Wachusett From the East - August 17, 2016

Ride Report Wednesday, August 17, 2016, Wachusett From the East Ride Leaders:  Richard Vignoni and Illka Suvanto 38 mile long ride, 42.5 with summit option 17.2 Shorter, Less Hilly ride Riders (21): Bob Apsler, Dave Balaban, Rick Carlson, Wing Chow, Bernie Flynn, Tom Fortmann, Robin Frain, Gardner Gray Jr., Ellen Gugel, Gene Ho, Timothy Jacoby, Herb Kavet, Stanley Kay, Clyde Kessel, Bill Lane, Butch Pemstein, Selig Saltzman, Pat Schindeler, Francie Sparks, Richard Vignoni, Kaz Zelny With dry air, bright skies and a brisk wind, 21 riders showed up at the Forbush Mill soccer field for a ride which has now become a Wednesday Wheeler tradition.  After taking attendance and doing the roll call using Jack Donohue’s attendance app, we headed out on our way to Wachusett Mountain.  During the orientation talk, I noted that the ride to the mountain is all uphill and we would have a headwind but for the return it would be all downhill with a tailwind which was more or less the case.  Having not scouted the ride, I did not notice that I had posted a RWGPS link to a variation of my intended route.   I stuck with my original plan and on multiple occasions we deviated then converged back with the RWGPS route as they both got you to the mountain but using some different roads.  At mile 20 we made a left onto Pine Hill Rd. where several commented that it has gotten steeper over the years.   From there it was a short ride to the visitor’s center.   A good number of riders went to the summit while others hung out at the visitor’s center.  Some of the group with time constraints or just anxious to get back went ahead before we were ready to leave.   Lunch was at a combination of Rota Springs (some claim have the best ice cream anywhere) and Meadow Brook Orchards. Thanks to Gene Ho for sweeping the ride and to all those who arrowed and participated. Special note - I used the attendance app, and think it is great.  I encourage other ride leaders to check it out. Report by Richard Vignoni 19 mile ride report Eight of us rode mostly quiet roads in Bolton and Clinton at a relaxed pace. There were a few hills including an extra mile detour on beautiful Ballville Rd. The ride should be renamed Crossing the Railroads which we cautiously did at least four times. Directions on the cue sheet were a bit confusing since some turns have no posted street signs and at least one turn was really left, not right. Everyone made it back comfortably with five of us adding a couple more miles to enjoy lunch on the picnic tables at Bolton Farms. Thanks to Susan Sabin for sweeping. Report by Ilkka  Riders (7): Patrick Brennan, Marie Keutmann, Janet Miller, Ann Northup, Susan Sabin, Chris Schuch, Ilkka Suvanto, John Roberts I took photos at the start and played with a movie app . Let me know if fun to watch or not.