temperatures are a bit chillier in the valleys North of Baltimore, I'm letting the sun warm things a bit before the ride start. I'll have a remote start this time at the Oregon Ridge lodge North of Baltimore (same location as the Baltimore retro ride). Arrive at the start early enough to be able to ride by 11:00 am. I'll provide directions to all locations for anyone wishing to join the party.
The theme this year will mirror part of this year's Cirque's theme, Touring/Randonneur bikes! Bring your granny gears. Feel free to ride your racing bikes or fixed gears if you wish to do your own L'Eroica or heroic ride (the locals do). There will be some fairly steep hills, and no more than 30 miles. It will be a fixed gear unfriendly ride. I don't recommend fixed for any but the strongest of riders. This ride will include some of the prettiest roads I know, be rolling and the worst hill, Ivy Hill Rd. (a local legend), points down right near the end. There will be a couple of bailout options, also near the end. I'll provide as descriptive a cue sheet as I can and you'll never be more than six or seven miles from the ride start. It's not an epic ride, but will be challenging.
I'll grill up some hotdogs, polish, brats, etc., we'll have some assorted beverages and maybe a couple sides. The trees have begun to change and I'm hoping for some beautiful colors by the day of the ride and the scenery should be spectacular!
Please bring more than one bike to show off and/or ride, as we all appreciate checking out cool bikes. We'll line them up on the porch or in the yard, I've got a couple but maybe bring a spare bike stand. The riding will definitely make it worth the trip!