A rare Saturday Ramble! On Again/Off Again Shortie uses the NCR/Heritage rail trail for half of it and uses the surrounding steep terrain on either side for the other half. It’s a ride of extremes.

Start time will be early, 7AM, to avoid some traffic. We’ll be mostly on smaller roads so we shouldn’t see many cars. We start at Meadowood Park (Falls rd, just north of the beltway). From here we ride pavement to the trail in Sparks. We take the trails and roads north to Glen Rock, then turn around and stop in New Freedom for a lunch and a beer at Seven Sports Bar & Grill. South from there on roads and trail back to Hunt Valley, thru Lutherville and back to our start.

For the trail, you’ll want wide tires and for the roads, narrow. A comfortable, sturdy bike with tires around 32mm would be ideal. There are some tough climbs on this ride. You’ll need low gears and/or strong legs. 2 quick rest stops in Monkton for bathroom and water breaks. I’m hoping to be back by mid afternoon.

DETAILS:

• On/Off Shortie 86 mi., 4800ft.
• Date/Time: Saturday July 4th 6:50AM meet-up. 7:05 exit
• Start: Meadowood Regional Park STARTMAP
• Route Map (click EXPORT for GPS files): ROUTEMAP
• Cue Sheet (print one, or ask me to bring an extra): CUESHEET