Cape Ride - August 31, 2016

Ride Report

Wednesday, August 31, 2016, Cape ride - Dennis Beaches
Ride Leaders:  Larry Kornetsky & Joe Tavilla
32 miles from Chapin's restaurant, Dennis Port, MA

Riders (13): Annemarie Altman, Rich Boretti, Larry Decker, Ed Foster, Robin Frain, Tom Galib, Pati Kent, Larry Kornetsky(leader), Rich Mandel, Don Mannes, Lou Outor, Susan Sabin, Joseph Tavilla

Thirteen riders met in Dennis Port for a tour of the Dennis beaches.  We started out on the south side, riding along the coast to West Dennis Beach.  Then we headed north to Chapin Beach overlooking Cape Cod Bay.  After a short break, we rode along the north side, weaving in and out of beaches and streets with gorgeous landscaping.

Back at the parking lot, most riders stayed for lunch and had sandwiches at Dolly's Sandwich shop. Thanks to Ed and Joe for sharing the sweeping, and to all the arrows for arrowing.  Only once did an arrow leave his/her post too early, but the lost riders were able to find us.

Ride report by Larry Kornetsky.

NH Seacoast - August 24, 2016

Ride Report - NH Seacoast August 24, 2016

On a picture perfect day and with no incidents, a pleasant ride along the coast of NH was enjoyed by all riders as well as the ride leaders. After lunching in Portsmouth we returned to the start via mostly the reverse route. Joanne Samuels remoted from her home in Portsmouth and met up with the group at The Beach Plum in Rye. This is still for many riders a favorite ride, which was started by Dick Arsenault many years ago.

Report by Jacque Smith

Riders: Bob Apsler, Dale Ferguson, Gardner Gray, Gene Ho, Jack Mroczkowski, Janet Miller, Joanne Samuels, Joe Marcangelo, Maurice King, Rich Taylor, Richard Fortier, Selig Saltzman.

Wachusett From the East - August 17, 2016

Ride Report Wednesday, August 17, 2016, Wachusett From the East Ride Leaders:  Richard Vignoni and Illka Suvanto 38 mile long ride, 42.5 with summit option 17.2 Shorter, Less Hilly ride Riders (21): Bob Apsler, Dave Balaban, Rick Carlson, Wing Chow, Bernie Flynn, Tom Fortmann, Robin Frain, Gardner Gray Jr., Ellen Gugel, Gene Ho, Timothy Jacoby, Herb Kavet, Stanley Kay, Clyde Kessel, Bill Lane, Butch Pemstein, Selig Saltzman, Pat Schindeler, Francie Sparks, Richard Vignoni, Kaz Zelny With dry air, bright skies and a brisk wind, 21 riders showed up at the Forbush Mill soccer field for a ride which has now become a Wednesday Wheeler tradition.  After taking attendance and doing the roll call using Jack Donohue’s attendance app, we headed out on our way to Wachusett Mountain.  During the orientation talk, I noted that the ride to the mountain is all uphill and we would have a headwind but for the return it would be all downhill with a tailwind which was more or less the case.  Having not scouted the ride, I did not notice that I had posted a RWGPS link to a variation of my intended route.   I stuck with my original plan and on multiple occasions we deviated then converged back with the RWGPS route as they both got you to the mountain but using some different roads.  At mile 20 we made a left onto Pine Hill Rd. where several commented that it has gotten steeper over the years.   From there it was a short ride to the visitor’s center.   A good number of riders went to the summit while others hung out at the visitor’s center.  Some of the group with time constraints or just anxious to get back went ahead before we were ready to leave.   Lunch was at a combination of Rota Springs (some claim have the best ice cream anywhere) and Meadow Brook Orchards. Thanks to Gene Ho for sweeping the ride and to all those who arrowed and participated. Special note - I used the attendance app, and think it is great.  I encourage other ride leaders to check it out. Report by Richard Vignoni 19 mile ride report Eight of us rode mostly quiet roads in Bolton and Clinton at a relaxed pace. There were a few hills including an extra mile detour on beautiful Ballville Rd. The ride should be renamed Crossing the Railroads which we cautiously did at least four times. Directions on the cue sheet were a bit confusing since some turns have no posted street signs and at least one turn was really left, not right. Everyone made it back comfortably with five of us adding a couple more miles to enjoy lunch on the picnic tables at Bolton Farms. Thanks to Susan Sabin for sweeping. Report by Ilkka  Riders (7): Patrick Brennan, Marie Keutmann, Janet Miller, Ann Northup, Susan Sabin, Chris Schuch, Ilkka Suvanto, John Roberts I took photos at the start and played with a movie app . Let me know if fun to watch or not.

Hull/World's End Ride - August 3, 2016

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RIDE REPORT

Wednesday, August 3, 2016, "To the end of the World" or "To Hull in a Handbasket"
Ride Leaders:  David Wean & Bob Apsler
28 and 41 miles, 10:00 am start from Wompatuck Park, Hingham, MA

World's End riders (9): Ron Beland, Stuart Kaufman (remote from Jamaica Plain via the Hingham ferry), Marie Keutmann, Maurice King, David Kobes, Chuck McWilliams, Richard Vignoni (remote from Scituate), Patrick Ward, David Wean

Hull Riders (8): Bob Apsler, Dave Balaban, Donald Buchholtz, Gene Ho, Bill Lane, Butch Pemstein, Susan Sabin, Veronica Vedensky

World's End Ride Report

The group rode together for the first 9 miles, crossing from Hingham into Weymouth, and then exploring Great Esker and Bare Cove Parks along the sides of the Back River estuary.  At the South Shore Conservatory (where we hope we didn't disrupt the rehearsal going on in the amphitheater) we split up, with Bob leading the Hull group and David leading the World's End group. The World's end group spent about an hour riding most of the major dirt and gravel carriage paths, with a break to enjoy the view of Quincy and Boston.  (photo credit:  Chuck McWilliams).  Everyone made it without incident, even on very narrow tires. We then rode the "closed" road that led to Jerusalem Road along Cohasset's coast (see Bob's description below) past Sandy Beach and into town, where sandwiches were enjoyed on the shaded picnic tables at Fresh Feast.  The last 5 miles back to the ride start included a stretch through the little-used back side of Wompatuck.

Hull Ride Report

The Hull group sought out every opportunity for riding close to the shore - sea-side on the outbound ride and Hingham Bay side on the return.  We paused at Revere Park to enjoy the spectacular views shortly before reaching the tip of Hull, where we watched boats traversing the sometimes treacherous Gut.  The weather and views were the opposite of last year’s cloudy and drizzly excursion, reminding us of the great beauty easily accessible within the Greater Boston area.  Jerusalem Road immersed us in the splendor of elegant mansions and luxurious landscapes nestled along a rolling and winding stretch of fresh pavement that teased us with ocean views to the left and an inland bay on the right.  The minuscule total climbing elevation for the ride concealed several very steep, but short, climbs that helped justify a relaxing patio lunch in Cohasset, where we met many of the World's End riders.  Assorted mis-directions necessitating U-turns were, of course, entirely due to RWGPS technological problems beyond the ride leader’s control.

Special thanks to Stuart Kaufman and Gene Ho for sweeping the rides, as well as each of you who arrowed when asked. 

Report by David Wean (World's End) and Bob Apsler (Hull)

World's End riders

Great Brook Farm State Park MTB/road ride - July 27, 2016

Mountain Biking Report
14 mountain bikers divided themselves into two groups according to experience levels and rode for several hours through Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle. The advanced intermediate group started with Julianne North, Katherine Bain, Tom Amiro and Herb Kavet and was led by Tony Lee and Lisa Cheney. The intermediate group began with Carol and Bob Anderson, Mike Hanauer, Bob Apsler and Pat Ward and was led by Margie Lee, Kim Wach and Larry Kornetsky. A few riders peeled off early due to water, energy, bike and time issues. Several also joined the roadies for a picnic lunch after the ride. Riders are to be commended for great attitudes and the consensus was that the group rides were fun. Ten years ago, on September 20, 2006 to be precise, Jerry Green led a Wednesday Wheeler mountain bike ride which introduced Lisa Cheney, Larry Kornetsky and Tony Lee to the sport, and their lives haven’t been the same since. Thanks again, Jerry, and maybe others were similarly inspired today.
Report submitted by Margie & Tony Lee

Road Biking Report
It was a good turnout considering there were actually 4 separate rides today.  It’s nice to know that not everyone has gone to the dark side.  With only a dozen riders, we were able to get started within a minute or two of 10 am but as we left the park, a latecomer drove up so we waited a few minutes for him to saddle up.  It was worth it as he was a valuable addition to the group.  Even with the delay, one member of our group was in the restroom and missed our departure.  He spent most of the morning trying to catch up to us, finally succeeding after 25 miles! Aside from that, things went well, with many shady roads until we reached Sudbury Rd which is undergoing major construction.  If I had known, I would have detoured around it.   Lunch at the park was pleasant in the cool shade. Thanks to all the arrows and to Jack for sweeping and taking attendance. – Clyde

Road Riders(15): Marc Baskin, Patrick Brennan, Jim Cant, Jack Donohue, Richard Fortier, Gene Ho, Clyde Kessel, Lindy King, Bill Lane, Bob Mccarty, Jack Mroczkowski, Pat Schindeler, Ilkka Suvanto, Rich Taylor, Roy Westerberg

Road riders in front of Clyde's house, three missing

Carol Anderson, one of the mountain bikers

Tour of Carlisle - July 20, 2016

Ride Report Wednesday July 20, 2016

The ride leaders thank Mike for hosting and I wish to join them. Mike opened up his home to us, made arrangements to provide food and drink and gave up riding for that day. We would be a better club if there were more who did likewise.

Short Riders (15): John Allen, Steve Bogue, Harriet Fell, Betty Hoffman, Marie Keutmann, Elsa Lawrence, Tom Lawrence, Janet Miller, Jack Mroczkowski, Ann Northup, Romaine Randall(sweep), Nancy Smith, Ilkka Suvanto(leader), David Wean, Eli Post

Long Riders (29): Dave Balaban, Andrew Brand, Patrick Brennan, Donald Buchholtz, Robin Callahan, Rick Carlson, Jack Donohue, Richard Fortier, Bill Haynes, Cynthia Holthouse, Chuck Huizenga, Stuart Kaufman, Clyde Kessel(leader), Bill Lane, Robyn Maislin, Steve Maislin, Neil Martin, Butch Pemstein (sweep), Susan Sabin, Pat Schindeler, Brett Serkez, George Stromberg, Veronica Vedensky, Richard Vignoni, Patrick Ward, Philip Weiss, Roy Westerberg, Robert Wilson

36-mile ride report for July 20

Just for a little variety, we took the back way out of Mike’s house riding on 150 yards of good dirt road.  This put us behind the unsuspecting short group who left after we had and pretty soon we caught up to them and started to ride through.  About the same time, a late arrival who was trying to join the short group caught up with us and then got a flat tire.  Since he hadn’t yet caught the short group’s sweep, he became the responsibility of the long group and stayed with us for the rest of the ride.  Thereafter, things went quite smoothly though we did hurry past the honey wagon we saw.  Around the halfway point, the leader deviated over Vose Hill to reduce the mileage on 225 and 27.  The leader thought it was an excellent tradeoff but some of the riders didn’t seem to agree.  There were several stretches of fine new pavement, notably Treble Cove Rd in Billerica which had absolutely brand new lines painted sometime since noon on the previous day. The leader received many compliments on the lovely shaded ride but they really belong to Mike Hanauer who designed the route. Thanks to all the arrows and Butch for sweeping and especially to Mike for putting on such a good party including cookies at the start. - Clyde

22-mile ride report for July 20.

With about a dozen riders we stayed together for most of the ride. The roads were well shaded and generally in good condition although at one point some sharp stone gravel cut a rider's tire resulting in an instant flat. He managed a quick 10-minute repair by inserting a dollar bill into the slashed tire. After a long rest stop at Great Brook Farm we finished the ride at about an 11.8 mph average overall. One rider did take a tumble on the last turn after getting a bit too close to the leader's rear wheel, but no harm done to either the rider or bicycle. Thanks Romaine for  sweeping. Great to be greeted by Mike with a delicious banana smoothie. - Ilkka

Party Report for July 20:

A perfect sunny day with many newly smoothed roads canopied with shade producing trees, and followed with a festive lunch -- or was it a feast. Is that cycling, or is that really an idyllic life? The question is for all of you to ponder. My thanks to Clyde and Ilkka for leading the rides and to the many others who lent a hand during the rides or with the after-ride party. The party seemed to be well enjoyed by all. Included were appetizers, lasagna, salad, watermelon, and the now traditional banana-lemon smoothies -- all disappeared with velocity. A special shout out and thank you to Roy Westerberg for his wonderful home brew too. Finding a brew that might be better than my cherished Arrogant Bastard, discovered at WW favorite The Chat, should make Roy proud (if not rich). It was good to see Brett Serkez too, back home where many of us believe he belongs.To a great ride, a great group, and some great teamwork!   All So Appreciated! - Mike

Bob and Carol Anderson came for lunch. Mike Hanauer hosted party.

Long riders at Great Brook Farm

More pictures HERE

Groton - Hollis rides - July 13, 2016

RIDE REPORTS

Wednesday, July 13, 2016, Groton - Hollis rides
Ride Leaders:  Lindy King & Brett Serkez
48 & 31 miles from  the Nashua River Rail Trail parking area, Groton, MA

Riders - 48 mi (8):  Lindy, Bob Apsler, Butch Pemstein, Curt Dudley-Marling, Dave Balaban, Rich Taylor, Robin Frain, and first-timer Philip Weiss.
Riders - 31 mi (12):  Brett, Bob Wilson, Chuck McWilliams, David Wean, Gardner Gray, Janet Miller, Jim Cant, Ron Beland, Roy Westerberg, Steve Bogue, and first-timers David Kobes and Ed Webby (?).
Present at lunch:  Helen Greitzer.

On a muggy, hot, summer’s morning, only a handful of WWs came to join the 48 mile Groton - Hollis ride.  They were all hardy riders and, with a small-sized group, we generally stopped to regroup at the tops of hills and at turns where there was a shady spot to be found.  Some of the riders voted for more hills, so we skipped the mile of dirt in Hollis for more climbing.  It was nice to grab a cool drink at the Monument Square Market and use the facilities in town.  We hogged the bench on the town square until the riders on the short ride rendezvoused with us.

We socialized for a while and then proceeded on the route where there were more hills in the second half than the first!  No one seemed to mind and there were many compliments on how nice the route was.  It was exceedingly hot when we returned to Groton and everyone quickly went for lunch or indulged in the A/C in their cars.

Many thanks to Brett Serkez for stepping up to lead the short ride option!

Ride report by Lindy King.

The 31 mile ride was beautiful, though hot and humid.  There were no incidents, mechanical or human, and the ride seemed to be enjoyed by all.  Four of us joined Helen for a delicious lunch at Filho's Cucina at ride's end.

Ride report by Brett Serkez.

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Photos courtesy of Rich Taylor.

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