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.