I am headed back to the NE for January. Those who rode the Charm and Grace route in August know that it can get quite hilly in Harford county and this new route is no exception. While Charm and Grace stayed near the water, this route is more northerly, aiming for Delta, PA, but stopping short of the border. We should see a lot of quiet winter farmland, some dark wooded stretches and several river-side roads.

This is a newly developed route and I still need to do some check-out riding. The final details will come soon, but they won't change the obvious:

1. This is a hilly route. Use the next weeks to find the steepest hills in your neighborhood and ride them. Ride them again the next day... and the next, and the next. (want to ride my one hour Roland Park climbing route with me some evening? just email me)
2. It will be cold in January. Use the next weeks to figure out your long distance cold weather clothing. Work out your layers so you don't build up sweat and freeze. Figure out how to keep your hands, feet and face warm- not just for an hour, for all day.
3. We have 9 1/2hrs of sunlight for this ride. That is an adequate amount of time to complete this ride IF you are in good shape, you don't stop long at rests and you have good luck. Slow pokes, long lunchers (I'm one, for sure), or those unlucky riders who get mechanical problems WILL NOT FINISH IN DAYLIGHT. You must bring strong, reliable lighting. If you don't have it, get it.

The Rambles are "no-drop" rides- we won't leave you behind. However, if you are ill-prepared for the ride you will not garner much sympathy. That said, there are many new ramblers who, I believe, are ready for a hilly winter ride like this, but please, do not take it lightly. Be prepared.

I think I've shaken my finger enough. Are you in?

Date: Sunday, January, 8th
Time: 7:15AM meet-up. 7:30 push-off
Start location: Lake Montebello, parking lot at southwest side. map
Cue Sheet: Pylesville_winter_warmer
(print your own cue or ask me and I'll print one for you)
Metrics, Map and gpx files: PylesvilleWW_map&GPX