E-biking the Lakes of Columbia with E-bike Lovers

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38660040
33 miles. Picnic is at Lake Elkhorn dam (20.7 miles into the route)
Toilets are in the beginning, middle, and end.
NOTE: GRAVEL AND GRAVEL ON THIS ROUTE

Please find the routes linked below.

Long version, 33 mi, 1700 ft elevation gain, about 90% paved: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38660040

Short version, 25 mi, 1200 ft elevation gain, 100% paved:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38660087

We'll take a tour around 5 of the largest lakes in the Columbia area using a labyrinthine network of paved multi use trails and neighborhood streets. This is a mostly flat ride, with short uphill and downhill sections throughout.

Highlights of the route include:
- Wilde Lake
- Centennial Lake
- Lake Kittamaqundi
- Sewell's Orchard Pond
- Lake Elkhorn (recommended lunch stop is on the dam)
- Patunxent Branch Trail (long route)

One of the most fun things about this route is that the scenery is constantly changing. It's also fun to explore some of these seldom used trails.. there are a number of places where you'll bike into a cul de sac and think to yourself, 'where do I go from here?', but look closely, and you'll see a little paved trail that will lead you down into the stream valley below.

This trail has more turns than just about any trail we've ever done, and it will be difficult to navigate without a GPS app. That being said, we typically stay in groups, so you can always stick with someone else who has GPS. Occasionally, you will have to hop or walk your bike over a curb: there are about 4 or 5 such instances on this route, and none of them are difficult.

The routes are identical, except the longer route makes an additional trek on the Patunxent Branch Trail from Lake Elkhorn to Savage Park and back. There are some sections of the Patunxent Branch Trail that are gravel.. the surface is similar to the C & O Canal towpath.

There are a few places along the route with restrooms, and at least one commercial center about half way through with a convenience store.

Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers

The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as www.ebikelovers.com generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs.
Here is the link to activate your free membership:
https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN
More information about using GPS files:
https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/
More information about e-bike ranges:
https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/

Howard County Parks and Rec:
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/rap

A NOTE ABOUT RIDING ON GRAVEL ROADS (long route):
If you are riding a new bike, are new to biking generally, or have little experience on gravel roads, you should plan on taking your time. Please understand that gravel roads must be respected and navigated with an extra level of care, or you can seriously injure yourself. The key is to just take your time. We are never in a hurry, and you should go at a pace you are comfortable with.

The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up.
For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun.

As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.

DISCLAIMER
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.

See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer