Wednesday Wheelers : Three Cs Excursions

RIDE REPORTS

Wednesday, 19 July 2017, Three Cs Excursions & after-ride party

Organizer & Party Host: Mike Hanauer

Ride Leaders: Clyde Kessel & Jack Mroczkowski

36 and 22 miles - 10:00 am start from 200 Long Ridge Road, Carlisle, MA

Riders - 36 mi (28): Clyde, Adena Schutzberg, Andy Brand, Barry Kaditz, Bernie Flynn, Bob Apsler, Bob Wolf, Butch Pemstein, Chuck McWilliams, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dick Lawrence, Dom Jorge, Doug Hobkirk, Gene Ho, Herb Kavet, Jack Donohue, Judith McMichael, Kathy Horvath, Ken Hablow, Nancy Schlecht, Patrick Brennan, Ray Komow, Rich Taylor, Richard Vignoni, Steve Kolek, Steve Robins, Tom Fortmann, and first-timer Rochelle Holman.

Riders - 22 mi (12): Jack, Barbara Jacobs, Eli Post, Jeff Smith, Jimmy White, Judi Burten, Kaz Zelny, Marie Keutmann, Nancy Smith, Sandi Hartwell, Ted Nyder, and first-timer Bob Clarke.

Present at lunch (12): Mike, Bob Sawyer, Edie Baxter, Helen Greitzer, Ilkka Suvanto, Jacque Smith, Jerry Green, Joan Laxson, Kathy Halmi, Patrick Ward, Rita Cramer, and Susan Sabin.

A surprisingly large group of cyclists showed up for the long ride, considering the hot and humid weather. This ride leader started things off by exhorting riders to be considerate to drivers and used rather strong language. He apologizes to anyone who may have been offended. The original route was modified in three places: once by plan, once accidentally, and once on the spur of the moment. The result was a few fewer hills and a few fewer miles. I tried to keep up a brisk pace, to spread the group out, and was partially successful.

There were no accidents or incidents brought to my attention. Thanks very much to all the arrows and, especially, to Adena for sweeping.

Report by Clyde Kessel.

By cycling mostly on well shaded country roads the group reduced the effects of rising temperatures. A few cooling downhill bursts were particularly welcome. At about eight miles into the ride, we were surprised to encounter Kaz riding in the opposite direction! He quickly reversed, and attached to the group.

There were no flats or falls. The substitute ride leader (the designated leader, Ilkka Suvanto, was injured a few days before the ride) appreciated receiving helpful suggestions and navigation guidance. Particular thanks go to our sweep, Jimmy White

Report by Jack Mroczkowski.

A sunny day that was both hot and very humid did not prevent many riders from pedaling by the vistas of Carlisle, Concord, and Chelmsford. There were many newly smoothed roads, canopied with shade producing trees. The rides were followed by lunch (or was it a feast?) which made for a festive day. Is that cycling, or is that really an idyllic life? The question is for all to ponder . . . . .

It was good to see many at lunch who do not often ride these days - and gotta call out our almost centenarian, Bob Sawyer, and the sidelined Ilkka Suvanto who had been scheduled to lead the shorter ride option. I also want to note the presence of Helen, an unusual delight these days with her busy travel schedule.

My thanks to Clyde and Jack for leading, and for the help from many others who lent a hand during the rides or with the after-ride party. Then there was Adena, adding a new dimension to our repertoire by the introduction of disc golf!

The party seems to have been enjoyed by all. The large lunch spread included appetizers, BBQ chicken, salad, pasta, potatoes, brussel sprouts, Watermelon, and the now traditional banana-lemon smoothies - all disappeared with velocity.

Thanks for great rides, a great group, and some great teamwork - all so appreciated!!

Report by Mike Hanauer.