The message came in early. I couldn't make out all the details. It was Tom. Left town. Couldn't talk. Favor? Sure. Three words: Long Run List. Then nothing but static. I leaned back in my chair, put one brogue up on the open case drawer of the desk, and stared at the phone. I wasn't going to do this anymore, but one more case wouldn't be a big deal. I gave Mike a quick call, figuring he might be able to give me a clue. We both remember that morning at the Red Fox back in '75. (Who disappeared?) That one still isn't solved. Saturday run? Faith Chapel. Long run? A long pause. Forget it, Phil. It's Stumptown.

Never one to let go of a case, I think I may have unraveled at least part of the mystery. Tom? Not sure. Long run? It's Stumptown. If you're wondering, it's a route that isn't on any list. It isn't the most picturesque of options, but it has personality. Start at Rust Library, and follow the route for the Long Taylorstown except that instead of going all the way to Bald Hill Rd., you turn right at Stumptown Rd. and follow that over to Lucketts. Cross 15, and you're about a mile or so to Faith Chapel, where you can do the club run for a total of 18 miles. This run does require a fair bit of time on paved roads. Oh, and the route has plenty of hills. And we'll start early. If you can't stand a mystery, just click here for a Gmap trace of the route.

Where/When:

Meet at 5:00 a.m. on Sat., July 31 at Rust Library.

Directions to the Run

From the center of Leesburg, north on King St (15 Bus.); left on North St; follow street to right (the start of Old Waterford Rd); library is approximately 1/2 mile on right. Ida Lee side: From the center of Leesburg, north on King St (15 Bus.); left into Ida Lee Park; bear left into the parking lot next to the library.