New Hampshire Seacoast ride - July 30. 2025

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 30 July 2025, New Hampshire Seacoast ride
Ride Leader:  Gene Ho
37 mi, 10:00 am start from Seabrook, NH

Riders (6):  Gene, Armen Kasparian, Francine Sparks, Frank Aronson, Gary Williams, and Susan Broome.

 Some newish words for a tune familiar to those of us of a certain age:

Needing my thirst slaked.

Getting my face baked.

Legs feeling tired from all of the toil.

Got cramps in my hamstrings.

And itches from bug stings.

Let's get to lunch cause I'm beginning to boil.

Wastin away again on Hampton's cool sands.

Looking for any break from the heat.

Some people claim that global warming's to blame.

All I know is, it feels really hot.

Susan Broome, Frank Aronson, Gary Williams, Armen Kasperian, and Francine Sparks shared the sentiments of the above, if not in those words, and joined me in my quest for seabreeze on a ride from Hampton Beach to Portsmouth.

ne point fog rolled in briefly as we approached the Wentworth hotel and it actually got chilly.

Lunch at Geno's, a restaurant new to most of us, was especially appealing with awning covered outdoor seating next to the Piscataqua river.

Such a seductive setting was a challenge from which to depart but more riding remained.

Comfortable temps notwithstanding, some us, attentive to our post ride rehydration obligations, elected to discharge these at Bernie's Beach Bar, a Hampton Beach landmark.

Tough duty but health needs must be met.

The beach below us, along which we rode for much of the trip, made for a constantly changing panorama.

Can't say that this was hard to take considering the temps back in Boston.

To the End of the World and Back - July 23, 2025

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 23 July 2025, To the End of the World and Back
Ride Leaders:  David Wean & Ron Beland
27 mi, 10:00 am start from Hingham, MA

Riders (13):  David, Ron, Armen Kasparian, Barry Kaditz, Frank Aronson, Frank Calabrese, Gary Williams, Gene Ho,  Marie Keutmann, Sandy Gotlib, Steve Bogue, Susan Broome, and first-timer John Sarnosky.

After the first few miles on the road, we began our “tour de parks.”  We started with Weymouth's Osprey Overlook Park and then climbed through Great ("more than just pretty good") Esker Park, riding the paved knife-edge path and viewing the Back River estuary on one side and the roofs of nearby houses on the other.

 

We then meandered through Hingham's Bare Cove Park along the other side of the estuary which divides Hingham and Weymouth.  Continuing by road through downtown Hingham (passing through an unexpected mid-weekday local protest), we made our way to World's End (admission fee, but we had almost enough Trustees memberships between us) where we enjoyed the water views from this fantastic park.  The entire group chose to ride the couple of miles of gravel paths all around the two hummocks that make up the park, though some of the paths had been recently re-graveled, so some of us walked some of the stretches.

 

From there we cruised the smoother pavement on Jerusalem Road and Atlantic Avenue in Cohasset, passing lovely homes and enjoying some dramatic views.  In Cohasset center, we stopped for lunch at the picnic tables in the park, with sandwiches and salads from four of the available restaurant choices.

 

After a couple more road miles and one last hill, we rolled along the stone dust Whitney Spur Bikeway, which led us back into Wompatuck Park to finish the ride.  Low average speed, but high average enjoyment.  

 

Report by David Wean.

Cycle the City and The Emerald Necklace - July16, 2025

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 16 July 2025, Cycle the City and The Emerald Necklace

Ride Leader:  Gary Williams

24 miles, 10:00 am start from South Boston, MA

 

Riders (13): Gary, Ann Whaley-Tobin, Bill Perry, David Wean, Frank Aronson, Gene Ho, Mike Barry, Rene Sokolow, and first-timers Arthur Gleiner, Christine Corr, Jeffrey Orlin, Marci Cohen, and Shawn Corr.

This was, by far, the largest group of riders we've had in the history of this urban WW ride.  Originally scheduled as a 32-miler, we elected to shorten it by approximately eight miles, due to the heat and humidity.  In hindsight, we probably should have started a little earlier.

Nevertheless, our intrepid crew headed out in an orderly fashion for a trek through many of Boston's neighborhoods, with historic stops along the way, including the sites of the Boston Tea Party and the infamous molasses flood of 1919, the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution and, finally, the Arnold Arboretum at the rides' halfway point.  It was here that we learned that one of our riders was feeling the effects of the heat, so we took a vote and unanimously decided to cut out a section of Jamaica Plain, Franklin Park, Mattapan, the Neponset River Trail, and Dorchester.  Instead, we went from the Arboretum onto the Southeast Corridor Trail through JP, Roxbury, Mass Ave., and Andrews Square, before returning to Castle Island.

Many riders expressed enthusiasm for this ride and we all regretted that it had to be shortened.  I promised, therefore, to lead it again, perhaps in September.

Report by Gary Williams.

Boxborough/Bolton/Harvard - July 2. 2025

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 2 July 2025, Boxborough/Bolton/Harvard

Ride Leader:  Todd Palmer

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

Riders (11):  Todd, Alan Cantor, Armen Kasparian, Betsy Kimball, Hugh Folsom, Phyllis Evan, Richard Shoenfeld, Simon Lingard, Wing Chow, and first-timers, Benson Marguilies and Stephen Karp.

The 9:00 am start time and the overnight rain helped hold the heat off, starting at a humid 74F.  We all agreed that human arrows were unnecessary with the small group size, GPS users, and hilly route.  We quickly learned that the climbs were going to string the group out and appointed Betsy as sweep.

We rolled by countless farms, horses, vegetable stands, and orchards (as promised) on the way south through Bolton and into Berlin.  The overcast skies kept us from overheating and did not spoil the scenery.  We re-grouped every seven miles or so, making sure to stay hydrated and fueled.  Our third regroup was at the Prospect Hill Road lookout, near the Fruitlands Museum - a very nice group photo was taken – by Todd and then by Stephen.

After the lookout, it was one more quick roll into Harvard, and then a nice descent north into Littleton before turning south back to the Craft Food Halls.

About half the group enjoyed lunch and good conversation before calling it a day - a fantastic Wednesday.

Report by Todd Palmer.

Harold Parker Reversed - June 18. 2025

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 18 June 2025, Harold Parker Reversed

Ride Leader:  Tom Allen

31 miles, 10:30 am start from Ipswich River Park, North Reading, MA

 

Riders (3):  Tom, Frank Aronson, and first-timer Armen Kasparian.

The day started gray with some drizzle.  This reduced the attendance of an already thinly subscribed ride to a mere two riders plus the leader.  To mitigate the rain factor we started a half hour late, and that strategy worked.  Roads were clear and we remained dry - in fact, it was an ideal biking day.

With only three of us we agreed to simply stay together and did not designate a sweep.  Sounds simple and (almost) foolproof.  Anyway, we pedaled along some delightful roads with portions almost devoid of traffic.  A stop at Ingaldsby Farm in Boxford afforded us access to some tasty muffins and a restroom opportunity.

On the return leg of the trip the leader inserted a tiny wrinkle in the route that seemed to flummox one of the riders.  We saw him head off in the wrong direction, but we figured he would sort himself out and rejoin us.  That didn't happen and, after seeing him take the same wrong turn a second time, we set out to chase him down and bring him back into the fold.

We elected to skip lunch at Ryers Store, as time was getting a bit tight with the delayed start and the leisurely stop at the muffin shop.

Report by Tom Allen.

Sherborn to Norfolk - June 11, 2025

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 11 June 2025, Sherborn to Norfolk
Ride Leader:  Alan Cantor

38 miles, 10:00 am start from Sherborn, MA

Riders (11):  Alan, Betsy Harper, Ellen Gugel, Frank Calabrese, Joel Bauman, Keren Hamel, Renee Rees, Todd Palmer, Veronica Vedensky, Wing Chow, and first timer Richard Levine.

We had a glorious early summer day to enjoy each other’s company and the beautiful route. Thanks to all who arrowed and, especially, to Todd for sweeping and giving the safety talk at the ride start.

 

Report by Alan Cantor.

Concord to Littleton - June 4, 2025

RIDE REPORT

 Wednesday, 4 June 2025, Concord to Littleton

Ride Leader:  Gene Ho

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

Riders (11):  Gene, Barry Nelson, Bruce Gore, Dmitry Gorenburg, Frank Calabrese, Joel Bauman, Keren Hamel, Marc Baskin, Renee Rees, Scott Mandell, and Wing Chow.

 

Wednesday was a workday.  Therefore, the weather was perfect for biking.  Eleven of the fifteen registered riders showed up, at the right parking lot even.

 

Although all present found the streets on the route to be familiar, there were challenges.  Not the hills though.  All but the leader were in shape and found that they added texture to an otherwise bland undertaking.  We did encounter a section of dirt road which I thought would arouse the usual paranoia amongst road riders, but all biked over it without dismounting.  If the crappy winter had any benefit, it was inuring us to potholes and bad pavement.  The dirt road seemed smooth in comparison.  

 

You can actually get lost on the Bruce Freeman trail.  It gets a bit convoluted around Nara Pond where it comingles with other trails, all of which look the same.  There's signage, but its utility presumes that one can read and bike at the same time.  That's harder in practice than in theory, as some found out.

Report by Gene Ho.

Some scenes en-route:

Re-grouping on the BFR in West Concord:  

An unsuccessful attempt to extract a poem from the poetry booth.

Lunch at the Littleton Sub shop.  They have a liquor license and a Guinness woulda gone down nicely but navigating around Nara pond would have been even harder (or maybe not).

Ward's Berry Farm ride - May 28, 2025

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 28 May 2025, Ward's Berry Farm ride
Ride Leader:  Ellen Dirgins

26 miles, 10:00 am start from Sharon, MA

Riders (20):  Ellen, Ann Whaley-Tobin, Annemarie Altman, Barry Kaditz, Barry Nelson, David Goldberg, David Wean, Frank Aronson, Gene Ho, Gerry Sheetoo, Keren Hamel, Linda Moraski, Lisa O’Connor, Renee Rees, Ron Cater, Todd Palmer, Wing Chow, and first-timers Cheryl Schmidt, Cory Ward, and Joanne Candlen.

We had a fabulous ride on Wednesday.  The weather could not have been more perfect.  The turnout was awesome - all twenty registered riders were present, and one rider came all the way from Stow.  Two guest riders and a new member joined us and a warm welcome was bestowed upon them.

 

We used the human arrow system - a big thanks to all who arrowed, and a big thank you to Gene for sweeping.

 

With about a mile to go we stopped and enjoyed lunch at Ward’s Berry Farm.  All seemed to enjoy the food, as well as the bike ride!

 

Report by Ellen Dirgins.

Cape Ann - May 21 , 2025

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 21 May, 2025, Cape Ann - remote start

Ride Leader:  Clyde Kessel

67 miles, 9:30 am start from Wenham, MA

Riders (2):  Clyde and Lisa O’Connor.

Two is a manageable group size and the tree lined parking area wasn’t windy, so we started off in good spirits and at a very fast pace, hoping to catch up with the other group of riders on the out-and-back stretch of road to Eastern Point Lighthouse.  As we proceeded and the route got more complex, the wonderful ocean views got more numerous, and the ride leader started to get tired, we slowed down to a more reasonable speed and didn’t catch up with the short group.

 

The view from Eastern Point was lovely, so we continued in good spirits up the coastline towards Rockport and the lovely restroom and water stop at the tiny, well-protected harbor.  Remember the time the police officer wouldn’t let a cyclist arrow that turnoff?  Bizarre!  Anyway, he wasn’t there today.  So as we continued in good spirits around the northern tip of Cape Ann, we started to get a few sprinkles, but not enough to dampen our trousers (did I mention this was an obligatory long-pants day - cold, breezy, and, as you will soon learn, a little damp?), let alone our good spirits.

We rolled into the lunch stop just as the short group was leaving, so we chatted a bit, but not too much because the sprinkles were getting a bit more insistent.  Lisa and Clyde split a coffee and a muffin.  Lisa got the coffee and Clyde got the muffin.  And then we were off again, in good spirits because it was the last leg of the ride and the radar picture indicated no rain.  We were away from the coast and the complex route, so we picked up our pace and so did the sprinkles.  Eventually the sprinkles changed from intermittent to continuous, to the point that Lisa declared it was drizzle, although that is really debatable.  In any case, we pulled into the finish comfortable and in good spirits.

I have a suspicion that Lisa would have enjoyed the ride more if Clyde had been willing to linger longer at the ocean views.  Thanks to everyone involved, and especially to Lisa for sweeping.

 

Report by Clyde Kessel.

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RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 21 May, 2025, Cape Ann - core ride

Ride Leader:  Tom Allen

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

Riders (5): Tom, Dale Ferguson, Frank Aronson, Rena Sokolow, and Scott Mandell.

The weather was seasonable for March, but this is May!  The temperature was 50 degrees, with a very persistent northeast wind.  This, I'm sure, kept our numbers down.  At 10:00 am, with only five riders present, we set off in search of biking adventure.  We kept together with little demand on our designated sweep, Dale.

We proceeded through the Gloucester waterfront and headed toward the southern part of the peninsula, taking a brief detour through the Rocky Neck neighborhood, a former artists' colony.  Heading further south, the winds were mostly at our backs.  From Eastern Point we were able to see the Boston skyline, stark against the grey skies.

Heading back north along the eastern side of Cape Ann we faced the full brunt of the wind, making the level parts feel uphill and the uphills steeper.  We did pause for a photo; a failed selfie attempt.

Three of us went to lunch at Destino's sub shop while the other two headed for their cars. As we were leaving the lunch stop Clyde and Lisa (the entirety of the long ride) rolled up.

Thanks to Dale for sweeping.

Report by Tom Allen.

Island Cruise - May 14, 2025

 RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 14 May 2025, Island Cruise

Ride Leader:  Alan Cantor

36 miles, 10:00 am start from Sherborn, MA

Riders (6):  Alan, Barry Nelson, Gene Ho, Kim Wach, Linda Nelson, and Mark Friedman.

A cool, cloudy day warmed and cleared up for a beautiful ride through the countryside.  All rode at a comfortable pace with frequent regrouping.  Gene did a wonderful job sweeping, although we did not use the human arrowing system.

A big thank you to the people who had registered and then could not make it, as they all let the leader know prior to the ride.

Report by Alan Cantor.

Prospect Hill - Waltham - May 7, 2025

RIDE REPORT

 Wednesday, 7 May 2025, Prospect Hill - Waltham

Ride Leader:  Tom Allen

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

Riders (9): Tom, Alan Cantor, Bill Perry, Frank Aronson, Gerry Sheetoo, John Trotter, Keren Hamel, Tod Cochran, and Wing Chow.

We met up at the rear of Bikeway Source in Bedford.  Most arrived by car and a couple of folks by cycling.  The weather was slightly overcast and the temperature ideal for cycling.  With a small group and familiar roads we made spare use of arrows.

Before getting to the main event (the Prospect Hill climb), we meandered to Lexington and thrilled on the somewhat twisty downhill on Lincoln Street in Waltham.  The climb up Prospect Hill was indeed challenging (except for those of us with battery-assist bikes).  We took our time; it was not a race.

 

After checking out the view (and the somewhat primitive bathrooms at the top), we descended via the southern roadway to the newly completed Waltham portion of the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT).  At that point two riders, who did not have cars in Bedford, set off on their own ways home.

 

The rest of us made our way back via the Cambridge Reservoir and Lincoln and Concord centers. Having little fear of anyone getting lost, I encouraged folks to set their own pace (typically faster than mine) on the return.

 

Four of us had a pleasant lunch at Ken's Deli.

 

Thanks to Bill Perry for sweeping.

 

Report by Tom Allen.

Through the Woods and Over the River - Blue Hills and Neponse0t - April 30, 2025

Wednesday, 30 April 2025, Through the Woods and Over the River - Blue Hills and Neponset

Ride Leaders:  David Wean & Ron Beland

Pre-ride safety talk:  Todd Palmer

25 or 27 miles, 10:00 am start from Canton, MA

Riders (11):  David, Ron, Frank Calabrese, Gerry Sheetoo, Harry Spatz, Keren Hamel, Steve Bogue, Todd Palmer, Veronica Vedensky, Wing Chow, and first-timer Alissa Leonard.

The sun came out just before the ride start and we enjoyed beautiful weather, though it was quite windy on some stretches.  We ascended Chickatawbut, catching our breath and enjoying the limited view of downtown Boston, nine miles away (by crow).  We descended through the Blue Hills Reservation into Quincy, where we fought the wind along the water and made two brief stops:  Marina Bay for a restroom, and Squantum Point Park for a better view of downtown and a chance to ride through the (defunct) airfield.

We then crossed from Quincy into Boston over the Neponset Bridge (separated sidewalks on both sides!) and connected through Pope John Paul II park, picking up the Neponset Trail to Mattapan Square.  From there we headed back to the Reservation, with three of the group, not having had enough climbing, taking a side trip to ride up the Great Blue Hill.  About half the group stayed for an outdoor lunch at Trillium Brewery.

Report by David Wean.

Photos courtesy of Todd Palmer.

 

Western Greenway - Waltham, Lexington, and Belmont - April 16, 2025

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 16 April 2025, Western Greenway - Waltham, Lexington, and Belmont

Hike Leaders:  Barbara Jacobs & Ted Nyder

5.5 miles, 10:00 am start from Waltham, MA

Hikers (10):  Barbara, Ted, Kristina Leclaire, Marie Keutmann, Marlene Heroux, Patrick Ward, Renee Rees, Richard Vignoni, Susan Sabin, and William Feiring.

It was a cool day, but quite pleasant.  We began our 5.5 mile walk at the old Metropolitan State Hospital property on the Waltham/Lexington Line.  Our hike took us on the trails and carriage roads of the old hospital grounds and into Belmont's Rock Meadows and Lone Tree Hill.  We hiked the trails to Habitat and had a quick break, checked out the goats and turkeys, and then continued back to our cars by way of the MetFern Cemetery where approximately 317 residents of the Fernald School and Met State Hospital were buried between 1947 and 1979.

Seven of us had post-hike lunch at Bánh Mì Ơi  (a Vietnamese restaurant).

Report by Barbara Jacobs.

Weston Wonder(ful) Walk - April 9, 2025

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 9 April 2025, Weston Wonder(ful) Walk

Hike Leader:  Jim Whinfield

~4 miles, 10:00 am start from Weston, MA

 Hikers (13):  Jim, Barbara Jacobs, Barbara Martin, Don Mannes, Judy Perrin, Karen Brody, Marie Keutmann, Phyllis Evan, Susan Sabin, Ted Nyder, William Feiring, Zach Woods, and first-timer Dana Christensen.

The weather was sunny and brisk as we left from outside the Weston Community Center.  Thegroup walked through the Case Estates Conservation Area, where we saw an old stone incinerator, then crossed Chestnut Street into the Highland Town Forest.  The route skirted the edge of the Regis College campus and the channel connected to the Weston Reservoir before turning back to complete the 4-mile loop.

After the hike, eight members of the group had lunch at the Craft Food Halls in Waltham.

Report by Jim Whinfield.

Farrar Pond early spring hike - April 2, 2025

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 2 April 2025, Farrar Pond early spring hike

Hike Leader:  Marie Keutmann

~4 miles, 10:00 am start from Wayland, MA

 

Hikers (18):  Marie, Annemarie Altman, Barbara Jacobs, Barbara Pike, Betty Salzberg, Don Mannes, Eileen Maloney, Judy Gertler, Judy Perrin, Karen Brody, Kristina Leclaire, Lynell Stromberg, Phyllis Evan, Richard Vignoni, Susan Sabin, Ted Nyder, William Feiring, and Zach Woods.

 

Description: The weather was sunny and cool and, while we started in Wayland, almost all of the hike was in Lincoln.  We walked along Farrar Pond with lots of ups and downs and great views of the pond, including a view of a swan nesting on a small island with her male partner guarding against intruders.  We crossed a boardwalk over a lovely swamp caused by beavers.

 

After the hike, about half of the group had lunch in the greenhouse at Verrill Farm in Concord.

 

Report by Marie Keutmann.

Walden Pond, another late winter hike - March 19 2025

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 19 March 2025, Walden Pond, another late winter hike

Hike Leaders:  Janet Miller & Marie Keutmann

~4.5 miles, 10:00 am start from Lincoln, MA

Hikers (17):  Janet, Marie, Aiko Pinkoski, Ann Northup, Annmarie Altman, Barbara Pike, Debra Mello, Harry Spatz, Jack Mroczkowski, Mike Hanauer, Phyllis Evan, Susan Broome, Susan Sabin, and first-timers Ellen Harvey, Gail Spatz, Joyce Bailey, and Karen Brody.

Thanks to the generosity of the Lincoln Food Project, who gave us permission to park on their property, seventeen people gathered on a beautiful sunny day to explore Heywood Meadow, Walden Pond, and some Lincoln conservation land.  We started out by heading to the end of Baker Bridge Road before crossing over Rte 126 and entering the woods on a trail to Heywood Meadow.  There is lots of beaver activity, with freshly cut trees and older signs of beaver activity, at Heywood Meadow.  We then walked along the meadow before turning off on a trail that took us to Walden Pond, where we took a slight detour to stop at the site of Thoreau’s cabin before continuing around the pond to the Visitor Center.

 

From there we climbed Pine Hill, descended part way down the other side, and continued on a trail that took us past the Thoreau Center before descending to Rte 126 and then to our cars.  The total distance was about 4.5 miles.  This was a repeat of the hike that was inspired by Judith McMichael and which I co-led with her. 

 

Some of us gathered at Verrill Farm for post-hike lunch in their very cosy greenhouse.

Report by Janet Miller.