Biking on the NCR Trail & Andy Nelson's BBQ
Details
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Let's start summer right with a relaxing social ride through Gunpowder Falls State Park on the North Central Railroad Trail just north of Baltimore. Afterwards, we'll have some refreshments and drive a short distance over to Andy Nelson's BBQ for a delicious meal. Biking and BBQ are always a great combo for an SHR event!
The NCR Trail is a pastoral gem passing through a canopy of trees framed by rock formations, woodlands, farms, and the adjacent Gunpowder River. The trail runs almost flat along the river in Maryland for 20 miles, and then continues for another 20 miles over the Mason-Dixon line all the way to York, Pa. It's beautiful and interesting the whole way, especially when it's a vibrant green and shaded during the summer.
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The NCR Trail has a rich history, as evidenced by train whistle markers and the remnants of small towns that were once rail stops for local farms shipping their produce to Baltimore.
Abraham Lincoln rode an NCR train on his way to delivering the Gettysburg Address. And later, his body was transported back to Illinois on the same route after he was assassinated.
As bike riders, we'll get a nice feel of connecting with nature and history as the NCR trail takes us on an inspiring journey back to another time while enjoying its beauty today. Very cool...
The Bike Ride
Our ride will start at the Paper Mill Rd. parking area on the NCR trail and proceed 11.5 miles to the trail's only falls. It's not Niagara Falls, but it works! Along the way, we'll pass some interesting rail stop towns and the "New Wishing Well" with its small mountain of of frogs and fairy creatures, as well as cold drinks and snacks.
The total ride length is 23 miles. This is an up and back ride, so we'll collect any stragglers on the return journey. The ride pace will be approximately 10-11 mph, which is normal for most people.
The NCR Trail has a smooth packed-stone surface best suited for hybrid or mountain bikes with wider tires. Leave your road bike with skinny tires at home. Casual riders can handle this ride, but you must be able to pedal for three hours with a few rest breaks. There are porta-potties along the way and real restrooms at Monkton.
On the way back, we'll stop for a beverage break at Monkton which has picnic tables, restrooms, and a nice garden area. Plan to pack your snacks and refreshments to take along on your bike. Please be discreet with your beverages as this is a public park that does not allow alcohol.
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RIDERS
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Andy Nelson's BBQ
Andy Nelson's BBQ at 11007 York Rd. in Cockeyesville is a popular and highly-rated place recommended by Jody, an SHR member who lives in Monkton. There's a giant pig perched on the front roof and their motto is "Hogs Smell Better Barbequed".
How can we go wrong??
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/a/c/event_210522412.jpegAndy Nelson's has a full menu of pork, beef, and chicken BBQ and sides, but no alcoholic beverages. So plan ahead if you want something to drink before arriving at Andy Nelson's. Very relaxed and casual with indoor and outdoor seating. It's going to be an awesome feast!
Full details and Yelp reviews below:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/andy-nelsons-southern-pit-barbecue-cockeysville
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Directions and Final Details
From the Washington Beltway, take I-95N to I-695N (Exit 49B - Baltimore Beltway) to I-83N (Exit 24) going toward York. Take Exit 20A from I-83 and stay right on Shawan Rd. heading one mile to York Rd. (MD Rt. 45). Turn right on York Rd. and go to the first traffic light at Ashland Rd.
Turn left on Ashland Rd. and follow it less than one mile, bearing left as it becomes Paper Mill Rd. The Paper Mill Rd. parking area is located on the left as soon as you cross the NCR Trail (white lines on road) after the bike shop on the right. Check Google maps to zoom in, get a street view, and see how the roads work to get you there.
We'll need good biking weather for this event. A little rain is no problem since we'll be riding under tree cover and the NCR trail drains well, but we won't ride in miserable conditions. I'll post an update here on Saturday morning before 10:00 am if we need to cancel or change plans. Call Jake at 703-798-8435 with any questions.
I hope to see you there!
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