RIDE REPORT
Wednesday, 28 July 2021, South Shore Coastal Ride from Wompatuck State Park
Ride Leader: Bernie Mango (assisted by Catherine Widgery)
28 miles, 10:00 am start from Hingham, MA
Riders (9): Bernie, Adam Walpert, Catherine Widgery, Gary Williams, Gerry Sheetoo, Richard French, Susan Sabin, Tami Kellogg, and Wing Chow.
Rain jackets protected us against a slight drizzle as we left Wompatuck State Park to begin our journey to the sea. The gloom encouraged a workmanlike pace and determined spirit as we rode the first few miles on well-paved country roads. The mist began to clear as rural byways gave way to open water and shoreline drives. The winds, freshening off the water, kept conditions cool and dry.
We barreled through Scituate with a stiff breeze blowing us sideways through the narrow streets - the July sidewalks were empty. A lollipop took us to Scituate light, where the last of the rain gear got stowed. We had a joyful climb upon the great stone jetty before donning helmets for a brisk sprint, with Catherine, on her new Cannondale speedster, setting the pace to lunch at mile 18.
We found Dribbles in an unremarkable strip mall where ice cream was piled high and the gaily-colored chairs overlooking a car park were plentiful. Gerry, smiling broadly, posed for a photo holding high his triple dip pineapple-orange waffle cone, like the Olympic torch.
Lunch chatter died down as the clouds parted and bright sun called us to our saddles. The sun’s timely appearance illuminated the most beautiful stretch of coastline yet, miles of broad sandy beaches, rocky coves, and the smell of fresh caught lobster. The lure of the surf at Egypt Beach, and the late appearance of a recalcitrant sun, were all it took for Tami to indulge in some salt water therapy, leaving us to cruise the final miles in sunny warmth.
Special thanks to Gary, our sweep marshal, for keeping us together.
Report by Bernie Mango.
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