WB&A Trail (upon bridge completion)

Note: This Isn’t the same as the W&A trail.


----- The date may change: The long-awaited bridge over the Patuxent River was scheduled to be finalized Aug 23rd with final inspection on Aug 29th. They are fixing the handrails. This event will be postponed if the bridge isn't opened up to the public by the event date.-----

TRAIL INFO
The Baltimore, Washington & Annapolis Trail was originally a railroad line. It has existed as two unconnected trails, until the bridge over the Patuxent is completed. Artifacts & history can be found all along this trail. It passes through these towns: Lanham, Glenn Dale, Bowie, Piney Orchard, and Odenton.
The trail is split into the NE portion in Anne Arundel County (5.7 miles long) and the SW portion in Prince George's County (6.1 miles long) making it a total of about 12 miles long one way, but once complete, it will be about 13 miles total.

Map of the North trail: WB&A Trail - Anne Arundel County Trails | The Friends of AACo Trails (friendsofaatrails.org)

THE PLAN
OPTION A - 26 miles

Arrive 15 minutes early. Meet us at Jafe Cycling. We’ll ride up towards OPTION B to pick up other riders. The trail can be seen from the parking area.

OPTION B - ~14 miles
Part at Horsepen Branch Park - 8609 Racetrack Rd, Bowie, MD. The trail passes by on the west side.

It will take us about 30 minutes to arrive, so plan to park early enough to have time to prepare your bike, etc., and meet us on the trail directly across from the park.

After stopping across from Horsepen Branch Park, we will ride up to the bridge for a regroup and break. Then we’ll continue towards the northern end in Anne Arundel County.

Participants can choose to turn back whenever they like.

Expect some elevation gain going up and then overall elevation loss on the way back (that's why I wanted to start at the southern end).
We estimate that it will take 1.5 hours going up (we'll stop for water breaks and to read historical markers, etc. and 1.25 hours to return. Participants are welcome to turn around at an earlier time, or go faster or slower than the organizers.

Speed limit is 12 mph.
Option to have lunch together on the trail or at an end point.

BATHROOMS
There are no bathrooms on the trail.
There’s a McDonald’s at the start and retail options off of the northern end.
WHAT TO DO & BRING
All participants must wear a helmet while riding.
All participants should stay on the right and pass on the left whenever possible.

Saying "passing on your left" and using a bell to warn walkers /bikers as you approach from behind is good practice (to avoid people moving out in front of you as you attempt to pass them).


**Suggestions: **Water bottles, snack, bike chain, bike bell, bike gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, spare tire, change of clothes or items for wiping down before you get back into your car afterwards.

I will have first aid items (acetaminophen, antibacterial cream, bandaids, gauze, alcohol) in my backpack.


Participation is at your own risk.