Intermediate MVD/PAD Hump Day in Patapsco

With both Laura and Jeff out for a little while, and me still really just coming back, I'm going to take on the lead of the intermediate ride again. We will be rolling at an intermediate pace of around 8 mph and stopping more than the fast guys. Honestly this will be a little slower than the past few months of intermediate rides because they started rolling pretty fast themselves!

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 intermediate, approx. 7.5 to 8.5 mph. Appropriate for intermediate riders, but not for beginners. This will NOT be a hammer fest / drop ride. 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 minimally 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