Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Monday, October 28, 2019
Peak Foliage in Sherborn and Beyond - October 23, 2019
RIDE REPORT
Wednesday, 23 October 2019, Peak Foliage in Sherborn and Beyond
Ride Leader: Patria Vandermark
37 miles, 12:30 pm start from Ride Headquarters, Sherborn, MA
Riders (20): Patria, Annemarie Altman, Bernie Flynn, Bob Wolf, Bruce Lederer, Dave Balaban, David Fay, Dick French, Dimity Gorenburg, Don Buchholtz, Frank Aronson, Frank Hubbard, Geoff Allard, Gerry Sheetoo, Herb Kavet, Lindy King, Marc Baskin, Margaret Coughlin, Steve Carlson, and Ted Finch.
Thanks to the weather forecast and Helen's assistance, we moved the start time of this ride to 12:30 pm, in hopes of dry roads and sun. A small group arrived at Ride Headquarters in Sherborn at 11:00am to enjoy pre-ride hot pizza, talk bikes, and use the bike shop's facilities. By 12:30, there was a big group of people, all trying to figure out if long-sleeve jerseys or arm warmers would be necessary - turns out they were not! The sun was strong and it was toasty warm the whole ride.
This was the first Wednesday Wheeler ride that I have led, so right before we rolled, I remembered to get names of attendees. I only remembered about arrows upon rolling out, when someone mentioned the topic at the first turn! That's right - arrows!! Thanks to the instruction from seasoned ride leaders (namely Lindy) for the insight on to how to ask for arrows. Everyone was very willing to please on this front.
A few miles into the ride we stopped for a regroup, as the start was a bit downhill and the pace was a little above average. It was here that, as if by magic, Bob and Bernie appeared. Someone else may have been with them, so the group grew. Our valiant ride sweep, David, decided that he would shorten his mileage, and so chose to pass his sweeper hat along to Steve. Thanks to both for taking on this important role!
After the regroup, riders all kept about the same pace and didn't get strung out much. With this relatively flat route, we maintained a proper WW average, with a few fast downhills. We found another scenic regroup spot, later in the ride, for a nature break and some fun photos. Many people circled to the front to chat during the ride - thank you! It was great to catch up with many of you whom I haven't seen in a while. I met many wonderful people before, during, and after the ride, too.
After the ride, some people had time commitments and so left right away. Others stuck around for hot french press coffee, tea, pizza, a change of clothes, and relaxing on the couch. A few others had their bikes lubed and serviced by the Ride Headquarters' mechanic and then were on their way. Marc turned his ride into 70+ miles on this fine day!
I received many positive comments about the later start time to catch the nicest part of the day. After such a positive experience, I'll volunteer for future rides, especially when the weather gets bad and it's otherwise hard to find a leader. Great group and day - thanks to all for coming out!!
Report by Patria Vandermark.
Wednesday, 23 October 2019, Peak Foliage in Sherborn and Beyond
Ride Leader: Patria Vandermark
37 miles, 12:30 pm start from Ride Headquarters, Sherborn, MA
Riders (20): Patria, Annemarie Altman, Bernie Flynn, Bob Wolf, Bruce Lederer, Dave Balaban, David Fay, Dick French, Dimity Gorenburg, Don Buchholtz, Frank Aronson, Frank Hubbard, Geoff Allard, Gerry Sheetoo, Herb Kavet, Lindy King, Marc Baskin, Margaret Coughlin, Steve Carlson, and Ted Finch.
Thanks to the weather forecast and Helen's assistance, we moved the start time of this ride to 12:30 pm, in hopes of dry roads and sun. A small group arrived at Ride Headquarters in Sherborn at 11:00am to enjoy pre-ride hot pizza, talk bikes, and use the bike shop's facilities. By 12:30, there was a big group of people, all trying to figure out if long-sleeve jerseys or arm warmers would be necessary - turns out they were not! The sun was strong and it was toasty warm the whole ride.
This was the first Wednesday Wheeler ride that I have led, so right before we rolled, I remembered to get names of attendees. I only remembered about arrows upon rolling out, when someone mentioned the topic at the first turn! That's right - arrows!! Thanks to the instruction from seasoned ride leaders (namely Lindy) for the insight on to how to ask for arrows. Everyone was very willing to please on this front.
A few miles into the ride we stopped for a regroup, as the start was a bit downhill and the pace was a little above average. It was here that, as if by magic, Bob and Bernie appeared. Someone else may have been with them, so the group grew. Our valiant ride sweep, David, decided that he would shorten his mileage, and so chose to pass his sweeper hat along to Steve. Thanks to both for taking on this important role!
After the regroup, riders all kept about the same pace and didn't get strung out much. With this relatively flat route, we maintained a proper WW average, with a few fast downhills. We found another scenic regroup spot, later in the ride, for a nature break and some fun photos. Many people circled to the front to chat during the ride - thank you! It was great to catch up with many of you whom I haven't seen in a while. I met many wonderful people before, during, and after the ride, too.
After the ride, some people had time commitments and so left right away. Others stuck around for hot french press coffee, tea, pizza, a change of clothes, and relaxing on the couch. A few others had their bikes lubed and serviced by the Ride Headquarters' mechanic and then were on their way. Marc turned his ride into 70+ miles on this fine day!
I received many positive comments about the later start time to catch the nicest part of the day. After such a positive experience, I'll volunteer for future rides, especially when the weather gets bad and it's otherwise hard to find a leader. Great group and day - thanks to all for coming out!!
Report by Patria Vandermark.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Circling Wachusett Foliage Ride - October 16, 2019
RIDE REPORT
Wednesday, 16 October 2019, Circling Wachusett Foliage Ride
Ride Leader: Clyde Kessel
41 miles, 10:00 am start from West Sterling Athletic Field, Sterling, MA
Riders (17) : Clyde, Bernie Flynn, Beth Rosenzweig, Betsy Harper, Bob Apsler, Bruce Lederer, Ellen Gugel, Everett Briggs, Francie Sparks, Gary Williams, Gene Ho, Gerry Sheetoo, Herb Kavet, Jerry Skurla, Mike Barry, Rick Lawrence, and first timer Ted Finch.
We had a good turnout of riders who were prepared and able to do this challenging ride. One rider, who was unable to maintain anything close to the standard WW pace, quickly dropped out to ride at their own pace. Another rider, who wouldn’t have been able to keep up, arrived with an eBike and fit into the group very nicely. The weather gods were kind enough to delay the rain 'til evening, so there were no worries on that front. It did cloud over and get a bit breezy, so warm cycling clothes were de rigueur. This ride leader is not fond of YAPGP (yet another pointless group photo), so we did not make the customary stop in front of the silo at the top of the hill. We saw a deer in the woods and lots of colorful foliage.
Traditionally, this ride makes a very sharp right turn at the bottom of the Bolton Road hill to go up to the ski area. We skipped this turn and a number of riders expressed their appreciation. At that point, Bob and Everett left the group and rode up to the summit of Mt. Wachusett. The rest of us forged ahead on the low road. At mile 35, most of the group split off to go directly to their cars, while three of us opted to go into Princeton for lunch. This involved climbing Merriam Road, the steepest hill of the day, which brought us to the highest point of the entire route. So, the last four miles took us from the highest point to the lowest point. That means fast, and cold, since we had eaten lunch outdoors in Princeton and had gotten thoroughly chilled before starting the final descent.
A big thank you to Mike Barry for sweeping, to all of the arrows who were VERY patient for the first part of the ride, and especially to Richard Vignoni for the wonderful route.
Report by Clyde Kessel.
Wednesday, 16 October 2019, Circling Wachusett Foliage Ride
Ride Leader: Clyde Kessel
41 miles, 10:00 am start from West Sterling Athletic Field, Sterling, MA
Riders (17) : Clyde, Bernie Flynn, Beth Rosenzweig, Betsy Harper, Bob Apsler, Bruce Lederer, Ellen Gugel, Everett Briggs, Francie Sparks, Gary Williams, Gene Ho, Gerry Sheetoo, Herb Kavet, Jerry Skurla, Mike Barry, Rick Lawrence, and first timer Ted Finch.
We had a good turnout of riders who were prepared and able to do this challenging ride. One rider, who was unable to maintain anything close to the standard WW pace, quickly dropped out to ride at their own pace. Another rider, who wouldn’t have been able to keep up, arrived with an eBike and fit into the group very nicely. The weather gods were kind enough to delay the rain 'til evening, so there were no worries on that front. It did cloud over and get a bit breezy, so warm cycling clothes were de rigueur. This ride leader is not fond of YAPGP (yet another pointless group photo), so we did not make the customary stop in front of the silo at the top of the hill. We saw a deer in the woods and lots of colorful foliage.
Traditionally, this ride makes a very sharp right turn at the bottom of the Bolton Road hill to go up to the ski area. We skipped this turn and a number of riders expressed their appreciation. At that point, Bob and Everett left the group and rode up to the summit of Mt. Wachusett. The rest of us forged ahead on the low road. At mile 35, most of the group split off to go directly to their cars, while three of us opted to go into Princeton for lunch. This involved climbing Merriam Road, the steepest hill of the day, which brought us to the highest point of the entire route. So, the last four miles took us from the highest point to the lowest point. That means fast, and cold, since we had eaten lunch outdoors in Princeton and had gotten thoroughly chilled before starting the final descent.
A big thank you to Mike Barry for sweeping, to all of the arrows who were VERY patient for the first part of the ride, and especially to Richard Vignoni for the wonderful route.
Report by Clyde Kessel.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Doug's Annual Bonsai Rides - October 9, 2019
RIDE REPORTS
Wednesday, 9 October 2019, Doug's Annual Bonsai Rides
Ride Leaders: Doug Hobkirk & Clyde Kessel
34 or 40 miles, 10:00 am start from Bonsai West, Westford MA
Riders - 34 mi (5) : Doug, David Fay, Merle Adelman, Sally Chapman, and Wing Chow.
Riders - 40 mi (6): Clyde, Geoff Allard, Gerry Sheetoo, Rich Taylor, Rochelle Holman, and first-timer Richard Brown.
The short ride group left shortly after the long. David had just done a 53-mile ride (his longest ride ever - congratulations!) and his legs did not need serious climbs, so he returned on his own. Wing ("I arrived late") joined us for a few miles and then blasted ahead to do the longer ride. He didn't connect, so he caught us again as we rode across Westford. Merle was a freaking monster - if only we could have transferred some of her vigor to David, he could have continued. I would like to have been able to talk to him more.
The foliage colors were wonderful and the sun appeared briefly while we were on Martin Pond Road (my favorite road - I built this route around this road). A large blue heron took off and flew over us near the 4H Fairground - what a delight!
I bored people with my ride anecdotes about a bagpipe player, wild bamboo, and my perception that several miles felt to me like we were in a wilderness (despite there being a paved road!).
Lunch was excellent. There may have only been three of us who stayed for lunch, but we were an outstanding three! And Kathy, my much-too-good-for-me wife, added hot cocoa and brownies.
Thank you Clyde, Kathy, and Helen. And special thanks to Michael Levin for allowing us to use his "museum" - Bonsai West.
Report by Doug Hobkirk.
In years past, this ride has been plagued with problems: broken hips, exploding bikes, two Clydes on the same ride, European visitors getting lost, entire groups getting lost, entire lunch getting lost, and so on. We seem to have turned a corner though, as this year the ride went off without a hitch. (Come on, a dropped chain does not count). The forecast was for some light rain, but it didn’t happen - we stayed dry for the entire ride and the after-ride lunch.
The long group set off very close to 10:00 am (it was kind of chilly and rain was in the forecast so no one wanted to dillydally). We followed a somewhat modified version of the route which kept the mileage the same, but avoided the (wet) gravel road, the (wet) forest path, and the construction on Rte 113 near Dunstable center.
We never needed a human arrow because the group stayed close together. I do thank Gerry very much for being the sweep. Even though the group stayed together, having a designated sweep (wearing a unique jersey) is a big help so the leader can see that everyone is nearby. It was also very helpful that various riders would call out that everyone had made it through an intersection.
The long group maintained a 14 mph average and arrived at the finish just as the short group were putting their bikes in their cars.
The lunch in the bonsai garden was, as usual, lovely and relaxing. It is kind of sad that only three people stayed to enjoy it.
Report by Clyde Kessel.
Wednesday, 9 October 2019, Doug's Annual Bonsai Rides
Ride Leaders: Doug Hobkirk & Clyde Kessel
34 or 40 miles, 10:00 am start from Bonsai West, Westford MA
Riders - 34 mi (5) : Doug, David Fay, Merle Adelman, Sally Chapman, and Wing Chow.
Riders - 40 mi (6): Clyde, Geoff Allard, Gerry Sheetoo, Rich Taylor, Rochelle Holman, and first-timer Richard Brown.
The short ride group left shortly after the long. David had just done a 53-mile ride (his longest ride ever - congratulations!) and his legs did not need serious climbs, so he returned on his own. Wing ("I arrived late") joined us for a few miles and then blasted ahead to do the longer ride. He didn't connect, so he caught us again as we rode across Westford. Merle was a freaking monster - if only we could have transferred some of her vigor to David, he could have continued. I would like to have been able to talk to him more.
The foliage colors were wonderful and the sun appeared briefly while we were on Martin Pond Road (my favorite road - I built this route around this road). A large blue heron took off and flew over us near the 4H Fairground - what a delight!
I bored people with my ride anecdotes about a bagpipe player, wild bamboo, and my perception that several miles felt to me like we were in a wilderness (despite there being a paved road!).
Lunch was excellent. There may have only been three of us who stayed for lunch, but we were an outstanding three! And Kathy, my much-too-good-for-me wife, added hot cocoa and brownies.
Thank you Clyde, Kathy, and Helen. And special thanks to Michael Levin for allowing us to use his "museum" - Bonsai West.
Report by Doug Hobkirk.
In years past, this ride has been plagued with problems: broken hips, exploding bikes, two Clydes on the same ride, European visitors getting lost, entire groups getting lost, entire lunch getting lost, and so on. We seem to have turned a corner though, as this year the ride went off without a hitch. (Come on, a dropped chain does not count). The forecast was for some light rain, but it didn’t happen - we stayed dry for the entire ride and the after-ride lunch.
The long group set off very close to 10:00 am (it was kind of chilly and rain was in the forecast so no one wanted to dillydally). We followed a somewhat modified version of the route which kept the mileage the same, but avoided the (wet) gravel road, the (wet) forest path, and the construction on Rte 113 near Dunstable center.
We never needed a human arrow because the group stayed close together. I do thank Gerry very much for being the sweep. Even though the group stayed together, having a designated sweep (wearing a unique jersey) is a big help so the leader can see that everyone is nearby. It was also very helpful that various riders would call out that everyone had made it through an intersection.
The long group maintained a 14 mph average and arrived at the finish just as the short group were putting their bikes in their cars.
The lunch in the bonsai garden was, as usual, lovely and relaxing. It is kind of sad that only three people stayed to enjoy it.
Report by Clyde Kessel.
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