10 Years of Fun—Phil Manger’s Greencastle Great Escape!

Where to begin with all the great things about the Phil’s Great Escape weekend?  Since Phil is one of the BBC’s all-time great route-masters, we should begin with the routes and riding. This year’s 29 different—and great—routes epitomize just what makes so many of us return year after year!  From the wonderful mountain views—without all the climbing—to the quiet country roads, Phil’s expertise, time, and effort on the routes is clear.  From historic sites--Fort Loudon, to ice cream—Misty Meadows and Mikies, and even sometimes bucolic fields full of buffalo, this second weekend of June always had so much to offer.

Read more: Greencastle

Jones Station Crossroads Sign & Memorial to Arthur Carter Jr. Ride

When: Wednesday, May 29 at 1pm. Those wishing to join the group at closer locations on the B&A Trail might consider Earleigh Heights Ranger Station at 1:15pm or Big Bean Coffee (just north of McKinsey Rd) at 1:25pm. This will be a rain or shine unless there is severe weather forecasted for that day.

Where: Marley Station Mall Parking Lot on the far side of JC Penny, park near Sign E-43, close to the ring road adjacent to the trail.

Distance: The length of the ride from the Mall Parking lot to the Jones Station Crossroads Sign is 7 miles. Total round trip will be 14 miles. The trail is flat, this will be a no-drop ride.

Read more: Jones Station Crossroads

Flashing Lights at NCR Intersections!

Recently the following was posted to NextDoor and was shared with me by our BBC Club President, Nabil Ali. This is great news for those of us who use the NCR trail, and while a timeline has not been provided for completion of the approved change, it nevertheless is a step in the right direction towards making the needed safety improvements that will hopefully result in the increased safety for all who use the trail crossings.
In August 2023, Julie Klein-Whitmore was struck and killed when she was crossing MD Route 138, as reported in this WBAL story. In 2021, another WBAL story reported on the crash at the intersection of Paper Mill Road and the NCR that killed a 77-year -old experienced cyclist.

Thanks,
Nigel

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Read more: Flashing Lights at NCR Intersections!

Bike to Work Week: May 13-19, 2024

Bike to Work Week is an annual event celebrated across the United States each May to encourage and celebrate bicycling to work (or anywhere!) and to promote public awareness of bicycling as a healthy alternative to driving, bicycle infrastructure, and bike safety. During Bike to Work week and beyond, community members are encouraged to Bike There!

Read more: Bike To Work 24

Emergency Contact Information Requested!

To provide our membership with improved safety, the BBC Board has decided to request that all members provide emergency contact information. As you would expect, this will provide emergency personnel and hospitals with the ability to contact your loved ones in the unlikely scenario if you were injured in a bicycle crash and unable to personally provide such information. The Ride Sign-In Sheet has been revised and updated to reflect this requirement.

Please update your information online by logging into the Club’s website and clicking on “Account Maintenance” where you can fill in the fields for emergency contact. This information will only be available to BBC Board Members, Events Coordinators and Ride Category Coordinators. Your cooperation in fulfilling this task will be greatly appreciated and would personally serve you the most!

Thank you!

President, BBC

2024 Season Opener

Sunday, April 14

The 4th annual Season Opener was a huge success. Strong headwinds throughout the day couldn’t deter over 100 riders.

Those who attended the after-ride social enjoyed a variety of bagels, cookies, delicious mandarin oranges, and especially each other’s company.

As word about the Season Opener has spread, we were happy to welcome some new BBC members including a group from Pennsylvania.

Thanks to our outstanding ride leaders:

  • Adriana Pukalski (10-12 – 27 miles)
  • Nabil Ali (All Pace Long – 38 miles)
  • Gene Young (13-15 – 42 miles)
  • Bob Rohlfing (16 & Over – 47 miles)

Thanks to Steve Zeldin for everything he does to support this event.

Read more: 2024 Season Opener