Blackwater Wildlife Refuge Plus

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Cambridge, MD, US

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Route Overview

Paul Ruchlin

Fantastic rides near Frederick, MD

60 mi.

506 ft.

Flat, Fun and Filled with Fantastic scenery and wildlife. This route follows the first 32.5 miles of my other Wildlife Refuge ride but adds an additional 20 miles, looping back into the refuge for a look at the eastern section.

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Route Details

When you need a break from hills around here, you head to the Eastern Shore.  You won't find a hint of an incline on this route, but you WILL find wind, and quite possibly a lot of it.
# The Route

Starting from Cambridge-South Dorchester High School offers plenty of parking and convenience stores nearby for last minute stocking up and restrooms. You will head south from here, about 7.5 miles to the entrance to the National Wildlife Refuge.  Have some cash with you as there is a ***minimal fee*** **($1.00 for bikes**, 2015 price**)** for entry.  You should also have your camera handy as there is sure to be some photo ops ahead.

Your first section through the refuge, along @slice[Wildlife Drive](d,12593.33,18066.35), takes you west.  It's only about 3.5 miles but the scenery is spectacular. You'll hit Golden Hill Rd and head south again, most likely in to the teeth of the wind.  At mile 17 you will turn left to stay on Golden Hill. @poi[Check your fluids here](1155491).  I highly recommend a restock at Gootee's Marine because this is the ***only*** place to replenish along this route.

Once turning north on Andrews Rd, which then becomes Maple Dam Rd, you head back in to the refuge, weaving through the swamp with sections which have you feeling like you're literally riding on water. Before heading for home this course turns south and east again for a bit more swampland touring.

## Notes:
- Have a bit of cash on hand as there is a small fee to enter the Wildlife Refuge.
- Make sure to have plenty of water.  There is only one place to restock, at Gootee's Marine at mile 17.  I did this route with a 50 oz bladder and a 24 oz water bottle and had just enough to get me to the finish.  If it's exceedingly warm or exceedingly windy you'll likely need more. 
- For a shortened (40 mile courese), check out - [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/7940332](http://)

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Blackwater Wildlife Refuge Plus

Route Overview

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