Rock & Sligo Creeks - 31 or 37 mile routes

Winter seems to be loosening its grip—finally. The promise of longer and warmer days means it is time to get back on the bike. This ride has two lengths, plus a "bail-out" in case your spring aspirations succumb to your winter legs.

Rock & Sligo Creeks
shorter route (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6922465): 31 miles - 1,000 ft. ascent
longer route (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7071237): 37 miles - 1,500 ft. ascent

Both routes feature a “bail-out" that shortens the ride by 13 miles and avoids most of the hills; they also pass within a block of Forest Glen and Takoma Metro stations.

As its name implies, the route makes good use of Rock Creek Park’s Beach Drive and Sligo Creek's Parkway. Sections of both are made car-free on weekends, which is a bonus for riders that prefer avoiding car traffic. Nonetheless, both routes are on public roads, and all riders must be accustomed to riding with car traffic.

There will be two ride leaders—one for each route. The shorter route’s ride leader will average 13 mph, while the longer route’s ride leader will average 15 mph. Please select the group that matches your ride pace. This is a “no-drop” ride. In addition to ride leaders, each group will have a sweeper to ensure that no one is left behind. The ride will start promptly at 10 o’clock.

Meetup in Bethesda at Le Pain Quotidien (http://www.lepainquotidien.com/store/bethesda/#.VO6PoUIqeRt)
7140 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda MD 20814

• opens at 8 o'clock for those wanting breakfast
• Meetup in the courtyard directly in front of the bakery/restaurant
• ample parking in nearby municipal garages (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Parking/bethesda/bethesda-lot-map.html)
• Bethesda Metro station is 4 blocks away

There is a portable toilet at mile 8, and public restrooms at miles 15 and 25 (shorter route) or 22 and 32 (longer route).

Participation requires a completed liability waiver (provided at ride start) and proper use of a helmet. In addition to a safe and ride-ready bike, also bring water, food, a spare inner tube, and the means to inflate it. A bike lock is also recommended. The ride will be cancelled if, two hours before the ride’s start time, either of the following are true according to the Weather Underground's Washington National Airport (KDCA) weather station (http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=38.85194397,-77.03749847); (a) the likelihood of rain during the ride is more than 33%, or (b) the forecasted temperature at the start time is less than 40°F.