Harvard-Bolton - July 17, 2024

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 17 July 2024, Harvard-Bolton

Ride Leader:  Tom Allen

31 miles, 9:00 am start from Boxborough, MA

 

Riders (6): Tom, Wing Chow, Renee Rees, John Trotter, and first-timers Richard Schoenfeld and Harry Spatz.

 

The forecast heat may have kept our numbers down, but it turned out that the combination of an earlier than usual start, shaded roadways, and self-made breeze kept us comfortable.  As we entered Harvard from our Boxborough start we encountered our first climb.  We waited for one of the group who was slow on the up-hills.  As we progressed that rider suggested that he continue on his own following the route on GPS.  As everyone else was keeping pace, I accepted his offer.

 

The roads were indeed lovely and largely shaded. The Berlin portion of the route took us over roads that were less familiar and a particular pleasure to ride.  Returning to Bolton and Harvard we did a bit more climbing and enjoyed some exhilarating downhills.  We stopped briefly at the top of Prospect Hill for a photo and continued on to the planned stop at the Harvard General Store. 

 

No one needed relief, so we proceeded on Old Littleton Road to the extended descent that provided both breeze and shade.  However, the final three miles back to the start was stark contrast with bright sun and a very warm breeze from the south making us feel the heat. 

 

Three of us stayed for lunch at the Craft Food Hall.  Our solo rider joined us somewhat later having completed the full route on his recumbent.

 

With the small group we rode without arrows or a designated sweep. (I was often leading from the sweep position.)

 

I found this to be a particularly lovely route that deserves another go in, perhaps, the fall season.

 

Report by Tom Allen.