RIDE REPORT
Wednesday, 30 October 2024, Apple Pi (short) Ride
Ride Leader: Simon Lingard
~37 miles, 10:00 am start from Bedford, MA
Riders (9): Simon, Betsy Kimball, David Goldberg, Ed Hill, Frank Calabrese, Frank Scibilia, Marc Webb, Martin Hemler, and first-timer Todd Palmer.
The VA carpark was huge and mostly full, so the ride leader arrived early to direct riders to an area where there were enough parking spaces. The roads were wet after overnight rain, a fact we discussed during the safety talk.
About ten miles in, Frank C's vintage bike made a pop sound, and the rear wheel skidded to a stop. A bulge in the tire had forced the rim to bend jamming the brakes. After releasing the rear brake caliper Frank was able to slowly cycle to the nearest bike shop, while the remaining eight riders continued.
In Westford, the ride leader had a little difficulty finding the Dunkin’ Donuts rest stop location - it required the group to cross a busy four-lane road. After the break, which was slightly off-route, Frank S. and Ed helped the ride leader find the route, somewhat limiting his embarrassment.
We did not use human arrows, but Ed graciously swept and let the ride leader know when we needed a re-group. And, the sun came out, the roads dried out, and we all returned together!
Report by Simon Lingard.