Apple Pi (short) Ride - October 30, 2024

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 30 October 2024, Apple Pi (short) Ride

Ride Leader:  Simon Lingard
~37 miles, 10:00 am start from Bedford, MA

Riders (9):  Simon, Betsy Kimball, David Goldberg, Ed Hill, Frank Calabrese, Frank Scibilia, Marc Webb, Martin Hemler, and first-timer Todd Palmer.

The VA carpark was huge and mostly full, so the ride leader arrived early to direct riders to an area where there were enough parking spaces.  The roads were wet after overnight rain, a fact we discussed during the safety talk.  

About ten miles in, Frank C's vintage bike made a pop sound, and the rear wheel skidded to a stop.  A bulge in the tire had forced the rim to bend jamming the brakes.   After releasing the rear brake caliper Frank was able to slowly cycle to the nearest bike shop, while the remaining eight riders continued.

In Westford, the ride leader had a little difficulty finding the Dunkin’ Donuts rest stop location - it required the group to cross a busy four-lane road.  After the break, which was slightly off-route, Frank S. and Ed helped the ride leader find the route, somewhat limiting his embarrassment.

We did not use human arrows, but Ed graciously swept and let the ride leader know when we needed a re-group.  And, the sun came out, the roads dried out, and we all returned together!

Report by Simon Lingard.

Harvard and Bolton - October 23, 2024

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 23 October 2024, Harvard and Bolton

Ride Leader:  Tom Allen

31 miles, 10:00 am start from Boxborough, MA

Riders (12):  Tom, Betsy Kimball, Clyde Kessel, Dave Balaban, Dmitry Gorenburg, Ed Hill, Marie Keutmann, Martin Hemler, Phyllis Evan, Simon Lingard, Wing Chow, and first-timer Lisa O'Connor.

Most of us found our way to the rear of the building at the ride start location.  Those who parked at the front side were rounded up by Wing who circled multiple times and herded folks to the right place.

The weather was delightful, the scenery spectacular, and the route was challenging and fun.  We started on the flat and were soon in climbing mode as we headed into Harvard.  Despite the hills, we were able, with some regrouping pauses, to stay together while employing the WW arrowing protocol.

The first porta-potty stop was quite popular and provided a pause during which Clyde took the initiative to drum up some interest in ride leading among some of the participants.  He pointed out that, while showing up for WW rides was important, it was not enough to keep the program going.  He may have recruited a couple of candidates.

Things progressed as we traveled from Harvard to Bolton and Berlin and back around over some fun roads.  Ascending Prospect Hill we paused for a photo and proceeded to our planned stop at the General Store.  That was interrupted by a bridge construction project that we couldn't sneak past – we were forced to take a detour that was a bit less satisfactory than the planned route, but only a half mile longer.

From "The Gen" we headed back to the start via an extended 2.5 mile downhill and some flat terrain.  Seven of us stayed at the Boxborough Craft Food Hall for a congenial lunch al fresco on their patio.

Thank you to the willing arrows and, especially, to Clyde for ably and patiently performing as sweep.

Report by Tom Allen.