Our annual ride from Black Hill Regional Park near has become a club tradition; this year, it will go Saturday, June 14th. There have been annual events at Black Hill Regional Park since 1992, but this is our fourteenth annual multi-grade pot-luck picnic ride. In recent years we've attracted over 150 riders; it's great time for all - meet new people, meet old-timers; a time for ATBers to meet tandem duos; for C riders to meet B riders; for AA riders to meet other AA riders. If you haven't been out much this is the time to come back to the club. In fact, you can plan on bringing the family and let them play by the lake or hike the park trails while you blast the hills. Or have friends and family meet you after the ride. The rides are planned to disgorge the pelotons around 1:30-2:00ish.

We'll try to list a ride for everyone; from AA through D, from 20 to 65 miles and even ATB and Tandem rides. If, by chance, a ride isn't listed in your favorite category come anyway and ride in an adjacent category - you'll find someone to pedal with. I will leave cue sheets at every distance on my van windshield so you can come anytime and do your thing. Or bring that friend who doesn't quite stay with you - they'll find a ride that works!

The scenery is great, the ride start is one of the easiest to reach - only a few minutes off 270 (it's quicker to reach, from the beltway, than Poolesville, Rileys Lock or Laytonsville!) The riding is spectacular; hilly, yes, but spectacular. We should ride here more often!

But the real fun starts after the ride!! We will set up a few tables, take out the goodies and munch on the dishes we all will bring to share. Bring your favorite dish. Note: No cooking facilities!! Stuff will be provided, like watermelon and beans, piles of chocolate cupcakes, standard munchies and soda, but we are counting on the usual (and unusual) great and original fare you bring. And socialize with riders we know only by helmet color. Ask anyone who has done this event before - it is a great time.

And this year, again, we will have some great acoustic Bluegrass music with some of the same folks that we all enjoyed last year, including our own Dave Whitaker.

If the weather is uncertain call your ride leader but as long as there is no rain by 9 a.m. the rides will go. If the rain is light at 9 but stops there will be shortened rides at 10:30.

For information call or email me (mdbiker@goldray.com) (301) 854-0388 up to the day before the ride. Or try my cell at (202) 997-2376 on the day of the ride. Or call any of the ride leaders listed. Most cue sheets are on line at http://goldray.com/bikerides

Directions

several options but easiest is: I-270 North, to exit 16, Rt 27N (Father Hurley Blvd), go 0.8 miles to a left at Rt 355 (Frederick Road), go 0.9 mile to a left onto West Old Baltimore Road, and then 1.5 miles and turn left at the Park Entrance (Lake Ridge Rd.). Then go about 2 miles to the upper visitor center lot on your right. This is the ride start and the picnic site. Water/rest rooms here also. address: 20926 Lake Ridge Road, Boyds, Md.

Park website