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This is a challenging, very hilly MTB route in and around the Frederick Watershed area featuring several long and steep climbs and some rocky singletrack descents.  It’s a good training ride for the SM100 or similar rides/races.  Although there are some extended road riding sections, due to the singletrack descents, an MTB is recommended.

The route brings you back to the start/finish about midway through to refill water and nutrition.  I prefer to use a 3L hydration pack to ensure I have enough water, but you could get by with two water bottles as there are water fountains in the Catoctin Mountain Park area (near Camp David, off Park Central Road towards Foxville, likely open only during spring/summer/fall) and a natural spring at the bottom of Hamburg.  

The ride is designed for a hardtail or rigid 29er as the singletrack descents would not be fun on a cyclocross bike.  Note that I didn’t say impossible.  It is possible, but with the rocks and logs and gnarly roots on skinnier tires I personally wouldn’t enjoy it.