This year we bring you a portion of the same 200 mile route many of you know, but a new exciting and scenic route back. We also have a new 200k option that offers great views of the Chesapeake Bay Water Shed while still offering a challenge for those looking for a shorter option...
Both the 200 miler and 200k routes start from the historic Anacostia River Front Park and make their way up Pennsylvania Avenue to the U.S. Capitol Building and Library of Congress. From there the route takes riders back on Pennsylvania Avenue and out of Washington DC into Maryland past the Beltway and into Upper Marlboro to the first check point.
The route then takes on a different feel with a lightly traveled rolling road through farmland and stately manors near West River and Galesville. After turning back south towards Routes 2/4, the route takes riders through Churchton and the beautiful waterways and marinas that dot the area as they make their way into Deale and onwards to Owings and into the third check point in Sunderland.
From there, it is a wide shoulder with consistently rolling terrain through Huntingtown and into Prince Fredrick. In Prince Fredrick the 200 miler and the 200k options diverge. The 200 mile course continues the wide shoulder and rolling terrain on Routes 2/4 all the way into Johnstown/Solomons Island while the 200k route continues onto Hallowing Point Road and over the Patuxent River on a low (almost river level) scenic bridge with sweeping vistas of the river and bordering communities. From there the 200k riders continue on a wide open two lane road into Dentsville for the breakfast/lunch stop.
The 200 mile riders will continue over the Solomon Islands Bridge that has panoramic views of the Patuxent River mouth and Chesapeake Bay. From there 200 mile riders continue inland and then turn south and bisect St. Mary's River Park and St. Mary's River Watershed Park as they make their way into historic St. Mary's City and into Point Lookout State Park for the lunch stop.
After relaxing at the Marina at Point Lookout and taking a shower at the water spigot, 200 mile riders then return on the all new return route into St. Mary’s City and up towards Great Mills on Point Lookout Road and past Holy Face Cemetery, framing the ominous task of riding another 75 miles! From there riders continue for another 9 miles into Leonardtown with views of Breton Bay and to Check Point 5. Riders then continue on Point Lookout Road for a short jaunt before turning onto Budds Creek Road and settling in with glimpses of Saint Clements Bay and Chaptico Bay as riders pass through the quaint town of Chaptico.
Continuing west on Budds Creek, riders then turn off onto Trinity Church Road , a tree lined rolling road, for a short 5.5 miles to Check Point 6 in Dentsville. It is at this stop that the 200 mile and 200k routes converge and share the same return route into DC. After departing Dentsville, the riders ride along into Newton passing the Zekiah Swamp Natural Environment Area and into Bel Alton and head directly into Chapel Point State Park. After meandering through the rollers in the park, riders are treated to a gorgeous sweeping vista of Port Tobacco and part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Out of Port Tobacco Village, riders pass by the Thomas Stone National Historic Site who was one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence (didn’t know a ride would provide a history lesson did you!). From there, riders continue north into Bennsville for the final check point before the finish. After departing the final stop, riders meander on Livingston Road through continuous rollers and through quaint neighborhoods into White Hall. Continuing north, riders cross over Indian Head Highway past Franklin Square Park, National Capital Parks East, and Potomac Vista Recreation Area via Oxon Hill Road. From there it is a fast downhill under the beltway continuing to pick up Livingston Road again for the final 8 miles to the finish. The route meanders through various historic neighborhoods and new construction alike inside the District, picking up Suitland Parkway for a short half mile that takes riders back into Anacostia Riverfront Park for the finish and the post ride celebration!