I am keeping the ride going for right now. We ask that if you are not
feeling good, that you do not come to the ride. We will also ask that
when we stop that we give each other more room than normal to maintain
the recommended 6 social distancing.We currently need lights on the
way out of the park and with the start of day light savings will be
starting in the dark. Please be prepared! If you are looking for a
cheap decent light see "what to bring" below.
Waiver: Mountain biking is a risky sport, By signing up for this
meetup you are agreeing to our waiver located here:
http://www.meetup.com/MVD-Mountain-Bikers/pages/Standard_Waiver_for_Meetup_Rides/
[http://www.meetup.com/MVD-Mountain-Bikers/pages/Standard_Waiver_for_Meetup_Rides/]
, as well as you will need to sign the standard MORE waiver prior to
leaving on the ride, as we will be legally riding in the park at
night.
Where/Directions: Rockburn Elementary School
What time: Meet between 5:45 and 6:00 at parking lot. Wheels rolling
by 6:00. We will not wait past 6:00.
Pace: Pace will be Intermediate, approx. 7-8 mph. Appropriate for
average to riders, but not for beginners, or people who are not riding
at least once a week. Attitude is laid-back and friendly, but please
ensure you can handle the pace and length of this ride before
committing. This is a no-drop ride, i.e., we wait up for everyone at
intersections. (Please survey your current fitness, as no one likes to
be the one person holding up a larger group). Please also note Ptap
rides tend to be about 1 mph slower than Rosy, or Fairland, due
terrain.
Terrain: Ranges from Easy to Difficult. Most trails are in great
shape, but plan on some mud spots. There are a few very steep climbs,
rocks and technical sections, log overs (up to 10" logs, and 3
stacks), tight single track (12" wide in spots), and a stream crossing
or two. A strong/advanced rider will be able to clean most sections,
others will need to get off of their bikes in spots. This is a
friendly ride, so we will wait up for everyone, just be advised that
the terrain can be somewhat difficult in places. This is a video edit
I made of a ride this year. We won t hit all of this terrain, but
gives you a feel for Patapsco:
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=nwi7H68iljI&t=664s
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwi7H68iljI&t=664s]
Distance: With days starting shorter, the rides will be a little
shorter, but I m still trying to maintain about 15 to 17 miles. Exact
route will change depending on group dynamics, trail conditions,
daylight, etc. I will typically have route planned in my head at the
beginning of the ride, but will modify as needed to get us back at a
reasonable time. Distance will grow with more daylight.
Duration: I shoot to have us back around 8:30, so around 2 1/2 hours.
This can change with mechanical issues, and group dynamics though. As
this is a weekday ride, the stops will be just long enough for the
last rider to catch their breath. Note: wheels roll at stated time, so
please don’t be late.
Bring: Helmet (required), water (as much as you can carry), spare
tube/patch kit, pump/CO2, multi-tool, I.D., emergency contact info
where it can be easily located on your person, and a good attitude, as
this ride is as much about camaraderie as it is about riding. Take a
look at your bike and make sure it is in good working condition (Ptap
will take its toll on the bike). Bring a light, as you will need it
with the days starting off shorter, and the eventual start in the
dark. There are ton of acceptable lights under $20 on Amazon right
now. Just look for a T6 Cree LED Bike light, with minimially 1000
lumens.
Weather: Shine Only (there will undoubtedly be some mud, but no ride
if it’s raining or the trails are too muddy). Protect our trails and
don’t ride them when they’re fragile. There may be days where I
make a last minute call, so watch our MVD Mountainbikers meetup event,
our Facebook group, as well as the Patapsco After Dark Facebook page,
as I will cancel and cross post on all three.
Ride Organizer(s): Craig P.
Craig P, 4four3-5zero9-zero8one1; skibum616 at yahoo dot com
nightlife
1296
Views
05/06/2020 Last update