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.