Out-of-County Club Donates to Rail Trail

This week, the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club presented the Charles county Commissioners with a donation for the upcoming Indian Head Recreation Trail.  The money represents a portion of the proceeds from the Club’s popular Century Ride annual fundraiser.

The Club requested that their funds be spent on trail-side amenities like rest areas and information signs.  Public Relations Chairman, Jim Hudnall brought a picture of a Virginia trail as an example of possible trail amenities. 

Seven members of the club attended Tuesday’s Board meeting to present the donation and share their excitement for the trail.  Present were one of the club’s youngest active members, Evan Roscello, age 9 of La Plata, and one of the club’s most senior members, Jack Hammond, 72 of Aquasco.  Also present were Evan’s dad, Walt Roscello of La Plata, Jim and Jane Hudnall of Fort Washington, and John Early of Clinton.  President, Sam Perry presented the check.

“We certainly appreciate your donation.  And the picture you just showed us, is a great idea.” Board of Commissioners President, Wayne Cooper (D – at large).

The Rail Trail comprises 13 miles of disused CSX railroad track, which the County purchased last year.  This fall, the commissioners approved plans to convert the track into a hiker/biker recreation trail with interpretive signs detailing the history of the rail line’s effect on Charles County. 

“We are delighted that someday residents of Charles County will be able to enjoy biking and walking on a first-class trail close to where they live,” Hudnall told The Bay Net.  “We have seen the popularity of rail-to-trails such as the W & OD and the B & A, and we can see the Indian Head Rail Trail becoming as popular.”

A portion of the trail is scheduled to open for use in the summer of 2008.

25% of the Oxon Hill Bike Club’s membership comes from Charles County.  The club has spent its 35 years of existence encouraging cycling in Southern Maryland.  The ride schedule is posted at www.ohbike.org and guests are always welcome on club rides.  Many of the rides are in Charles County.

According to Hudnall, the club’s annual Southern Maryland Century each September has close to 400 cyclists riding routes of 16 to 100 miles through Charles County.  For the past seven years, the routes have started and ended at the Village Green in Indian Head.  The club donates proceeds from the rides to local organizations that help support the rides.

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