MVD Mountain Bikers

Trying to make this an annual thing. A holiday light roadie ride! I went on line and looked at the Howard County Holiday Light map, where people can post about their displays and created a route around these, and some other displays I've seen in the area. I would recommend road bikes for this and we will definitely need head and tail lights as we will be on some roads throughout the night.

Waiver: Biking is a risky sport, By signing up for this meetup you are agreeing to our MVD Mountain Bikers waiver located here: Link to MVD Waiver,

Where/Directions: Check location here, but we will park at the old Ellicott City Court house lot up on the hill (OEC is crazy busy during the holidays).

What time: Meet between 5:00 and 5:15 at parking lot. Wheels rolling 5:15.

Pace: Pace will be intermediate, approximately 12 to 15 mph. I will do my best to keep a pack together but faster riders may want to pull ahead of any slower group which may form. We will regroup at the light displays.

Terrain: Roads and Columbia bike paths. Most of the roads we will be on will be low volume and / or have large shoulders / bike lanes. There are a few sections where we will be on busier roads (i.e. Montgomery road for a few miles) so you will need to be comfortable with a bit of traffic.

Distance: 22.3 miles and 1,500' of climbing. We go up and down a good bit on this ride. This is the route https://www.strava.com/routes/3434959279001906818

Duration: Strava says I should have a 1:40 moving time on this. I'm expecting with the stops we will be closer to 2:30.

Bring: Helmet (required), lights (both back and front), water (as much as you can carry/need for this ride), spare tube/patch kit, pump/CO2, multi-tool, I.D., emergency contact info where it can be easily located on your person, and a good attitude, as this ride is as much about camaraderie as it is about riding.

Weather: If rain is in the forecast I will cancel. If it rains and then it looks like it will stop, we will ride on the wet roads.

Ride Organizer(s): Craig P, 4four3-5zero9-zero8one1; skibum616 at yahoo dot com

Looking for a fun ride on Wednesday nights at a quick pace in Avalon/different parts of Patapsco? This is your ride! Are we the fastest people in the park? Nope. Are we the fast group ride? I'll still yes. Is this ride advanced pace over 17 miles in everything the park can throw at you? Yup. It's that.

Waiver: Mountain biking is a risky sport, By signing up for this meetup you are agreeing to our MVD Mountain Bikers waiver located here: Link to MVD Waiver, as well as you will need to sign the standard MORE waiver prior to leaving on the ride, as we will be legally riding in the park at night and this is a requirement.

Required MORE Waiver to be signed, please go to this link: https://x.gldn.io/3IV3G966Lob

Where/Directions: Rockburn Elementary School, but may change so stay tuned.

What time: Meet between 5:45 and 6:00 at parking lot. Wheels rolling by 6:00. We will not wait past 6:00.

Pace: Pace will be advanced, approx. 8.5 to 9.5 mph. Appropriate for advanced riders, but not for beginners, or people who are not riding at least twice a week. Attitude is laid-back and friendly, but please ensure you can handle the pace and length of this ride before committing. This is a no-drop ride, i.e., we wait up for everyone at intersections. Please note Ptap rides tend to be about 1 mph slower than Rosy, or Fairland, due terrain.

Terrain: Ranges from Easy to Difficult. Most trails are in great shape, but plan on some mud spots. There are a few very steep climbs, rocks and technical sections, log overs (up to 10" logs, and 3' stacks), tight single track (12" wide in spots), and a stream crossing or two. A strong/advanced rider will be able to clean most sections, others will need to get off of their bikes in spots. This is a friendly ride, so we will wait up for everyone, just be advised that the terrain can be somewhat difficult in places. This is a video edit I made of a ride this year. We won't hit all of this terrain, but gives you a feel for Patapsco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwi7H68iljI&t=664s

Distance: Ranges depending on time of year (around 12 miles mid winter/dark, to about 19 during mid summer / long days). Exact route will change depending on group dynamics, trail conditions, daylight, etc. I will typically have route planned in my head at the beginning of the ride, but will modify as needed to get us back at a reasonable time. Distance will grow/shrink with the daylight.

Duration: I shoot to have us back around 8:30, so around 2 1/2 hours. This can change with mechanical issues, and group dynamics though. As this is a weekday ride, the stops will be just long enough for the last rider to catch their breath.

Bring: Helmet (required), water (as much as you can carry), spare tube/patch kit, pump/CO2, multi-tool, I.D., emergency contact info where it can be easily located on your person, and a good attitude, as this ride is as much about camaraderie as it is about riding. Take a look at your bike and make sure it is in good working condition (Ptap will take its toll on the bike). Bring a light, as you will need it with the days starting off shorter, and the eventual start in the dark. There are ton of acceptable lights under $20 on Amazon right now. Just look for a T6 Cree LED Bike light, with minimially 1000 lumens.

Weather: Shine Only (there will undoubtedly be some mud, but no ride if it’s raining or the trails are too muddy). Protect our trails and don’t ride them when they’re fragile. There may be days where I make a last minute call, so watch our MVD Mountainbikers meetup event, our Facebook group, as well as the Patapsco After Dark Facebook page, as I will cancel and cross post on all three.

Ride Organizer(s): Craig P, 4four3-5zero9-zero8one1; skibum616 at yahoo dot com