Thurmont Hill Repeats

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Frederick County, MD, US

Route Overview

Paul Ruchlin

Fantastic rides near Frederick, MD

53 mi.

5,516 ft.

A leg burner for those who like to climb.

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Route Details

@slice[THERE IS A SHORT GRAVEL SECTION ON THIS ROUTE.](d,23989.2,25003.23)  However, the rest of it is so much fun it's well worth the bit of dust you may get on your tires and frame.  It is well graded and very rideable.

Thurmont is yet another quaint, historic Maryland town, a short 20 miles north of Frederick. Catoctin HS just off Rt 15 makes a good starting point.  There is a @point[Sheetz Gas & Convenience](d,84782.2) at the exit for any last minute stocking up or restroom break you may need.

The route starts north up Sabillasville Rd to hook around to the back side of Catoctin Mountain Park.  Don't be frightened by the awful looking elevation profile, this is a pretty gentle climb and a good start to warm up the legs for more brutish climbs later.

You get a fun little downhill along @slice[Rt 77](d,13219.82,17261.65).  Although a primary road you should not have traffic issues as this is one of the more heavily biked roads in this area and the locals, at least, are well used to cyclists.  Take a good look and @point[be prepared for the right turn on to Catoctin Hollow](d,17306.8).  It's a sharp turn with a steep drop coming from the north. *Do not attempt this turn at high speed.*

This climb is a little bit steeper, but still not a soul crusher.  A right on to Mink Farm Rd and you'll descend a stream valley before reaching the gravel section. Again, unless it's been raining, this is very rideable and only about a half mile long.  Up to the top on Tower Rd and then @slice[what can be a white knuckle descent down Middlepoint Rd](d,26640.17,28939.38).  Be careful here, especially if you are not a speed fan, as the road is a bit choppy in some places, with a few sharp turns.  Nothing to be afraid of, but this road is very steep in some sections.  Especially your first time down, just use caution.

As you come in to Wolfsville there is a small convenience shop.  However, it is @poi[closed on Sundays](1094316), so be prepared.

Another stairstepped climb and descent through the beautiful valley and you will come to @slice[Hell's Delight.](d,46018.56,47053.77)  Don't worry, it's hard, but not THAT hard.  A good little climb.  Once up that and down Quirack School Rd you'll run back in to Rt 77.

Now here's where the "repeats" comes in as you'll head back down Stottlemeyer Rd for a bit before bearing off on @slice[Ritenour, John Draper and Tower](d,54714.84,56130.84) to climb back up the ridge.  Over the top it's another fun descent down Wigville Rd.  Be cautions on this one too, but it's nothing like Middlepoint.  This will bring you back down to Catoctin Hollow, which I assure you is much more fun in this direction.

A right back on to Rte 77 and quick left in to Catoctin Mtn Park and the @poi[visitor center is on your right, with bathrooms and a drinking fountain](1094315) to fill up at.

Now that it's been nearly 40 miles this climb through the park may be a bit more difficult than it appears.  Make it through @slice[the hairpin turn](d,64533.97,65069.25) and you've beaten the worst of it. Enjoy the flatter part at the top and realize this is likely the closest you'll get to the famed [Presidential Retreat](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_David), although it is open to visitors one weekend a year.  If the foliage is thin you may even catch a glimpse of a building or two.

All that's left is a couple of miles out the other side to loop around and come back through the park for the most fun descent of the day.  At the bottom, turn left on Rt 77 and head on back down to Thurmont and your car.

## Notes:
WARNING: @slice[Park Central Road is closed during the Winter (Dec-Mar)](d,62840.48,70414.01).  The route can easily be adjusted to skip this section in the Winter. Also, near the top of this road you will notice @point[warning signs prohibiting photos, stopping or parking](d,66954.22).  I *HIGHLY* recommend you heed this information unless you'd like to spend the rest of the day conversing with a less than friendly Secret Service Agent.  It may seem deserted, but you are being watched in this area.  :)

Thurmont Hill Repeats

Route Overview

Route Details

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