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The Mid-Atlantic Ride Journal

For the love of the bike

PREFACE

Martin Fernandez

Martín Fernández

Dear Reader, The past couple of months since we published Volume 1 and 2 have been rather difficult. I had a pretty good year last year in terms of miles ridden, and I had high hopes for where I would be by this time in 2024. But dedicating time to riding and working on this edition of the journal kept eluding me.

Yes… life got in the way. My mother fell ill early at the onset of 2024 and ultimately left us in late April. This involved lots of travel to Lima, Peru so I could spend some time with her before she left us. Considering the dire situation with my mom, riding a bike in Peru was not an option. The stress of the whole ordeal left me weak and I came down with a brutal flu that sidelined me for several weeks. Then, a failed dental procedure at the end of that month turned into a health ordeal that continues to prevent me from doing virtually any physical activity, including riding. I’m still recovering, but am optimistic that I will be able to get back on the bike by the time this issue is published.

The “unexpected” sometimes forces us to put plans on hold, but it’s how we recover from them that matters. Despite everything that’s happened in the last few months, I’m motivated to get back on the bike and make up for some of those lost miles. 

My “ordeal” was trivial, especially when you consider what Brad Mamalis (see his story in this issue) has gone through. Stories like his help others, like me, to gain perspective. I am inspired by his story, and reading about his journey, and how to move forward.  I’m also inspired by those who helped him; it reminds me of a quote I recently read by the Dalai Lama, and one that resonates within our community:

“Be kind whenever possible. It’s always possible…”

Once again this issue highlights the value of our community. Brad’s story brings into focus the good and caring nature of people. Harry’s article focuses on the Minority Mountain Bikers, showing us the diversity of our sport and the value of inclusion in our ranks. Lorraine’s experience into gravel shows us how, with a little help and kindness from our friends, we can overcome some fears and increase our confidence.

I hope that these stories - these unique perspectives - help you to overcome any challenges you may be facing. But more so than that, I hope their words motivate you to get on the bike and enjoy the roads, paths and trails our region has to offer.

#WSGFABR

Contents

Why I Do it

Liaisons from the Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE) reflect on the reasons why they build and maintain the trails we love to ride.

Think You’re Just a Mountain Biker? Think again!

Regional cyclist Lorraine Woo reflects on the experience of riding a gravel bike for the first time.

A Rewarding Racing Experience

Join regional mountain bikers at the South Germantown Bike Park on October 12 - 13 for an Epic adventure along Montgomery County’s signature trail system.

The 14th edition of the MoCo Epic is happening!

Coach Matt Eggleton provides some tips to make this year’s racing experience more rewarding

Bikes, Beer, Music…

A conversation with Todd Mader on how he manages to cycle, manage a popular bike shop, brew award winning beers, and play in a local band.

Not Alone

Brad Mamalis reflects on the crash that took his leg and the friendship that’s blossomed with one of our local community members.

All Welcome, Minority Focusde

Harry hill, founder of MMB reflects on the organizations mission and working to increase diversity in our sport by providing a space where everyone, primarily people of color,, can freely have a good time.

More Miles of Smiles

Prince William County rider Rich Wilson shares his experience on adding an eMTB to his stable and the benefits he’s gained from riding it.

Power: Jump Line

We’re gearing up to celebrate some upcoming work at one of our local jump lines, the “Power: line jump line at Locust Shade so Martín headed out with some friends to capture them soaring.

Casual Magic

After a year studying abroad in South Korea, Ariana Fernandez reflects on one of the things she missed most while away, her bike and the moments of Casual Magic she experienced while riding it…

Colophon

Get inspired!

The Mid-Atlantic Ride Journal (MARJ) is an online magazine that will be published four times a year. Our goal is to share stories from riders, to inspire riders.

We are always happy to receive feedback, and learn about what it is you would like to see and read in MARJ

Editorial Team
Martín Fernández (Publisher/Editor)
Courtney Fernández (Managing Editor)

Contact Us
hello@ride-journal.com

An Initiative of

ISSN 2995-942X

How to Contribute to the Mid-Atlantic Ride Journal

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the Mid-Atlantic Ride Journal.

We’re always looking for rider writers, photographers, and illustrators who have a story to share; be it an epic adventure on one of our regional trails, a personal journey of self-discovery, or simply have an interesting story to tell.

We hope the stories you share on a bike or about a bike help motivate and inspire others to hit the trail, path, or road to discover the same joy and love of cycling we have in common.

If you want to contribute, but are unsure what to write about, here are a few suggestions:

  • Why do you ride? Why do you keep riding?

  • Is there a personal moment that defines why you ride?

  • What is special about your favorite regional cycling destination? Share details about your destination of choice.

  • What do you ride? What is special about your chosen cycling discipline?

  • Is there a yearly pilgrimage you make to a destination beyond our region? What’s special about it?

  • Is there a regional event that you look forward to? Why?

This journal is a labor of love, and not meant to be a money making endeavor, for that reason we are not offering any compensation for your submission, nor do we retain ownership of your work. You are just letting us borrow it so that we can compile it with other meaningful and inspirational stories. We recommend that if you will write something, that you stick to around 500 - 800 words. Not sure how long that is? Take a look at this sample: Riding Loudoun County’s Historic Gravel Roads.

We also can’t guarantee that your submission will make it to a later issue. We do guarantee, however, that we will read it and get back to you.

If you are good with the above, the first step is to reach out to us using the form below, we’ll go from there.

2024 Publication Calendar

  • Volume 1, #2 - Releases on January 9, 2024 (Drafts due December 11, 2023)

  • Volume 1, #2 - Releases on April 9, 2024 (Drafts due March 8, 2024)

  • Volume 1, #3 - Releases on July 12, 2024 (Drafts due June 7, 2024)

  • Volume 1, #4  - Releases on October 9, 2024 (Drafts due September 6, 2024)

Donate/Advertise

We are looking for potential advertisers to help us offset the hosting costs for the Mid-Atlantic Ride Journal. right now the magazine is hosted within “BestRidesDC.com” but we aim to move it to its own domain, ride-journal.com. If you are interested in helping us offset the cost of hosting please reach out to us directly. Contributions will be acknowledged in the journal as single full page ads.

Contributors

CONTRIBUTE