Evening star., 1896-07-09

7th street road. and il not quite q mile in
length. 1t has gravel surface, and Just
at this time OF the year Is in good riding
condition. an extra heavy rain being the
only thing to mar its condition The Sol
diers' Home drives which will be ridden
over are excellent, being as smooth as a
parlor floor and affordng better riding
than the concrete streets. The four miles
OF riding in the grounds. with the pretty
scenery. is apt to be the most enjoyable
part of the run.
Out on the Harewood road the riding Is
good. The surface is comparatively level.
though there is a gradual upgrade all the
way. The road is macadamized most of
its length and in good repair. The Rock
Creek Church road is perhaps little better
than the Hardwood road. inasmuch as 1t Is
slightly wider highway. The Rock Creek
road is macadamized its entire length and
is the western and northern boundary OF
the Soldiers Home grounds. 1t is always
in good condition. There Is a fine coast
down the hill past the Rock Creek ceme-
terry on this road.
From the latter road the ride will con-
tinue on the Blair load. which runs up to
Takona, crossing the Piney Branch road
at that place. The Blair road is partly
dirt highway. macadamized in some places.
on this highway the cyclists will turn of
to the Shepard's road. OF late the road has
been improved considerably, and while
there are several hills to be climbed, it is
time.
The 7th street road is almost always in
good condition. 1t is well macadarlizsd
in the vicinity of Brightwood and sheds
the water very well. The objective point
of the road will be to Fort Stevens. though
1t Is possible that some Of the riders may
go as far as Takoma Park. On the return
trip the ride will be easy and enjoyed by
all. There are no up-grades. but, on the
contrary. the route will be almost
straight down grade. and the only hill that
will be encountered will be just before
reaching Mount Pleasant. Fourteenth
street road has practically an excellent
macadam foundation. with a gravel topsoil,
and affords splendid riding.
Points Of Interest.
The points Of interest on the ride are
numerous. while the scenery will be all
that could be desired. Outside of the
places In the city that might interest the
Endeavorers on the trip there is a good
deal to see on the road At Soldiers Home,
which is undoubtedly one Of the prettiest
places in this vicinity, the riders will get
brief glimpse Of the place. fuller inspec-
ton being reserved for a later run, which
completely covers the entire place. The
Catholic University. with its magnificent
buildings. including those Low in course of
erection. will interest many. Then, after
leaving the home grounds the riders will
pass the ational cemetery and Rock Creek
of Gem John A. Logan. while both ceme-
teries contain the bodies of a number of
distinguished people. Only short stop
will be made at these points
The main point Of interest to the riders
and the objective point of the run will be
Fort Stevens. Thisiis the spot which marks
the nearest approach of the confederate
army to Washington at any stage during
the war. The advance guard Of Gen. Ear
ly's army reached this point in 1884, but it
is only fair to say that they did not stay
long in the immediate vicinity. retreating
in quick time to a much safer distance.
A small stone church marks the site>6ccu-
pied by the advance guard Some distance
north of t'lis spot. and to the right of the
7th street road, a small monument stands
which marks the last resting place of the
gallant Union soldiers who fell in repelling
the advance OF Gen. Earlys army.