A special Carol and Walt Russell ride.

The weather forecast for Taneytown is for 83 degrees, mostly sunny and light winds (my experience in the area tells me there will probably be 5-10 mph winds) - A little warm but almost PERFECT? 

I expect most riders will average 11-14 mph.

The middle of the ride goes into a relatively gentle part of South Mountain from mile 19-29. The climb up is a mostly gentle upgrade and downgrade-very relaxing. The toughest part is about 3 short to medium length 10-13% hills (maybe a short 14-15% on the second section). The last 4 miles are downgrade. This is my recollection of the ride. I really enjoyed the mostly gentle mountains. The first 19 miles and last 20 miles are the usual terrain we do in the area (there is an 8-10% climb along Ski Liberty shortly after lunch).

Very important -  If riders do not feel great or planning to only ride 40 miles - at mile 19-ish (Rt 116),, they can cut out the 10 mile mountain section easily by making a left on Rt 116 and they will be on the lunch route and a few miles later on Rt 116 they can pick up the cue sheet at mile 30.3 at Sanders Road. This will give anyone opting out of the mountain section 40 total miles. 

There is a convenience store at mile 29/30 in Fairfield coming off the mountain, sub & sandwich shop or a lodge with a huge outside deck before we get to Ski Liberty (Taverna 5450-on Fairfield Rd before L on Sanders). The group and individuals can decide. There is also a Rutters in Emittsburg at mile 42 (after passing the Glider Field in reverse order). Bring an energy bar to eat at the base of the mountain at mile 19 to carry you to lunch (optional stop off route at mile 19 in Fairfield but too early for most of us).

So, to summarize - I have never cycled a long mountain climb as gentle as this one (3 steep sections near the top). It is a desolate beautiful area and it would be a shame not to try it at least once. 

All paces are welcome. I will probably be doing about an 11-12mph pace, usually in the back, making sure no one is left alone (must be over a 10mph pace).

I will bring lots of formatted cue sheets.

Enjoy!