Acton: Hike to the Trail through Time - December 20, 2023

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 20 December 2023, Acton:  Hike to the Trail through Time

Hike Leader:  Janet Miller

4+ miles, 10:00 am start from Acton, MA

 

Hikers (22+):  Janet, Annemarie Altman, Barbara Jacobs, Betty Salzberg, Elsa Lawrence, Jack Mroczkowski, Jim Whinfield, Joanne Samuels, Judy Perrin, Julie Dodd, Kristina Leclaire, Marie Keutmann, Neil MacGaffey, Peggy Gelin, Sally Chapman, Steven Venizelos, Susan Sabin, Ted Nyder, Tim Dodd, Tod Cochran & his dog, Tom Allen, and Zach Woods.

 

In the hike description, I said that “there are places where the trail might be wet” as there was one short section of the trail that was very wet when I scouted the route.  However, after Monday’s intense storm, a better description might have been that “some places on the trail were dry.”

 

We hiked through the Spring Hill conservation area into the Nashoba Brook conservation area and the Trail Through Time (a loop trail on both sides of Nashoba Brook).  I had planned to cross Nashoba Brook on a bridge, but, although the bridge was fine, the trail on the other side was flooded and impassable.  So we stayed on the east side of the brook and saw some stone piles, which are believed to have been built by Native Americans.  We also saw where a pest house had been - where people who were sick with diseases such as smallpox were taken so they would not infect others.

 

Then we reached the site of a nineteenth century pencil factory, where we stopped for a break and some refreshments.  From there we headed back to our starting point on a winding trail, where, like everywhere else, there were numerous sections where we had to circumnavigate places where the trail was under water - that is everyone except the dog, who was quite happy to get her feet wet. 

 

Despite the challenges of negotiating the trail, everybody seemed to enjoy the hike.  Six of us had post-hike lunch together at the Atlantic Sea Grill.

 

Report by Janet Miller.

Lincoln: Off the Beaten Track hike - December 13, 2023

 HIKE REPORT

 

Wednesday, 13 December 2023, Lincoln:  Off the Beaten Track hike

Hike Leaders:  Marie Keutmann, 617 312 4739, marie.keutmann@gmail.com

   & Barbara Jacobs, nyder.jacobs@gmail.com

~5 miles, 10:00 am start from The Pierce House, 17 Weston Road, Lincoln, MA

 

Hikers (27):  Marie, Barbara Jacobs, Barbara Martin, Betty Salzberg, Cynthia Zabin, Dan Nelson, David Wean, Elsa Lawrence, Emily Wean, Frank Aronson, Greg Stathis, Jack Mroczkowski, Jim Whinfield, Judy Perrin, Julie Dodd, Kristina Leclaire, Lynne O'Riorden, Mike Hanauer, Patrick Ward, Phyllis Evan, Renee Rees, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, Ted Nyder, Tim Dodd, Zach Woods, and first-timer Rick Ward.

 

On a gorgeous sunny day, Marie and Barbara led twenty-seven hikers through open fields, horse pastures, backyards, and woods in Lincoln.  Highlights included traversing Flint Fields above the Flint Farm, which has been continuously occupied and farmed by the Flint family since Thomas Flint came over from England in 1636.  We stopped in the field above to look at rows of young American Chestnut trees which have been planted in an experiment to try to grow them in a way to be resistant to the fungus that destroyed most of the magnificent American Chestnuts a century ago.

 

A special treat was walking through a horse pasture, with galloping horses coming up to inspect us.  Then, on a stroll through the grounds of the Decordova Museum, we were intrigued by a crooked house made of wood and brick which slanted in one direction.

 

A dozen or so of us had lunch at Verrill Farm, eating in the warm greenhouse which we shared with many Christmas trees.

Hike from Echo Bridge to Waban Arches - December 6, 2023

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday 6 December 2023, Hike from Echo Bridge to Waban Arches

Hike Leader:  Susan Sabin

6.5 miles, 10:00 am meeting in Wellesley, MA [hike start from Newton Upper Falls, MA]

Hikers (18):  Susan, Barbara Jacobs, Betty Salzberg, Cynthia Zabin, David Wean, Don Buchholtz, Elsa Lawrence, Frank Aronson, Janet Miller, Jeff Wallen, Julie Dodd, Marie Keutmann, Molly Schaeffer, Susan Broome, Ted Nyder, Tim Dodd, Tom Allen, and Zach Woods.

Present at lunch:  Helen Greitzer.

With light snow flurries flurrying and temps in the 20s, all eighteen of the hikers who signed up for this hike also showed up.  Once we got going, we all warmed up so much that someone mentioned it was a perfect day for a hike.  And indeed, it was.

The process of spotting cars worked seamlessly, and if we left someone behind, we’ll never know it!  During the hike, everyone stayed within sight and we were treated to two fabulous concerts by Ted Nydick, one under an arch of Echo Bridge and again under an arch of Waban bridge, which, except for the fact that one has seven arches and the other has eight, look like twins.  Indeed, they both came into service the same year:  1878.

Fourteen of us had a late lunch at the Echo Bridge Cafe, one of whom was Helen.  It was so nice to have her along.  And, it seems that a good time and good hike was had by all.

Report by Susan Sabin.

Photos courtesy of Zach Woods.

Hike from the Arlington Reservoir into Lexington & Winchester - November 29, 2023

 HIKE REPORT

 

Wednesday, 29 November 2023, Hike from the Arlington Reservoir into Lexington & Winchester

Hike Leader:  Jim Whinfield

6.0 miles, 10:00 am start from Arlington, MA

 

Hikers (14):  Jim, Barbara Jacobs, David Wean, Emily Wean, Frank Aronson, Janet Miller, Judy Perrin, Marie Keutmann, Marlene Heroux, Melissa Norton, Patrick Ward, Susan Linz, Ted Nyder, and Zach Woods.

 

A brisk, 30-degree morning failed to dissuade fourteen walkers from our appointed rounds through the Arlington Great Meadows (nearly perfectly flat) and the Whipple Hill Conservation Area (quite a bit less so).  Highlights included communing with the herd of goats at Wright-Locke Farm, taking advantage of the farm’s top-flight (and, thankfully, heated) restroom facilities, and inspecting the carcass of a 1952 Packard that has been left to molder away alongside a Whipple Hill trail.  A small herd of alpacas were also spotted, but they were much less interactive than the goats, so had to be appreciated from afar.  One hiker left the group about halfway through for an early luncheon engagement.  Seven people stayed for a very enjoyable post-hike lunch at the Roasted Granola Cafe, followed by a quick stop at Cookie Time Bakery, where many indulged in an after-lunch treat.

 

Report by Jim Whinfield.

Wompatuck to Scituate Harbor and Back - November 15, 2023

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 15 November 2023, Wompatuck to Scituate Harbor and Back

Ride Leader:  Mike Togo

24.7 miles, 10:00 am start from Hingham, MA

Riders (6):  Mike, Barry Nelson, Bruce Eisenhut, Frank Aronson, Gerry Sheetoo, and Judith Molloy. 

 

A fun group of riders rolled out of Hingham's Wompatuck State Park on a beautiful fall morning which gave us lots of colorful trees and handsome NE homes to admire.  We rode to the Lucky Finn Coffee Shop (snacks and restroom) in Scituate Harbor.  After a short break we continued on to the Scituate Lighthouse, just as workmen were topping off the recently restored historic structure.  On our return to Hingham we passed by many Scituate and Cohasset beaches.  It was fun riding the six-mile Whitney Thayer trail through Cohasset and Hingham back to our parked cars. 

 

Thanks to Gerry for the RWGPS route mapping. 

Report by Mike Togo.

Hike from Wellesley to Newton Lower Falls and Back - November 8, 2023

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 8 November 2023, Hike from Wellesley to Newton Lower Falls and Back

Ride leader:  Susan Sabin

6.6 miles, 10:00 am start from Wellesley, MA

Hikers (11):  Susan, Barbara Jacobs, Bill Widnall, Don Mannes, Frank Aronson, Jim Whinfield, Judy Perrin, Lynne O’Riorden, Marie Keutmann, Melissa Norton, and Zach Woods.

As we gathered, the wise-cracks flew:  “six and a half miles in three hours - wow, I could walk faster,” etc.  It seemed that everyone enjoyed the variety that this hike offered:  woods, town, golf course, and hidden paths, with a bit of history sprinkled in by both Susan and Zach.

We followed the Charles all the way, as it bent and meandered through Lower Falls and onward.  It was a cold start, with wind coming off Longfellow Pond, but the day warmed enough for us to have a picnic lunch at about the 5-mile mark.  From there we dipped back into the woods, out again to cross over Rte 9, and, finally, in again to weave our way back to our cars.  Thanks to the easy-going and compatible walkers and to Melissa, Lynne, Jim, and Marie, who, without being asked, took turns as sweeps.

Report by Susan Sabin.

Concord to Chelmsford & BFRT - November 1, 2023

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 1 November 2023, Concord to Chelmsford & BFRT

Ride Leader:  Gene Ho

33 miles, 10:00 am start from Concord, MA

Riders (2):  Gene and Francie Sparks.

Anticipation of precipitation leads to lack of participation

but for those chose to trod in the face of adverse odds

nature gives her generous nod with a day of welcome sun

on a ride of unexpected fun.

The riders give their sunblock a workout.

Report by Gene Ho.

South Natick Dam while it still exists - October 25, 2023

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 25 October 2023, South Natick Dam - while it still exists

Ride Leaders:  Eliott Morra & Bruce McClintock

24.6 miles, 11:00 am start at the South Natick, MA

Riders (20):  Eliott Morra, Bruce McClintock, Barry Nelson, Bruce Eisenhut, Christine Talbot, Ernie Glickman, Francie Sparks, Frank Aronson, Frank Calabrese, Gary Braver, Gary Wiliams, Gene Ho, John Ho, Linda Nelson, Marie Keutmann, Mark Friedman, Neil MacGaffey, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, and first-timer Mike Ward.

After a few miscues at the start, because I had the first draft of the route downloaded to my gps, we had a nice rolling ride through Dover, Westwood, Medfield, and back to Natick.  One rider felt ill and returned to the start after about ten miles.  The sweep escorted her back to the start and he rejoined us at about four miles to go in the ride (riding the route in reverse).  The remainder of us had broken into a few small groups, but then regrouped at about mile 15 and rode as a group for most of the way back.  Several people stayed for lunch and some relaxation at the coffee house and the park overlooking the dam.

Thanks to Bruce McClintock for sweeping (and co-leading).

Report by Eliott Morra.

Pond Tour: Flint's and Walden - October 18, 2023

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 18 October 2023, Pond Tour:  Flint's and Walden

Ride Leaders:  Linda & Barry Nelson

33 miles, 10:00 am start from Weston, MA

Riders (17):  Barry & Linda, Barry Kaditz, Bill Furman, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dmitry Gorenburg, Francie Sparks, Frank Hubbard, Gary Williams, Gene Ho, Marie Keutmann, Mark Friedman, Renee Rees, Sue Amsel, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, and Wing Chow.

This ride proceeded with no newsworthy events and a good time was had by all.  There were no reports of mechanical issues, no missing arrows, and no one was lost.

Half of the group chose to have lunch in Weston center, at Dumpling Daughter or takeout from Brothers Marketplace or Heirloom.

Thanks to Gene for sweeping the group.  Many thanks also to the faster riders who took more than their share of arrows.

Report by Barry Nelson.

Annual Circling Wachusett Foliage Ride(s) - October 11, 2023

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 11 October 2023, Annual Circling Wachusett Foliage Ride(s)

Ride Leaders:  Zach Woods & Frank Scibilia

37.6 miles, Core Ride, 10:00 am start from Sterling, MA

61.7 miles, Remote Start Ride, 9:00 am start from Bolton, MA

Bikers - 37.6 mi (8):  Zach, Aliza Edwards, Betsy Harper, David Goldberg, Frank Calabrese, Ken Weber, Mark Freedman, and Renee Rees.

Bikers - 61.7 mi (2):  Frank Scibilia and Craig Tulig.

On Ride with GPS the core route is called WW Annual Circling Wachusett Core 2023 and the remote is WW Annual Circling Wachusett remote start 2023.  Both were excellently plotted, by Richard Vignoni, to provide a good balance of climbs with some flats and downhills.

It was a beautiful day for a ride with the Wednesday Wheelers.  Frank S left with Craig on the longer, remote route at 9:00 am and, after a chilly start and a warming uphill after about two miles, they arrived at the start of the core route and met with the other eight WWs to continue on the core route at 10:00 am.

The core route began with an immediate, warming uphill!  We passed lovely farms, with goats and horses, on rural roads with minimal traffic and fall colors.  Halloween decorations highlighted several timeless properties that appear to have retained their charm over generations.  The Quinapoxet and Mare Meadow reservoirs offered expansive autumn foliage views.  And then, we reached the right turn onto Mountain Road for a serious climb up to the Mt. Wachusett Visitor Center!

Betsy, Ken, Craig, Frank C, and Renee got to the Visitor Center before David, Frank S, Aliza, Mark, and Zach.  Most were riding at their own pace.  Betsy, Ken, Craig, Renee, Aliza, and Mark, having energy to spare, chose to ride the extra loop to and from the Wachusett summit!

Zach acted as sweep, as he was having trouble with his front hub.  He arrived at the Visitor Center after everyone else, and we all had agreed that folks should head back to the start rather than wait for his arrival.

Continuing from the Visitor Center, the ride was a series of screaming downhills with a few flat stretches and small hills.  Everyone returned safely to their cars, having had plenty of exercise and a great experience for the day.

Thanks to Frank Scibilia for managing the faster riders, and for significant contributions to this write-up.

Report by Zach Woods.

Ride to Out Post Farm - October 4, 2023

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 4 October 2023, Ride to Out Post Farm

Ride leader:  Susan Sabin

33.7 miles, 10:00 am start from Wellesley, MA

Riders (9):  Susan, Adam Walpert, Barry Nelson, Dave Balaban, David Goldberg, Gary Williams, Gene Ho, Marie Keutmann, and Susan Broome.

Nine of the eleven registered riders showed up and, in the hope that the two missing  riders might appear, we left slightly late.  The temps went from warm to hot and the leader’s speed went opposite, from hot to lukewarm.  Fortunately, most of the climbing occurred early in the day.   

 

We stayed together until about eight miles from ride’s end, when I encouraged the faster riders to go ahead.  Despite the mismatch in rider’s speeds, everyone was a good sport and it was a pleasure to be with all who came.  Several had praise for the route. 

 

Thanks to Gene for sweeping. 

Report by Susan Sabin.

Photos courtesy of Barry Nelson.

Mystic River ride - September 27, 2023

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 27 September 2023, Mystic River ride

Ride leader:  Joe Tavilla

33 miles, 10:00 am start from Woburn, MA

Riders (8):  Joe, Diane Manganaro, Ernie Glickman, Frank Aronson, Gary Williams, Susan Broome, Tod Cochran, and first-timer Alex Feldman.

After three gray & gloomy days, the sun finally returned and stayed with us all day.  This ride could be re-named the "Pond, Lakes & River ride" due to the fact that we started at Horn Pond in Woburn.  We then rode south beside the Mystic Lakes and, finally, we followed the Mystic River all the way to the Encore Casino in Everett.  Flat & varied terrain on secluded bike paths, through quiet neighborhoods and a few busy urban areas.  Outdoor lunch stop at Assembly Square in Somerville.  

 

After lunch we rode north on the other side of the Mystic River Reservation, to return to our start location. 

Report by Joe Tavilla.

Nightmare on Elm Street - September 20, 2023

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 20 September 2023, Nightmare on Elm Street

Ride leader:  Jack Donohue

33 miles, 10:00 am start from Bedford, MA

Riders (11):  Jack, Allison Easton, Aviram Cohen, Barry Kaditz, Dave Balaban, Frank Aronson, Gary Williams, Renee Rees, Richard French, first-timer Marcio Silva, and one anonymous rider.

Well, unlike my previous rides, this one is not a tale of woe.  First off there were only eleven registered riders, of which I was one.  I offered a longer ride, to bag yet another Elm Street, and got three takers.  I made sure they all had navigation and sent them on their way.

I then ensured that the sweep had navigation, as well as my phone number.  I did my best to lower expectations, and gave permission to faster riders to go off the front, instead of keeping to my glacial pace and chafing at the bit.  We lost another three that way.  Since it was pretty easy to keep track of the five remaining riders, we dispensed with human arrows.

RideWithGPS navigation worked well, except for a couple of hiccups.  As Yogi Berra said:  “When you come to a fork in the road, take it” and we did. RideWithGPS is good about signaling turns, but only when the road name changes or the turn is acute.  But the "off course" message came up and no one went astray for very long.

I was impressed with what a nice ride it was, if I say so myself, although the last bit going through West Concord and Concord was a bit busy.  There were alternatives, but we had to get in those Elm Streets so we stuck to the program.

When all was done, we managed an average of 12.8 mph.  I round up, so I'm still within the official 13 mph limit.

Report by Jack Donohue.