Assabet River Beach Bash - June 19, 2019

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 19 June 2019, Assabet River Beach Bash
Ride Leaders:  Bill Lane & Tom Fortmann
39 or 27 miles, 10:00 & 10:30 am starts from Concord Town Lot, Concord, MA

Riders - 39 mi (30):  Tom, Barbara Martin, Beth Rosenzweig, Bill McCarthy, Bill Umphrey, Bill Wachur, Bruce Lederer, Clyde Kessel, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dan Bertko, Dave Balaban, Dom Jorge, Everett Briggs, Gene Ho, Gerry Sheetoo, Jack Donohue, Jerry Skurla, Kaz Zelny, Ken Hablow, Margaret Coughlin, Randy Stern, Ray Komow, Rich Taylor, Richard Vignoni, Rita Cramer, Robert Joseph, Rudge McKenney, Steve Bader, Steve Delaney, and Steve Miller.
Riders - 27 mi (24):  Bill, Adena Schutzberg, Al Berardi, Ann Northup, Bill Lane, Bruce Barnett, Butch Pemstein, Chuck McWilliams, Cindy Chin, Don Mannes, Doug Chin, Doug Hobkirk, Ellen Gugel, Harriet Fell, Herb Kavet, Julia Zhogina, Mike Hanauer, Patty Grasso, Penny Leslie, Richard Fortier, Robert Wilson, Rochelle Holman, Susan Sabin, and first-timer Hank Holstein.
Ad hoc routes (2):  Marie Keutmann and Steve Kolek.
Lunch only (3):  Eli Post, Elizabeth Wicks, and Judith McMichael.
Bushwacking (1):  Bob Apsler

The weather was cloudy, but dry, and the pace brisk going out Strawberry Hill and Newtown Roads through Concord and Acton to Westford.  The sun came out briefly as we climbed through Graniteville to reach the radars and radio telescopes on Millstone and Haystack Hills.  The return through Westford and Chelmsford was pleasant with little traffic.  The only mishap was a flat, at around mile 29, which delayed the sweep and stranded two arrows temporarily.  We arrived at Bill and Connie's house shortly after the 27-mile group and enjoyed the customary outstanding lunch.  Steve Bader performed admirably as sweep, keeping the peloton ruly and overcoming broken tools and other problems to fix the flat.

Report by Tom Fortmann; photos by Jack Donohue.


With the previous weekend's forecast promising a work-week of rainy days, lunch orders and preparations were made nonetheless, and nature granted a midweek reprieve.  A pleasant 71 degree, overcast day at ride start gave way to an even more pleasant mixture of sun and clouds.

Leaving a half-hour later than the long riders, we followed their route, shortcutting on the lovely Old Lowell and Parkerville Roads to Heart Pond Beach for a brief rest stop.  At this point one very self-aware and GPS-equipped rider, who was substantially slower than the rest of the group, took it upon themselves to proceed on ahead.

After a song by Butch and the traditional group picture we were off to a record early arrival at lunch, only a few minutes ahead of the long riders.  A few miles out, we were intercepted by Steve Kolek who had missed the start but navigated his own path.

Thirty-three enjoyed lunch and camaraderie overlooking the Assabet River at our home. We’d like to especially thank my wife, Connie, for preparing the lunch, augmented by helpers Elizabeth Wicks, Bob Apsler and Eli Post.  We especially want to thank everyone for their generosity to the PMC.  We will be able to contribute $364 to the PMC, another record for this annual bash.  Thank you.  Final thanks go to Butch for his ever convivial sweep and song, and to those who arrowed.

Report by Bill Lane; photo by bystander.

Long Riders At Haystack

Approach to Haystack

Short Riders