Bustin' In - April 28, 2017

RIDE REPORT

Friday, 28 April 2017, Bustin' In
Ride Leaders:  Roy Westerberg & Ken Hablow
29 or 39 miles, 10:00 am start from Stow Shopping Center, Stow, MA

Riders - 29 mi (5):  Roy, Doug Hobkirk, James Hsia, Ray Komow, and Tom Lucas.
Riders - 39 mi (11):  Ken, Barry Nelson, Bob Wadsworth, Gene Ho, Greg Stathis, Judith McMichael, Julie Dodd, Rick Lawrence, Russ Keene, Steve Carlson, and first-timer Greg Clugston.

Weatherwise, the start was gloomy, but the forecast was favorable and, sure enough, in less than an hour the sun broke through, giving us a lovely warm spring day.  We enjoyed the sights of many flowering trees and shrubs, daffodils and tulips, and the fresh bright green of newly sprouted leaves and grass.  At the athletic fields near Liberty Square at mile 12, we met up with the long group and were pleased to find that a porta-potty had materialized there in the last day or two.

With only five riders in the short group who all seemed to ride at about the same speed, we had no need for arrows.  There were no mechanical problems, except for a dropped chain which was quickly set right.  Thanks to Tom Lucas for serving faithfully as sweep for the whole ride. And thanks to Ken for leading the longer ride.

Many of us from both groups enjoyed lunch at Emma’s afterwards.

Report by Roy Westerberg.

Even though the day started damp and gloomy, the sun started to peek out about 11:00 am, as advertised, and it turned into a beautiful riding day with little to no wind.  Those of us on the long ride also stayed together the entire day.  The stronger riders were at the top of the hills first and waited for the rest of the group.  Thus, there was no reason for human arrows, other than in a couple of places.  Regardless, I could always see the whole group in my mirror.  It was nice to see Judith back on her bike.  Greg Clugston, our visitor from Michigan, remarked on how nice our roads are for virtually “traffic free” and scenic riding.

Thanks to Gene for sweeping and a big shout-out to Roy for laying out a very nice, albeit a bit hilly, route.

Report by Ken Hablow.

Ken, Russ, Gene, and Bob at top of Vose Hill, courtesy of Barry Nelson.