Greetings: A new ride will be added this year , a 27 mile paved/unpaved "rustic". the unpaved portion will encompass about 15+ miles of historic roads that haven't changed much since the U.S. Civil War . The roads are unique in that they were used during the civil war by both Mosby's rangers and the Quakers who were using the roads in the underground railroad network for run away slaves. T he roads sustained a lot of damage last winter and heavy rains in the early spring , and were graded and regraveled , but the gravel is dispursed enough now to make for good riding , do expect everything from hardpack , loose gravel, and ruts , also short steep rises. And, there is a paved climb just outside Leesburg at the beginning of the ride that is steeper than anything on the road ride. I f you ride a cyclecross, fit it with the largest tires that will fit your frame. I have a friend who rides 650b hetres on these roads but I would trust the tread on a 650b Col de la vie more. T he unpaved roads of Loudoun and Fauquier countie s are uniquely beautiful and the counties are fierce in keeping them that way.
Road and fixie rides: the same as last year, however the W&OD trail outside Leesburg to the show venue has been altered drastically due to the laying of underground power lines.
Please note: The Loudoun county police strictly enforce traffic laws, and are known to police event rides , we were lucky last year because they were watching another big event ride , but there were a couple of our participants who were ticketed for running a stop sign, and to Loudoun police that means not stopping and putting a foot down. they will also stop you for not riding single file. This is not meant to discourage you, but just a heads up to keep your wits and injoy the ride.
Hey , , , Looking forward to the event and seeing you.
Tom Roberson
Gainesville, VA
USA