PPTC has created a combined event by having the Eastern Tandem Rally join us for the St Michaels weekend. Something new that we hope you will like. One extra day of riding, plus an opportunity to meet new people and possibly test ride a tandem as well. Four days of riding: no hills, sparse traffic, wide shoulders, many roads near the water.

Why You Must Get Your Reservations Early: We have obtained a block of discounted rooms at locations in St Michaels and Easton. Price of rooms go up after March 15, 2009. All the non PPTC rooms have already been taken at Best Western, rally headquarters. It's OK for a non PPTC member to join and thereby stay at Best Western. Less expensive block rates have been obtained in Easton (12 miles away) and the 128 rooms there should be readily available.

There are still rooms available at Best Western for PPTC members. Call the Motel (410-745-3333) and say you are registering as a PPTC member for the St Michaels weekend/ Tandem Rally. This is a joint event with Potomac Pedalers Touring Club. Minimum stay is Friday and Saturday night. Option to extend to four nights at guaranteed rates. Rates at Best Western are lower on Wednesday & Thursday.

If you want help finding a room mate contact

Tandem Wannabees: If you would like to rent a tandem, you can contact Mt Airy Bicycles (Maryland) at 301-831-5151 or Tandems East (New Jersey) at 856-451-5104. Saturday night, Larry Black and Mel Kornbluh will talk under the big tent on what to look for in buying a tandem and special equipment available for tandems.

St Michaels Headquarters: Best Western Motor Inn, 82 rooms. 1228 S Talbot St., St Michaels, MD 21663. (410) 745-3333. Cost per night per room is $100 for Wed and Thursday and $130 for Friday and Saturday. (special reduced rate including taxes) Prices go up after March 15, 2009.

Other lodging

The Old Brick Inn

(a half-mile away from Best Western) 412 S Talbot St., St Michaels, MD 21663. (410) 745-2243 www.oldbrickinn.com Substantial discounts on the varied rooms at this bed and breakfast. Price goes up if you register after 2/28/09. Under $200/night. The Brick House has 20 rooms, at varying prices will offer a reduced rate. Rooms may include a Jucuzzi or hot tub.

Easton: 12 miles away

Days Inn

80 rooms, 7018 Ocean Gateway Easton, MD 21601 410-822-4600. 69.75 plus 10% tax. special rate.

Econo Lodge

48 rooms, 8175 Ocean Gateway Easton, MD 21601-7145 (410) 820-5555 $75.

Camping at Martinak or Tuckahoe State Parks (both are about 25 mi away). Reservations can be made on line -- good family time. Several riders stayed there at the last rally.

Martinak State Park

www.dnr.state.md.us 137 Deep Shore Rd Denton, MD 21629 (410) 820-1668

Tuckahoe State Park

www.dnr.state.md.us 13070 Crouse Mill Rd Queen Anne, MD 21657 (410) 820-1668

Driving Times To St Michaels, MD:

• Philadelphia 2.5 hrs
• Washington 1.3 hrs
• New York City 4 hrs
• Baltimore-Washington Airport 1.5 hrs
• Raleigh NC 5.5 hrs
• Wilmington, DE 1.6 hrs
• Boston, MA 6 hrs
• Virginia Beach 4.2 hrs
• Richmond, VA 3.4 hrs
• Cleveland, OH 7.5 hrs
• Pittsburgh, PA 5.5 hrs
• Charleston, SC 9.5 hrs

The program includes return visits to the Jean Ellen duPont/ Sheehan Audubon and Pickering Wildlife Sanctuaries, tour Blackwater Wildlife Refuge and wetlands restoration in St Michaels. Cross the Fred Malkus Bridge (the highest point in Dorchester county) to Hooper's Island. St Michaels is a summer retreat for the very wealthy with many large waterfront estates. Also included are a catered lunch during the ride on Saturday, Saturday night dinner, ice cream socials and wine and cheese. Breakfasts is on your own (check with motels if they include breakfast); lunch and dinner on your own except for Saturday.

Ride Schedule April 16-19, 2009

• Thursday: 10, 20, 30, 40+ mi from Best Western to 350 year-old home on Jamaica Pt.
• Friday: Remote start (40 minute drive): 24 miles in Blackwater Wildlife Preserve: or 48 miles from Blackwater to Hooper's Island and back to Blackwater. (few cars, few turns, no lights, wide shoulders). Late arrivals can do a short local ride in St. Michaels.
• Saturday: 10 to 66 miles. Nobody should miss out on the full tour. To shorten bicycle ride, riders can go back to Best Western and pick up their cars any time that they want: Best Western to Pickering Wildlife Center, to 100-Acre estate on the water and boat rides, to the Oxford Ferry, to Sam's Pizza for Lunch, to the duPont Wildlife preserve and back to the Best Western. Saturday night dinner at the tent at Best Western. It's a full day of riding, sightseeing and eating.
• Sunday: 26 and 36 mile ride to Tilghman Island. Mass Start. Few cars, no turns, no traffic lights, very wide shoulders. Out-and- back.

Contacts:

Ed and Cindy Brandt

or 301 657-4657.

Gabe and Diana Mirkin

or 301 951-4442.

Bob and Willa Friedman

or 703 978-7937.

Price Includes:

• Thursday and Friday welcome party,
• ice cream socials, wine and cheese,
• lunch and dinner on Saturday,
• EcoTours, and
• Cue Sheets.

Breakfasts are on your own (check with motels if they include breakfast); lunch and dinner are on your own except for Saturday.

No extra charge for children under 16. Contact to sign-up those under 16.

Room reservations not included. Check with lodging for cancellation date.

Refund Policy: Full refund (less $15 processing charge) prior to April 1, 2009.

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