Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Honey Dew Rides - May 1, 2019

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday 1 May 2019, Honey Dew Rides
Ride Leaders:  Marc Baskin & Tom Allen
40 or 30 miles, 10:00 am start from Burchard Park, Weston, MA


Riders - 40 mi (16):  Marc, Barbara Martin, Bill Umphrey, Curt Dudley-Marling, Elizabeth Wicks, Frank Hubbard, Gerry Sheetoo, Herb Kavet, Ira Weinberg, Jerry Skurla, Judith McMichael, Julie Dodd, Kaz Zelny, Ken Hablow, Steve Miller, and Wing Chow.
Riders - 30 mi (15):  Tom, Al Berardi, Arthur Teepe, Carol Hartigan, David Fay, Fred Newton, Gary Williams, Harriet Fell, Margaret Coughlin, Patty Grasso, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg, Selig Saltzman, Susan Sabin, and Veronica Vedensky.
Present at ride start:  Helen Greitzer.

Although we had a bit of rain while waiting to start, once the ride began the rains stopped and, although it was cool and cloudy, there was little wind.  We made a quick stop at Haskell Field and noted that Tom Allen's group were hot on our heels.  We had a pleasant ride at an average speed of about 14 mph, and the group did a great job of staying together. 



We got to Honeydew Donut and everyone who wanted a doughnut got a free, delicious Honeydew donut.  Two riders told me that their donuts were still warm from the oven.



On the way back, thanks to Ken Hablow, we deviated from the preplanned route to take the beautiful new, paved rail trail from Wayland back to Weston center, where four of us had a delicious lunch at Bruegger's Bagels.



Thanks to our wonderful sweep, Kaz, who kept everyone in line!



Report by Marc Baskin.




The day started a bit on the dreary and drizzly side, but no one got wet and the weather gradually improved. The roads were mostly dry and pleasant.

When we got to the designated rest stop, the 40 milers were there finishing their pit stop details.  Just as they were leaving, a third riding group ("Free-as-in-Beer") arrived.  In the resulting confusion, the 30 mile group set off without checking all the stalls.  Fortunately, our alert sweep (thank you, Harriet) rounded up the abandoned riders and got us back in sync.

Arriving at the point in the route labelled "Honey Dew," we understood how Mark could make his promise of free donuts without financial risk.  Honey Dew is done and gone!

So, unburdened by donuts in the belly, we continued on, past scenic Heard Pond and the Sudbury River crossing.  For the final stretch, we departed from the planned route and took the newly paved Mass Central Rail Trail path from Wayland to Weston.  No one seemed to mind missing the last few miles of extra hills and potential pot holes.

The group split at the trail intersection with Concord Road, with the majority heading straight for the cars while others rode to Weston center in search of midday sustenance.

Thank you Marc for designing a lovely route (there were many complements), and to Harriet for ably serving as sweep.

Report by Tom Allen.

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