Rocks'n'Ferries

Rocks'n'Ferries 70 miler from Quince Orchard Safeway, Darnestown, MD to Point of Rocks, over to Lovettsville, down to Paeonian Springs and Leesburg, back to White's Ferry then home. This will serve as a trainer on Reston Century roads.

It's an early start and we want to minimize exposure to the afternoon sun. The day will be HOT so bring gallons of hydration anyway, though there are country stores available at:

Dickerson, MD after 15 miles
Point of Rocks, MD after 23 miles
Lovettsville, VA after 30 miles
Leesburg, VA after 45 miles: Hoping the Market Street Cafe has re-opened.
Whites Ferry, MD after 50 miles: Known bathrooms at this point.
Poolesville, MD after 56 miles
and a Starbs at the finish after 69 miles.

Here's the map. Route 28 out to Dickerson shouldn't be a problem on a Sunday morning. It's a cycle route, with ample space behind the white line most of the way. The most awful traffic we encounter will be on the mile and a half stretch of Route 15 from Leesburg to White's Ferry, and there's ample space behind the white line there too.

http://maps.google.co...

We start at Quince Orchard, which is 6 miles away from the Shady Grove Metro, to avoid the ride through uninteresting suburbs. Metro riders who want to add the 12 extra miles should take this route:

http://maps.google.co...

Start Time: 8:30am.
Location: Quince Orchard Safeway, at Darnestown Rd, Gaithersburg, MD
Distance: 69 miles circuit.
Terrain: Maryland and Virginia roller coasters.
Pace: "C/CC" 13-14 mph average, about 18mph on the flats.
Equipment: Road bikes with cleats. Min. 2 bottles of liquid. Puncture repair kit inc. spare tube.
Rider Qualifications: At least a couple of 35 milers in the previous month.
Friends: Your guests are welcome to come but they should sign up here individually.