Ride leader: Debby Bowman
Members: Steve Palincsar, Janell Saunders, Jay Lewis, Pat Walters
Guests: none
Route: 37 miles, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28942086?beta=false. As the title says, a variation on the Hidden Amish route, going in the opposite direction and cutting a few miles. We turned right out of the park and stayed on Oaks Rd all the way to Charlotte Hall Rd, which we took to Golden Beach. Crossing Route 5, we rode on Golden Beach, All Faith Church Rd and New Market Turner Rd, then crossed Three Notch Rd and took the trail to a rest stop at Laurel Grove Park. After the break we rode the trail north for a while, then took Locke's Crossing, Dixie Lyon and Ryceville to a second stop at the Amish school house. Our final stint took Trinity Church, Meredith and Dubois up to Rt 6, and finished up on Keech and Oaks Rd.
Weather: A nice fall day! The forecast called for cloud cover in the afternoon, but they were high clouds that never blocked out the sun. Temps were in the high 40s to low 50s. Several of us traded jackets for vests for much of the ride.
Average speed: 12.6 mph at the back.
Mishaps and mechanicals: None
Signs of winter: the rest room at Laurel Grove Park is closed for the season. There is a portolet available, but no opportunity to refill water bottles.
Farm animals: Goats, sheep, a few cows, lots of horses, including a very friendly one across the road from the Amish school house.
We had a great bike ride today. I thought we might see Blake's group somewhere on Golden Beach or All Faith Church Rds, and sure enough we passed him and Brad on the latter. Our group was somewhat spread out on the road but not too far apart to regroup several times and enjoy the rest stops together. Steve opted to shorten things a bit by starting at Northern Senior Center and riding the trail to meet us at Laurel Grove Park, then splitting off from our route at the turn from Dubois to Rt 6 to head back to his car. Janell and Jay left the Amish school house ahead of me, Steve and Pat, and their cars were gone when Pat and I returned to Oak Ridge Park.
While packing up our gear after the ride we met a woman who was walking a fluffy dog while her grandson played nearby. She asked where she could get a hitch rack like the one on Pat's car, and we recommended REI and Bike Doctor. Having recently moved to Hughesville, she was also interested in learning about the Three Notch Trail as a place to ride bikes with her grandson.
Thanks to everyone for joining me today, and thanks to Blake for posting the ride that inspired our route!