Cape Ann - May 23, 2018

RIDE REPORTS

Wednesday, 23 May 2018, Cape Ann Loop with Remote Start
Ride Leaders:  Richard Vignoni and Gardner (Sandy) Gray
67 mi - 9:30 am start from Gordon College, Wenham, MA
31 mi – 10:00 am start from Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA

Riders - 67 mi (17):  Richard, Andy Brandt, Barbara Martin, Bob Apsler, Dan Krechmer, Everett Briggs (who rode from home), Gene Ho, Greg Stathis, Kaz Zelny, Kevin Donnelly, Maria Noya, Ray Best, Ray Komow, Russ Keene and first-timers Jim Goldberg, Linda Chasen, and Stephanie Shenton.

Riders - 31 mi (28):  Gardner (Sandy), Adele Ferreira, Andrea Clardy, Barbara Gaughan, Barbara Jacobs, Chuck McWilliams, Dale Ferguson, Dave Balaban, David Fay, Dmitry Gorenburg, Elsa Lawrence, Gerry Sheetoo, Jack Donohue, Jack Mroczkowski, Jon Clardy, Joe Tavilla, Judi Burten, Marie Keutmann, Nancy Cahn, Neil Martin, Paul Brandon, Richard Fortier, Rochelle Holman, Ted Nyder, Tom Lawrence, and first-timers Catherine Schroeder, Karen Ontell, and Susan Grieb.

With near perfect weather, seventeen riders showed up at Gordon College for the Cape Ann Remote Start ride option.  The group included several first-time WWs and several established WWs who were doing this ride for the first time.  Shortly before the planned ride start, the leader had a tire blow-out which delayed the start.

We headed out, working our way up the coast and making the usual loops through Kettle Cove and Magnolia.  We biked through Stage Fort Park, then started our way (counterclockwise) around Cape Ann.  We rode behind the buildings at the state fish pier where several large fishing boats were docked.  We hung out at the end of the fish pier waiting for the remainder of the group, who had been delayed due to the opening of the drawbridge on Rte 127 over the Blynman Canal, to arrive.  While the weather gods were good to us, I must have ticked off the tire god, as I had a second flat.  Bob Apsler took the group through the Rocky Neck Art Colony, then waited for us at Eastern Point Lighthouse, while Gene, Jim, Russ, and I stayed behind to fix the flat.

After joining the others at the lighthouse, we resumed our journey along the coast, going down the one-way “except for bicycle” street, and past Good Harbor Beach.  We biked down the dead end on South Street for the obligatory group photo-op, and took in the views looking back along the coast.  We rode over the tricky Pebble Beach dirt road and then it was another four miles to the T pier in Rockport, where we hung out for a bit, used the facilities, and filled our water bottles.  We then proceeded along the coast, circling Lobster Cove, and biking over the wooden footbridge.  Then it was on to lunch at Willow’s Rest.  Here we found some of the riders from the core group, as well as Everett who had gotten ahead of us due to our delayed start.

After lunch, Everett joined our group, keeping alive his longstanding tradition of biking from home and doing the extended route.  We headed out Rte 133 through the marshes of Essex, visiting Conomo Point where we lingered to enjoy the views.  Then we turned inland, arriving back at Gordon College a little before 5:00 pm.  Our average pace of 13.9 mph was a bit more aggressive than the advertised moderate/standard WW pace - my apologies.

Thanks to Kevin and Dan for sweeping the ride, and to all those who arrowed and participated.

Postscript:  If two flats in one day weren’t enough, the very next day after the ride, with the car fully loaded for a long weekend getaway, I had a blowout flat on Rte 128, with a two-inch gash in my tire.

Report by Richard Vignoni.

====================

The weather for the Cape Ann core ride was a perfect 10, with blue skies, cool air, and a slight breeze.  Shortly after the twenty-nine of us headed out, we had to wait a few extra minutes for the Annisquam River drawbridge (over the Blynman Canal) to be lowered.  We then passed the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial that lists the hundreds of fishermen that have been lost while fishing out of Gloucester, including an uncle after whom I was named.

We then biked behind the buildings at the state fish pier, where several large fishing boats were docked, and on to Eastern Point Lighthouse where we had a good view of Boston to the south.  We took our obligatory group photo along beautiful Atlantic Avenue, with the ocean for a backdrop.

Then, to the surprise of my wife, Debbie, we all stopped in at my home on Long Beach for a short break and another look at the ocean.  We made the usual stop in downtown Rockport to use the facilities and to fill our water bottles.  After our rest stop, we proceeded along the coast, took in the “Stone Zoo,” rode beside Annisquam’s Lobster Cove, and biked over the wooden footbridge.  We then broke into two groups:  one group heading directly back to the cars and the other riding on to lunch at Willow’s Rest, where we met up with Richard and company.

For a complete photo diary of our ride visit the WW Facebook page at

     https://www.facebook.com/pg/WednesdayWheelers/photos/?tab=album&album_id=772435506278362

Report by Gardner Gray.

Rides from Sauta Field - May 16, 2018

RIDE REPORTS

Wednesday, 16 May 2018, Rides from Sauta Field
Ride Leaders:  Mike Byrne & Susan Sabin
42 or 30 miles, 10:00 am start from Sauta Field, Hudson, MA

Riders – 42 mi (24):  Mike, Barry Nelson, Bernie Flynn, Bill Wachur, Bob Apsler, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dave Balaban, Dom Jorge, Everett Briggs, Francie Sparks, Frank Hubbard, Fred Vaughn, Gene Ho, Gerry Sheetoo, Kaz Zelny, Ken Hablow, Kevin Donnelly, Lindy King, Marc Baskin, Ray Komow, Rich Taylor, Richard Vignoni, Robin Frain, Russ Keene.
Riders – 30 mi (19):  Susan, Ann Northup, Barbara Martin, Barbara Pike, Bill Widnall, David Fay, Elsa Lawrence, Fred Newton, Ilkka Suvanto, Nancy Schlecht, Richard Fortier, Robert Wilson, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg, Tom Lawrence, Veronica Vedensky, Winnie Parker, and first-timers Bette Simollardes and Sally Chapman.
Present at lunch (2):  Helen Greitzer and Sue Mann.

I agree with Susan that it was a fine day for a bike ride!  Both the short and long routes were new, and I designed them to have a start/finish close to the new Byrne/Mann residence.  I want to thank all forty-three riders for turning out, and I appreciate the favorable comments about both routes that were received from many. 

I apologize to riders on the Long Ride who expected the ride to follow the normal Wednesday Wheeler format, i.e., that I (the "leader") would lead from the front, human arrows would be used when appropriate and would stay in place until released by the sweep, regrouping stops would be made (as seen fit by the leader), and the ride would be swept.  That is the type of ride format I intended to lead, but failed to deliver.  This was the first time I had actually led a WW ride (two WW rides I previously scheduled to lead were cancelled by snow or rain), and I failed to emphasize, prior to the start, the aforementioned format points.  I assumed people coming to a WW ride would understand and plan on riding the WW format.

Instead, when I finished my pre-ride talk, I returned to my car to retrieve my bike and start my RWGPS app.  As I was turning around, I saw several of riders starting out of the parking lot, with most of the remaining riders following them.  I then had a problem with my RWGPS app not giving cues, and I stopped for a minute to try to resolve that, assuming the folks at the front of the pack would stop to let me catch up and lead.  That didn't happen until Rota Springs (half way through the ride), when they stopped for ice cream and porta potties.  Following Rota Springs, I started out in the lead group on Kendall Hill, but I was dropped on the hill and it was deja vu all over again.  I became concerned when I realized we no longer had a sweep, so I stopped and waited until I was sure there were no more riders behind me, and assumed the sweep position.

I wish to thank Francie and Barry for their company as we finished the ride together.  Special thanks to Susan for leading the Short Ride, to Everett for sweeping the first half of the ride, to Rich for attempting to resolve a situation (without a lot of cooperation), and to my partner, Sue, for hosting the end-of-ride lunch (mostly in my absence, until I arrived from bringing up the rear on the long ride).

NOTE TO SELF:  In future, when I lead a WW ride, I will be sure to emphasize that the Wednesday Wheeler ride format will be followed.

Report by Mike Byrne.

***********************************

What a beautiful day for a beautiful bike ride.  Thanks to Mike for creating such a gorgeous route.
 
But, for me, the leader of the shorter ride, it seemed the stars were somewhat crossed.  When I arrived at the start, I could no longer access the ridewithGPS route.  No how, no way.  (As it turns out three other GPS units, all on the longer ride, misbehaved exactly as mine did.)  Richard Vignoni gave me his phone and after a few fits and starts I got it to give me a map.  However, Richard had disabled an application that I generally rely on, so I made a record number of wrong turns, each quickly corrected, but after a while, whenever I turned, everyone hung back to see if I’d be making a U-turn.  Rochelle Holman, did yeoman’s duty, often acting as the leader of the leader, often taking arrows.  Without her, this ride could have ended up in Texas.
 
However, all were a terrific sports and everyone enjoyed the route and the company.  In all my irritation with the damned technology, I neglected to welcome our two new riders, Bette Simollardes and Sally Chapman.  Next time you see either of them, be sure to give them a big hello.
 
Thanks to Richard, Rochelle, and to Roy for sweeping.  Special thanks to Mike’s partner, Sue, who ordered and collected our lunch and welcomed us to their lovely home.

Report by Susan Sabin.

Not Quite Haverhill - May 9, 2018

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 9 May 2018, Not Quite Haverhill
Ride Leader:  Tom Allen
34 miles, 10:00 am start from Ipswich River Park, North Reading, MA

Riders (22): Tom, Bob Anderson, Butch Pemstein, Carol Anderson, Celia Donatio, Daniel Krechmer, David Wean, Dmitry Gorenburg, Everett Briggs, Herb Kavet, Ilkka Suvanto, Kevin Donnelly, Nancy Schlecht, Paul Brandon, Richard Vignoni, Rochelle Holman, Ron Beland, Ron Marland, Roy Westerberg, Stuart Kaufman, Veronica Vedensky, and Wing Chow.

The trees were all in bloom, the birds were singing, the sky was bright and blue, the temperature was perfect, and the roads were lovely!  It was just like being in a Disney animated feature!

This year's route underwent yet another modification - making it a bona fide loop, without a retrace section on return, and providing a smoother and safer approach to Ryer's Store for lunch.

A flat tire delayed our rendezvous at Ingaldsby Farm, where the photo was taken.  The proprietress was kind enough to take the picture and informed us that they have a bike repair kit available for stranded riders.  Not sure exactly what it provides, but it seems a nice gesture.

About a dozen of us enjoyed Ryer's sandwiches for lunch in their outdoor seating area.  (See above reference to perfect weather.)

As Jack pointed out in his report last week, having so many riders with GPS navigation changes the traditional nature of WW riding somewhat, but not necessarily for the worse.  From my point of view it relieves the leader from the burden of having to be always in front.  A more and more important consideration as we (by that I mean "I") age.

Thanks to Stuart Kaufman for sweeping and dealing with a couple of road issues.

Report by Tom Allen.

Rooster Ride - May 2, 2018

RIDE REPORT


Wednesday, 2 May 2018, The Rooster (Dos de Mayo) Ride
Ride Leader:  Jack Donohue

32 miles, 10:00 am start from Bikeway Source parking lot, Bedford, MA

Riders (36):  Jack, Arthur Teepe, Barbara Jacobs, Barry Nelson, Bill Wachur, Bill Widnall, Bob Dangel, Butch Pemstein, Celia Donatio, Chip Ziering, Chuck McWilliams, Dave Balaban, David Cooper, David Wean, Fred Newton, Herb Kavet, Ilkka Suvanto, Kaz Zelny, Kevin Donnelly, Marie Keutmann, Mike Hanauer, Moshe Werba, Richard Vignoni, Rochelle Holman, Ron Beland, Ron Marland, Roy Westerberg, Selig Saltzman, Stuart Kaufman, Susan Sabin, Ted Nyder, Veronica Vedensky, Wing Chow, Winnie Parker, and first-timers Elizabeth Buschert and Paul Brandon.

Present at lunch: John Allen.

Seems the heat stored up, from all those cold days earlier in the season, was released all at once.  It was quite a jolt to the system, but welcome nonetheless.  I wanted to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but figured Dos was close enough.

Faced with a pretty large group, I tried to keep a pace that would spread the group out but keep most of them in sight.  We probably should have regrouped more often, but it was hard finding spots to park all the riders for the regroup.  Everyone was well behaved, being aware of traffic and letting cars go by.

We had a bit of excitement when a car passed us at breakneck speed and was immediately apprehended by the Carlisle police who seemed to be lying in wait.  Felt somewhat guilty since the driver may have put it into warp speed just to get around our group.

I was happy to see a street sweeper out there clearing off the winter debris.  That for me is one of the harbingers of summer.  It was also nice to have something I was actually able to pass.

The scheduled rest stop at the ball field off Griffin Street had only one of the normal three portajohns deployed, but if sufficed.  We had our mandatory photo op with a few opting out.  Someone suggested doing a panorama, which I know my phone can do, and that would have been an excellent idea, but I've never tried it and now didn't seem like an ideal time to try.

After the rest stop, we had a few splinter groups.  Bill Widnall decided to cut off a few miles by returning a more direct way.  That basically involved chopping off the head of the rooster (I must point out that no actual roosters were harmed during the ride).  Barbara, Ted, Marie and Richard also went their own way.

I told the rest of the group that, if they were chafing at the bit, they could also make a breakaway, as long as they knew where they were going.  Most of the faster riders were GPS savvy, so I wasn't too worried about them.

Things got a bit confusing after that, since I had the breakaway group, who had thrown off the shackles of arrowdom, ahead of me, and no one behind me for a while.  Finally the groups coalesced again and it was back to business as usual.

I had a final regroup, just before Bedford center, to make sure everyone knew where the lunch stop was, and then continued to the parking lot.

Thanks to Barry for sweeping.

Early Spring Ride from Littleton - April 18, 2018

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, 18 April 2018, Early Spring Ride from Littleton

Ride Leader:  Lindy King

29 miles, 10:00 am start from Castle in the Trees, Littleton, MA

Bikers (34): Lindy, Alan Fierce, Bob Apsler, Bob Wilson, Butch Pemstein, Chuck McWilliams, Clyde Kessel, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dan Krechmer, David Fay, Dom Jorge, Doug Hobkirk, Dmitry Gorenberg, Everett Briggs, Francie Sparks, Gardner Gray, Gene Ho, James Hsia, Julie Dodd, Kathy Horvath, Kaz Zelny, Ken Hablow, Maria Noya, Patrick Ward, Richard Vignoni, Rick Lawrence, Rochelle Holman, Roy Westerberg, Russ Keene, Selig Saltzman, Susan Sabin, Veronica Vedensky, Wing Chow and Winslow Green.

REMINDER:  WW rides depend upon the human arrowing system.  When you are riding directly behind the leader who requests that you arrow, you must step up and remain at your post until the sweep approaches!  If you are unwilling to arrow, you should notbe riding in that position.

On a bright, chilly and windy morning, thirty-four riders gathered at the Castle in the Trees in Littleton.  We pretty much started on time as everyone wanted to get riding and warm-up.  Everett joined us a mile from the start and, unfortunately, Doug had to turn back.  Lindy promised a tailwind as we approached the Nagog Hills and we were not disappointed!  Although the group was large, we pretty much separated into smaller sub-groups.  For most of the ride we travelled on roads that were quite rural and pretty, with light traffic.  We also experienced some pretty bad road surfaces in Littleton and Carlisle that Lindy had warned us about.

We regrouped for quite some time at Great Brook Farm for snacks, conversation and restrooms.  Then it was on to Chelmsford and a short climb before entering Westford and heading back to the start through Littleton.  Many thanks to Everett and Clyde, who actually enjoyed their many turns as arrows, and to all the other arrows who helped move the ride along.  Extra special thanks to Butch Pemstein for being a superb sweep on our ride.

Several riders met afterwards at the Littleton Cafe for lunch and a few others rode over to The Point for the restaurants there.

Thank you all for coming out to Littleton and keeping me company on this ride.

Report by Lindy King.

Maria took a bunch of pictures that can be found at:

         https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5fd42wa27jvcayz/AADi8Hske7mRBHHao7D1lfpja?dl=0

RoadRunner - April 11, 2018

RIDE REPORT


Wednesday, 11 April 2018, Road Runner

Ride Leader:  Kathy Horvath

35 miles, 10:00 am start from Bikeway Source parking lot, Bedford, MA


Bikers (21):  Kathy, Butch Pemstein, Chuck McWilliams, Clyde Kessel, Dan Krechmer, David Fay, Everett Briggs, Francie Sparks, Jack Donohue, Lindy King, Marc Baskin, Mary Kernan, Nancy Cahn, Peter Shaw, Ray Komow, Rochelle Holman, Sandy Gray, Selig Saltzman, Wing Chow, and first-timers Allison Hillman and Bob Dangel.


As we gathered at Bikeway Source, the sun was cooperative and we departed with a blue sky and light winds.  Unfortunately we lost Selig at mile 1.5 due to a leaky tire.  Selig returned to the bike shop for a quick fix, and undaunted, rode solo for 30 miles.  We regrouped before the stop light at Rte 2, where Rich Taylor joined us, reversed direction, and rode back over the Bedford Road hill with us.  Butch decided to save the hill for another day and departed the group, continuing on his own.


After another regroup at the bottom of the hill on Weston Road, we continued into Weston center and stopped at mile 14 for restrooms at the Weston Town Hall.  Our photographer, Jack “not a slave to fashion” Donohue agreed to a photo op (see attached photo).

After the break and a quick mile on Rte 20, we were rewarded with the scenic Plain and Draper Roads, Glezen Lane, and Water Row.  We passed Lincoln Sudbury HS and had a nice trek down Concord/Sudbury Road into Concord center.


As we crossed Rte 2 on Sudbury Road, Clyde had a close encounter with a car driver who cut a right turn in front of him.  Despite the scare, Clyde managed to get his license plate and called it into the Concord Police department. Thankfully, Clyde’s bike handling skills avoided direct contact and we are all grateful that he was not injured.


Special thanks to Clyde for sweeping, and to all the ready and willing arrows.  The leader appreciated the excellent riding etiquette of everyone.


The ride leader plus eight WWs enjoyed lunch at Ken’s Deli

At the Start

Rest stop

"Every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man"

Blue Moon Ride - March 28, 2018

RIDE REPORT

WED, 28 March 2018, Blue Moon Ride
Ride Leader:  Barry Nelson
41 mi, 10:00 am start from Blue Moon Bagel Café, Medfield, MA

Bikers (11):  Barry, Bob Wadsworth, Frank Hubbard, Gene Ho, Gerry Sheetoo, Peter Megdal, Ray Komow, Selig Saltzman, Tod Cochran, Wing Chow, and first-timer, brother of Wing Chow (from NY).

Eleven people started the ride in chilly, damp weather.  After a few miles, the group split into a fast group (6) and a slow one (5).  Perhaps Frank or Gene can report on what they did.  The slow group stopped for coffee and food at the 25 mile mark. There is a movie of the last climb on the WednesdayWheelers Facebook page.  We did not need human arrows for our small group.

Selig and Bob joined the leader for lunch at Blue Moon.

Report by Barry Nelson.