SLEEP IN AFTER THE BIG FEAST, THEN COME OUT FOR A NICE RIDE TO WORK OFF SOME OF THE TURKEY AND PIES.

This ride is built around two interesting landmarks, one from the past, the other from the future. From the 18^th-19^th centuries, the Beall plantation house: much of Rockville was part of the pre-civil war Beall plantation. From the 21^st century, Belward Farm, the last large piece of undeveloped land in central Montgomery County. Johns Hopkins is about to break ground on a massive hi-rise, hi-density ‘Science City’ on Belward. The project is being challenged in court by the family of Elizabeth Beall Banks, who left the property to Hopkins in exchange for a mere pittance, on the condition that it be used for a lo-density, tranquil college campus. It is also opposed many county residents, who are concerned about the added congestion and the impact on air quality, schools, parks, and other public services.

We’ll start in the new Rockville Town Center, cross I-270, and ride up to the ‘Top of the Rockville,’ which I’ve unofficially designated as the highest point in the city. (On a clear day you can see White Flint.) (There’s a flat detour for those who don’t want to do the hill – tho it’s really not that bad.) We’ll go out to the mansions (complete with horses and private pastures) of west Potomac, then to Belward Farm along Darnestown Road. On the way back, we’ll ride thru Fallsgrove (formerly Thomas Farm) and King Farm, which were both undeveloped farmland just a few short years ago,. Finally, we’ll ride by the Beall plantation house (now known as the Beall-Dawson House, home of the Montgomery Co. Historical Society) before returning to our starting point.

We’ll gather for lunch/refreshments after the ride at one of the restaurants / bars in the town center.

I’ll ride a comfortable C pace; no one will be left behind.

Helmets mandatory. Bring a lock and lunch money.

No go if forecast temperature at start time is below 40° or rain/snow expected.

If weather is doubtful, check PPTC web-site ‘MD Forum’ 2 hours before start time.

Route map: www.runningmap.com/?id=417374

Cue sheets: Available at PPTC web-site cue-sheet library.

Start: Meet at the main Library entrance, facing the plaza.

Parking: Free weekend & holiday parking in the Metro lots, just a block or 2 from our start point. All other times, plenty of paid parking around the Town Center. Or come with your bike on metro.

Mitch Stengel         301/221-2899