Sunday, December 27, 2015

Temple Mountain hike - December 23, 2015

HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, December 23, 2015, Temple Mountain hike
Hike Leader:  Jack Mroczkowski
8 miles, 9:00 am start from Nennie's 5 Star Cafe, New Ipswich, NH

Hikers (6):  Jack, Andy Lewis, Barry Kaditz, Janet Miller, Nigel Godley, and Susan Sabin.

We were fortunate that the weather forecast for no rain held for the duration of our hike.  After ascending to the Temple range ridgeline, we enjoyed an eclectic mix of very pleasant scenery.  Our group picture (minus Barry) shows a distant view of Mt. Monadnock.  At times, the thick layers of pine needles on the ground made it appear as if we were walking on plush carpets.

We did not see any moose, but we did have an unexpected encounter with a snowshoe hare.  These animals' coat changes appear to be triggered by the shorter daylight hours, not temperature changes, so they are very vulnerable under the present conditions with no snow.

Some of our photos - Monadnock in distance, pineneedle-carpeted trail on Temple ridgeline, snowshoe hare, and challenging river crossing - are posted on

     https://sites.google.com/site/crwhike/home/pictures

We finished the hike walking along the Nichols brook waterfalls and pools (just off Rte 123 and close to the Nichols House), and noted that these sights alone could justify a picnic visit in warmer weather.  A late lunch was taken at the 12 Pine restaurant in Peterborough.

Report by Jack Mroczkowski.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Jingle Bell hike, ride, and potluck - December 16, 2015


RIDE & HIKE REPORTS

Wednesday, December 16, 2015, Jingle Bell hike, ride, and potluck
Hike Leader & Potluck Host:  Ann Northup
5 miles, 10:30 am start from Ann's house, Southborough, MA
Ride Leader:  Fred Newton
25 miles, 10:30 am start from Ann's house, Southborough, MA

Hikers (14):  Ann, Eli Post, Jack Mroczkowski, Janet Miller, John Springfield, Kaz Zelny, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Mary Counihan, Mike Counihan, Mike Hanauer, Nancy Smith, Sander Nydick, and Tony Lee.
Riders (14):  Fred, Butch Pemstein, Don Mannes, Ellen Gugel, Francie Sparks, Gene Ho, Kim Wach, Marc Baskin, Patrick Ward, Richard Vignoni, Steve Miller, Susan Sabin, Tom Allen, and Wing Chow.
Other riders (3):  Clyde Kessel, Dick Harter, and Mike Byrne.
Potluck only:  Francoise Bourdan. 
Present at hike/ride starts & assisting in kitchen:  Helen Greitzer.

There were thirteen riders and, after being reassured that 13 was Helen’s lucky number and no opposing positions being voiced, we set out to be confronted immediately with a significant hill, reaching 6.9% grade, which served to warm us up in temperatures which ranged from 39 to 43 degrees.  More hills were to follow, maxing out at 10.6%.  There were a number of long climbs, followed by long, very enjoyable downhills.  I think the most scenic part of the ride was Fiske Mill Pond on, appropriately enough, Pond Street.  The pond had many good-sized rocks sticking up through the water in various places, contributing to its charm, along with the dam with water spilling over it.

Thanks to Susan Sabin for sweeping.  (On second thought, there were fourteen riders.) 

Ride report by Clyde Newton.

Our walk began with the same significant 6.9% grade as the rider's route.  When they passed us, we were all very happy to be on our feet instead of on our bikes!  Hikers enjoyed the varied, mostly woodsy terrain and later the views of the reservoir.  The hikers returned about 20 minutes before the cyclists, but, through the generosity of the attendees, there was plenty of food and drink.  I would like to thank Helen for arriving to the party early to help prepare and set out the food and to stay, along with Marie, Richard, and Kaz, to help clean up.

Mike Byrne had to return home for forgotten cycling gear, so he returned and did his own ride.  Clyde Kessel rode to the party from home and was joined by his wife, Francoise, for socializing and a welcome drive home.  Dick Harter had a flat tire before the ride began, so did a shorter ride on his own.
​​


Hike report by Ann Northup.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Ride or Hike & Hanukkah party - December 9, 2015

RIDE, HIKE & PARTY REPORTS

Wednesday, December 9, 2015, Ride or Hike & Hanukkah party
Ride Leaders:  Bob Wolf & Tom Allen
34 & 23 miles, 10:30 am starts from Marie's house, Lincoln, MA Hike Leader & Party Host:  Marie Keutmann
~4 miles, 11:00 am start from Marie's house, Lincoln, MA

Riders - 34 mi (15):  Bob, Barry Nelson, Bernie Flynn, Bob Wadsworth, Clyde Kessel, Francie Sparks, Fred Newton, Greg Stathis, Joel Bauman, Karen Saltus, Ken Hablow, Lindy King, Rich Taylor, Russ Keene, and Wing Chow.
Riders - 23 mi (8):  Tom, Arthur Teepe, Butch Pemstein, Joanne Samuels, John Allen, Robyn Maislin, Susan Sabin, and first-timer Harriet Fell.
Hikers (21):  Marie, Adena Schutzberg, Barbara Jacobs, Barry Kaditz, Bob Anderson, Carol Anderson, Chuck McWilliams, Edie Baxter, Elsa Lawrence, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Jacque Smith, Joan Laxson, Judith McMichael, Kaz Zelny, Mary Counihan, Mike Counihan, Mike Hanauer, Sander Nydick, Winnie Parker, and first-timer Julie Stephenson.
Party only (11):  Ann Northup, Betty Hoffman, Doug Hobkirk, Eli Post, Jerry Green, Joel Covitz, Kathy Halmi, Margie Lee, Michael Levine, Patrick Ward, and Richard Mandel. 
Kitchen Crew (2):  Helen Greitzer & Richard Vignoni.

Thirteen riders set out on the long ride which Bob Wolf gamely led despite having a flu-like bug.  The ride went through Sudbury, Maynard, Stow, Acton, Concord, and Lincoln.  There were no mechanical issues.  The riders, who observed the hikers crossing Rte 117, arrived back at Marie's moments after the hikers, in plenty of time to enjoy the party and the delicious food.

Ride report by Marie Keutmann.

Our group of nine (?) riders was anxious to get going after the departure of the long ride group.  Folks were bouncing up and down in the chilly air, so we set out following the route of the long ride for about seven miles before branching off.  We did spot a wild turkey along side of the road, but since Richard already had a turkey on the oven, we didn't stop.

We departed from the long ride route at Willis Road in Sudbury and headed north. (Our route was not published in the ride announcement email, so 
here it is.)  Importantly, we passed (and stopped at) a convenient Dunkin Donuts for refreshment and, mainly, relief.  We then rode some very nice roads in South Acton and on into West Concord, where Butch's Port-a-Potty radar got a hit (see photo).

Despite being the first group to return to the party scene, we were all well behaved, sampling only carrots and celery while waiting for others to finish their outings.

Thanks to Butch for sweeping.

Ride report by Tom Allen.

Marie led an approximately four mile hike from her house, around Farrar Pond on trails that have lots of ups and downs and nice views.  We did some bushwhacking on private property, but everyone was well behaved and we were not caught.  Our reward was the sumptuous turkey and fixings prepared by Richard and Helen, plus delicious appetizers, sides, and desserts brought by many WWs.

Hike report by Marie Keutmann.

There were fifty-one people at the party, setting a new Hanukkah party attendance record!  While the bikers and hikers were out on the roads and the trail, the cooks were active, with Richard cooking two turkeys, one on the gas grill outside and one in the oven.  Helen and Richard also made applesauce.  Latkes this year were frozen and just needed to be heated in the oven.  With Barbara Jacob’s kugels and the many appetizers, side dishes, and desserts brought by others, there was plenty of food to go around and lots of leftovers.
 
After lively conversations and people stuffing themselves with food, Sander lit the Hanukkah candles in the menorah and recited the blessing.  This was followed by Joanne’s orchestration of the Yankee Swap.  There was a wide selection of gifts ranging from the practical, such as wine and gift certificates for Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, to the novel, such as a Red Sox bobblehead (not sure which player).  

Thanks to Bob Wolf, Tom Allen, and Butch Pemstein for leading the rides, to Richard and Helen for the cooking, and to those who stayed around and helped with the cleanup.  And, of course, thanks to all those who contributed and participated to make the party such a great success.

Party report by Marie Keutmann.




Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Farm to Farm to Bogs - December 4, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Friday, December 4, 2015, Farm to Farm to Bogs
Ride Leaders:  Doug Hobkirk & Tom Allen
31 & 21 miles, 10:00 a start from Verrill Farm, Concord, MA
 
Riders - 31 mi (19):  Doug, Arthur Teepe, Bob Anderson, Brooke Stevens, Clyde Kessel, Dom Jorge, Gene Ho, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Donohue, Karen Featherstone, Kathy Horvath, Kaz Zelny, Larry Kernan, Mary Kernan, Maurice King, Peggy Gelin, Rudge McKenney, Susan Sabin, and Steve Robins.
Riders - 21 mi (6):  Tom, Butch Pemstein, Dick Harter, Richard Fortier, Roy Westerberg, and first-timer Wing Chow.
Present at ride start:  Helen Greitzer.

On a glorious, sun-drenched day, 78 riders (maybe less? I count poorly!) assembled to patiently listen as I rambled on about how I encouraged them to try killing themselves in the final mile on a fast downhill.  We regrouped on the rare occasions when we got split up.  We found three Wheelers on Monument Street who had said they would meet the group at the end of that street at 10:30, but at that time we were probably just going through Concord center.  We regrouped before getting onto Rte 225 for the short stretch to smooth (s-m-o-o-t-h!) Maple Street.  Then the short riders split off just before the end of Maple Street, and one mile before the hardest hill.  Coincidence??

Great Brook Farm was a treat, even if the ice cream stand was closed.  Clyde left us, but everyone shouted "Hello, Clyde" as we passed his house, which has an "Eggs for Sale" sign on his mailbox.  Up the hill on Curve Street and then down the hill to the Cranberry Bogs.  New England can be really magnificent, even without deciduous foliage.  We re-grouped at Ice Pond, seven miles before ride's end, and I explained the best "line" for anyone who wanted to take the final turn at high speed.  Should there be an arrow?  We left it open.

I had an excellent time - I got to ride my route with a bunch of friends.  The group stayed together pretty well; our overall average speed moving was 13.8; there were no mishaps.  And then we got to eat yummy food in a toasty greenhouse at Verrill Farm. 

Safety:  the arrows worked fine and I think that there were few long waits, but what does the leader know?  On School Street, we had the only instance where I noticed that a vehicle was behind and we did not break into six-person groups.  It was, however, a semi truck on a narrow road and I don't think that it would have passed us, even if we were in smaller groups, but I mention it as an issue to contemplate.

Thanks to Gene for sweeping.

Report by Doug Hobkirk.

The long and short rides rode together for the first nine miles.  We then split off for a shorter, but (I allege) more challenging, route.  We climbed some hills on lovely backroads of Carlisle and eschewed the long and leg stiffening stop at Great Brook Farm.  (We did make a just-in-time stop at a convenient porta-potty on Lowell Road.)

There was a bit of drama while the rides were together. On a curvy and somewhat hilly stretch of Monument Street, a pickup truck became impatient with the car in front of him which was reluctant to pass us.  When the car did pass, the truck gunned it and, in so doing, dumped a wheelbarrow out of its bed and onto the road, blocking traffic coming in the opposite direction - the truck driver was oblivious.  Roy leapt into action and cleared the road of the wayward wheelbarrow.  It is unknown whether the truck driver ever noticed the loss.

Thanks to Dick Harter for sweeping our group, but it wasn't much of a chore.  I don't think we deployed any arrows once we separated from the long ride group.

Report by Tom Allen.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Day Before Turkey Day Ride - November 25, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, November 25, 2015, Day Before Turkey Day (DBTD) rides & party
Ride Leaders:  Bob Apsler, Rudge McKenney, & John Allen
36, 27 & 16 miles, staggered starts (10:00, 10:30, & 11:00 am) from Holi, Bedford, MA 

Riders - 36 mi (11):  Bob, Bill Lane, Curt Dudley-Marling, Francie Sparks, Gene Ho, Karen Saltus, Lindy King, Rich Taylor, Selig Saltzman, Tim Wilson, and first-timer Cecilia Scimia.
Riders - 27 mi (15):  Rudge, Barry Nelson, Don Mannes, Gardner Gray, Jack Donohue, James Hsia, Joanne Samuels, Kathy Horvath, Linda Nelson, Richard Bowen, Richard Vignoni, Robyn Maislin, Steve Maislin, Susan Sabin, and first-timer Pat Brennan.
Riders - 16 mi (6):  John, Barbara Jacobs, Butch Pemstein, Judi Burten, Marie Keutmann, and Mike Hanauer.
Present for lunch only (5):  Adena Schutzberg, Bob Sawyer, Bob Wolf, Helen Greitzer, and Mike Counihan.

With the morning temperature well below the predicted 39 degrees, the ride leader was determined to depart promptly at 10:00 am.  Alas, a recalcitrant floor pump foiled this plan, but taught a lesson.  One participant’s efforts to top off her tire resulted in the opposite – loss of all air.  The ride leader and others assumed it had to be a puncture.  Their mistake delayed discovery of the cause - a defective floor pump.  Lesson:  sometimes the least likely option is the correct one.  All went well thereafter.  We regrouped at the crest of every substantial hill and, as a result, needed few arrows due to the group remaining compact.  Perceived temperature was milder than expected, due to the presence of sun and absence of wind.  Quiet back roads, often newly repaved, dominated the occasional forays onto busy arteries.  Many thanks to the ever reliable Selig for sweeping.

The staggered start times worked marvelously.  Long riders mingled with short and medium riders at the restaurant.  On some past rides, where all ride options started at the same time, long riders arrived after most others had departed from the lunch stop. 

Report by Bob Apsler.

We started the ride, with fifteen riders on fourteen bicycles, from Holi restaurant in Bedford.  It was a brisk November morning, but the shining sun gave all hope and comfort.  A long stretch down Rte 62 took us to Concord center where we veered right to avoid the tourists, shoppers, and other pedestrian types.  With historical landmarks on our left and right, we plowed forward over bridge and dale to the comfort of winding roads, farms, and livestock.  Of special note was the sighting of a fox preparing to celebrate the holiday with a chicken neatly tucked away in its mouth!

Another long stretch down Lowell Road and into Carlisle which we circled most of the morning.  We regrouped at Kate’s Corner, the apex of our journey, and commenced our return home.  However, the temptation of Great Brook Farm lured the happy riders for one more stop in hopes of finding ice cream and other such holiday treats.  But, alas, we had to settle for restrooms and the lingering aroma of the neighbor’s cows' leftovers.  Up the hills and down the hills, we finally reached Rte 225 and the last stretch back to Bedford.

Special thanks to  Kathy Horvath for sweeping the ride.

Report by Rudge McKenney.

Having found no designated route for the short ride, I used the medium ride route with a shortcut.  The group of six rode at a relaxed pace.  We stopped at the Minuteman National Historic Park parking lot on Monument Street in Concord, only to find that restrooms were closed; however, those at the Visitor Center on Liberty Street were open.  Turning from Concord Street, Carlisle, onto quiet but hilly Russell Street, and again at the Carlisle library, we determined to take 
Rte 225 back to Holi restaurant, so as to arrive by 1:00 pm, which we did.  As there were no more turns at that point, a couple of ride participants went out ahead of the group.  Planned mileage was 20 and actual was 16.1.

A fine, sociable lunchtime followed - highlight:  94th birthday greetings and birthday cake for Bob Sawyer, who showed up for lunch on his new electrically-assisted tricycle.

Report by John Allen.

*********************************

From Jack Donohue - "Here's a link to the Facebook album with my pictures:"

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.406011136254136.1073741848.162728697249049&type=1&l=38a00ee499

Monday, November 23, 2015

Ups & Downs of Lexington - November 18, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, November 18, 2015, Ups & Downs of Lexington
Ride Leader:  Tom Allen
35 miles, 10:00 am start from Ixtapa, Lexington, MA
 
Riders (15):  Tom, Bill Widnall, Bob Wadsworth, Bruce Lederer, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dick Harter, Fred Newton, Herb Kavet, Jack Donohue, Jack Mroczkowski, Karen Featherstone, Kathy Jonas, Rich Taylor, Selig Saltzman, and Steve Robins. 
Present at Lunch:  Mike Hanauer.

The day started frosty and brisk, but with bright sunshine and ideal road conditions - a perfect November riding day!  About a mile into the ride we tackled our first hill, climbing to the top of Whipple Hill.  From there the ride lived up to its name and took us over many hills and many unfamiliar roads with little traffic. 

We did Page Hill the hard way, more than doubling the climb involved, in a straight-on assault.  Then, on to a comfort stop at the Bedford Depot and Minute Man Bikeway terminus.  Although a straight (and level) return route, via the bike path to the restaurant, was fantasized by some, we pushed on in quest of more hills.

A particularly memorable short climb was made more so by poor pavement and a backing cement truck that the blocked the road just as riders were struggling to the top.  Then back through Lexington with a couple of unpaved stretches thrown in for interest.  We stopped at the "Big Dig House" on Bird Hill (more hill than bird).  Here's a tour of the interior of the house.  We then climbed the Six Moon Hill cul de sac to visit what was the mid century community conceived and implemented by The Architects' Collaborative and inspired by the Bauhaus and Walter Gropius.

Eight of the group repaired to Ixtapa, for a fine Mexican lunch, where we were joined by Mike Hanauer. 

Our sweep, Dick Harter, (thanks Dick) gave the group a no better than B grade for safe riding practices, with moving over for "Car Back" being the main deficiency.

Thanks also to Susan Sabin, Ilkka Suvanto, and Rich Mandel for joining me on the Monday scouting ride.

Report by Tom Allen.


Sunday, November 15, 2015

Smooth as Silk Ride - November 13, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Friday, November 13, 2015
Ride Leader:  Jack Donohue
35 miles, 10:00 am start from Bedford Public Library, Bedford, MA

Riders (27):  Jack, Ann Northup, Barbara Jacobs, Bernie Flynn, Bob Wadsworth, Bob (AKA the stalker) Wolf, Clyde Kessel, Curt Dudley-Marling, David Wean, Dmitry Gorenburg, Elizabeth Wicks, Francie Sparks, Frank Hubbard, Fred Newton, Gene Ho, Herb Kavet, Ilkka Suvvanto, Jim Cant, Judi Burten, Karen Featherstone, Larry Kernan, Marie Keutmann, Maurice King, Peggy Gelin, Steve Robins, Susan Sabin, and Wick Doggett..


Things went pretty smoothly (no pun intended) for the beginning of the ride.  I gave riders the option of skipping the "Significant Climb" and some took me up on it.  The ride looped back after the climb, so they had naught to do but wait for us to return.

There had been some concern at the start about the location of rest stops, which I admitted I hadn't thought through.  When we got near the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, I suggested we go off route a bit, to the pond near the trail that was equipped with a portajohn.  I figured we could take a break, enjoy the view, enjoy the portajohn.  I took off and very few followed.  It seems the group would rather just soldier on.  So we had another schism - the peckish people decided not to delay lunch any more and took off while we were enjoying our rest stop.  This made my leader job even easier, though I was concerned whether they could find their way sans leader and sweep.

We were down to eight at this point, then picked up a few more.  When we got to Carlisle center, I asked if people wanted to cut the ride short by just going straight down Rte 225, and got a resounding "yes."  So we made a beeline for Ken's Deli (no relation to our Ken), where we found some of the speedy group eating al fresco in the warm sun.  The whereabouts of the second breakaway group was undetermined.

Perhaps because of the smooth roads there were no mechanicals.  There were, however, two FDGBs - one related to wet leaves, the other to a spontaneous upset at rest.

Strangest part of the ride was when we had a pop-up shower while the sun was shining.

Thanks to Clyde for sweeping (and not leaving us by going home when the opportunity presented itself).

Picture album on Facebook:


(If you took pictures and would like to share, you should be able to add them to this album, If not, let me know -- Jack. )

Report by Jack Donohue.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Fall from Grace - November 4, 2015

Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Ride Leaders:  Alan Cantor & Tom Allen
40 & 21 miles, 10:00 am start from Grace Bicycles, Holliston, MA 

Riders - 40 mi (14):  Alan, Barry Nelson, Dave Balaban, Dmitry Gorenburg, Ellen Gugel, Francie Sparks, Fred Newton, Herb Kavet, Kim Wach, Mark Ecker, Richard Lawrence, Rick Carlson, Russ Keene, and Steve Robinson.
Riders - 21 mi (8):  Tom, Ann Northup, Arthur Teepe, Doug Hanna, Eli Post, John Springfield, Kathy Jonas, and Susan Sabin.

It was a beautiful day for riding, unseasonably warm and dry.  The group did well, watching out for each other and adhering to the WW safety rules.

I am very grateful to everyone, for putting up with my mechanical issues, missed turns, and fall (no big deal).  Glad that the leader endured all the mishaps and that all else went well.

A big thank you to all that arrowed, and a special shoutout to our sweep, Kim!!

Report by Alan Cantor.

We were a small, congenial group and, once the leader found the pace, we rode together with only an occasional regroup.  Everyone was exhilarated by the lovely weather and beautiful fall scenery.

Thanks to A.J. for the marvelous route.  We did miss a turn owing to a Google map inaccuracy that propagated through to RWGPS, but that was corrected with a short backtrack.

Despite the shorter than usual distance and early finish, we were all very ready for lunch at Bazel's.  Thanks to Susan Sabin for sweeping.  (Susan and Kathy Jonas remoted from Wellesley, for an additional 38 miles RT.)

Report by Tom Allen.

Monday, November 2, 2015

To the End of the World and Back - October 28, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, October 28, 2015, To the End of the World and Back
Ride Leaders:  David Wean & Bob Apsler
28 & 40 miles, 10:00 am start from Wompatuck State Park, Hingham, MA

Riders - 28 mi (2):  David and Jeff Smith.
Riders - 40 mi (5):  Bob, Everett Briggs, Gene Ho, Karen Featherstone, and Steve Miller.
 Together for the first twelve miles, we visited Great Esker Park (where we climbed the 90 foot esker, from which we looked down at Weymouth rooftops on one side, and the Back River estuary on the other) and Bear Cove Park (a former Naval camp and munitions facility, turned over to Hingham in the 1970s).  After passing through the South Shore Conservatory and rolling through Hingham Center, the two groups parted at the turnoff for World's End.

From there, the 28 mile riders spent the better part of an hour exploring the Olmsted-era carriage paths and the water views from the 200 never-built house lots, after which we returned to the road and traveled along the ocean in Cohasset (see "what Bob said" for a description of that).  After wonderful sandwiches at Fresh Feast, we returned via the shared route through the back side of Wompatuck Park (formerly the annex to the Bear Cove facility) to the ride start.  

Report by David Wean.
 
Four of us headed toward Hull and quickly abandoned the usual WW route of zipping out and back to the tip.  Instead, we sought every opportunity to hug the shore – first on the ocean side, and on the opposite side when returning.  Doing so provided lovely views, allowed us to better appreciate the unusually high tide and strong wind, and added five miles to the ride.  At the tip of Hull, we encountered Everett, who had started late and zoomed out to catch us.  We climbed several steep hills to inspect a submarine watch tower, visit a ceremonial tower in Fort Revere Park, and ride as close to the shore as possible.  Beautiful views in all compass directions kept us entertained even before the marvelous stretch of Jerusalem Road in Cohasset.  The clouds mattered little because of the perfect riding temperature, clear air, and beautiful leaves.  Lunch at a delightful sandwich shop in Cohasset delayed us just enough to catch a few sprinkles on the way back to the cars.  A congenial group encountered no mechanical or other delays.  Another great WW day.

Report by Bob Apsler.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Put a Stamp On It ride - October 21, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, October 21, 2015, Put a Stamp On It ride & visit to Postal Museum
Ride Leaders:  John Allen & Fred Newton
24 & 29 miles, 10:00 am start from Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History, Weston, MA

Riders - 24 mi:  John.
Riders - 29 mi (10):  Fred, Clyde Kessel, Dmitry Gorenburg, Gene Ho, Larry Kernan, Paul Greco, Paula O'Sullivan, Rich Taylor and first-timers Doug Hanna and Karen Featherstone.
Present at ride start & lunch:  Helen Greitzer.

A look at a weather radar map at breakfast time showed a patch of rain which would pass.  Helen, Fred and I decided that the ride was on.  I donned my rain cape, mounted my bicycle with fenders, and headed for the Spellman Museum.  As if on schedule, the rain quit at 10:15.  Body  heat evaporated a few light spatterings of rain from my clothing during the ride.

Fred headed out with the long-ride group and I was alone on the short ride.  Fall foliage is still in its early stage:  next week will probably be the peak.  My slightly slower pace and a little detour had the long-ride group catch up with me shortly before Weston, where Helen rejoined the group for lunch at Dumpling Daughter Chinese restaurant.  A fine if slightly damp time was had by all.

Report by John Allen.

As I pulled out of my driveway in the rain, I had faith in <weather.com> that it would be clear by 10:00 am, and it was!  So I, with nine other slightly moist souls, set off on the long (pardon the expression) 29 mile course, the only problem being wet roads which lead to wet seats (bottoms) of those who lacked fenders or long-enough windbreakers.  The route was most enjoyable, the roads being in good shape for the most part, with very little need for arrows due to the lack of turns.  Our group stayed fairly tight as well.  We were treated to a section of off-road single track, between Old County Road and Old Conant Road, which got our attention.  Lincoln Town Offices building served as a bathroom stop and also gave us a chance to appreciate the recently completed interior remodeling.

Upon returning, Rich Taylor was full of praise for the conduct of all riders saying that this was the best WW ride ever in terms of the riders pointing out road hazards and signaling their intentions!  Congratulations riders!!

Thanks to Rich for sweeping and to my two always available arrows, Larry and Dmitry. Most of us, including Helen, enjoyed a delicious lunch at Dumpling Daughter and three of us returned to the Postal Museum for an interesting discussion with Museum Director, Henry Lukas.

Report by Fred Newton.

*********************************

Photo courtesy of Rich Taylor.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Circling Wachusett Foliage Ride - October 14, 2015

RIDE REPORT
 
Wednesday, October 14, 2015, Circling Wachusett Foliage Ride
Ride Leaders:  Richard Vignoni & various
39 mile core ride, 10:00 am start from West Sterling Athletic Field, Sterling, MA 
62 mile remote start ride, 9:00 am start from Forbush Mill Road Soccer Field, Bolton, MA.

Riders - 39 mi (20):  Richard, Barry Nelson, Dave Balaban, Doug Hobkirk, Elizabeth Wicks, Ellen Gugel, Francie Sparks, Fred Newton, Jack Mroczkowski, Jim Cant, Jim Egerton, Jim Whinfield, Karen Saltus, Kathy Jonas, Kaz Zelny, Rich Taylor, Richard Fortier, Selig Saltzman, Winslow Green, and first-timer Neil Martin
Riders - 62 mi (6):  Bob Apsler, Clyde Kessel, Everett Briggs, Gene Ho, Lindy King, and Rick Carlson
Remoted from home (3):  Elizabeth Wicks, Everett Briggs, and Lindy King

The weather gods were once again kind to us, continuing their tradition of great weather for our annual circling Wachusett ride.  Showing up early at the ride start to organize the ride fell apart when I discovered that I had forgotten my helmet.  Elizabeth, who had remoted from home in Boylston, had a spare, so I drove her back to her house to retrieve it.  In the meantime six remote riders joined the twenty core riders who were all patiently waiting in the warm sun when I returned.  During my absence I phoned in and had someone offer that a spirited pace group could head on out, giving them a desired gap, but there were no takers.  We all exited the parking lot 15 to 20 minutes later than planned and headed up Holden Road for the first of many hills.

We cycled clockwise around the mountain through the towns of Rutland, Barre, Hubbardston, Westminster, and Princeton, where on many roads seeing a car was a rarity.  The foliage was not quite at its peak, but there were lots of good patches and stretches of color along the way, where the foliage camouflage pants worn by Everett could easily disappear into the background

While there were no flats, there was a mechanical issue with someone breaking a rear derailleur cable.  I did have a spare in my bag of “stuff,” so this was perhaps redemption for forgetting my helmet.  We were only two turns and two miles from the lunch stop at the ski area, so I sent the group, including the sweep, ahead with six of us staying behind.  The repair took longer than expected as Shimano has changed the design of their shifters.  In our haste, we did a real MacGyver, attaching a new cable to the rear and tying it to the old cable from the shifter allowing for pretty much the full range of gears.

We cycled on to the lunch stop.  Everett and four others biked to the summit and most of the other riders took off on their own as the weather turned cloudy and cooler.  Barry, who swept the ride, was patiently waiting for us but we released him to ride back with the few remaining riders while the six of us ate a leisurely lunch.  From there it was one last climb then seven miles of downhill back to the parking lot.

The ride lived up to its reputation of being very beautiful and hilly, with very little traffic.  It was another great day of cycling and being outdoors.

Thanks to Barry Nelson for sweeping the ride, to all those who arrowed and participated, and to Elizabeth Wicks for coming to the rescue and loaning me a helmet

Report by Richard Vignoni.

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Photo courtesy of Everett Briggs.

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Monday, October 12, 2015

West of Bedford - October 7, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, October 7, 2015, West of Bedford
Ride Leaders:  Larry Kernan & Ken Hablow
44 & 27 miles, 10:00 am start from Bikeway Source, Bedford, MA.

Riders - 44 mi (21):  Larry, Barbara Martin, Bernie Flynn, Bill Umphrey, Bob Apsler, Bob Wolf, Clyde Kessel, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dave Balaban, Dom Jorge, Everett Briggs, Francie Sparks, Fred Newton, Karen Saltus, Mike Byrne, Rich Taylor, Richard Lawrence, Richard Vignoni, Rick Carlson, and first-timers Gene Ho and Jim Egerton.    
Riders - 27 mi (25):  Ken, Andy Lewis, Ann Northup, Chris Schuch, Cindy Bernstein, David Wean, Dick Harter, Eli Post, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Janet Miller, Jeff Smith, Jim Whinfield, Kathy Jonas, Larry Kornetsky, Richard Fortier, Richard Mandel, Robyn Maislin, Selig Saltzman, Tom Allen, Tom Clark, Wick Doggett, and first-timers David Sachs, Marty Rogers, and Mary Kernan.
Present at lunch:  Helen Greitzer. 
1)  Perfect weather
2)  Great route (laid out by Ken Hablow)
3)  Wonderful camaraderie
4)  Delicious lunch at Holi Restaurant in Bedford

What more is there to say.  The twenty-one pedalers on the long ride option rode a comfortable 15 mph pace on a glorious fall day.  We stopped at the Veryfine juice facility in Littleton for a group photo and all agreed that we were having a "VeryFine" day.

All of us enjoyed our lunch at Holi where we restoked our calorie deficits.  We lingered for about an hour over a nice Indian buffet and great desserts.

Thanks to Dom and Rick for sweeping.

Report by Larry Kernan.

The short ride started after the long ride had cleared the two traffic lights at the beginning.  Not all of the group got through the second light and, since no one arrowed the first turn, several people got lost.  Thanks to Tom Allen, they got back on course.  The rest of the ride went smoothly, with a stop at Great Brook Farm to re-group and use the facilities.  At about five miles from the end, we were in Carlisle center with a straight run on Rte 225 back to Bedford.  Many of the riders went on as the leader stayed to wait for stragglers.  The sweep was relieved of duty and the leader brought in the slower riders.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the route.

Report by Ken Hablow.


Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Doug's 70th Birthday Bonsai Run - September 23, 2015

RIDE REPORT
 
Wednesday, September 23, 2015, Doug's 70th Birthday Bonsai Run
Ride Leaders:  Doug Hobkirk & Clyde Kessel
34 & 40 (?) miles, 10:00 am start from Nashoba Valley Ski Area, Westford, MA.
 
Riders - 34 mi (16):  Doug, Ann Northup, Betty Hoffman, Bob Armstrong, Chris Schuch, Cynthia Zabin, David Wean, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Janet Miller, Jeff Smith, Jim Cant, Margie Lee, Richard Fortier, Winslow Green, and first-timer Mike Luzzo.
Riders - 40 mi (16):  Clyde, Barbara Martin, Barry Nelson, Bob Wadsworth, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dave Balaban,  Everett Briggs, Francie Sparks, Fred (Clyde) Newton, Jody Angevin, Rich Taylor, Richard Vignoni, Tim Wilson, Tod Cochran, Wick Doggett, and first-timer Bill Sheldon.
Present at (or near) lunch (5):  Charlie Learoyd, Francoise Bourdon, Helen Greitzer, Kathy Hobkirk, and Phil Hobkirk.
 
The shorter ride group set off shortly after the "supposedly" long riders.  Within 200 yards, we were joined by some guy named Mike Luzzo (Mike is a young teacher who volunteers with me at Household Goods Recycling).  We rode very, very fast (on downhills) and caught the long, slow riders at the end of Lost Lake.  How often do we see Everett Briggs looking confused?  Lost riders?
 
Everett sent us on our way after talking to Clyde.  Mike left us at that point to ride to Lincoln and have a picnic with his girlfriend, and Ann and Betty left to return on Rte 40, seeking to avoid the hills in Dunstable.  One mile later, we passed most of the long riders on the delightful Martins Pond Road, and then bounced along the dirt road at the end to get to Old Dunstable Road.
 
One big hill, then a pig farm (no pigs anymore?), and we rode through the forest primeval, checking the woods to make sure we didn't find any bears or moose.  We passed the neatest wood pile ever just before emerging into civilization, and a Dunkin Donuts at mile 22.  We traveled on scenic roads across Westford and over I-495, which I celebrated by hitting a savage hole and bursting my tube (I feared it might have burst my tire).  Chris took over and - poof! - everything was fixed, and Jack notified the highway department about the pothole.  Six flat miles and we were done, although apparently I gave Richard bad directions that caused him to miss the last turn. 
 
Lunch was beautiful. People wanted cake, so they sang Happy Birthday (first day ever that it was legal without paying a royalty).  Leader talked too much.  Birthday cake (from Shaw's in Stow) was surprisingly good.
 
Changes for next year's ride: Winslow suggested that we should have had more arrows through the roller-coaster and Lost Lake roads - too many possible side roads and driveways, and it's easy to make a wrong turn.  He's right, but I think there are too many locations for arrows.  I have some ideas that I will try. 
 
Thanks to David Wean for sweeping, and thank you all for making my birthday a memorable experience.

Report by Doug Hobkirk.
 
After being urged on by Doug, the long and fast group headed out at a foolhardy breakneck pace and everything was fine until Bill who is visiting from England and is a very very strong rider blew past an arrow and was lost and Barbara the sweep called one of the Clydes and one of the Clydes tried to get Everett to go chase Bill who is visiting from England down, but Tim who is also a very very strong rider went instead.  Meanwhile Bill who is visiting from England had realized his error and turned around and was picked up by the short and slow group until Tim got there and escorted Bill who is visiting from England back to the long and fast group which wasn’t so fast anymore because of the delay and then the long and not-so-fast group continued on until Barry took an alternate route to avoid the dirt path and planned to join us on Rocky Hill Road and then the other Clyde who was arrowing accidentally sent most of the long and not-so-fast group in the wrong direction, down a dirt road which wasn’t part of the plan but was a short cut which would have been good except there were now several hanging arrows because of the short cut and one of them was Bill who is visiting from England and when the short group found him hanging they suggested he head back to find Everett who was also hanging but Everett had already phoned one of the Clydes to ask why he was hanging and say he would go try to find the missing group but Bill who is visiting from England was already heading back to Everett who wasn’t there anymore so Bill who is visiting from England was lost again and one of the Clydes was on the phone with Barbara and Everett at the same time and couldn’t get it straight where the rest of the group had gone but finally the rest of the group caught up to one of the Clydes who was riding backwards with Tim who is also a very very strong rider to try to find everyone and while we were all milling around trying to decide what to do, the short and slow group passed us leaving a little bit of information behind and the long group which by now wasn’t even not-so-fast anymore became the long and slow group and everyone decided that lunch was getting real real late and decided they would rather be the shorter and slow group and turned around to retrace the route back to the start and maybe find Bill who is visiting from England and then we did find Bill who is visiting from England and we all stayed pretty close together for the rest of the uneventful ride back to the start.  Meanwhile Barry was waiting on Rocky Hill Road but the shorter and slower group never got there because they turned around, so Barry did the rest of the ride alone.  There were no flats.


thanks to Barbara Martin for sweeping.  
 
Ride report by one of the clydes.    


Monday, September 21, 2015

Dudley Rambles - September 16, 2015

RIDE REPORT
 
Wednesday, September 16, 2015, Dudley Rambles
Ride Leaders:  Susan Sabin, Clyde Kessel, & Ken Hablow
23, 34, & 40 miles, 10:00 am start from The Chat, Wayland, MA.

Riders - 23 mi (8):  Susan, Arthur Teepe, Dick Ivers, Duane Roth, Eli Post, Jeff Smith, Nina Siegel, and Skip Perry.
Riders - 34 mi (14):  Clyde, Alan Lazar, Chris Schuch, Doug Hobkirk, Greg Stathis, Ilkka Suvanto, Larry Kornetsky, Rick Carlson, Rick Lawrence, Roy Westerberg, Tom Allen, Tom Lucas, Winslow Green, and first-timer Tod Cochran.
Riders - 40 mi (13):  Ken, Bernie Flynn, Bill Umphrey, Bob Wadsworth, Bob Wolf, Fred Newton, Francie Sparks, John Gilman, Jody Angevin, Rich Taylor, Steve Bader, Tim Wilson, and first-timer Mike Byrne.
Present at ride start:  Walter McKay.
Present at ride start & lunch:  Helen Greitzer.
Present at lunch (3):  Edie Baxter, Jacque Smith, & Mike Hanauer

The 23 mile relaxed-pace ride, with so many turns and so few people (eight), kept running out of arrows, and therefore made several regrouping stops along the way.  There were many compliments on the route, all of which go to Brett Serkez, who designed it.  No incidents, no flats. 

Thanks go to Arthur Teepe, our sweep.

Ride report by Susan Sabin.

On the 32 mile medium ride, as always, this ride leader started off by missing a few turns.  But it was a beautiful day to be out on a bike and there were no complaints.  We did have two incidents, one where a cyclist made a quick u-turn without looking behind and was nearly run over by the two cyclists behind him.  This could have been a serious accident, so please take care when making sudden moves.  The other incident occurred near the end of the ride when a cyclist took a spill while rounding a curve.  He was able to get back on the bike but the ride leader went ahead for a car and came back to pick him up.  The rider had shoulder pain and went for X-rays which showed no breaks.  He should be back riding with us momentarily.

Thank you to all the arrows and to our sweep, Rick Carlson.

Ride report by Clyde Kessel.

After the three rides split at the 8 mile point, those on the 40 mile long ride pretty much stayed together.  We made several stops to collect people and relieve the arrows.  We made a Dunkin Donuts stop at mile 24 so a few could refuel.  We bypassed the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, but opted to take a scenic detour on Water Row.  We got back in plenty of time to meet up with the riders on the shorter routes at lunch.

Thanks to Tim Wilson for sweeping.

Ride report by Ken Hablow.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Cape Ann Artists ride - September 9, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, September 9, 2015, Cape Ann Artists ride
Ride Leader:  Selig Saltzman
32 miles, 10:00 am start from Fisherman's Monument, Gloucester, MA.

Riders (13):  Selig, Andy Lewis, Bob Wadsworth, Chris Schuch, Dale Ferguson, Dick Harter, Fred Definis, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Lei Wang, Maurice King, Steve Robins, and Tom Allen.
Present at lunch:  Helen Greitzer.

The ride included the usual sites of artistic, historical or scenic interest.  Some of the repeat riders knew the ride leader's descriptions from memory.  The heat was not overwhelming because of a wind off the ocean for more than half the ride.  With a small group we mostly stayed together.  Being small, we were able to be accommodated at Willow Rest for good sandwiches, although a few riders deserted the group to go to Charlie's for lobster rolls.

There were no mishaps.  One rider (Steve Robins) remoted from Watertown!  Thanks to Fred Definis for sweeping, to Tom Allen for being the designated cell phone contact, and to Helen for meeting us for lunch.


Ride report by Selig Saltzman.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Rides from Bolton - September 2, 2015

RIDE REPORT
 
Wednesday, September 2, 2015, Rides from Bolton
Ride Leaders:  Ken Hablow & Patrick Ward
46 & 36 miles, 10:00 am start from 14 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA.

Riders - 46 mi (19):  Ken, Annemarie Altman, Barbara Martin, Bernie Flynn, Bob Apsler, Dave Balaban,  Dom Jorge, Elizabeth Wicks, Francie Sparks, Frank Hubbard, Fred Newton, George Stromberg, Jack Donohue, Kim Wach, Larry Kernan, Rich Taylor, Richard Lawrence, Richard Vignoni, and first-timer Mary Kernan.
Riders - 36 mi (13):  Patrick, Ann Northup, Bob Wadsworth, Dick Harter, Edie Baxter, Eli Post, Jacque Smith, James Hsia, Janet Miller, Jim Whinfield, Kathy Horvath, Kaz Zelny, and Susan Sabin.

The long ride split off from the short at about mile 14 and headed up Linden Street and around the Wachusett Reservoir, through Boylston, Sterling, Lancaster, Clinton, and back to Bolton.  There was a moderate amount of climbing, but because of the hot temperatures we stayed fairly close together.  We stopped several times to re-group, so the arrows did not have to stay in the hot sun for too long.

We stopped at the Honey Farms in West Boylston for a liquid refill, then 10 miles later we stopped at Meadowbrook Farm for lunch.  Several riders continued back without stopping and some lingered over a loooong lunch.  The rest of the group was itching to leave so, before leaving, I made sure that the lingerers knew their way back.

It was a pleasant day, although hot, with enough tree-shaded roads to keep us comfortable.  Thanks to Jack Donohue and Larry Kernan for sweeping.

Ride report by Ken Hablow.

We all knew that the forecast was for temps in the 90s, but as soon as we left the parking lot we were greeted with mostly sun-dappled, shady roads that made for an enjoyable ride.  The group kept together well, helped by flawless arrowing.  This enabled us to sail through some tricky turns and patches of construction.

The group got a bit smaller as Eli and Jacque opted to bypass the Highland Street climb in Berlin.  The rest of us were rewarded with the long, scenic cruise on Peach Hill Road.  Feeling the rising temperature, three more riders opted for the fast downhill to the parking lot, from the medium/short split point at mile 20, on Wattaquadock Hill Road.

The rest of us enjoyed some fast and scenic downhills to Rte 110, then managed the sunny climb up that road and Prospect Hill Road before taking a lunch break in the shade outside the Harvard General Store.  At that point we had only a smooth and shady cruise back to the ride start in Bolton center.

Riders praised the scenic route and said they enjoyed the ride.  I certainly did.  Many thanks to everyone for their arrowing, and to Dick Harter for sweeping.



Ride report by Patrick Ward.


Monday, August 31, 2015

NH Seacoast Ride - August 26, 2015


Ride Report
Wednesday August 26, 2015 NH Seacoast Ride
Riders on the short ride: Andy Lewis, Alan Schnerv, Betty Hoffman, Bob Armstrong, Chris Schuch, leader-Edie Baxter, Elisa Braun, Fred Difinis, Ilkka Suvanto, Jacque Smith, Jimmy White, Joe Marcangelo,  Lei Wang, Linda Wilcox,  Maureen Helting, Maurice King, Nancy Smith, Richard Fortier, Selig Saltzman, and Tom Clark
Riders on the long ride: Barbara Martin, Bernie Flynn, Bob Apsler, Bob Wolf, Dale Ferguson, Dom Jorge, Fred Newton, Greg Stathis, Caz Zelny, leader-Ken Hablow, Curt Dudley-Marling, Lindy King, Rich Taylor, and Sandy Gray.
Short Ride Report. A hot, slightly humid, day tested our resolve but looking ahead to spectacular views of the NH seacoast, twenty riders set forth having been warned of the hazard on the right side of the first bridge.  20 riders proceeded on the route.    The ride went smoothly, no flats, no mechanical difficulties.  The group re-grouped at Odiorne State Park,  stopped briefly at Fort Constitution and then rode into Portsmouth for lunch. There being such a multitude of lunch possibilities, the group split up and met back an hour later, to ride back to the start following an interior ride.  The last ten miles, back once again along the coast, riders rode at their own pace, some fast some slow to take in the spectacular views of the coast. Future riders will find the start easier to find using their GPS, if we amend the naming of the start from Salisbury, MA to Seabrook, NH.  Thank you Dale for your clarification. Short ride report by Edie Baxter.

Long Ride Report. I would like to thank Edie and Jacque for putting their Salisbury to Portsmouth ride on the WW calendar and for Joanne Samuels for doing the same earlier this year. For the 65 mile ride I merely combined the 2 routes for a magnificent seaside ride all the way up the coast from Salisbury through Hampton, Rye, Portsmouth, Kittery and the Yorks – all three of them.
Our group of 13 riders started before the short ride and we were chugging along at a pace close to 18 mph when Bernie Flynn had a flat. He fixed it in record time but not quick enough to stay ahead of the folks on the short ride. They breezed past us thumbing their respective noses. Not to matter because once we got going we picked up the pace again.
After going through Portsmouth we rode along the coast road through Kittery Point to York Beach and turned onto Nubble Road. At Nubble Light we stopped for an ice cream break. This is where Bob Wolf caught up to us to make it 14 riders. (I hate riding with an unlucky 13.) We continued, turning onto Ocean View for an outstanding view of Cape Neddick Harbor where we stopped for a photo op. The route back took a slightly inland turn on traffic-less tree covered roads. We managed a lunch stop at a bagel shop in York Village then bogeyed back through Kittery and Portsmouth then onto route 1A along the water back to Salisbury.
We got to Nubble Light at mile 39 at a 17.2 pace. The return home was with a slight head wind so it was not as fast but quite respectable at 16.2 overall. Long Ride Report by Ken Hablow.
Thanks to all the riders staying together without the need for a sweep or human arrows. All of us enjoyed the pacelining and the camaraderie. Thankfully (oddly) there was no traffic all the way back down Rte 95 and onto Rte 128. Northbound, however, fergedaboudit