Ride Leaders: Richard Vignoni and Selig Saltzman/Sandy Gray
67 Mile Option, 9:45 am start from Gordon College, Wenham, MA
34 Mile Core Ride, 10:00 am start from Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA
Riders - 67 mi (17): Richard, Adena Schutzberg, Amy Lawrence, Bob Apsler, Butch Pemstein, Dan Bertko, Elizabeth Wicks, Francie Sparks, Herb Kavet, Joe Marcangelo, Julie Dodd, Lindy King, Ron Cater, Russ Keene, Stephen Page, and first-timers Michelle Swanson and Steve Bogue.
Riders 33 mi - (29): Selig & Gardner, Alan Krupp, Andrea Clardy, Arvella Hagan, Barbara Jacobs, Bill Lane, Bill Widnall, Bob McCarty, Carol Anderson, Chris Schuch, Chuck McWilliams, Dale Ferguson, Dave Balaban, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Janet Miller, Jon Clardy, Judi Burten, Karen Saltus, Kathy Horvath, Kathy Jonas, Marie Keutmann, Neil Martin, Paula Bossone, Richard Fortier, Stan Kay, Susan Sabin, and Tim Jacoby.
With temperatures inland forecast to be in the 90s, seventeen riders showed up for the remote start at Gordon College where they were greeted by jacket-appropriate temps. Among these were quite a few new WW faces.
Heading out, as we approached the coast, you could hear and smell the ocean – this was a good thing since you couldn’t see it due to very dense fog over the water. We made our way along the coast up to Gloucester, making loops through Kettle Cove and Magnolia, and making a quick rest stop at Stage Fort Park where there was a cyclist oasis of four never-been-used porta-johns! We cycled behind the warehouses at the state fish pier where we were able to see fishing boats tied up and fishermen mending their nets. In the interest of time, we skipped the Rocky Neck artist colony and headed out to Eastern Point Light. Cycling past Good Harbor Beach, we noticed that beach-goers were not deterred by the cool temps, as we could see many ghost-like figures through the fog. By the time we got to our rest stop at the T pier in Rockport, the fog had finally lifted. Continuing on we looped through Lobster Cove, biked over the wooden bridge, and then it was a short ride to our lunch stop at Willow Rest.
After lunch, we headed out Rte 133, then through the marshes of Essex visiting Conomo Point. We rejoined 133 before heading inland on a route that Butch had mapped out and which we adopted some years ago. This took us on some quiet pastoral back roads through Hamilton. On the final turn onto Grapevine Avenue, in what has now become a tradition, the group was told they were free to sprint ahead for the final 1.4 miles back to their cars. Everyone arrived back at Gordon College by 4:35 pm, completing a nice day of cycling with the added bonus of escaping the heat.
Thanks to Butch and Adena for sweeping and to all those who arrowed and participated.
Report by Richard Vignoni.
Fog and more fog - the ocean was not visible anywhere in Gloucester. All of the scenic vistas could only be imagined, but in Rockport the sun was shining and the ocean and distant views were visible everywhere.
Lunch at Destino's seemed to be enjoyed, particularly because of the free extras. The ride turned out to be 34 miles. There were two flats (one the ride leader’s) and two falls, but apparently no injuries. Thanks to Gardner for being my co-leader and to Janet Miller for being a patient sweep. Also thanks to the many arrows and, especially, to Tim and Kurt (?) for assisting the ride leader in fixing his flat.
Report by Selig Saltzman.
Photos courtesy of Russ Keene
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