1st Annual Patuxent River Rural Legacy Ride Saturday, May 27, 2000 Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary Rain didn't dampen the spirits of about 80 bicyclists and volunteer workers at the 1st Annual Patuxent River Rural Legacy Ride. This ride was coordinated by the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club with the assistance of M-NCPPC and DNR to promote the Patuxent Rural Legacy Area in Prince George's County along the scenic Patuxent River.  The Rural Legacy Program is Maryland's unique approach to land conservation, providing focus and funding necessary to protect Maryland's best remaining landscapes and natural areas through the purchase of land and conservation easements.

A club event like this couldn't happen without the time and energy of a lot of dedicated people. Sandy Olek of the Maryland Department of Resources (DNR) suggested bicycle rides to further public awareness of Maryland's Rural Legacy Program. Ranger Stephen Muse of DNR allowed the ride to start at the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and helped us set up for the ride. Greg Lewis of M-NCPPC's Patuxent River Park helped with arrangements for Mount Calvert and Magruders Landing. Jack Tawil of DNR helped with ride promotion and set up an impressive exhibit inside the visitor center on the Rural Legacy Program. Fred Shaffer, senior trails and bikeway planner of M-NCPPC helped with planning, distribution of information, and support during the ride. Kim Finch of M-NCPPC helped with ride promotion and worked with Randy Schoch at the Mount Calvert rest stop, answering many questions cyclists had about the Rural Legacy program in Prince George's County. Jeanne Ulrich was once again a very hardworking event coordinator, planning and marking the route, making maps and cue sheets, seeing that all the little - but essential - tasks were done, and working with her husband Pete Ulrich at the Magruder Landing rest stop. George Schneider helped Jeanne with the route markings and directed parking for the ride. Lee and Lynn Martin made sure that the four rest stops were well stocked with food. We appreciate the donations of bagels from Einstein Brothers Bagels and Chesapeake Bagel Bakery. Rita Zuchelli brought a station wagon full of fresh produce donated by her employer Danny Keany of Keany Produce. Thanks to Marvin Bowser of Eagle Harbor for use of his yard as a rest stop. Jane Hudnall worked with Rita at the Eagle Harbor rest stop and helped with setup and cleanup. Club treasurer Mimi Newcastle did registration with help from Dorothy Hodges and then worked at the Merkle finish. John Travis worked from start to finish keeping things running smoothly at Merkle. On the road and ready to help riders were SAG wagon drivers Mike Sneed, Brenda McCord, Theresa Rowell, and Jim Hudnall. John Hutson was a big help in closing and cleaning up at Merkle. Thanks to Diane Harris for use of her cell phone. Special thanks to our past President Pierre Summerville for his encouragement and support.
 

Pictures from Planning Rides
click on any picture to see full-size

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home page: Oxon Hill Bicycle & Trail Club
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