Assabet River Bash Ride and Party - June 15, 2016

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RIDE REPORTS

Wednesday, June 15, 2016, Assabet River Beach Bash
Ride Leaders:  Bill Lane & Winslow Green/Jack Donohue
39 & 26 miles, 9:30 & 10:15 am starts from 71 Lowell Road, Concord, MA

Riders - 39 mi (16):  Bill - assisted by Bob Apsler, Chuck McWilliams, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dave Balaban, Elizabeth Seabury, Ellen Gugel, Everett Briggs, Francie Sparks, Larry Kernan, Mary Kernan, Scott Bernstein, Steve Carlson, Steve Page, Tim Jacoby, and one unidentified late arrival.

Riders - 26 mi (30):  Winslow, Jack, Andy Lewis, Ann Northup, Barbara Jacobs, Barbara Pike, Bill Aldrich, Bill Hanson, Bob Wilson, Butch Pemstein, Cecilia Scimia, Edie Baxter, Elissa Brown, Fred Newton, Harriet Fell, Jacque Smith, Janet Miller, Jeff Smith, Jim Whinfield, Judi Burten, Kathy Horvath, Kaz Zelny, Patrick Ward, Richard Fortier, Robyn Maislin, Stan Kay, Steve Maislin, Susan Sabin, Wing Chow, and first-timer Robin Callahan.

On a near perfect day for cycling, sixteen riders answered the call of a sufferfest in the name of returning the host quickly enough to set out the lunch.  We made our way through Acton and up the subtler climb to Westford, thrilled at the subsequent -9% descent on new pavement, before winding our way to the final climb to MIT's Haystack Observatory - though a common cycling destination, it was a pleasant first for more than a few.  We had a brief respite at the top while waiting for three who insisted on staying behind for our one mechanical, wisely avoiding thirteen advisors on how to fix a flat.  From there we enjoyed a reprise of the impressive radars while making our way home east of Westford through Carlisle.

At around mile 30, a swap of ride leaders from Bill to Bob Apsler was performed, so that the former could sprint home and gain seven minutes extra to prepare lunch.  We had a lovely day for lunch on the patio which overlooks the Assabet River.  Many thanks to all who arrowed and to Everett for sweeping.  The greatest thanks goes to everyone for their generosity in supporting the Pan Mass Challenge at this lunch, allowing us to donate $250 to our riders in the PMC.  Thank you all.

Report by Bill Lane.

We departed at 10:15 for a moderately paced 26 mile ride through surrounding towns to the north and west of Concord.  Due to the large size of the group, we divided into two separate groups for greater safety.

Special thanks to Jack for leading the second group.  Thanks to Fred for being the communications deputy, and to Butch and Pat for sweeping.  There were no mishaps and we all returned to the Lane residence for the usual "Beach Fare" served in the screened porch and eaten on the lovely shaded patio overlooking the lawn which extends down to the Assabet River.  There were no takers for swimming in the river, as the Assabet Beach is not on a par with that at Plymouth, but, considering the greater ease in reaching this lovely destination, it seems like an excellent alternative.  Thanks to Bill and Connie Lane for hosting this traditional June ride, once again, and for the hospitality at their lovely new home. 

Report by Winslow Green.