|
|
Home
Family
Fitness
Nutrition
Training
Friends
Humor
Martial Arts
Mathematics
Misc. Links
Movies
Music
Nostalgia
Outdoors
Bicycling
Hiking
Kayaking
Tubing
Saki-ism
|
|
|
BWI Trail to B&A Trail Connector Route
This 1.1 mile connector route joins the Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Trail with the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail. It is mentioned in several websites but none seem to provide much detail.
Location: BWI Trail (west) end is at Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County ADC map 7 G3. B&A Trail (east) end is at Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County ADC map 7 J1
Date: February 3, 2008.
Directions: If you think of the BWI Trail as a clock, then the west end (BWI Trail side) of the connector route is at the 4:30 (1630) position. It is on the BWI Trail, 0.2 miles south of the Dorsey Road (route 176) and Aviation Boulevard (route 162) intersection in Glen Burnie. If you have a good map, you'll find it on the south side of Stewart Avenue, east of Newport Road and west of the bridge over highway 97.
You should be at a three way intersection though it may be hard to tell if the trail merges with the road. Regardless, there should be a sign nearby. Assuming you are at the right place, you have three options:
Head south to travel clockwise on the BWI Trail
Head northwest along Stewart Avenue away from highway 97 to head counterclockwise on the BWI Trail
Cross the bridge over highway 97 to travel east on Stewart Avenue along the connector route.
Assuming you have chosen option 3, you'll ride for about a tenth of a mile.
Turn left (north) onto a trail just before reaching Old Stage Drive. Follow the trail for about 0.9 miles through Sawmill Creek Park. Eventually, you'll cross Central Avenue.
Continue on the trail which should now run just south of Dorsey Road (route 176), heading east. Follow this direction for less than a tenth of a mile.
The trail will bend to the southeast then within a tenth of a mile, it will run parallel to Greenway Street NW, heading southeast. At this point, you are on the B&A Trail.
Notes: Just follow signs and stay on what seems like the main trail and you'll do just peachy.
BWI Trail to North Arundel Aquatics Center
Do a little cross training by biking to the pool. Only 1.9 miles from the BWI Trail.
Location: Start at BWI Trail at Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County ADC map 7 G3. End at Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County ADC map 7 H7
Date: February 3, 2008.
Directions: Start at the same place as described in BWI Trail to B&A Trail Connector Route.
Cross the bridge over highway 97 to travel east on Stewart Avenue. Ride for about a tenth of a mile.
Turn right (south) on Old Stage Drive. Follow for 0.3 miles.
The road will veer to the left (east) and change names to Thelma Avenue. Follow for 0.4 miles.
Make a hard right (southwest) onto Quarterfield Road (route 174). Follow for 0.3 miles.
Turn left (southeast) onto Old Stage Road. Follow for 0.8 miles. Near the end, the road may change names to Crain Highway South. Note that this road runs east of the main Crain Highway South. According to satellite photos, this route should take you right to the driveway that leads to the North Arundel Aquatics Center at 7888 Crain Highway, Glen Burnie, phone: 410-222-0090.
Notes: The driveway will be on the right, just after the water tower. From the Villages of Dorchester, one can ride to the BWI Trail, then to the pool for a one way distance of 9.2-9.5 miles.
Chestertown, Rock Hall, and Eastern Neck Island bike route
From the High Street pier, ride northwest on High Street (route 20). This will change names to Chestertown Road but will remain route 20. Follow for 5 miles to Fairlee.
At Fairlee Road, turn right (northwest). Follow for 0.2 miles.
Turn right (northwest) on Parsons Road. Follow for 0.1 miles.
Turn right on Fairlee Road (route 298) then make an immediate left to head northwest on Bayshore Road. Follow for 4 miles.
Cross Tolchester Beach Road (route 21), continuing on Tolchester Road (route 445). This will change names to Main Street and Eastern Neck Road. Follow to end at the south side of Eastern Neck Island. Stop at the gate near Wickers Historic Site. Follow for 14.4 miles (6.1 miles to Rock Hall then 8.3 miles to Wickers Historic Site).
There are restrooms about 0.8 miles south of the bridge onto the island.
On the way back, check out Wildlife Trail on the east side of Eastern Neck Road about 0.3 miles south of Bogles Wharf Road.
Also check out Duck Inn Trail about 0.1 miles east of Eastern Neck Road on the north side of Bogles Wharf Road.
Check out the observation tower. A trail just south of the restrooms leads to it on the west side of the island.
Just north of the restrooms on the east side of Eastern Neck Road is Boxes Point Trail which leads to Boxes Point.
About 0.2 miles north of Boxes Point Trail on the west side of Eastern Neck Road is the Tundra Swan Boardwalk.
From Wickers Historic Site on Eastern Neck Road, it is 2.4 miles to the bridge. It is another 5.9 miles to the middle of Rock Hall, where Main Street intersects Rock Hall Avenue (route 20).
The short section of Main Street south of Rock Hall Avenue (route 20) and north of Sharp Street seems to be the popular side of town.
One may be able to take the Rock Hall Trolley back to Chestertown. Not sure if they can carry bicycles. Note that the trolley only runs seasonally and there is word that in the near future, it may only pick up passengers when called.
If not taking the trolley, head east on Rock Hall Avenue/Road on route 20. Follow for 5.3 miles.
Turn right (east) on Ricauds Branch Road. Follow for 2.7 miles to Langford.
Make a slight left on Broad Neck Road (route 446) then a hard right on Langford Road heading east. Follow to the end. 1.8 miles.
Turn left (north) on Airy Hill Road/Pomona Road. Follow for 0.6 miles.
Make a sharp right (south) on Lovers Lane. Follow to the end. 1 mile.
Turn left (northeast) on Quaker Neck Road which turns into Cross Street but remains route 289. Follow 2.1 miles.
Turn right (southeast) on High Street (route 20), and follow back to the High Street pier (0.2 miles).
Total distance: 45.4 miles. If taking the trolley from Rock Hall to Chestertown, the total riding distance is about 31.7 miles. From Chestertown to Rock Hall, it is 15.4 miles.
One can also bike from Rock Hall to Eastern Neck Island, bike all the roads on the island, and walk all the trails. Total biking distance is about 22 miles. Give yourself 6 hours for this scenic trip.
Easton, Oxford, and Saint Michaels
This 30 mile, semi-circuit route is one I learned from Tom and Christine of the Maryland Outdoor Club. They led a group of about 16 people, including me, on June 9, 2007. See Taylors Island, 2007 for more details.
Location of start: Talbot County ADC map 14 C8.
Directions to start: From the Baltimore Beltway (highway 695), take highway 97 south to highway 50 east.
Cross over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Pay $2.50 toll one way only. On the eastern shore, highway 50 will split into highway 50 and highway 301. Stay on highway 50.
Take the exit (to the right) for Easton Parkway (route 322) just after mile marker 63. There will be various stores in this area. Since there is no restroom at the start, you may want to stop at a fast food restaurant or gas station.
Go to the 6th traffic light, Oxford/Peach Blossom Road (route 333), and turn left onto Peach Blossom Road.
Take the first right onto Hayward Avenue. Park along the first block of Hayward Avenue.
First leg of route, Easton to Oxford, about 9 miles: Proceed on Peach Blossom/Oxford Road (route 333) heading southwest for 9 miles.
Wait at the ferry landing for the group.
Notes: Take the Oxford Bellevue Ferry across the Tred Avon River. This ferry runs daily 0900 to sunset with extended hours June 1 through August 15 on Fridays and Saturdays. During this time, the last trip leaves Oxford at 2030 and Bellevue at 2045. The ferry is closed November 26 to March 29. For more information, call 410-745-9023 or see Oxford Bellevue Ferry. As of June 2007, bicycles must pay $3 for a one way trip or $5 for a round trip. If biking this route, only a one way trip will be needed. There is a porta-john at both ends of the ferry.
Second leg of route, Oxford to Saint Michaels, about 9 miles: Proceed on Bellevue Road from the ferry to the town of Royal Oak, 3.2 miles, generally traveling north.
At the stop sign, turn left (west) onto Royal Oak Road (route 329). Bike for one mile.
Wait for the group at the next stop sign, Saint Michaels Road (route 33).
Turn left (northwest) onto Saint Michaels Road (route 33) and ride for 3 miles into the heart of Saint Michaels.
Notes: Lock up bikes at the bike rack at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Eat lunch or if you have lots of time, check out the museum. For a list of restaurants, see Saint Michaels Dining or Saint Michaels Restaurant Reviews.
Third leg of route, Saint Michaels to Easton, about 12 miles: Head southeast on Saint Michaels Road (route 33) for 3 miles.
Turn right (southeast) onto Royal Oak Road (route 329). Do NOT go back to the ferry. Follow for 3 miles.
Turn right (northeast) onto Saint Michaels Road (route 33). Bike for 4 miles.
At the second traffic light, turn right (south by southwest) onto Easton Parkway (route 322). Pedal for 1.4 miles.
Turn left (northeast) onto Peach Blossom Road (route 333). Follow for 0.1 miles.
Turn right (south) on Hayward Avenue to return to the cars.
Hanover to BWI Trail
Location: Anne Arundel County ADC map 1 K12
Date: January 27, 2008
This 3.1-3.4 mile route takes one on some back roads from the Villages of Dorchester to the Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Trail.
Directions: From where Dorchester Boulevard and Wright Road meet, head northeast on Wright Road for 0.4 miles to end.
Turn right (east) on Dorsey Road (route 176). Follow for 0.6 miles.
Option A (faster)
Turn left (northeast) onto New Ridge Road (route 713). Follow for 1.6 miles to the end.
Turn right (east) onto Stoney Run Road. Follow for 0.5 miles to the east end.
Option B (more scenic)
Turn left (northeast) onto New Ridge Road (route 713). Follow for 0.2 miles.
Take the first left onto Ridge Road heading north. Follow for 1.2 miles.
Turn right (east) onto Stoney Run Road. In about 0.2 miles, the main road veers to the right. Do not continue on the smaller road which heads straight. Follow for 0.8 miles to the east end.
Notes: The bike trail picks up near the Stoney Run Road and Aviation Boulevard (route 170) intersection. If heading north (counterclockwise), catch the trail on the north side of Stoney Run Road just after (east side) of the bridge over Aviation Boulevard. If heading south (clockwise), continue to the east end. The road will turn to the right (south). The trail will pick up just after the bend.
Hanover to Dorsey MARC
This 2.2 mile route takes one on some back roads from the Villages of Dorchester to the Dorsey Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC) station.
Location: Anne Arundel County ADC map 1 B12
Date: January 26, 2008
Directions: From where Dorchester Boulevard and Wright Road meet, head southwest on Wright Road for 0.2 miles.
Turn right (northwest) to cross over the Baltimore Washington Parkway (highway 295). On some maps, this bridge may be called Blobs Road; on other maps, it is just a continuation of Wright Road. Follow for a tenth of a mile to the end.
Turn right (north) on Race Road. Follow for a half mile.
At the Faulkner Road/Race Road split, veer left onto Faulkner Road. Follow for a tenth of a mile.
Turn left (northwest) onto Dorsey Road (route 103). Follow for a mile.
Turn right (northeast) onto Douglas Legum Drive. Follow for a tenth of a mile to the end.
Turn right (southeast) onto Deerpath Road. Follow for about 0.15 miles. Cross through the trees on the left to access the paved area to the north. This is the Dorsey MARC parking lot.
Notes: One cannot get to the MARC via auto on this route. There are bicycle racks near the station.
Hanover to NBP
This ~6 mile route takes one on some back roads from the Villages of Dorchester to the National Business Parkway (NBP) area, a place that employs a large number of people in Anne Arundel county.
Location: Anne Arundel County ADC map 5 H9
Date: April 26, 2008
Directions: From where Dorchester Boulevard and Wright Road meet, head southwest on Wright Road for 0.2 miles.
Turn right (northwest) to cross over the Baltimore Washington Parkway (highway 295). On some maps, this bridge may be called Blobs Road; on other maps, it is just a continuation of Wright Road. Follow for a tenth of a mile to the end.
Turn left (south) on Race Road. Follow for 1.9 miles to end. This is the hilliest part of the route but it is also rather scenic.
Turn right (west) on Jessup Road (route 175). Follow for 0.3 miles. This is the busiest part of the route. On the return trip, turning from route 175 to Race Road may take a very long time due to heavy traffic. At least there is a wide shoulder for riding.
Turn left (south) on Brock Bridge Road. Follow for 2 miles to the end. Oftentimes, there is no shoulder on this road. You'll pass by some prisons and a junkyard where the smell can be really bad on a hot day.
Turn left (east) on Guilford Road. Follow for a half mile, passing through one roundabout.
Guilford road will veer left, turning into National Business Parkway.
Notes: The exact distance will vary considerably depending on which building is your destination. For me, it is about 6 miles and takes about 55 minutes to get to my building and get showered up. Keep in mind that I ride an old, slow mountain bike.
It is claimed that once development in Arundel Preserve is near completion, Milestone Parkway (an extension of Dorchester Boulevard to the south) will merge with Clark Road. This could serve as an alternate route to get to route 175 from the Villages of Dorchester.
Hanover to Patapsco Valley State Park yo-yo ride
Location: Patapsco Valley State Park, Anne Arundel County ADC map 1 E3
Date: March 25, 2008
Directions: From where Dorchester Boulevard and Wright Road meet, head northeast on Wright Road for 0.4 miles to end.
Turn right (east) on Dorsey Road (route 176). Follow for 0.6 miles.
Turn left (northeast) onto New Ridge Road (route 713). Follow for 0.2 miles.
Take the first left onto Ridge Road heading north. Follow for 3.5 miles. This eventually becomes a nice tree-lined road that passes through the park. Unfortunately, it is also a narrow road with no shoulder.
Ridge Road technically ends at Furnace Avenue though it really feels like the two merge. At the Furnace Avenue split, veer left, crossing over the Deep Run Bridge. Follow Furnace Avenue for 1 mile to the end. You will pass the Elkridge Furnace Inn on the right.
Turn left (southwest) on Main Street and ride through part of Historic Elkridge. Follow for 0.15 miles.
Make the first right (northwest) on Levering Avenue. Follow for 0.1 miles.
Turn right (east) on Baltimore Washington Boulevard (route 1). This is a very busy road. Follow for 0.25 miles, crossing Patapsco River.
Turn left (west) on South Street. Follow for 0.1 miles.
Make the first left on Park Entrance Road, entering the scenic Patapsco Valley State Park. Follow for 1.2 miles, passing under the Thomas Viaduct.
Turn left (southwest) on Gun Road, crossing over the Patapsco River. Follow to end, 0.1 miles. This will put you in the Avalon Area of the park. There are restrooms nearby.
Turn left (east) on River Road. Follow for 0.8 miles.
The road will split with Levering Avenue on the left and Lawyers Hill Road on the right. There probably won't be any sign for Lawyer's Hill Road but it is an obvious incline just before the highway 895 bridge. Take Lawyers Hill Road for 1.5 miles, riding southwest. This will be the most challenging part of the ride though it will also be scenic.
Turn left (east) on Montgomery Road. This is a busy road with a huge shoulder on the south side of the road, at least for awhile. Follow for 0.6 miles, once again crossing the busy route 1. Follow to end.
Turn left (northeast) on Old Washington Road. Follow for 0.15 miles. This is a busy road with no shoulder.
Turn right (south) on Hanover Road. This starts out as a fairly busy road with no shoulder but after crossing Hi Tech Road (1.2 miles), the traffic lightens out and it becomes more scenic. Follow for 2 miles to the end.
Turn right (south) on Ridge Road. Follow for 1.4 miles to New Ridge Road (route 713).
Turn right (southwest) on New Ridge Road (route 713). Follow for 0.2 miles.
Turn right (northwest) on Dorsey Road (route 176). Follow for 0.6 miles.
Turn left (southwest) on Wright Road. Follow for 0.4 miles back to Dorchester Boulevard.
Notes: This 15.25 mile route takes one on some back roads from the Villages of Dorchester to Patapsco Valley State Park. When in the park, consider hiking on one of the many trails.
Mouth of Monocacy to Pinecliff Park
The Frederick County 14 mile bike route from the Monocacy River (Mouth) to Pinecliff Park is a bit hilly but is particularly handy if you want to do some paddling but don't have a second vehicle to use for a shuttle.
Directions: Bike east on Aqueduct Lane for which then turns into Mouth of Monocacy Road. Follow for 1.4 miles.
Turn left (northwest) onto Dickerson Road (route 28). Cross over the Monocacy River. Follow for 1.8 miles.
Make a right oblique (north) onto Park Mills Road. Follow to end. Follow for 7.4 miles.
Make a left (northwest) onto Urbana Pike (route 355). Follow for 0.2 miles.
Turn right (north) on Reels Mill Road. Follow to end; 0.8 miles.
Turn right (east) on Ball Road then make an immediate left (north) onto Reels Mill Road. Follow for 1.8 miles.
Make a left oblique (east) onto Reichs Ford Road. Follow for 0.3 miles.
Turn right (north) onto Pinecliff Park Road to get to Pinecliff Park. Follow for 0.2 miles.
Patuxent River Park to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary Loop
This 16.2 mile bicycle ride from Patuxent River Park to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is a loop that starts on the Critical Area Driving Tour (CADT), heads to the Wildlife Sanctuary, then returns on paved street roads.
Directions: Depart from the Patuxent River Park Visitor Center (PG County ADC map 27 J11). Head southwest on Park Entrance Road. Follow for 1.4 miles.
Follow to end then turn left (east) onto Croom Airport Road. Upon seeing a barn on your right, turn left (north), staying on the main road. The road will end at Selby Point boat launch. Follow for a total of 1.8 miles.
Bike south along the CADT which runs over Mattaponi Creek to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary. Be sure to bike the whole thing, including the loop. 4.0 miles.
Stop at the Visitors Center for a bathroom break and to refill water bottles.
Exit Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary on Merkle Road. 2.0 miles.
Turn right (north) on Fenno Road. Follow for 0.6 miles.
The road veers left (west) onto Saint Thomas Church Road. Follow for 2.0 miles.
At Saint Thomas Church, turn right (northwest) onto Croom Road (route 382). Follow for 1.0 miles.
Turn right (southeast) on Croom Airport Road. Follow for 2.0 miles.
Turn left (north) on Park Entrance Road. Follow for 1.4 miles to return to the start.
Patuxent River Park to Mount Calvert Historical Archaeological Park
This 8 mile up and back (yo-yo) bicycle ride begins at the Patuxent River Park group campsite and heads to Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park.
Location: Prince George's County ADC map 27 H9.
Directions: From the Patuxent River Park group campsite, Prince George's County ADC map 34 J2, take Croom Airport Road west.
At Duvall Road, veer right (north). There will be a split in the road. Bear left.
At Mount Calvert Road, turn left (east) and follow to end.
Pinecliff Park to Devilbiss Bridge
This Frederick County 12 mile bicycle ride from Pinecliff Park to Devilbiss Bridge is one that came in especially handy for me on April 27, 2008. It is a fairly flat route that passes through an artsy part of Frederick, past some really beautiful trees, and through farmland.
Directions: From Pinecliff Park, turn right (northwest) on Reichs Ford Road. Follow for 1.6 miles.
Take the first right (east) after passing under the highway 70 bridge. This is Monocacy Boulevard. Follow for 0.4 miles.
Turn left (northwest) on Patrick Street (route 144). Follow for one mile.
Turn right (north) on East Street. Follow for 1.5 miles. This will take you through the nice, artsy section of Frederick.
Turn right (northeast) on Market Street (route 355). This will change names to Liberty Road (route 26) and Woodsboro Pike (route 194). Just after crossing the Monocacy River, route 26 will veer to the right with the main road (route 194) veering to the left. Stay on route 194. Follow routes 355, 26, and 194 for a total of 3.2 miles.
Turn left (west) on Fountain Rock Road. This will turn to the right (north). Follow for 1.4 mile to the end. This starts the very scenic part of the ride, full of farmland.
Turn right (east) on Biggs Ford Road. Follow for 0.1 miles.
Turn left (north) on Dublin Road. Follow for 1.6 miles.
Turn left (west) on Devilbiss Bridge Road. Follow for 0.6 miles then turn right and head downhill to the launch site.
Notes: Continuing north on Dublin Road (instead of turning left onto Devilbiss Bridge Road) will take one through more scenic farmland. One may want to consider this if doing the 20 mile downstream paddle from Creagerstown to Pinecliff Park.
|
|
