Weather permitting, Eric Veit will lead a metric century adventure ride into the Catoctin Mountains from, and returning to, Frederick. This route is about 90% true to the National Gran Fondo series 'medio' route for its MD Gran Fondo, run every September (modified as we won't have police closing normally busy roads leaving/returning to Frederick, and because the road by Camp David is closed every winter until April).
There's one big climb, Hamburg Rd, the 11th hardest climb in MD, and one big descent, Gambrill Park Rd (7th hardest climb). And lots of smaller climbs between. 62.5 miles, 5665' per Ride with GPS. Pace? Hard to say with that much climbing. This will be a challenging ride.
The route is here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38630393 (Hamburg Rd is fully paved despite the hash marks there.)
The route includes Mink Farm Rd, which has 1.3 miles of gravel. When dry, this road is well packed and no problem for 25 mm tires and up, but if wet, we may need to reroute around it via Tower Road.
Only two possible refuel stops: Mile 17.4 Harnes Store, Wolfsville, and/or mile 29.9 Catoctin Furnace Liquors, which typically has a food truck on hand (Eric will call in advance to confirm: 240-356-1997). Hack: carry one full and one empty bottle up Hamburg Rd, then fill both at Harnes Store.
Street park and meet at Baker Park in Frederick as noted. Enjoy some well earned drinks, food and camaraderie afterwards at Idiom or Steinwehr Breweries in Frederick.
John Tyrrell is riding a shorter 54 mile version with 1000 feet less climbing: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38813544
If we're rained out, Eric can't do it Sunday, but maybe next weekend.
