Thursday, August 29, 2019

North Shore rides - August 28, 2019

RIDE REPORTS
Wednesday, 28 August 2019, North Shore rides
Ride Leaders:  Jim White & Karen Saltus
33 or 49 miles, 10:00 am start from Rusty Can parking lot, Byfield, MA

Riders - 33 mi (11):  Jim, Dave Balaban, James Hsia, Margaret Coughlin, Mike Barry, Neil Martin, Patty Grasso, Paula Bossone, Rich Taylor, Ron Marland, and first-timer, Tim MacDonald.
Riders - 49 mi (7+)  Karen, Chris Vela, Frank Aronson, Frank Hubbard, Geoff Allard, Jerry Skurla, and Rochelle Holman, with a brief appearance by Everett Briggs.

Eighteen cyclists came to Byfield to ride on a near perfect August day - but with a potential for rain after 1:00 pm.  Jim White (assisted by Paula Bossone) led the 33 mile group of eleven cyclists and Karen Saltus led the 49 mile group of seven cyclists.  Both routes followed the 2019 NSC Century options, except that they started at the Rusty Can restaurant.

The 33 mile group stayed mostly within eyesight of each other and hardly needed human arrows, but thanks to those who did arrow.  Paula led the group as Jim, the official ride leader, felt it was best to be the sweep, as he is adept at fixing flats and other mechanical mishaps - fortunately we had none.  Tim left the route early, due to an appointment.  Ron did not wish to pause at the first pit stop at the West Newbury Town Offices and we never saw him again.  Since the rides were arrowed, people had the option of riding independently.

When we reached Highland Road in Newbury at about 12:30 pm, the skies had darkened and we felt some light sprinkles.  Paula and I agreed that we had two optional short cuts to return sooner if needed.  We gave the group the option of shortening the route, but it was unanimous that, from looking at the radar on their phones (of course), the risk was low and we finished the complete route with mostly sun the rest of the way.  Eight people stayed for lunch at the Rusty Can, where we enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere and good BBQ.

Report by Jim White.


It was a gorgeous day and more than once I heard, “It doesn’t get any better than this!”  Shortly after leaving, seven riders turned onto a road at the same time as a rider coming from the opposite direction.  It turned out to be Everett - and then there were eight riders.  However, almost immediately, Everett and Frank Hubbard left the rest of us in their dust - and then there were six.

 We rode along the Merrimac River, down quiet, beautiful roads.  “It doesn’t get any better than this!”  We cycled past marshes, lovely gardens, and through quaint towns.  We stopped for a quick snack and Everett came up behind us and then quickly disappeared ahead of us.  One rider left to get home early - and then there were five.  Shortly after, Geoff left to catch the train back to Boston - and then there were four.  We rode into the parking lot together, but Rochelle had to leave to meet a friend.  And then there were three who enjoyed a wonderful lunch with new friends.

The leader, who forgot her phone handlebar mount because she was packing for a two-week cycling trip in Quebec, wishes to thank the riders who kept her on the route, as well as the North Shore Cyclists for the easy-to-follow arrows.  Thanks also to Jimmy for a fantastic route!

Report by Karen Saltus.

Monday, August 26, 2019

"To the End of the World and Back" & "To Hull in a Handbasket" - August 21 2019

RIDE REPORTS

Wednesday, 21 August 2019, "To the End of the World and Back" & "To Hull in a Handbasket"
Ride Leaders:  David Wean & Ron Beland
28 and 38 miles, 10:00 am start from Wompatuck State Park, Hingham, MA

Riders - 28 mi (4):  David, Marie Keutmann, Moshe Werba, and Richard Vignoni 
Riders - 40 mi (9):  Ron, Bob Persons, Dave Balaban, Geoff Allard, Gerry Sheetoo, Greg Tobin, Joel Bauman, Patty Grasso, and Sandy Gotlib

'End of the World' - After the first few miles on the road, we began our tour de parks, beginning with Osprey Overlook Park (new to the ride this year), before climbing through Great ("more than just pretty good") Esker Park and meandering through Bare Cove Park, the three parks framing the Back River estuary which divides Weymouth and Hingham.  Exiting Bare Cove at the South Shore Conservatory, the two rides diverged.  Continuing by road through downtown Hingham, we made our way to World's End, enjoying water views from the Olmsted-designed dirt and gravel carriage paths, as well as a pinch flat at the end of our loop.  From there we cruised Jerusalem Road and Atlantic Avenue in Cohasset, passing "some ok houses," with two riders enjoying a leisurely lunch in downtown Cohasset, until we learned that the longer group, eschewing a meal stop, had passed us by.  We returned to the start via a couple of miles of paved roads through Wompatuck Park (our fifth park of the day).

Despite threatened rain, there was no precipitation until well after the ride ended - per the attached screen shot, I conclude that having Moshe along this year resulted in a "parting of the waters."
 


'Hull in a Handbasket' - The long and short rides parted after Bare Cove Park.  The long ride option proceeded to tour the curious Hull peninsula.  Sand on Beach Road, on the outgoing eastern portion, resulted in some group improvising of a new route, especially when the ride leader's phone stopped giving verbal route cues.  We then made our serpentine, short, steep hilly way to the glorious harbor island views from Fort Revere Park before going to the tip of Hull at Windmill Point.  There we got snacks at the Shipwrecked Restaurant and ate at a conveniently shaded bus stop that had the amenity of picnic tables.  Due to time and rain concerns we then rode straight down the peninsula, instead of meandering on the side roads, deferring our ocean views to those on Jerusalem Road in Cohasset.  Three of the riders at the rear, familiar with the area, turned on Nichols Road, rather than Beach Road (*), but we were able to phone communicate and meet up in Cohasset Village.  We then returned to Wompatuck.

We had one front tire flat, quickly repaired.  Thanks to all the riders for their forbearance with my uncertain route finding, given the fact that I was relying on my erratic smartphone GPS skill and had not had time to pre-ride the route.

Thanks to Richard and Patty for sweeping the two groups.

Reports by David Wean and Ron Beland.

(*) DW note to self - when you update the RWGPS route after the ride announcement has gone out, don't forget to tell people at the ride start to re-download the route.  Apologies.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Breakheart Reservation - August 14, 2019

RIDE REPORT

WED, 14 August 2019, Breakheart Reservation
Ride Leader:  Tom Allen
30 miles, 10:00 am start from Sandy Beach parking area, Winchester, MA

Riders (19): Tom, Adena Schutzberg, Allison Easton, Bill Widnall, Bob Wadsworth, Bruce Lederer, Butch Pemstein, Gary Williams, Geoff Allard, Greg Stathis, Herb Kavet, James Hsia, Margaret Coughlin, Patty Grasso, Roy Westerberg, Sally Chapman, Susan Sabin, and first-timers, Dave Carlson and Frank Aronson.

(Besides myself, we had the following remoting riders: Adena, Bill, Bruce, Butch, Greg, and Frank!)

It was a moderate and pleasant day with an easterly breeze bringing in some moisture that occasionally produced a couple of drops of spritz (not really worth noting).

We headed north through Winchester to Horn Pond and its car-free paved and very scenic way, where we stopped briefly to take in the view over the water.  Then back to the streets through Woburn toward Wakefield.

In Wakefield, we crossed a bikes-only bridge over RR tracks and made our way around Lake Quannapowitt.  Then over to the Northeast Metro Tech school where an entrance to the reservation is located.

We then entered the Breakheart reservation area and tackled its roller coaster-like paths.  These are paved paths which feature some short, but strenuous, uphills and exhilarating downhills, as well as lovely scenery.  We did two loops over different paths, separated by a stop at the park headquarters facilities (see photos).

Leaving the Reservation, we followed the Lynn Fells Parkway toward the Fells and negotiated a construction site by riding past the "Road Closed" signs and going a short distance on the sidewalk.  We then pedaled up Ravine Road and continued down Woodland Road.

Those of us who opted for lunch split off from the rest of the group at a point close enough to the end so no one would get lost.  Six of us headed back toward Winchester center via the new Tri-Community Bikeway and had a pleasant and leisurely meal at First House Pub in Winchester.

Thanks to Adena for so ably sweeping and to the many arrows who spontaneously volunteered.

The GPS route was omitted from the ride announcement, so riders had to pay attention to the arrows and other cues.  This seems to have resulted in a particularly ordered ride and a bit of a throwback to the old WW days.  Anyway, here is the route in retrospect:

     https://ridewithgps.com/routes/25725235

Report by Tom Allen.



Sunday, August 11, 2019

Back Roads of Dunstable and Forge Village - August 7, 2019

RIDE REPORTS

Wednesday, 7 August 2091, Back Roads of Dunstable and Forge Village
Ride Leaders: Merle Adelman, Kathy Horvath, & Curt Dudley-Marling
27 or 48 miles, 10:00 am start from Elm Street playground, Acton, MA

Riders – 27 mi (14):  Merle, Adena Schutzberg, Butch Pemstein, Cindy Chin, Doug Chin, Fred Newton, Gary Williams, Herb Kavet, Margaret Coughlin, Patrick Ward, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg, Sami Elamin, and Winslow Green.

Riders – 48 mi (15):  Kathy & Curt, Bernie Flynn, Bob Wolf, Dave Balaban, Frank Hubbard, Gerry Sheetoo, Jerry Skurla, Kaz Zelny, Lindy King, Maria Noya, Mike Byrne, Rudge McKenney, Wing Chow, and first-timer, Betsy Harper.

Present at ride start:  Ken Hablow.

Our intrepid group headed out behind the “longer” riders, almost overtaking them at one point because of traffic lights and stop signs.  After barreling down Taylor Street, we briefly stopped to check on a rider with a flat.  Mike Byrne had this well in hand, so we proceeded on to Ayer.  A very nice ride from Ayer into Westford and on to Littleton and Boxborough, stopping at Nashoba Ski Area for a short break.

Leader Merle was working from a cue sheet and memory, so we did have to slow a couple of times to check on streets.  Did you know that there is a Nashoba Road in Littleton and one in Acton?  Or maybe Boxborough?  Whatever, we did find the right one and finished up meandering through some nice neighborhoods before turning back onto Arlington Street and back to Elm.  Everyone really enjoyed the ride!  AND we missed the rain.

I really liked the short route. Very pleasant.  Butch said it was a great recovery ride after the PMC.

Report by Merle Adelman.


We enjoyed the lovely route and cooperative weather.  Special thanks to Mike for sweeping, which included helping with an early flat.  The group stayed together for a while, then eventually divided into a few paced groups.  We were happy to see Kaz join us early on, then Wing and Jerry and Lindy.  Bob tempted fate and went to a favorite cafe, while most others took a quick rest stop, being conscious of the weather report, and kept on moving.  The last riders pulled in at 2:01 and the rain started a couple of minutes later - a very successful ride overall.  On a day that had less of a time factor I might have asked for more consistent arrowing, but most folks had navigation and everyone was very courteous within each paced group and rode safely.


Report by Kathy Horvath.

Monday, August 5, 2019

Aggie’s Ice Cream Ride - July 31, 2019

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 31 July 2019, Aggie’s Ice Cream Ride
Ride Leader: Karen Saltus
33 or 43 mi, 10:30 am start from Kittery Lion’s Club, Kittery, ME
Riders (6): Karen, Bill Lane, Patty Grasso, Rochelle Holman, Russ Keene, and first-timer, Sami Elamin.

It was a hot and humid day, but five intrepid cyclists made their way north to Kittery for great riding and ice cream.

One rider realized, as soon as he arrived, that he had forgotten his front wheel, so the leader made a quick phone call to a local bike shop. The rider drove there and returned with a borrowed wheel in about twenty minutes. The group decided to wait for him to start, since we knew it wouldn’t take long.

We rode along beautiful and quiet back roads, mostly on the Eastern Trail/East Coast Greenway/USBRS 1, and sometimes along the Piscataqua River. We arrived at Aggie’s Ice Cream just as they were opening. After cooling down with treats in the shade, we looped back toward the route we had taken. The leader asked if anyone was interested in seeing a local “bike museum” and heard a resounding “yes!”. It was only about 1/10 of a mile off our route, but unfortunately the owner wasn’t home. We peeked in the windows and saw dozens and dozens of bikes, including many high wheelers, as well as bikes from the 1920s, 1930s, etc. It was suggested that the leader contact the owner, the next time she leads a WW ride, and arrange for an official stop there.

We also took a slight detour, on a beautiful little loop road, to see if there was blueberry picking at a local spot, but a sign indicated that the berries were still ripening and there was no picking that day.

Two riders with a time crunch peeled off and took a more direct route back, while the rest of us continued on flat to rolling terrain back to the start. With the high temperatures and humidity, it was a challenging day to ride, but everyone agreed that they were glad that they had made the trip and enjoyed the ride immensely.

Report by Karen Saltus.