Wednesday, 23 October 2019, Peak Foliage in Sherborn and Beyond
Ride Leader: Patria Vandermark
37 miles, 12:30 pm start from Ride Headquarters, Sherborn, MA
Riders (20): Patria, Annemarie Altman, Bernie Flynn, Bob Wolf, Bruce Lederer, Dave Balaban, David Fay, Dick French, Dimity Gorenburg, Don Buchholtz, Frank Aronson, Frank Hubbard, Geoff Allard, Gerry Sheetoo, Herb Kavet, Lindy King, Marc Baskin, Margaret Coughlin, Steve Carlson, and Ted Finch.
Thanks to the weather forecast and Helen's assistance, we moved the start time of this ride to 12:30 pm, in hopes of dry roads and sun. A small group arrived at Ride Headquarters in Sherborn at 11:00am to enjoy pre-ride hot pizza, talk bikes, and use the bike shop's facilities. By 12:30, there was a big group of people, all trying to figure out if long-sleeve jerseys or arm warmers would be necessary - turns out they were not! The sun was strong and it was toasty warm the whole ride.
This was the first Wednesday Wheeler ride that I have led, so right before we rolled, I remembered to get names of attendees. I only remembered about arrows upon rolling out, when someone mentioned the topic at the first turn! That's right - arrows!! Thanks to the instruction from seasoned ride leaders (namely Lindy) for the insight on to how to ask for arrows. Everyone was very willing to please on this front.
A few miles into the ride we stopped for a regroup, as the start was a bit downhill and the pace was a little above average. It was here that, as if by magic, Bob and Bernie appeared. Someone else may have been with them, so the group grew. Our valiant ride sweep, David, decided that he would shorten his mileage, and so chose to pass his sweeper hat along to Steve. Thanks to both for taking on this important role!
After the regroup, riders all kept about the same pace and didn't get strung out much. With this relatively flat route, we maintained a proper WW average, with a few fast downhills. We found another scenic regroup spot, later in the ride, for a nature break and some fun photos. Many people circled to the front to chat during the ride - thank you! It was great to catch up with many of you whom I haven't seen in a while. I met many wonderful people before, during, and after the ride, too.
After the ride, some people had time commitments and so left right away. Others stuck around for hot french press coffee, tea, pizza, a change of clothes, and relaxing on the couch. A few others had their bikes lubed and serviced by the Ride Headquarters' mechanic and then were on their way. Marc turned his ride into 70+ miles on this fine day!
I received many positive comments about the later start time to catch the nicest part of the day. After such a positive experience, I'll volunteer for future rides, especially when the weather gets bad and it's otherwise hard to find a leader. Great group and day - thanks to all for coming out!!
Report by Patria Vandermark.
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