Temple Mountain hike - December 23, 2015

HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, December 23, 2015, Temple Mountain hike
Hike Leader:  Jack Mroczkowski
8 miles, 9:00 am start from Nennie's 5 Star Cafe, New Ipswich, NH

Hikers (6):  Jack, Andy Lewis, Barry Kaditz, Janet Miller, Nigel Godley, and Susan Sabin.

We were fortunate that the weather forecast for no rain held for the duration of our hike.  After ascending to the Temple range ridgeline, we enjoyed an eclectic mix of very pleasant scenery.  Our group picture (minus Barry) shows a distant view of Mt. Monadnock.  At times, the thick layers of pine needles on the ground made it appear as if we were walking on plush carpets.

We did not see any moose, but we did have an unexpected encounter with a snowshoe hare.  These animals' coat changes appear to be triggered by the shorter daylight hours, not temperature changes, so they are very vulnerable under the present conditions with no snow.

Some of our photos - Monadnock in distance, pineneedle-carpeted trail on Temple ridgeline, snowshoe hare, and challenging river crossing - are posted on

     https://sites.google.com/site/crwhike/home/pictures

We finished the hike walking along the Nichols brook waterfalls and pools (just off Rte 123 and close to the Nichols House), and noted that these sights alone could justify a picnic visit in warmer weather.  A late lunch was taken at the 12 Pine restaurant in Peterborough.

Report by Jack Mroczkowski.

Jingle Bell hike, ride, and potluck - December 16, 2015

RIDE & HIKE REPORTS

Wednesday, December 16, 2015, Jingle Bell hike, ride, and potluck
Hike Leader & Potluck Host:  Ann Northup

5 miles, 10:30 am start from Ann's house, Southborough, MA

Ride Leader:  Fred Newton

25 miles, 10:30 am start from Ann's house, Southborough, MA

Hikers (14):  Ann, Eli Post, Jack Mroczkowski, Janet Miller, John Springfield, Kaz Zelny, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Mary Counihan, Mike Counihan, Mike Hanauer, Nancy Smith, Sander Nydick, and Tony Lee.

Riders (14):  Fred, Butch Pemstein, Don Mannes, Ellen Gugel, Francie Sparks, Gene Ho, Kim Wach, Marc Baskin, Patrick Ward, Richard Vignoni, Steve Miller, Susan Sabin, Tom Allen, and Wing Chow.

Other riders (3):  Clyde Kessel, Dick Harter, and Mike Byrne.

Potluck only:  Francoise Bourdan. 

Present at hike/ride starts & assisting in kitchen:  Helen Greitzer.

There were thirteen riders and, after being reassured that 13 was Helen’s lucky number and no opposing positions being voiced, we set out to be confronted immediately with a significant hill, reaching 6.9% grade, which served to warm us up in temperatures which ranged from 39 to 43 degrees.  More hills were to follow, maxing out at 10.6%.  There were a number of long climbs, followed by long, very enjoyable downhills.  I think the most scenic part of the ride was Fiske Mill Pond on, appropriately enough, Pond Street.  The pond had many good-sized rocks sticking up through the water in various places, contributing to its charm, along with the dam with water spilling over it.

Thanks to Susan Sabin for sweeping.  (On second thought, there were fourteen riders.) 

Ride report by Clyde Newton.

Our walk began with the same significant 6.9% grade as the rider's route.  When they passed us, we were all very happy to be on our feet instead of on our bikes!  Hikers enjoyed the varied, mostly woodsy terrain and later the views of the reservoir.  The hikers returned about 20 minutes before the cyclists, but, through the generosity of the attendees, there was plenty of food and drink.  I would like to thank Helen for arriving to the party early to help prepare and set out the food and to stay, along with Marie, Richard, and Kaz, to help clean up.

Mike Byrne had to return home for forgotten cycling gear, so he returned and did his own ride.  Clyde Kessel rode to the party from home and was joined by his wife, Francoise, for socializing and a welcome drive home.  Dick Harter had a flat tire before the ride began, so did a shorter ride on his own.

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Hike report by Ann Northup.

Ride or Hike & Hanukkah party - December 9, 2015

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RIDE, HIKE & PARTY REPORTS

Wednesday, December 9, 2015, Ride or Hike & Hanukkah party
Ride Leaders:  Bob Wolf & Tom Allen

34 & 23 miles, 10:30 am starts from Marie's house, Lincoln, MA Hike Leader & Party Host:  Marie Keutmann

~4 miles, 11:00 am start from Marie's house, Lincoln, MA

Riders - 34 mi (15):  Bob, Barry Nelson, Bernie Flynn, Bob Wadsworth, Clyde Kessel, Francie Sparks, Fred Newton, Greg Stathis, Joel Bauman, Karen Saltus, Ken Hablow, Lindy King, Rich Taylor, Russ Keene, and Wing Chow.

Riders - 23 mi (8):  Tom, Arthur Teepe, Butch Pemstein, Joanne Samuels, John Allen, Robyn Maislin, Susan Sabin, and first-timer Harriet Fell.

Hikers (21):  Marie, Adena Schutzberg, Barbara Jacobs, Barry Kaditz, Bob Anderson, Carol Anderson, Chuck McWilliams, Edie Baxter, Elsa Lawrence, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Mroczkowski, Jacque Smith, Joan Laxson, Judith McMichael, Kaz Zelny, Mary Counihan, Mike Counihan, Mike Hanauer, Sander Nydick, Winnie Parker, and first-timer Julie Stephenson.

Party only (11):  Ann Northup, Betty Hoffman, Doug Hobkirk, Eli Post, Jerry Green, Joel Covitz, Kathy Halmi, Margie Lee, Michael Levine, Patrick Ward, and Richard Mandel. 

Kitchen Crew (2):  Helen Greitzer & Richard Vignoni.

Thirteen riders set out on the long ride which Bob Wolf gamely led despite having a flu-like bug.  The ride went through Sudbury, Maynard, Stow, Acton, Concord, and Lincoln.  There were no mechanical issues.  The riders, who observed the hikers crossing Rte 117, arrived back at Marie's moments after the hikers, in plenty of time to enjoy the party and the delicious food.

Ride report by Marie Keutmann.

Our group of nine (?) riders was anxious to get going after the departure of the long ride group.  Folks were bouncing up and down in the chilly air, so we set out following the route of the long ride for about seven miles before branching off.  We did spot a wild turkey along side of the road, but since Richard already had a turkey on the oven, we didn't stop.

We departed from the long ride route at Willis Road in Sudbury and headed north. (Our route was not published in the ride announcement email, so here it is.)  Importantly, we passed (and stopped at) a convenient Dunkin Donuts for refreshment and, mainly, relief.  We then rode some very nice roads in South Acton and on into West Concord, where Butch's Port-a-Potty radar got a hit (see photo).

Despite being the first group to return to the party scene, we were all well behaved, sampling only carrots and celery while waiting for others to finish their outings.

Thanks to Butch for sweeping.

Ride report by Tom Allen.

Marie led an approximately four mile hike from her house, around Farrar Pond on trails that have lots of ups and downs and nice views.  We did some bushwhacking on private property, but everyone was well behaved and we were not caught.  Our reward was the sumptuous turkey and fixings prepared by Richard and Helen, plus delicious appetizers, sides, and desserts brought by many WWs.

Hike report by Marie Keutmann.

There were fifty-one people at the party, setting a new Hanukkah party attendance record!  While the bikers and hikers were out on the roads and the trail, the cooks were active, with Richard cooking two turkeys, one on the gas grill outside and one in the oven.  Helen and Richard also made applesauce.  Latkes this year were frozen and just needed to be heated in the oven.  With Barbara Jacob’s kugels and the many appetizers, side dishes, and desserts brought by others, there was plenty of food to go around and lots of leftovers.
 
After lively conversations and people stuffing themselves with food, Sander lit the Hanukkah candles in the menorah and recited the blessing.  This was followed by Joanne’s orchestration of the Yankee Swap.  There was a wide selection of gifts ranging from the practical, such as wine and gift certificates for Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, to the novel, such as a Red Sox bobblehead (not sure which player).  

Thanks to Bob Wolf, Tom Allen, and Butch Pemstein for leading the rides, to Richard and Helen for the cooking, and to those who stayed around and helped with the cleanup.  And, of course, thanks to all those who contributed and participated to make the party such a great success.

Party report by Marie Keutmann.

Farm to Farm to Bogs - December 4, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Friday, December 4, 2015, Farm to Farm to Bogs
Ride Leaders:  Doug Hobkirk & Tom Allen
31 & 21 miles, 10:00 a start from Verrill Farm, Concord, MA
 

Riders - 31 mi (19):  Doug, Arthur Teepe, Bob Anderson, Brooke Stevens, Clyde Kessel, Dom Jorge, Gene Ho, Ilkka Suvanto, Jack Donohue, Karen Featherstone, Kathy Horvath, Kaz Zelny, Larry Kernan, Mary Kernan, Maurice King, Peggy Gelin, Rudge McKenney, Susan Sabin, and Steve Robins.

Riders - 21 mi (6):  Tom, Butch Pemstein, Dick Harter, Richard Fortier, Roy Westerberg, and first-timer Wing Chow.

Present at ride start:  Helen Greitzer.

On a glorious, sun-drenched day, 78 riders (maybe less? I count poorly!) assembled to patiently listen as I rambled on about how I encouraged them to try killing themselves in the final mile on a fast downhill.  We regrouped on the rare occasions when we got split up.  We found three Wheelers on Monument Street who had said they would meet the group at the end of that street at 10:30, but at that time we were probably just going through Concord center.  We regrouped before getting onto Rte 225 for the short stretch to smooth (s-m-o-o-t-h!) Maple Street.  Then the short riders split off just before the end of Maple Street, and one mile before the hardest hill.  Coincidence??

Great Brook Farm was a treat, even if the ice cream stand was closed.  Clyde left us, but everyone shouted "Hello, Clyde" as we passed his house, which has an "Eggs for Sale" sign on his mailbox.  Up the hill on Curve Street and then down the hill to the Cranberry Bogs.  New England can be really magnificent, even without deciduous foliage.  We re-grouped at Ice Pond, seven miles before ride's end, and I explained the best "line" for anyone who wanted to take the final turn at high speed.  Should there be an arrow?  We left it open.

I had an excellent time - I got to ride my route with a bunch of friends.  The group stayed together pretty well; our overall average speed moving was 13.8; there were no mishaps.  And then we got to eat yummy food in a toasty greenhouse at Verrill Farm. 

Safety:  the arrows worked fine and I think that there were few long waits, but what does the leader know?  On School Street, we had the only instance where I noticed that a vehicle was behind and we did not break into six-person groups.  It was, however, a semi truck on a narrow road and I don't think that it would have passed us, even if we were in smaller groups, but I mention it as an issue to contemplate.

Thanks to Gene for sweeping.

Report by Doug Hobkirk.

The long and short rides rode together for the first nine miles.  We then split off for a shorter, but (I allege) more challenging, route.  We climbed some hills on lovely backroads of Carlisle and eschewed the long and leg stiffening stop at Great Brook Farm.  (We did make a just-in-time stop at a convenient porta-potty on Lowell Road.)

There was a bit of drama while the rides were together. On a curvy and somewhat hilly stretch of Monument Street, a pickup truck became impatient with the car in front of him which was reluctant to pass us.  When the car did pass, the truck gunned it and, in so doing, dumped a wheelbarrow out of its bed and onto the road, blocking traffic coming in the opposite direction - the truck driver was oblivious.  Roy leapt into action and cleared the road of the wayward wheelbarrow.  It is unknown whether the truck driver ever noticed the loss.

Thanks to Dick Harter for sweeping our group, but it wasn't much of a chore.  I don't think we deployed any arrows once we separated from the long ride group.

Report by Tom Allen.

Day Before Turkey Day Ride - November 25, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, November 25, 2015, Day Before Turkey Day (DBTD) rides & party
Ride Leaders:  Bob Apsler, Rudge McKenney, & John Allen
36, 27 & 16 miles, staggered starts (10:00, 10:30, & 11:00 am) from Holi, Bedford, MA 

Riders - 36 mi (11):  Bob, Bill Lane, Curt Dudley-Marling, Francie Sparks, Gene Ho, Karen Saltus, Lindy King, Rich Taylor, Selig Saltzman, Tim Wilson, and first-timer Cecilia Scimia.
Riders - 27 mi (15):  Rudge, Barry Nelson, Don Mannes, Gardner Gray, Jack Donohue, James Hsia, Joanne Samuels, Kathy Horvath, Linda Nelson, Richard Bowen, Richard Vignoni, Robyn Maislin, Steve Maislin, Susan Sabin, and first-timer Pat Brennan.
Riders - 16 mi (6):  John, Barbara Jacobs, Butch Pemstein, Judi Burten, Marie Keutmann, and Mike Hanauer.
Present for lunch only (5):  Adena Schutzberg, Bob Sawyer, Bob Wolf, Helen Greitzer, and Mike Counihan.

With the morning temperature well below the predicted 39 degrees, the ride leader was determined to depart promptly at 10:00 am.  Alas, a recalcitrant floor pump foiled this plan, but taught a lesson.  One participant’s efforts to top off her tire resulted in the opposite – loss of all air.  The ride leader and others assumed it had to be a puncture.  Their mistake delayed discovery of the cause - a defective floor pump.  Lesson:  sometimes the least likely option is the correct one.  All went well thereafter.  We regrouped at the crest of every substantial hill and, as a result, needed few arrows due to the group remaining compact.  Perceived temperature was milder than expected, due to the presence of sun and absence of wind.  Quiet back roads, often newly repaved, dominated the occasional forays onto busy arteries.  Many thanks to the ever reliable Selig for sweeping.

The staggered start times worked marvelously.  Long riders mingled with short and medium riders at the restaurant.  On some past rides, where all ride options started at the same time, long riders arrived after most others had departed from the lunch stop. 

Report by Bob Apsler.

We started the ride, with fifteen riders on fourteen bicycles, from Holi restaurant in Bedford.  It was a brisk November morning, but the shining sun gave all hope and comfort.  A long stretch down Rte 62 took us to Concord center where we veered right to avoid the tourists, shoppers, and other pedestrian types.  With historical landmarks on our left and right, we plowed forward over bridge and dale to the comfort of winding roads, farms, and livestock.  Of special note was the sighting of a fox preparing to celebrate the holiday with a chicken neatly tucked away in its mouth!

Another long stretch down Lowell Road and into Carlisle which we circled most of the morning.  We regrouped at Kate’s Corner, the apex of our journey, and commenced our return home.  However, the temptation of Great Brook Farm lured the happy riders for one more stop in hopes of finding ice cream and other such holiday treats.  But, alas, we had to settle for restrooms and the lingering aroma of the neighbor’s cows' leftovers.  Up the hills and down the hills, we finally reached Rte 225 and the last stretch back to Bedford.

Special thanks to  Kathy Horvath for sweeping the ride.

Report by Rudge McKenney.

Having found no designated route for the short ride, I used the medium ride route with a shortcut.  The group of six rode at a relaxed pace.  We stopped at the Minuteman National Historic Park parking lot on Monument Street in Concord, only to find that restrooms were closed; however, those at the Visitor Center on Liberty Street were open.  Turning from Concord Street, Carlisle, onto quiet but hilly Russell Street, and again at the Carlisle library, we determined to take 
Rte 225 back to Holi restaurant, so as to arrive by 1:00 pm, which we did.  As there were no more turns at that point, a couple of ride participants went out ahead of the group.  Planned mileage was 20 and actual was 16.1.

A fine, sociable lunchtime followed - highlight:  94th birthday greetings and birthday cake for Bob Sawyer, who showed up for lunch on his new electrically-assisted tricycle.

Report by John Allen.

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From Jack Donohue - "Here's a link to the Facebook album with my pictures:"

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.406011136254136.1073741848.162728697249049&type=1&l=38a00ee499

Ups & Downs of Lexington - November 18, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, November 18, 2015, Ups & Downs of Lexington
Ride Leader:  Tom Allen
35 miles, 10:00 am start from Ixtapa, Lexington, MA
 

Riders (15):  Tom, Bill Widnall, Bob Wadsworth, Bruce Lederer, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dick Harter, Fred Newton, Herb Kavet, Jack Donohue, Jack Mroczkowski, Karen Featherstone, Kathy Jonas, Rich Taylor, Selig Saltzman, and Steve Robins. 

Present at Lunch:  Mike Hanauer.

The day started frosty and brisk, but with bright sunshine and ideal road conditions - a perfect November riding day!  About a mile into the ride we tackled our first hill, climbing to the top of Whipple Hill.  From there the ride lived up to its name and took us over many hills and many unfamiliar roads with little traffic. 

We did Page Hill the hard way, more than doubling the climb involved, in a straight-on assault.  Then, on to a comfort stop at the Bedford Depot and Minute Man Bikeway terminus.  Although a straight (and level) return route, via the bike path to the restaurant, was fantasized by some, we pushed on in quest of more hills.

A particularly memorable short climb was made more so by poor pavement and a backing cement truck that the blocked the road just as riders were struggling to the top.  Then back through Lexington with a couple of unpaved stretches thrown in for interest.  We stopped at the "Big Dig House" on Bird Hill (more hill than bird).  Here's a tour of the interior of the house.  We then climbed the Six Moon Hill cul de sac to visit what was the mid century community conceived and implemented by The Architects' Collaborative and inspired by the Bauhaus and Walter Gropius.

Eight of the group repaired to Ixtapa, for a fine Mexican lunch, where we were joined by Mike Hanauer. 

Our sweep, Dick Harter, (thanks Dick) gave the group a no better than B grade for safe riding practices, with moving over for "Car Back" being the main deficiency.

Thanks also to Susan Sabin, Ilkka Suvanto, and Rich Mandel for joining me on the Monday scouting ride.

Report by Tom Allen.

Smooth as Silk Ride - November 13, 2015

RIDE REPORT

Friday, November 13, 2015
Ride Leader:  Jack Donohue
35 miles, 10:00 am start from Bedford Public Library, Bedford, MA

Riders (27):  Jack, Ann Northup, Barbara Jacobs, Bernie Flynn, Bob Wadsworth, Bob (AKA the stalker) Wolf, Clyde Kessel, Curt Dudley-Marling, David Wean, Dmitry Gorenburg, Elizabeth Wicks, Francie Sparks, Frank Hubbard, Fred Newton, Gene Ho, Herb Kavet, Ilkka Suvvanto, Jim Cant, Judi Burten, Karen Featherstone, Larry Kernan, Marie Keutmann, Maurice King, Peggy Gelin, Steve Robins, Susan Sabin, and Wick Doggett..

Things went pretty smoothly (no pun intended) for the beginning of the ride.  I gave riders the option of skipping the "Significant Climb" and some took me up on it.  The ride looped back after the climb, so they had naught to do but wait for us to return.

There had been some concern at the start about the location of rest stops, which I admitted I hadn't thought through.  When we got near the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, I suggested we go off route a bit, to the pond near the trail that was equipped with a portajohn.  I figured we could take a break, enjoy the view, enjoy the portajohn.  I took off and very few followed.  It seems the group would rather just soldier on.  So we had another schism - the peckish people decided not to delay lunch any more and took off while we were enjoying our rest stop.  This made my leader job even easier, though I was concerned whether they could find their way sans leader and sweep.

We were down to eight at this point, then picked up a few more.  When we got to Carlisle center, I asked if people wanted to cut the ride short by just going straight down Rte 225, and got a resounding "yes."  So we made a beeline for Ken's Deli (no relation to our Ken), where we found some of the speedy group eating al fresco in the warm sun.  The whereabouts of the second breakaway group was undetermined.

Perhaps because of the smooth roads there were no mechanicals.  There were, however, two FDGBs - one related to wet leaves, the other to a spontaneous upset at rest.

Strangest part of the ride was when we had a pop-up shower while the sun was shining.

Thanks to Clyde for sweeping (and not leaving us by going home when the opportunity presented itself).

Picture album on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.402928536562396.1073741846.162728697249049&type=1&l=0d8535a61a

(If you took pictures and would like to share, you should be able to add them to this album, If not, let me know -- Jack. )

Report by Jack Donohue.