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View Full Version : The Route Bible for Patapsco State Park


bluronthetrails
August 30th, 2005, 11:38 PM
This thread is dedicated to the best routes in the park. I refer to a combination of trails that give you a good XC work-out without having to worry about wiping out on steep babyheads, or a combination of trails for a good FR/DH workout or a combination of trails for a good Cyclo-X work-out for the cold-weather riders etc...

Why do this: To provide a good, quick means for new/curious riders to choose a complete route for their work-outs/bike trips. And most of all, to open Patapsco up for everyone and make it as much fun as it can be. There are trails I've never been on only because I look at the map and fear the gradient or they're far out of my way. Lets open them up with your personal experience. My main reason is because I've never figured out a good complete trip route without getting seriously exhausted and/or just going back the way I came because that was the only way to go back.

Here are the rules:
1) The directions you give must be as accurate as you can make them. For example: Start off at the Yellow trail junction with that road near the power lines (now I know you're talking about Landing Rd. but just to give an example of attempted accuracy).

2) Your route must have a beginning and end. Don't just end your XC/FR/DH/CX route in the middle of the park with no hope for newbies or tired riders to get back to their cars. You get the idea.

3) Try to make sure you make your route's category of ride accurate. Like make sure if its an XC trip, you leave out 'that small section of Pig's Run' which is not XC, just so that you can get to more XC trails...if you do, make sure you mention that so riders know exactly what they're dealing with. Mixed-category rides aren't a problem, just say so.


Lets have it guys!

bikerRob
August 31st, 2005, 03:35 AM
This thread is dedicated to the best routes in the park...(edited)...Why do this: To provide a good, quick means for new/curious riders to choose a complete route for their work-outs/bike trips. And most of all, to open Patapsco up for everyone and make it as much fun as it can be...Lets have it guys!

8/31/05 >> At first glance, this sound's like a great idea but I'm not so sure giving detailed (written) directions is going to guarantee that some one is not going to get lost. Many of the trail junctures at Patapsco (Avalon) are not marked so telling someone something like..."take the Cascade trail down to where it meets the Morning Choice trail and hang a right"...isn't going to help if that person doesn't know which juncture is in fact the Morning Choice trail. Plus there are lots of off-shoot trails that might confuse the Newb'.

Personally, when ever I go out to do rides I have never done before I always have a map. Yes, even with a map you can get lost. I suppose with a map and some instructions you have a better chance of not getting lost but the way I look at it, you still stand of chance of getting lost. :o

My recommendation to Newbs'...have a map of the area you want to ride. Allow yourself some extra time (in case you get lost) A real good idea to have a compass in case you lose your sense of direction. Relax...even if you get lost, if you have map you should be able to find your way back. If you start your ride later in the afternoon, be sure to have a light source...just in case your not back before dark. Last but not least...if you're not good at reading maps or using a compass or following detailed directions then....You have no business being out in the Woods!! :eek: :D :o ...I'm sorry...just kidding of course but seriously if you're not good with maps it might be best to have a guide. It just so happens I have this pet monkey... :eek: :D ...sorry, there I go again... :D

pirate
August 31st, 2005, 01:06 PM
Personally, when ever I go out to do rides I have never done before I always have a map. Yes, even with a map you can get lost. I suppose with a map and some instructions you have a better chance of not getting lost but the way I look at it, you still stand of chance of getting lost. :o


The Maryland DNR is now selling "Bandana Maps" (http://www.easycart.net/MarylandDepartmentofNaturalResource s/Bandana_Maps.html) of the Avalon area. The printing on them is not the greatest, but it is definitely good enough to get you out of a bind.

leroy
September 1st, 2005, 03:58 PM
Rode both Ho. CO. and Balt. Co. sides yesterday. A few puddles and a couple new downed trees; but trails are very ridable. Trails should be great this weekend. Go ride! :)

rpiontek
September 1st, 2005, 04:26 PM
I also feel that it would be next to impossible for me to describe a particular route that I ride. Just too many trails, too many intersections.

What would be cool, and I've thought about this before, is if there was some kind of gps ride database where you could downlaod tracks or waypoints that would accomplish exactly what you're talking about.

But, as far as patapsco is concerned, one of the things I really liked about the park was that it seemed so huge when I first started riding there. Always a new trail to explore. I don't really feel that way anymore as I know the park pretty well, but still we all take different routes and it would be kind of cool to share them.