Thanksgiving Hangover | punga's Last Stand

[punga]

In the spirit of giving thanks, while at the risk of competing with the other ride, I'd like to give thanks for having so many great trails to ride in the area by leading a ride in Gambrill (cause I never lead rides there). And, as my surgery is scheduled for Nov. 30th, it'll probably be my last who-rah <--(anyone know the spelling for that) for the year.

So, lets have at it!

Where: Gambrill State Park, lower gravel lot http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1208

When: Friday, November 24th, 10 a.m.

Terrain: Rocks, rocks and more rocks. Mostly single track with some tough climbs and fun downhills... come on, you know you want to ride it! Plan on 8-11 miles or more if the group is game.

Pace and Distance: Casual/Moderate. A no drop ride, but I'd like to keep the group moving where possible. First timers (to Gambrill, that is) are welcome, but you should be proficient at Fountainhead/Patapasco level of riding or you may not have a good time. That being said, if you have the gumption to show up, we'll get you through it. And, the road is never far away if you decide you're in over your head.

I'm going to shoot for a longer ride than we've been doing lately since its my last ride, so maybe 2 loops or adding on some other trails (anyone up for that nasty, black trail downhill?) I would like to do a solid 15-20 miles, but we'll drop people off at the trailhead if necessary.

Contact: Me, punga! (shawn) 301-675-2117 or s_punga at yahoodotcom

Standard MORE disclaimers apply, mainly, if you don't have a helmet you can't play in our reindeer games. Non-MORE members are welcome to join us.

punga!

[Yakmike]

COunt me in for the Sat. ride at Gambrills. I've never ridden there an heard it is a great spin. If you'll have another rider along, I'll be there. I also never ridden with your group and would like to meet some new faces.
Mike

[MyOtherBrotherL]

COunt me in for the Sat. ride at Gambrills. .......
Mike

Dang - He said Gambrills. :eek:

(I think it's starting to spread)

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/gambrill.html

L

(Yes - I have a severe case of AR) :D :D

[punga]

Apologies to all who have read this so far. I screwed up the day. I was planning for a Friday ride, the day after Thanksgiving. I've edited the original post.

However, if Friday is no good for people and a majority say that Saturday is better, I'm flexible and can move it.

your humble, calendar challenged,
punga!

P.S.

Gambrills is in Anne Arundal county, bikermiker and I grew up near there. Maybe Mr. Anal Retentive will make it out to one of our Gambrill rides and i can tell him all about Gambrills :p

[rockhead]

Hey, I'd be up for a Gambrills ride on Friday, I don't give a rat's ass HOW you spell it! :)

[middle-ring]

I spell Gambrill:
S H E D

[redneckp3ngu1n]

I would come but im already planning a Work off the turkey street ride in bethesda/dc on friday.

[yueq]

Put me in the "most likely" category.

[1derwoman]

...but I would most likely come out Saturday, if that's how it turns out.

[DKEG]

I spell Gambrill:
S H E D
S H E D on firday is not a good Idea unless you are into dodging bullets. Riffle season is upon us. Gambrill will be fine.

[Mrs. Outlaw]

I'm in for the ride if it's on Friday!

Julie

[ezrider]

I'm in for Friday.

Brian

[ride-n-fall]

I vote Saturday. Unfortunately, I have a brief due on Friday and will have to work.

If you will give some direction as to how our votes count, I will vote early and often.

[yueq]

punga, will Saturday be the back up plan in case the weather doesn't cooperate on Friday?

[MelissaE]

Count me in for Friday, but I could do Saturday too.

[punga]

My first preference would be do it on Friday as rescheduling the rest of the weekend will be harder

Saturday was supposed to be my day to get stuff done around the house before next week, like leaf removal, but that won't be easy in the rain or with wet leaves. If we do ride Saturday, could we move the start time up to, say, 9? That would give the yard "time to dry out" before coming home to rake and I can get the other stuff done Friday.

Lets play it by ear this week and I'll decide no later than Wed early evening.

punga!

[2big2ride]

S H E D on firday is not a good Idea unless you are into dodging bullets. Riffle season is upon us. Gambrill will be fine.

Maryland's firearms season doesn't start until Saturday the 25th. :)

Have fun you guys....

[drevil]

Maryland's firearms season doesn't start until Saturday the 25th. :)

Have fun you guys....Two more votes for Friday. Jo and I will be there.

[riderx]

S H E D on firday is not a good Idea unless you are into dodging bullets. Riffle season is upon us. Gambrill will be fine.What do bullets have to do with riffles (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/riffle)? :confused:

[liznotter]

Another vote for Friday. Or Sunday.

Liz

[rockhead]

I'm in for Gambrills on Fryday, riffle seazon be dammed! :D

[yueq]

Put me in the "most likely" category.

Downgraded to "most unlikely" :(

The weather forecast looks good on Friday, you guys have fun!

[riderx]

I'll lead a moderate ride along the lines of the one I did the other day.

[punga]

Downgraded to "most unlikely" :(

The weather forecast looks good on Friday, you guys have fun!

That's a bummer..

It's looking real good for Friday morning, so at this point I'm going to keep the ride on Friday since a majority of people are leaning that way. If the weather changes between now and then, I'll post up, but I think we're going to be okay.

I've also been encouraged to ride as much as I can (while still getting stuff done) this weekend since its my last chance. If a Saturday afternoon ride is in the cards, I'll post up on Friday.

punga!

[tkavan01]

That's a bummer..

It's looking real good for Friday morning, so at this point I'm going to keep the ride on Friday since a majority of people are leaning that way. If the weather changes between now and then, I'll post up, but I think we're going to be okay.

I've also been encouraged to ride as much as I can (while still getting stuff done) this weekend since its my last chance. If a Saturday afternoon ride is in the cards, I'll post up on Friday.

punga!


will this ride still be on if it rains on thursday?

[punga]

will this ride still be on if it rains on thursday?
Yes, they're not expecting as much rain in Frederick combined with the fact that the rocks in Gambrill drain very well means we should have no trouble.

punga!

[drevil]

will this ride still be on if it rains on thursday?
Rocks don't pay rain no mind.

[tkavan01]

Rocks don't pay rain no mind.

i'll be honest, i've ridden at gambril once, tree leaves had just started falling and it was the day after a rain, i seriously took my life into my own hands more times then i want to remember down some of those rock hills. Had a good time though, there where some 20 foot stretches of dirt that looked like they got pretty torn up from being wet...

[punga]

i'll be honest, i've ridden at gambril once, tree leaves had just started falling and it was the day after a rain, i seriously took my life into my own hands more times then i want to remember down some of those rock hills. Had a good time though, there where some 20 foot stretches of dirt that looked like they got pretty torn up from being wet...
I know the stretches you're speaking of and quite honestly, they're nothing to worry about. If I was worried we were going to do any trail damage, I would move/cancel the ride. I have ridden at Gambrill after rain, in the snow after snow, during an ice storm, you name it, and have never seen any damage done to the trails. Combine the rocks, with the less usage than places closer in like Schaeffer, Wakefield, Roseryville, Patapsco, etc., and you've got a place that can be ridden all winter.

We rode Gambrill last Saturday after the massive rain last week on Thursday, and my bike came back cleaner than when I left. (Lots of mud from a previous, sanctioned, ride at Wakefield still clinging to everything). More so then the Shed, Gambrill is nearly impervious to weather. And you'd be hard pressed to find anyone in MORE who would disagree with me (open can of worms.... now).

I also openly pledge to turn back and eat any mud I pick up if the trails are too wet. :p

punga!

[jabberwocky]

We rode Gambrill last Saturday after the massive rain last week on Thursday, and my bike came back cleaner than when I left. (Lots of mud from a previous, sanctioned, ride at Wakefield still clinging to everything). More so then the Shed, Gambrill is nearly impervious to weather. And you'd be hard pressed to find anyone in MORE who would disagree with me (open can of worms.... now). I got your back Punga. Gambrill is all but invulnerable to rain. I've ridden it mere hours after heavy rains (2"+), and came back with barely a speck of mud on my bike. There are a few spots that can get muddy, but they amount to maybe 20 feet of trail (out of 7 miles).

[Brizn]

You can ride Gambrill IN the rain- if you don't mind getting your bike wet. Biggest problem is safety with wet rocks.

[shannon]

I have ridden at Gambrill after rain, in the snow after snow, during an ice storm, you name it, and have never seen any damage done to the trails. Combine the rocks, with the less usage than places closer in like Schaeffer, Wakefield, Roseryville, Patapsco, etc., and you've got a place that can be ridden all winter.

Add during heavy thunderstorms and pouring rain to that list. Gambrill is all-weather riding.

Cheers, Shannon

[Cjones]

Hey, I'm in.

Question: Never been to Gambrill before, about how long should it take to get from Alexandria/Old Town up there? And is it quicker to take the GW Parkway up to the beltway or just take the beltway the whole way?

Thanks. Looking forward to it!

[punga]

Hey, I'm in.

Question: Never been to Gambrill before, about how long should it take to get from Alexandria/Old Town up there? And is it quicker to take the GW Parkway up to the beltway or just take the beltway the whole way?

Thanks. Looking forward to it!
Good question, I live in Silver Spring, so I can't give you too accurate of a time since I've never driven straight from one to the other. Based on what I've heard other people say, I'm betting it's about 45 min- 1 hour. It takes me about 35-45 min from Georgia Ave and the beltway.

As for which way to go, I think that depends on where in Old Towne you are. If you're close to the beltway, that maybe faster depending on traffic.

Any other opinions out there?

punga!

[ride-n-fall]

Question: Never been to Gambrill before, about how long should it take to get from Alexandria/Old Town up there? And is it quicker to take the GW Parkway up to the beltway or just take the beltway the whole way?

About 50-60 minutes. Take the parkway north to the beltway to 270.

[mike a]

I'm up for some more Gambrill riding :D

[DMarchy1]

Dave and Josh Marchyshyn, would like to play in your Reign Deer Games. Neither of us has been to Gambril yet, so I will be hootn and hollerin. Josh will be whinning and bitchin bout the climbs but zippin down the declines. Lookin forward to it. Dave M. I am comming from Bowie with a big truck and can pick-up other riders. 301-509-3191 if you need a ride!

[JustinMD]

I'll be there, I may let everyone go ahead of me though, I'm pretty horrible with those rocks alot of the time unless someone will be leading a more casual ride.

[liltommy]

I'm thinking about showing up.
Is there a 2nd parking lot if the first is full.
I've been there once and parked at the first (I think) lot I came too on the right.
I thought I heard something about a "tea" house lot?

seeya

[JustinMD]

I'm thinking about showing up.
Is there a 2nd parking lot if the first is full.
I've been there once and parked at the first (I think) lot I came too on the right.
I thought I heard something about a "tea" house lot?

seeya

If go about 100 feet up above the lot (Comming from rt 40) you'll come to a stop, make a left onto the road and you will be in the Tea house lot (the tea house is really just an old hunting lodge/coverd and heated pavilion) there is a ton more parking up there.

[liznotter]

I'll be there. (Wet leaves on rock, ye Gods. And the nasty hangover I'm sure to be nursing probably won't help...)

Liz

[tkavan01]

so is the official ride time ~9:00 meeting at the second lot?

[1derwoman]

From the original post, the ride starts at 10 a.m. I hope that's when it will still start b/c that's when I'll show up!

[punga]

10 a.m.

The 9 a.m. start time was a tentative proposal for Saturday. Forecast for 57 tomorrow says: A good ride is in store!

Don't let the rain scare you. I will be there and ready to ride at 10:03ish.

Lets ride!

punga!

[punga]

Dave and Josh Marchyshyn, would like to play in your Reign Deer Games. Neither of us has been to Gambril yet, so I will be hootn and hollerin. Josh will be whinning and bitchin bout the climbs but zippin down the declines. Lookin forward to it. Dave M. I am comming from Bowie with a big truck and can pick-up other riders. 301-509-3191 if you need a ride!
Lookin forward to seeing you guys out there. I haven't ridden with the Marchy boys since Stokesville.

Justin, don't worry, this will be as casual as you need it to be. This is a no drop ride and everyone will get through, you have my word.

punga!

[JustinMD]

Lookin forward to seeing you guys out there. I haven't ridden with the Marchy boys since Stokesville.

Justin, don't worry, this will be as casual as you need it to be. This is a no drop ride and everyone will get through, you have my word.

punga!

thanks ! I'll be there and ready by 9:50, looking foward to it.

[tkavan01]

10 a.m.

The 9 a.m. start time was a tentative proposal for Saturday. Forecast for 57 tomorrow says: A good ride is in store!

Don't let the rain scare you. I will be there and ready to ride at 10:03ish.

Lets ride!

punga!

nice 10 is alot better

[liltommy]

For some reason I thought the ride was 11:00.
I've got to see my wife off at 9:00 so I'll have to miss ya.
Is there some sort of office there that would be open tomowrow where I could buy a map, or does anybody know of on online that I could DL one.

I printed the one off from DNR but we all know how good they are.

I might run into yall somewhere tomowrow.

Tommy

[punga]

For some reason I thought the ride was 11:00.
I've got to see my wife off at 9:00 so I'll have to miss ya.
Is there some sort of office there that would be open tomowrow where I could buy a map, or does anybody know of on online that I could DL one.

I printed the one off from DNR but we all know how good they are.

I might run into yall somewhere tomowrow.

Tommy
The map on the Gambrill site is pretty accurate. We're gonna be heading in a clockwise loop, for the most part, on the yellow loop, including the extended part. I'll bring my phone and if you get up there around 10:30ish, odds are we won't be far. Call me and we'll wait up for you. 301.675.2117. This is my last ride for 6 weeks, so I'd like to get as many people out as possible.

punga!

Edit:
If you get there, park at the teahouse to save yourself the climb up the hill. We could meet you at the overlook, (up Gambrill Park Rd away from the tea house).

[liltommy]

I talked to the wife and she's as mixed up as me :confused: . Her train leaves and hour earlier than she thought so I get to leave earlier. Which means I should be able to ride with yall.

Yay!!!

Tommy

[yueq]

It's sunny and warm out there, but I'm just sitting in my office. Something wrong with this picture. :( :( :(

[ezrider]

Super fun ride today! Thanks punga for leading, and for launching off that rock twice so I could observe. Great ride with a great group!

Thanks,
Brian

[joep]

Thanks to riderx for leading a great ride on some stoopid fun trails I had never seen before. I've always wanted to explore that place more, but was always afraid I'd get lost and start hearing banjos.

[drevil]

Thanks to riderx for leading a great ride on some stoopid fun trails I had never seen before. I've always wanted to explore that place more, but was always afraid I'd get lost and start hearing banjos.
Thanks JoeP cutting me off on the long uphill along the Blue Trail. :mad: If you didn't cut me off at the bottom, I could have climbed the whole thing...no doubt.

:p

[tkavan01]

Thanks JoeP cutting me off on the long uphill along the Blue Trail. :mad: If you didn't cut me off at the bottom, I could have climbed the whole thing...no doubt.

:p

that hill was stupid hard with the leaves, i can't wait to ride it dry without the slick factor going on...

p.s. - john i can't remember your screen name, pm me

[JustinMD]

thanks punga for leading! had a great time today, good ride. Went out on a second loop and tore my bike tire to peices somehow. not cool. Also, thanks RickyD for cutting me off! :p

[1derwoman]

Unfortunately, I am off the trail. :( That is, I had a great ride with the group, and then a little more some afterwards and i hated stopping! Just thought I'd post up to let someone know I got out, since maybe it's not such a good idea to ride all by myself...didn't really think of that until after I got going...Thanks all for a great ride--happy weekend.

[Mrs. Outlaw]

Big thanks to Punga for leading and Brian for making sure everyone made it through some of the tougher sections. I had a great time! Such a nice bunch of people - hope to see you all out on the trails soon! :D

Julie

[DMarchy1]

Shazam, that sure was a fun trail ride today Sarge. I dont think I ever seen that many rocks in all my days back home in Mayberry! But you just lead the whole platoon right up them hills and right back down again, then didi it over and over and over. I sure wish Andy, Opie, BArney and goober could of been with us.

Punga, thanks for a fantastic lead. This was my first time at Gambril. I will surely be back soon. That place rocks, Literally. Dave M. :D :D :eek: :)

[punga]

Good ride out there today. No mechanicals, no flats. Only one dropped rider (I hope you had a good time on the parts you rode) and we picked up a couple guys from the other ride (They said Joe P cut them off :p )

Thanks everyone

punga!

[yueq]

I've also been encouraged to ride as much as I can (while still getting stuff done) this weekend since its my last chance. If a Saturday afternoon ride is in the cards, I'll post up on Friday.

punga!

so is it in the cards?

[Brizn]

Totally agree with e'rybody on all counts. Awesome ride. These G-rides are turning into quite the routine BLAST-- though it did seem different without fixtures Yueq and Jabber. Very cool to finally ride with dmarch, mikea, mrs.o, john, et al. Nice to finally meet Drevil in person.. he's not nearly as freakish as I had anticipated, but he did cut me off. Nice extra loop for the band of 5 post Yellow, too!!

Thx Punga!- flow on beeitch.

[jabberwocky]

though it did seem different without fixtures Yueq and Jabber.Sorry, I was still up in Pennsyltucky visiting my family. Wish I could have made it out, the weather was fantastic today.

Looks like you guys had a good time though. I'm planning a long relaxing road ride tomorrow, but it would not be difficult to talk me into ditching that and mountainbiking somewhere. :)

[liltommy]

I learned a good lesson.
Before you drive an hour and a half for a ride make sure you have a bike that works.(With you).

I ended up going by the LBS and getting cables and housings and changing them out.

FYI-Change out those shifter cables before they look like they need it. I was amazed at how easily things shifted with new cables. I should had did it months ago. It was evan that hard of a job.

Next time I'll come prepared.

Seeyall

[Brizn]

Before you drive an hour and a half for a ride make sure you have a bike that works.(With you).
What- did you arrive and then need to leave?

[rockhead]

Count me in on the Punga-worship. Okay, maybe that's a tad strong...Great ride, fearless leader!

Although, I have to reluctantly disagree on the mechanicals...one or two of those rocks got the better of my derailleur hanger and even knocked the snot out of my rear disc brake. (Although it certainly could have been much worse.) Thanks to our Aussie friend who lended a hand to get me rollin again. Now the challenge is getting back on line by Sunday's EF ride.

Good luck with the surgery, Punga, and a speedy recovery!

Frank

[liltommy]

What- did you arrive and then need to leave?

I think I left right before you got there.
I suited up and was ready to go and poof, no gears.
I said bye to Punga and hauled butt.
I felt like a retard.
.
.
.
.
I'm really just one of those posers,
show up, put on a good show, and leave. :D

Edit.
Oh yeah, this is driving me crazy. I was going to ask during the ride,
What kinda of surgery was this ride dedicated to.
If its personal, nevermind.

Tommy

[drevil]

Edit.
Oh yeah, this is driving me crazy. I was going to ask during the ride,
What kinda of surgery was this ride dedicated to.
If its personal, nevermind.

Tommy
In a few weeks, you can call him Pungina.

[DMarchy1]

Dont tell me the dude who races in dresses went there!!!, Dat aint even Right Drevil.

[punga]

I think I left right before you got there.
I suited up and was ready to go and poof, no gears.
I said bye to Punga and hauled butt.
I felt like a retard.
.
.
.
.
I'm really just one of those posers,
show up, put on a good show, and leave. :D

Edit.
Oh yeah, this is driving me crazy. I was going to ask during the ride,
What kinda of surgery was this ride dedicated to.
If its personal, nevermind.

Tommy
According to my surgical papers, I have rotator cuff tendinitis and degenerative arthritis in my left shoulder. They're going to go in arthroscopically and clean things up.

Now that Ricky's gone soft with suspension, he's lashing out others with his frustration. It's okay, Dr. Evil, you always hurt the ones you love.

punga!

[punga]

so is it in the cards?
I'm not sure if it's going to happen because I've got lots of leaves to clean up around here. Don't let me hold you up though, it's a nice day out there and everyone should be out riding.

punga!

[punga]

Count me in on the Punga-worship. Okay, maybe that's a tad strong...Great ride, fearless leader!

Although, I have to reluctantly disagree on the mechanicals...one or two of those rocks got the better of my derailleur hanger and even knocked the snot out of my rear disc brake. (Although it certainly could have been much worse.) Thanks to our Aussie friend who lended a hand to get me rollin again. Now the challenge is getting back on line by Sunday's EF ride.

Good luck with the surgery, Punga, and a speedy recovery!

Frank
I forgot about your der. hanger issues. I guess it was because you guys got it worked out pretty fast.

Thanks for the positive thoughts. I'll be back out there sooner.

[liznotter]

Does anyone know the hunting status of Gambrill? It's a state park, so that does mean there's no hunting and I'll be reasonably safe if I ride there during the week? From getting shot at......the rocks are of course a different story.

Liz

[riderx]

Does anyone know the hunting status of Gambrill? It's a state park, so that does mean there's no hunting and I'll be reasonably safe if I ride there during the week? From getting shot at......the rocks are of course a different story.

Liz
No hunting in Gambrill. Ever.

But it's status as a State Park does not make it off limits. I believe that is done on a park by park basis. Lots of State Parks in MD allow hunting in some form or another. Best to check the DNR web site if you are unsure of an area.

[jabberwocky]

Does anyone know the hunting status of Gambrill? It's a state park, so that does mean there's no hunting and I'll be reasonably safe if I ride there during the week? From getting shot at......the rocks are of course a different story.

LizAs far as I know, hunting is not allowed in Gambrill at all, period. This is not true of the Shed though, which Gambrill is adjacent to, so theres always the chance of a hunter getting lost and wandering into Gambrill. I wouldn't really sweat it though.

Can't hurt to wear something bright though. :)

[Brizn]

as riderx noted.. and as i have recently learned.. it's on park by park basis. ie 'state park' does not necessarily = no hunting. Greenbrier, for example.


(credit to phil)

[yueq]

There are signs all over the blue trail: "No weapon allowed".

I did the Gambrill today, 2X yellow, 1X extension, 1X blue out and back, all alone by myself :( . I need a hug now.

[punga]

I didn't make it out at all today. Leaf extraction and removal took longer than planned and by 2 when we were finished, my shoulder was giving me the business.

Sorry Yueg and Brizn, just wasn't meant to happen today.

punga!

[mike a]

I got a call from my cell phone yesterday, a hiker found it. Kind of let down because I was going to use this as an excuse to upgrade :D

[Brizn]

I hope you didn't accidentally misplace that old fax machine and printer on the climb out of the lot... cause I made it a point to ride over and crumple it :D