Casual ride: Fountainhead, Sunday 11/12

[jabberwocky]

I'll be leading a ride this Sunday. The weather gremlins say that this will probably be one of the last nice weekends of the year, so lets put it to good use.

Ride Details:

Where: Fountainhead Regional Park

When: Sunday, 11/12. Ready to ride at 10:30 am.

Terrain: Intermediate. Rolling hills, lots of rooty, twisty singletrack.

Pace: Casual. Commuting all week means I like to take it easy on the weekends.

Distance: I believe a loop of Fountainhead is running in the 8.5 mile range now. I will probably do 2 loops, but there will be an option to drop out after one if people want.

Directions: See the MORE Fountainhead page (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1214). I drive a blue Subaru wagon, and will be riding a bright blue singlespeed.

Contact info: Chris Chatfield, chris(a t)intensity(p e r i o d)org. I can be reached at home after work during the week at 703-467-9211.

Standard MORE rules apply: Helmet required, non-MORE members welcome. Post up or contact me with any questions.

[allencb]

I may be able to make it.

I hope casual means casual. About the best I can do out there is a 1:15 lap and I've never ridden more than one lap.

And I'm a big wuss on the "shockabilly" stuff, no laughing. :)

Chris

[someguy519]

After a LONG 6 week hiatus from the bike, I'm gonna pencil meself in for Sunday. Hopefully the legs'n'lungs haven't totally left me helpless. We'll find out.

I'm coming from where 66 meets the beltway in Falls Church. If you're in the area, or on the way, and need a ride, shoot me an e-mail @ n h o l s t (at) g m a i l , com.

Lookin' forward to it!

[starcitymtb]

I will try to be there on Sunday. Looking forward to it. Had a good spin there on Saturday.

[drewdane]

I'm planning on scouting out the Loudoun Dirt Ride, but this'll definitely be my Ace in the hole.

[jabberwocky]

I hope casual means casual. About the best I can do out there is a 1:15 lap and I've never ridden more than one lap.

And I'm a big wuss on the "shockabilly" stuff, no laughing. :)Not to worry, casual means casual. I won't be dropping anyone.

I'm planning on scouting out the Loudoun Dirt Ride, but this'll definitely be my Ace in the hole.If you come to Fountainhead, I'll pay you back the 20 bucks I owe you and give you your 29er tube. :)

[Squirrel Girl]

I'm planning on scouting out the Loudoun Dirt Ride, but this'll definitely be my Ace in the hole.We could do the Dirt Road on Saturday and FH on Sunday, she suggests.

[yueq]

I may be able to make it.

I hope casual means casual. About the best I can do out there is a 1:15 lap and I've never ridden more than one lap.

And I'm a big wuss on the "shockabilly" stuff, no laughing. :)

Chris

Last time I hiked my 6-in travel bike down the shockabilly, while some ladies were watching. Really embarrassed http://messenger.msn.com/MMM2006-04-19_17.00/Resource/emoticons/red_smile.gif .

So, is there any way to bypass that section?

[Brizn]

This sounds like a good introduction to FH-- I'll try to be there.

[jabberwocky]

Last time I hiked my 6-in travel bike down the shockabilly, while some ladies were watching. Really embarrassed http://messenger.msn.com/MMM2006-04-19_17.00/Resource/emoticons/red_smile.gif .

So, is there any way to bypass that section?Yes. Its even worse than shockabilly though. :)

Shockabilly gets talked up a lot, but it really isn't that bad. Its all mental. I bet a hojillion dollars that once you try it you won't know why you were so scared before.

This sounds like a good introduction to FH-- I'll try to be there.Excellent! Hope to see you out there.

[Squirrel Girl]

Last time I hiked my 6-in travel bike down the shockabilly, while some ladies were watching. Really embarrassed http://messenger.msn.com/MMM2006-04-19_17.00/Resource/emoticons/red_smile.gif .

So, is there any way to bypass that section?Yeah, there's the bypass.... it's even worse!

If Drew doesn't pull me off to the dirt road on Sunday I'll be there, once again functioning as the at-least-I'm-better-than-SG ego booster for everyone else. For instance, allencb, it takes me around 2:00 more or less (usually less but not always) to drag my sorry @$$ around the loop. At least I enjoy myself. :rolleyes:

[Brizn]

once again functioning as the at-least-I'm-better-than-SG ego booster for everyone else. Way t'go Barb! That's the spirit! ;) :p :D

Ride 'n Fall's out that way, wonder if he'd be in. Yueqing, you in?

[yueq]

Way t'go Barb! That's the spirit! ;) :p :D

Ride 'n Fall's out that way, wonder if he'd be in. Yueqing, you in?

Yes, I'm in.

[jabberwocky]

If Drew doesn't pull me off to the dirt road on Sunday I'll be there, once again functioning as the at-least-I'm-better-than-SG ego booster for everyone else. For instance, allencb, it takes me around 2:00 more or less (usually less but not always) to drag my sorry @$$ around the loop. At least I enjoy myself. :rolleyes:C'mon, dirt road versus Fountainhead with Chris? How is that even a question?

Also, if anyone is coming from downtown DC, I have someone who wants to come but needs a ride. Drop me a line if you can help out.

[Squirrel Girl]

Way t'go Barb! That's the spirit! ;) :p :D F U! :p :D

C'mon, dirt road versus Fountainhead with Chris? How is that even a question?Yeah, well, if I play my cards right, I'll get to do the dirt road with Drew and FH with Drew AND CHRIS! :D It's Drewie who has the scheduling issues with his family! ;)

[Pinoy Rider]

Darn it. I've been waiting for a casual ride for my first group ride with MORE, however, I'll be out of town. :(

[ride-n-fall]

Ride 'n Fall's out that way, wonder if he'd be in.

At this point, I would call myself a stong possibility.

Chris,

I am coming from Alexandria, but am not that far from DC (395 & Duke). I will let you know if I am for sure in, but if I am, I think I can help your friend out.

John

[Squirrel Girl]

Darn it. I've been waiting for a casual ride for my first group ride with MORE, however, I'll be out of town. :(Dang! I'm starting to meet some of the usernames I see all the time (ride-n-fall / yueq for example), you GOT to come on a ride! :D

[drewdane]

We could do the Dirt Road on Saturday and FH on Sunday, she suggests.
Now SG, you know my leash isn't that long!

[Squirrel Girl]

Now SG, you know my leash isn't that long!Huh??? Borat and Gambrill in one weekend; that's a long leash. And speaking of huh, what does your signature line mean?

[Brizn]

oh no, not another diluted ride thread..

[Squirrel Girl]

oh no, not another diluted ride thread..Heck, this thread is a mere 3 pages. We've got dozens of posts yet to go to even come CLOSE to the one from last Saturday's ride.

Glad you're gonna make FH. You'll love it! :)

[Brizn]

this post just filler

[drewdane]

Huh??? Borat and Gambrill in one weekend; that's a long leash. And speaking of huh, what does your signature line mean?
Last weekend was a bit of an exception.

"Mexican God", by Robyn Hitchcock, from Jewels For Sophia:

Oooh, wap shoo wadda dap
Oooh, wap shoo wadda dap

Chip-chip-chipper up in the crow's nest
Upside down face but it still saw a lot
Flaking off, breaking off, crumbled and cracking
Time will destroy you like a Mexican god

Dreaming your eyes away, closed to the future
Pray for amnesia to finish you off
This is the evil I wished on so many
Time will destroy you like a Mexican god

Moon in a cup, crushed garlic and babies
Sailors all stagnant and bloating and rough
The horror of you floats so close by my window
At least when I die, your memory will too

Oooh, wap shoo wadda dap
Oooh, wap shoo wadda dap

Cruel, magnificent, roasting your people
I am secure at the end of your rod
Cut out my heart and it flies to the ceiling
Time will destroy you like a Mexican god
Time will destroy you like a Mexican god
Time will destroy you

Oooh, wap shoo wadda dap
Oooh, wap shoo wadda dap
Oooh, wap shoo wadda dap
Oooh, wap shoo wadda dap
Oooh

[jabberwocky]

At this point, I would call myself a stong possibility.

Chris,

I am coming from Alexandria, but am not that far from DC (395 & Duke). I will let you know if I am for sure in, but if I am, I think I can help your friend out.

JohnThanks John. She can easily get on the Metro, so if you are anywhere near a Metro stop she shouldn't have any trouble meeting you there. Let me know if you plan on coming.

Heck, this thread is a mere 3 pages. We've got dozens of posts yet to go to even come CLOSE to the one from last Saturday's ride.The best part about the off-topic hijacking is that you are one of the moderators for the board. :) And the Gambrill thread is for more than one ride, so that doesn't count.

Also, 3 pages?! You know you can increase the number of posts displayed per page, right? I'm still on page 1. Jeeze.

[yueq]

I've been to FH once and liked it, especially the one way traffic. I'll bring my full suspension bike and maybe try the shockabilly.

[Squirrel Girl]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Squirrel Girl
Huh??? Borat and Gambrill in one weekend; that's a long leash.

Last weekend was a bit of an exception.Well, even if you can only make it for one ride, if you want to do the Dirt Road ride, we could do it Saturday, and then even if you couldn't make Sunday, I could go with that really terrific fellow, Chris.

If you'd rather do FH, lemme know. I might be able to fit my dirt road pre-ride in before the weekend. Oh, yeah, I forgot, that would presume you know ahead of time! :rolleyes: :p

Normally I don't pay attention, but I just looked at my recent reputation dots while hunting around for where to change the number of posts/page. Somebody gave me a red dot when I *pretended* to be mad at you and fake ragged on you. I have to try and remember to make sure to use the emoticons so when I'm teasing, so someone doesn't think I'm just a b!tch.

[Brizn]

more filler

[dcraider]

this post just filler

Response goes here. Post no bills.

[Pinoy Rider]

I'll keep my eyes open for the next casual ride at Fountainhead. Riding alone is getting unmotivating.

[allencb]

I'll keep my eyes open for the next casual ride at Fountainhead. Riding alone is getting unmotivating.
I'm less than half an hour from Fountainhead. If you want to ride out there and want someone to ride with, let me know. I'm also not far from Conway Robinson.

Chris

[drewdane]

when I *pretended* to be mad at you and fake ragged on you.
Huh? Where? When? :confused:

[Pinoy Rider]

I guess that depends. Are you more of a casual rider or balls to the wall type hammerfest rider? :)

[allencb]

I guess that depends. Are you more of a casual rider or balls to the wall type hammerfest rider? :)
Depends on who I'm riding with and how I feel. Most days, I'm fairly casual. Even on those days where I feel like riding fast, I'm not all that fast. :)

Chris

[Squirrel Girl]

Huh? Where? When? :confused:Here's what someone gave me a red dot over:
http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?p=39913#post39913

I guess they didn't know me well enough to know that I was TEASING!!!!

That's why I have to force myself to put smilies in, so that people who don't understand my sense of humor don't take teasing seriously.

I can only think of one time where I was seriously upset with someone and wasn't kidding. And this wasn't it. I was KIDDING about hating men!
:rolleyes:

[Pinoy Rider]

Good to go! Let me know the next time you are heading to FH and I'll do the same.

[drewdane]

Here's what someone gave me a red dot over:
http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?p=39913#post39913

Retarded people never fail to amuse me. Unless they're, like, retarded for real. Then I'm all serious and sympathetic 'n' stuff, and I think about donating to the United Way someday. Then I finish my grocery shopping.

[allencb]

Drew, I'm gonna give you a red dot for your hamfisted attempt at humor. ;)

Chris

[drewdane]

Drew, I'm gonna give you a red dot for your hamfisted attempt at humor. ;)

Chris
Mmmmm .... Ham!

[jabberwocky]

I've gotten a few questions about the ride difficulty and pace off the board, so I wanted to clarify those two things.

First, Fountainhead is rated as an "intermediate" trail. What does that mean? Fountainhead is not a super technical trail, but it does have a lot of short, steep ups and downs. It can be a somewhat difficult trail from a cardio perspective, because you are always either climbing or descending. Also, the combination of the semi-rough terrain and the steep hills can make things a little white knuckle for people who aren't used to it. There are a few (by which I mean two that I can think of) somewhat nasty downhills there, but I will be sure to point them out before we get to them and give people a chance to walk if they want.

That said, I don't want to scare anyone off. Fountainhead isn't that difficult, but I want people to know what to expect. If you show up, I'll get you around the loop. :)

Second, I rated this ride as "casual", and I mean it. That means I don't drop anyone. That said, I generally like to keep the ride moving, so I will stop long enough to give people a chance to regroup and catch their breath, and then get everyone going again.

Also, if we get some newish riders I will stop to discuss riding technique at a few points along the ride. Fountainhead is a good place to work on fundamental techniques (climbing and descending, especially).

I'll keep my eyes open for the next casual ride at Fountainhead. Riding alone is getting unmotivating.I'll be doing another ride here before the year is out. Fountainhead is really fun when it's frozen. Its even more fun when it's covered in snow!

Here's what someone gave me a red dot over:
http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?p=39913#post39913

I guess they didn't know me well enough to know that I was TEASING!!!!

That's why I have to force myself to put smilies in, so that people who don't understand my sense of humor don't take teasing seriously.

I can only think of one time where I was seriously upset with someone and wasn't kidding. And this wasn't it. I was KIDDING about hating men!
:rolleyes:Thats pretty funny. You still have eleven billionty green dots, so it isn't like it actually matters. I think the only reason I don't have a whole mess of red dots is that people think I'm kidding when I'm actually being serious. :)

[lorraine]

Hi

I struggle for transport but would love to ride Sunday, I can get to any Metro link. I wonder if anyone would mind sharing a lift

Thanks for all your help

Lorraine

[Pinoy Rider]

Looking forward to it then! I consider FH my home trail and I agree it is just as fun frozen. Just curious, do you know why they keep the parking lot closed during the winter, considering there is a lot of people(mtbikers, hikers, runners) that still uses the park during the winter?









/

[Squirrel Girl]

That's pretty funny. You still have eleven billionty green dots, so it isn't like it actually matters. I think the only reason I don't have a whole mess of red dots is that people think I'm kidding when I'm actually being serious. :)Even if I *didn't* have eleventy billion green dots, it still probably wouldn't matter. :cool:

I think I gave you some more green dots the other day since it seemed like your count was lower than it should have been. I seem to go in spurts (which sounds like a Craig-type word). I dish out a bunch of green dots, get maxed out, then forget to do it again for a long time, then spurt again. Unless, of course, it's Walsh, and he posts something hysterically funny! :D Then it's painfully obvious that green dots are due. Thus far I've never given any red dots. If I could only figure out who red dotted me, that could change. <I'm KIDDING!>

I assumed it wasn't Drew thinking I was really mad at him, who gave me that red one. It might have been an RLAG gal who didn't "get" me. I also got red dotted by someone when I defended weather forecasters a few months ago, too. :rolleyes: What I don't understand is that when I stumbled on my recent dot tally, I had green, red, and GREY dots. What the heck are those dots with no color in them at all??????? :confused:

[yueq]

Just curious, how do I give green dots to others?

[dharma]

What I don't understand is that when I stumbled on my recent dot tally, I had green, red, and GREY dots. What the heck are those dots with no color in them at all??????? :confused:

I've been wondering about the grey ones too... just curious.

also, I really, really, really wish I could join this ride. good to know that you'll lead another one Chris. I need a chance to redeem myself from my first failures at FH!

[Brizn]

Just curious, how do I give green dots to others?Easy. Open the link below, then click on the icon in the upper right hand corner that has a check and an X mark in it. Click "I disapprove", then add some comment about ppl not showing enough emotion in their posts. Here's the link. (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showpost.php?p=46489&postcount=43)

[Squirrel Girl]

Easy. Open the link below, then click on the icon in the upper right hand corner that has a check and an X mark in it. Click "I disapprove", then add some comment about ppl not showing enough emotion in their posts. Here's the link. (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showpost.php?p=46489&postcount=43)Thanks dude. With friends like you.......

OK, so everyone knows... JUST KIDDING!

[yueq]

Easy. Open the link below, then click on the icon in the upper right hand corner that has a check and an X mark in it. Click "I disapprove", then add some comment about ppl not showing enough emotion in their posts. Here's the link. (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showpost.php?p=46489&postcount=43)

哦，知道了，谢谢！ ;)

[ride-n-fall]

Ok, it looks like I am in. I understand that there are a couple of people who need a ride. I live pretty close to the Van Dorn Metro station. If anyone can get there, I can pick them up at 9:30. I can fit three additional bikes. So, if anyone is planning on being at the Van Dorn metro, let me know and I will plan to swing by there at 9:30.

[dcraider]

If anyone is interested myself and another are going to be doing a moderate lap prior to the start of this ride. I'd like to get a total of two laps in, the one prior and then the one casual lap.

Have no fear I won't pound anyone into the ground. We'll probably kick off around 830-845ish.

Here's to a fun ride. :D

[crashmore]

Not to worry. Chris is a great ride leader. When he says Casual he means it.

He and I both attended the Pete Beers school of Ride Leading together :)

Wish I could make it. I have a family event to attend otherwise I'd be there myself.

Not to worry, casual means casual. I won't be dropping anyone.

If you come to Fountainhead, I'll pay you back the 20 bucks I owe you and give you your 29er tube. :)

[starcitymtb]

I've gotten a few questions about the ride difficulty and pace off the board, so I wanted to clarify those two things.

First, Fountainhead is rated as an "intermediate" trail.

I am new to the area and the MORE board but I rode FH for the first time on Sat and thought it was a great ride. I have to agree that its a great intermediate trail. I guess from reading on the board before my ride I thought that FH was going to be more technical but to my surprise it wasn't nearly as technical as I thought. It was a great ride all the way through and love the fact that it is a one way deal plus a quick drive away from Alexandria.

I will tell you that when we came to the Shockabilly section, if I am identifying the area correctly, I went right instead of left and went down the rock section. Would have been more fun on full suspension but once I got to the bottom, I saw the shockabilly section to the left. Went back up and rode that down as well. Well worth the effort to get back on a fast but technical downhill even if for a short sprint to the bottom.

I'd equate FH with the blue trails at Douthat w/o the longer climbs, the Explore Park (I'd have to include the Endurance Lap and Expert Section though), or the lower trails at Carvins Cove that are rolling singletrack with some technical sections in-between rolling singletrack for those of you who have come up from my way or ridden over there.

The bummer is that earlier I said I was going to be able to ride with yall on Sunday but I have to go home unexpectedly so I will be riding Carvins Cove this weekend but look forward to riding with yall soon.

Question is will you be doing more Casual Rides this winter? While I love riding alone its always more fun to 'do it' with a group.

[Squirrel Girl]

Question is will you be doing more Casual Rides this winter? While I love riding alone its always more fun to 'do it' with a group.Welcome to the metro area and MORE! :)

You bet we'll keep having casual rides this winter. So long as it's either frozen or dry. And when it's soggy close in, we'll head to the hills. There are several good locations that are 1 to 1-/2 hours from the metro area.

[starcitymtb]

Welcome to the metro area and MORE! :)


Thanks!
.

[Brizn]

Ok, it looks like I am in. ...and it looks like I'm out, sorry. I'm trying to manage my time and workload for school, and with some stuff upcoming- I'm going to stay local on Sunday. Swear to Jah i'll make the next casual FH, though. Drew and Chris, plz eat a pile of cheese fries for me.

[jabberwocky]

I've been wondering about the grey ones too... just curious.

also, I really, really, really wish I could join this ride. good to know that you'll lead another one Chris. I need a chance to redeem myself from my first failures at FH!The way you are progressing, I think you can lead the next one. :)

I will be doing another Fountainhead ride pretty soon, not to worry.

Not to worry. Chris is a great ride leader. When he says Casual he means it.

He and I both attended the Pete Beers school of Ride Leading together :)

Wish I could make it. I have a family event to attend otherwise I'd be there myself.Thanks for the plug. :)

Shame you can't make it Jason. Next time, hopefully.
The bummer is that earlier I said I was going to be able to ride with yall on Sunday but I have to go home unexpectedly so I will be riding Carvins Cove this weekend but look forward to riding with yall soon.

Question is will you be doing more Casual Rides this winter? While I love riding alone its always more fun to 'do it' with a group.I will definitely be doing more casual stuff over the winter. I'm actually looking to do a casual Elizabeth Furnace ride sometime soon (next weekend, maybe), if anyone is interested.

...and it looks like I'm out, sorry. I'm trying to manage my time and workload for school, and with some stuff upcoming- I'm going to stay local on Sunday. Swear to Jah i'll make the next casual FH, though. Drew and Chris, plz eat a pile of cheese fries for me.Damn. You will be missed. Fountainhead is a pretty long haul from Frederick though.

Also, I like your new avatar.

[dcraider]

I'm actually looking to do a casual Elizabeth Furnace ride sometime soon (next weekend, maybe), if anyone is interested.


Interested.

[markymark]

hey guys - i have relocated here to the DC area from California... would love to join u guys for a casual ride at Fountainhead. I do not have my car here as its left behind in CA however I have my bike with me.

i am hoping that by joining u guys this saturday i could make contact with the MTBers in the area.

markymark

[jabberwocky]

hey guys - i have relocated here to the DC area from California... would love to join u guys for a casual ride at Fountainhead. I do not have my car here as its left behind in CA however I have my bike with me.

i am hoping that by joining u guys this saturday i could make contact with the MTBers in the area.

markymarkWhere are you located? Let us know and perhaps someone could give you a ride.

Welcome to MORE!

[yueq]

hey guys - i have relocated here to the DC area from California... would love to join u guys for a casual ride at Fountainhead. I do not have my car here as its left behind in CA however I have my bike with me.

i am hoping that by joining u guys this saturday i could make contact with the MTBers in the area.

markymark

I believe the ride is on Sunday. Anyway, I'm coming from Germantown and I have two bike carriers. If you are somewhere along the way I can give you a lift.

[markymark]

guys - yeah i meant this sunday... i live in DC in the Capitol Hill/SE area.

[dharma]

The way you are progressing, I think you can lead the next one. :)

I will be doing another Fountainhead ride pretty soon, not to worry.


I'm feeling a little bit better each day... I'm half way tempted to try riding a bit! I may give R'ville a shot tomorrow. But I think, sadly, no matter how casual the pace, FH is still a bit more than I'm ready for. Seriously, you can ask SG what a debacle my attempt there was. I'm sure my shoulder wouldn't appreciate all the roots either! But what do I care what my shoulder wants, I want to ride!!! Who knows, I may just show up Sunday, I can always walk back to the car...

[allencb]

I'm feeling a little bit better each day... I'm half way tempted to try riding a bit! I may give R'ville a shot tomorrow. But I think, sadly, no matter how casual the pace, FH is still a bit more than I'm ready for. Seriously, you can ask SG what a debacle my attempt there was. I'm sure my shoulder wouldn't appreciate all the roots either! But what do I care what my shoulder wants, I want to ride!!! Who knows, I may just show up Sunday, I can always walk back to the car...
That's the spirit!

Seriously, try it and if it's still to much, walk out. FH was my inaugral "welcome back to mountain biking" ride this summer. I walked the last mile...in the dark.

Chris

[jagayers]

I was just looking online at the weather report and it looks like they predict Rain on Sunday. Will this group ride still happen if it is raining?

My first time at FH was the last time I rode my bike prior to the Marine Marathon. It was rainy and very slippery and I ended up riding the last 30 min in the dark ( with no lights). So, it would be fitting for this to be my first time back on the bike after that race...and the rain would just cap it off nicely. :)

Any event...looking forward to meeting you all there if it is still a go.

[jabberwocky]

I'm feeling a little bit better each day... I'm half way tempted to try riding a bit! I may give R'ville a shot tomorrow. But I think, sadly, no matter how casual the pace, FH is still a bit more than I'm ready for. Seriously, you can ask SG what a debacle my attempt there was. I'm sure my shoulder wouldn't appreciate all the roots either! But what do I care what my shoulder wants, I want to ride!!! Who knows, I may just show up Sunday, I can always walk back to the car...Bah! Screw your shoulder, you should ride! :)

Seriously, if it is still hurting, take it easy. One week won't make a big difference. I rode Fountainhead as my first ride after getting back from Fruita this past April (with a fractured rib) and went down hard on one of the descents there when a jarring impact on one of the roots caused my arm to spasm and go numb (and stop working). Its difficult to steer a rigid mountainbike one handed. :)

But if you show up, we will go easy on you.

I was just looking online at the weather report and it looks like they predict Rain on Sunday. Will this group ride still happen if it is raining?Yeah, I checked the weather a little while ago and it doesn't look good. We will just have to wait and see. Fountainhead holds up relatively well to rain, but it isn't going to be ridable if we get a soaking rain Saturday night. I'll post up Saturday night or early Sunday morning to let everyone know whats going on.

[Squirrel Girl]

Seriously, you can ask SG what a debacle my attempt there was.Dharma, you've come a long way, baby! I'm sure you'll find Fountainhead much less painful now than you did that first time. I'm not sure you'd "enjoy" it yet, but maybe! You've improved a lot, and I'm sure it wouldn't be a "bad" idea for you to try.

But if you're not back on all 4s, then that's a decision you'll have to make. I missed what happened to you, but I hope you're better soon.

[jabberwocky]

Ok, looking at the weather for the next 24 hours, I am not encouraged. National weather service is calling for lots of rain tonite and the same for tomorrow. I will make the final call tomorrow morning when I get up and see whats going on. Everyone grip their magic feathers real hard and hope hope that the weather forecasters are wrong.

So anyone who is planning on coming should definitely check the forum tomorrow morning.

[lorraine]

Very disappointed if rain cancels play. You guys must get a lot less rain than we do. If we didn't ride in the rain back in the Uk we would never get out. Fingers, knees and toes all crossed and doing the sun dance.

Dharma - glad your shoulder is better - you took quite a knock last week

hopefully see you tomorrow

[allencb]

If anyone is interested myself and another are going to be doing a moderate lap prior to the start of this ride. I'd like to get a total of two laps in, the one prior and then the one casual lap.
Have no fear I won't pound anyone into the ground. We'll probably kick off around 830-845ish.
Here's to a fun ride. :D
Assuming there's no rain to cancel the ride, are you still doing the early ride? If so, I'll be there too.

Chris

[jabberwocky]

Sorry folks, but according to the National Weather Service, we have gotten almost half an inch of rain at this point, with plenty more on the way, so the ride is canceled.

I am going to post up a casual ride for next weekend, though, so what would people prefer: another attempt at Fountainhead, or Elizabeth Furnace (or something else)?

[dharma]

Sorry folks, but according to the National Weather Service, we have gotten almost half an inch of rain at this point, with plenty more on the way, so the ride is canceled.

I am going to post up a casual ride for next weekend, though, so what would people prefer: another attempt at Fountainhead, or Elizabeth Furnace (or something else)?

well, I am very sad that y'all got rained out...BUT this means I'll probably be ready to ride next weekend. Try for FH again!!! :D

[1derwoman]

I second Dharma to try for a casual ride at FH again, and vote for Sunday. There's an EX2 Backyard Burn trail race at FH at 9 a.m., and I might be able to tack on a loop after finishing the race, and before helping the race crew cleanup.

[jabberwocky]

well, I am very sad that y'all got rained out...BUT this means I'll probably be ready to ride next weekend. Try for FH again!!! :DHows the shoulder doing?

Ok, thats one vote for Fountainhead. Looking at the calender, Scuds Catherine Furnace ride is Saturday, so the super tech GW national forest style riding is covered for the weekend anyway. Something closer in to DC would probably work better.

On the other hand, doesn't this look like more fun than Fountainhead? :)

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/5332/img0463fp4.jpg

[yueq]

Another vote for FH (EF is too far away :( ) .

[jagayers]

I am fine with Either ... I have never done EF... but looks like I will get my chance on Saturday, so FH for Sunday is great...

Since the trail run is scheduled for 0900, would it be better to do this ride in the pm becuase of the runners, parking, congestion, etc....? (just a thought).

[jabberwocky]

I am fine with Either ... I have never done EF... but looks like I will get my chance on Saturday, so FH for Sunday is great...

Since the trail run is scheduled for 0900, would it be better to do this ride in the pm becuase of the runners, parking, congestion, etc....? (just a thought).Just a note: Catherine Furnace and Elizabeth Furnace are not the same place. Catherine Furnace is much further away, out near Harrisonburg.

It looks like people would rather do Fountainhead. I will probably move the ride to Saturday to avoid conflict with the Joint MORE/PPTC ride on Sunday.

I suspect (but don't know for sure) that the trail race is on one of the hiker only loops at Fountainhead (the MTB trail is not supposed to be open to runners, although I suppose they may allow it for the race). In any case, I personally would rather do the ride on a day when there won't be a million people out there. I can technically do either day though, so if Saturday doesn't work for a lot of people, let me know (in other words, speak now or forever hold your peace).

[yueq]

One vote for Saturday.

[Jackson]

I am going to post up a casual ride for next weekend, though, so what would people prefer: another attempt at Fountainhead, or Elizabeth Furnace (or something else)?

I'd be up for a spin at Fountainhead - may have to a attend a blow-out birthday party for my three-year nephew, though. But if things work out, I'll be there.

- Tom

[dharma]

Just a note: Catherine Furnace and Elizabeth Furnace are not the same place. Catherine Furnace is much further away, out near Harrisonburg.

It looks like people would rather do Fountainhead. I will probably move the ride to Saturday to avoid conflict with the Joint MORE/PPTC ride on Sunday.

I suspect (but don't know for sure) that the trail race is on one of the hiker only loops at Fountainhead (the MTB trail is not supposed to be open to runners, although I suppose they may allow it for the race). In any case, I personally would rather do the ride on a day when there won't be a million people out there. I can technically do either day though, so if Saturday doesn't work for a lot of people, let me know (in other words, speak now or forever hold your peace).

Sunday, if possible. otherwise, no hard feelings. I'm doing RLAG on Sat :) I'll eventually get back to FH.

[Squirrel Girl]

On the other hand, doesn't this look like more fun than Fountainhead? :)You bet it looks more fun than Fountainhead. How ya gonna get all those purty green leaves onto the trees? If you figure *that* out, I'll go where ever you do it.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/5332/img0463fp4.jpg

[Brizn]

If you look real' closely, you can see Sasquatch at the very end of that rocky trail. Or is that Gaz? Each is sighted as often as the other..

[jabberwocky]

Sunday, if possible. otherwise, no hard feelings. I'm doing RLAG on Sat :) I'll eventually get back to FH.Doh! I didn't see that on the calender (which I guess is unsurprising, since it isn't on the calender :rolleyes: ).

You bet it looks more fun than Fountainhead. How ya gonna get all those purty green leaves onto the trees? If you figure *that* out, I'll go where ever you do it.Smartass. :)

[Squirrel Girl]

Smartass. :)Who? Me? Surely you jest! :cool:

[yueq]

Sunday, if possible. otherwise, no hard feelings. I'm doing RLAG on Sat :) I'll eventually get back to FH.

Sunday might be better. punga just posted a Saturday casual Gambril...too many ride, too little time...

OK, I change my vote to Sunday.

[jabberwocky]

Sunday might be better. punga just posted a Saturday casual Gambril...too many ride, too little time...

OK, I change my vote to Sunday.I guess Sunday it is then, as you were the only vote for Saturday. :)

I would like to do Gambrill also anyway.

[dharma]

I guess Sunday it is then, as you were the only vote for Saturday. :)

I would like to do Gambrill also anyway.

i'll plan on being there. i may be more at a pokey pace though! :o

[mtbmore]

Just a note: Catherine Furnace and Elizabeth Furnace are not the same place. Catherine Furnace is much further away, out near Harrisonburg.

Catherine is at least 45 minutes from Harrisonburg. It is only about 35-45 minutes farther than EF. It is an hour 15 minutes from I66/I495 to EF and it is an hour 55 minutes to CF. It is just outside of Luray. Check the posting with the actual map and directions. Plus my ride will have similar pace than yours and a nice diversion from our normal riding.

Scud

[mtbmore]

See RSVP notice below

Catherine Furnace Nov 18th

Terrain: intermediate/advanced
Pace: casual

Meet at Catherine Furnace at 10:30am
Come join Scott Scudamore on a real classic GW Forest Ride. Catherine Furnace
starts up a gradual long fire road to some of the sweetest rock garden
ridge riding you will find anywhere. Maybe he will throw in the Overlook
spur for a fantastic view of the Shenandoah Valley.

Contact: Scott Scudamore mtbmore@comcast.net 703 717 1714
Please RSVP to mtbmore@comcast.net if you plan on attnding.


There is a car pool meeting place in Warrenton at the Howard Johnson's
on RT211 at 9am.

You must also RSVP for carpool meeting otherwise no one will be there to meet you.

Directions from Warrenton
- Rt 211 past Luray
- left onto Rt 340
- Right onto Rt 685, just past the High School, this will be your "2nd"
Rt 685
- left at end of road
- Park at Furnace on right

http://www.more-mtb.org/galleries/gal_imgs/2/cathfurnaceedit.JPG

[jabberwocky]

Catherine is at least 45 minutes from Harrisonburg. It is only about 35-45 minutes farther than EF. It is an hour 15 minutes from I66/I495 to EF and it is an hour 55 minutes to CF. It is just outside of Luray. Check the posting with the actual map and directions. Plus my ride will have similar pace than yours and a nice diversion from our normal riding.

ScudOk, I stand corrected. Still further away from (and not the same place as) EF, which was my main point. :)

I may try to make it, Scud. It depends entirely on my schedule this week though.

In any case, I am doing the Fountainhead ride again next Sunday, so people can do both Scuds ride and mine if they so desire. Details here: http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5732

[allencb]

It is an hour 15 minutes from I66/I495 to EF and it is an hour 55 minutes to CF.
I drive the I66/495 to Manassas route every workday. I just want to point out that that section alone can be over an hour if there's anything at all to tie up traffic such as wrecks, construction, stuff falling out of the sky (rain, snow, sleet, excessive sun, etc). Once you get past Manassas, it's smooth sailing, but the 20 miles prior can be unpredictable. Depending on what VDOT has done to the section of I66 between Manassas and Gainesville, you could have no traffic on a Saturday morning or a big delay. I personally would allow 2hrs from I66/495 to Front Royal.

Not trying to be a PITA about it, I just wouldn't want folks to be late or miss the ride.

Chris