This Week - Pepperell ROTARY - Mass Central - Dunstable

Dear AdventuRiders,

Sorry for the late planning for this week, but I have been out in Central MA working on a new ride along the beautiful Mass Central Rail Trail. There is a new section to explore, and sadly, Heavy Evie's Happy Kitchen is all boarded up.

Welcome to November! Its going to be sunny, chilly, and breezy for the next few days. If you are properly dressed, it is still very enjoyable bicycling weather though. Tomorrow morning is supposed to be mid 30s in the morning and mid 40s in the afternoon with plentiful sunshine.


The morning Fitness Ride will feature country roads and beautiful views on the way to Hollis, NH. Then its off to Beaver Brook Association for some off road riding through the woods before returning past the Nissitissit River and Pepperell Center, The route is about 15 miles, 370 feet vertical, considerable dirt / gravel roads, and civilized off road through Beaver Brook. I am planning to bring my hybrid bike. Its is doable on a road bike, but a hybrid would be much more appropriate. Here is a map.

The afternoon Recreation Ride will feature the beautiful hills of Pepperell Center and West Groton. After crossing the Nashua River, we will explore the old Groton Fairgrounds and the Petapawag Canoe Launch before heading back on the Nashua River Rail Trail. We will also stop at the new park by the covered bridge for a history lesson. The route is about 14 miles, 210 feet vertical, and all on road, but there is a bit of dirt / gravel in West Groton. I will have my hybrid bike, but a road bike will work too. Here is a map.


On Monday, November 1st. We will meet at the Pepperell Rotary - NOT East Pepperell Center. Here is a map.

• At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Beaver Brook. Here is a map.
• At 11:30 AM - We will have lunch at C&S Pizza.
• At 12:15 PM - The Recreational Ride will leave for West Groton. Here is a map.
• At 2:15 PM - We will be back.

On Wednesday, November 3rd - We will meet in Jefferson, MA and explore the Mass Central Rail Trail out to Oakham, MA. More details to come.


On Friday, November 5th, We will meet in Dunstable at Later Field.

• At 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
• At 11:30 AM - Lunch.
• At 12:15 PM - The Fitness Rive will leave.
• At 2:15 PM - We will be back.

Hope to see you there!
Bill and Carole

GO - Partly Cloudy and Chilly

Bring a warm Halloween costume :-)

Reminder - Halloween Ride Carlisle Center Tomorrow + Tour de Grave

Dear AdventuRiders,

I hope you all had a chance to get outside today. We had a great ride UP to Greenville, NH for lunch and a breezy ride back DOWN to Townsend. The weather for tomorrow is looking nice, but considerably cooler. It should be mid 40s in the morning and mid 50s in the afternoon with partly cloudy skies.


Don't forget, best Halloween Costume wins dessert from Fern's Country Store.

We will meet in a little park just north of the Carlisle Center rotary. Here is a map. Please DO NOT park at Fern's. If the parking lot is full, there is another parking lot at Carlisle Town Hall just around the corner.

The morning Recreation Ride will zip over to the new Bruce Freeman Rail Trail for a short ride to Heart Pond. Then its off to the Cranberry Bog and Great Brook Farm State Park before returning to Carlisle. The route is almost 15 miles and 250 feet vertical. We will probably do a bit of off road exploring, but I'll be bringing my road bike tires at least, so the off road will be limited and very civilized.

The afternoon Fitness Ride will cruise past a bunch of Acton Conservation land on the way to the Old North Bridge in Concord. From there we will ride on Monument Street and admire the farms and views of the Concord River Valley on our way back to Carlisle. The route is 16 1/2 miles, 350 feet vertical, all on road and I plan to bring my road bike / tires.


On Friday, October 29th, we will meet in Carlisle Center for our Halloween Ride. Best costume wins a dessert from Fern's Country Store. Here is a map.

• At 9:30 AM. The Recreation Ride will leave for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and Great Brook Farm. Here is a map.
• At 11:30 AM. We will get lunch at Fern's Country Store in Carlisle Center.
• At 12:15 PM. The Fitness Ride will leave for Concord and the Old North Bridge. Here is a map.
• At 2:15 PM. We will be back.

On Saturday, October 30th, *MassBike Spins Presents: Tour de Grave*

Thanks to Lindy for suggesting this!

*What: *A MassBike trip to some of the Boston area's famous and lesser-known
graveyards in honor of Halloween. Trip leaves at 9:30 AM in order to avoid
the majority of ghosts, and will be about 20 miles and take about 4
hours. Helmets are required and appropriate costumes are encouraged for this ride!

We will visit the following burying grounds and cemeteries: Old Cambridge
Burying Ground, Belmont Cemetery, North Cambridge Catholic Cemetery, Old
Arlington Burying Ground, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Oak Grove Cemetery, Salem
Street Burying Ground, Phipps Street Burying Ground, Bunker Hill Cemetery,
St. Francis de Sales Cemetery, and we will end the ride at the newly
restored Milk Row Cemetery in Somerville.

*Where*: We will meet at the Old Cambridge Burying Ground at the corner of
Garden Street and Mass Ave in Harvard Square.

*When*: Saturday October 30, 2010 at 9:30AM until 2 PM.

Steady rain cancels.

*Who*: For more information contact Dick Bauer <dick.bauer@alum.mit.edu>

<http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Tour-de-Graves-2010>

Route Map and Cue
Sheet<http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Tour-de-Graves-2010>

MassBike Spins <http://www.massbike.org/newsevents/ride-listings/>

<http://www.massbike.org/>http://www.massbike.org



Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

GO - It's Indian Summer!

Change of Plans - Greenville on Thursday

Dear AdventuRiders,

It looks almost certain that tomorrow's ride will be rained out :-(

So, I rescheduled this week's Exploration Ride to Thursday, October 28th, and changed the starting point to Townsend Center. The weather is looking extraordinarily nice with sunny skies and mid 60s on Thursday. The foliage in the high country is fading a bit, but in the towns and along the rivers it can best be described as "a riot of colors"!

We will meet about 1/2 mile past Townsend Center and ride UP to Ashby then DOWN to historic New Ipswich "High Bridge" and then on to Greenville for lunch (NOT Nennie's 5 Star!). Lunch will be at the Heart's Desire Bakery / Deli or the Panda Wok in Greenville. After lunch, we have a steady climb up to amazing views from Adams Hill. We should be able to see Boston (almost 50 miles away). From there it is almost all DOWN. We will zip through Mason, past the cascades on Rocky Brook, and then enjoy a breezy cruise back down to Townsend.

The ride will be about 25 miles and 1050 feet vertical with 2 category 5 hills (easiest category) getting up to the plateau, but then its rolling hills and beautiful distant views. After lunch we have another cat 5 hill. Its all on road, but there are a few gravel / dirt roads on the way. I plan to bring my road bike, or at least my road bike tires. BTW, the killer hills are easily walkable, so everyone is welcome. Here is a map.


On Thursday, October 28th, we will meet just past Townsend Center. Here is a map. Google claims its only 14 minutes from Groton Center.

* At 9:30 AM - we will leave for Greenville. Here is a map.
* At Noonish - Lunch in Greenville.
* At 2:30 PM - we will be back.


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

GO - No Rain In Sight

It is a bit chilly, bring something warm.

This Week - Stow - Groton - Carlisle + Tour de Grave

Dear AdventuRiders,

After a somewhat wintry (but beautiful) ride on Friday, we have a mild but cloudy day in store for tomorrow. In the morning the forecast calls for near 60 degrees and cloudy, the afternoon forecast is for more of the same but mid 60s.


The morning Fitness Ride features a swing past Delaney Pond on our way to the golf courses in Stow. Then its off to the unpaved (but extremely civilized) portion of the Assebet River Rail Trail and a visit to the CIA headquarters! After following the Assebet River and enjoying the foliage for a while we will head back to Nancy's for lunch. The route is about 16 1/2 miles and 300 feet vertical. Here is a map. I am planning to bring my road tires / bike.

The afternoon Recreation Ride, we will visit a different part of Delaney Pond on the way to Boxboro and Hill Road (yes, its a hill). We will stop at the old school house and zoom down to Boxboro Center before heading back past old Flagg Hill Ski Area.
The route is about 13 1/2 miles and 300 feet vertical, most of it is on Hill Road. Here is a map. I am planning to bring my road tires / bike.

On Monday, October 25th, we will meet at Nancy's Airfield Cafe at the Stow Minuteman Airfield. Here is a map.

• At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Hudson and the Assebet River Rail Trail. Here is a map.
  
• At 11:30 AM - We will have lunch at Nancy's Airfield Cafe. YUM!
• At 12:15 PM - The Recreation Ride will leave for Delaney Pond and Littleton. Here is a map.
• At 2:15 PM - We will be back.

On Wednesday, October 27th, we will meet in Groton Center. Here is a map. I again have kid chauffeur duty in the afternoon, so we will do a 25 mile ride in the morning.

• At 9:30 AM - The Exploration Ride will leave for Lunenburg. Here is a map.
• At 12:30 PM - We should be back.
• Lunch at Filho's? Perhaps the Groton Inn? Main Street Cafe?

On Friday, October 29th, we will meet in Carlisle Center for our Halloween Ride. Best costume wins a dessert from Fern's Country Store.

• At 9:30 AM. The Recreation Ride will leave for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and Great Brook Farm. Here is a map.
• At 11:30 AM. We will get lunch at Fern's Country Store in Carlisle Center.
• At 12:15 PM. The Fitness Ride will leave for Concord and the Old North Bridge. Here is a map.
• At 2:15 PM. We will be back.

On Saturday, October 30th, *MassBike Spins Presents: Tour de Grave*

Thanks to Lindy for suggesting this!

*What: *A MassBike trip to some of the Boston area's famous and lesser-known
graveyards in honor of Halloween. Trip leaves at 9:30 AM in order to avoid
the majority of ghosts, and will be about 20 miles and take about 4
hours. Helmets are required and appropriate costumes are encouraged for this ride!

We will visit the following burying grounds and cemeteries: Old Cambridge
Burying Ground, Belmont Cemetery, North Cambridge Catholic Cemetery, Old
Arlington Burying Ground, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Oak Grove Cemetery, Salem
Street Burying Ground, Phipps Street Burying Ground, Bunker Hill Cemetery,
St. Francis de Sales Cemetery, and we will end the ride at the newly
restored Milk Row Cemetery in Somerville.


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

Today's Ride, Wachusett Passes, and AppleFest

Dear AdventuRiders,

I hesitate to use the work "cold" to describe today's ride, perhaps "invigorating" and "Fall foliage spectacular" would be more fitting.

Anyway, Alex took this video of this morning's ride. Thanks Alex!

And hot off my GPS, this morning's route to West Boyleston and this afternoon's route to Clinton. BTW, if you are ever out that way and get hungry, I would definitely recommend Village Pizza and More on Main Street in Sterling.

As long as I'm plugging stuff, for all you downhill skiers I have a Greatest Possible Saving club at Wachusett Mountain again this year. Here is the link to the GPS passes. I would recommend the Bronze or Silver season pass, since weekend days and holidays can be very crowded. The Bronze Pass is $229 and the deadline to buy GPS passes is November 17th. Surprisingly, the group name is ADVENTURIDES.

And finally, don't miss the AppleFest this weekend at Wachusett featuring the Great New England BBQ Festival. They have Wachusett Country Ale on tap ...

Have a great weekend,
Bill

GO - Beautiful Day But Chilly

Bring an extra layer.

Reminder - Sterling Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

If you noticed the bright sunshine, breeze and chill this afternoon, you have a good idea what tomorrow's weather will be like. Bring some warm clothes, gloves, etc, and enjoy the spectacular Fall colors in Central Massachusetts.


To take advantage of the sunny weather, and to try something new, I thought we would meet in Sterling, MA. Google claims its 35 minutes from Groton and 25 minutes from Harvard. Here is a map.

My son, Keaton, and I made this video last summer that covers much of the area we will be riding.

The morning Recreation Ride will explore the Mass Central Rail Trail from Sterling to Holden. We will also stop at the Old Stone Church on the Wachusett Reservoir. Its an out and back sort of trip, so we will be spending quite a bit of time off road on a beautiful crushed rock surface. The route is 17 miles with about 750 feet vertical and 8 miles off road. Much of the elevation gain is on the 2% grade of the rail trail, so its not as hard as it sounds. I am planning to bring my road bike anyway. Here is a map.


Lunch will be at Bambi's Corner Cafe in Sterling Center.

"A little slice of the American pie, the Corner Café, in Sterling Center, offers basic diner fare at very low prices. Informal and chatty servers make for a nice experience, as do reliably prepared comfort foods."

NOTE: Last time we sort of overwhelmed Bambi, so we may go to Village Pizza and More instead.

The afternoon Fitness Ride will go up the hill to Davis' Farmland before swooping down to historic Clinton. After visiting the Wachusett Dam and riding along the reservoir, we will enjoy the rolling orchards and views of the Nashoba valley from Chase Hill Road. From there, its down to Waushacum Pond and a short stretch of the Mass Central Rail Trail back to Sterling. The route is about 15 miles and 800 feet vertical with a couple miles of very civilized off road. I am planning to bring my road bike. Here is a map.


On Friday, October 22nd, - We will meet at the Rail Trail parking in Sterling Center. Here is a map.

* At 9:30 AM, the Recreation Ride will leave for Holden. Here is a map.
* At 11:30 AM, we will have lunch at Bambi's Corner Cafe or Village Pizza.
* At 12:15 PM, the Fitness Ride will leave for the Wachusett Dam. Here is a map.
* At 2:15 PM, we will be back.


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

GO - Partly Cloudy and 47 in Gloucester

Bring something warm.

Reminder - CAPE ANN Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well is looks like another nice Fall bike riding day! The Gloucester forecast calls for low 50s and partly cloudy in the morning with increasing clouds and near 60 in the afternoon. Wind shouldn't be an issue, but bring a warmth layer and a wind layer anyhow. Since my road bike's crank is still clicking, I am planning to bring my hybrid bike. The route is all on road, so a road bike will work fine too.


On Wednesday we will have a SPECIAL ride on beautiful Cape Ann. We also have a guest leader to show us around Gloucester and Rockport and wherever else he chooses. This should be a real treat, especially for me, and a true Exploration Ride for all of us. And a special thanks to Joe for helping to arrange this trip.

it is a little over an hours drive from Shaw's parking lot in Groton to Gloucester. If you want to carpool, RSVP and show up at Shaw's at 8:45 AM. Here is a map.


On Wednesday October 20th - We will meet at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. Here is a map.

* At 8:45 AM - We will meet to carpool in Shaw's parking lot at 4 corners in Groton. Here is a map. RSVP so we can get a headcount and arrange bike racks etc.
* At 10:00 AM - We will leave Stage Fort Park for a tour of Cape Ann. The route is about 27 miles.
* At Noonish - Lunch!
* At 2:30 PM - We will be back to Stage Fort Park.
* At 3:30 PM - We should be back to Groton.

A note from our guest leader "I can recommend a stop for food – Halibut Point, a tavern on Main Street in Gloucester - http://www.halibutpointrestaurant.com/. (I can also recommend the Italian fish chowder – tomato based and spicy.) After the ride, for the beer drinkers there's Cape Anne Brewing - http://www.capeannbrewing.com/". Our guest leader obviously understands our prime motivations :-)


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

GO - Another Beauty

Bring something warm and a wind layer.

This Week - Westford - Cape Ann(?) - Sterling

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather is looking very nice tomorrow, sunny and mid 40's in the morning, partly cloudy and mid 50s in the afternoon. It will be a bit breezy, so bring a warmth layer and a wind layer. The routes are doable on a road bike, but there will be some loose surfaces, so I plan to bring my hybrid bike.


On Monday October 18th - We will meet at Forge Pond Beach in Westford. Here is a map. From the intersection of West Prescott Street and Pleasant Street, follow the narrow paved road along the railroad tracks to the beach.

* At 9:30 AM the Fitness ride will leave to explore Lost Lake and Massapoag Pond. Here is a map.
* At 11:30 AM we will have a picnic lunch at the beach or the restaurant.
* At 12:15 PM the Recreational ride will leave for the Stone Arch Bridge and Graniteville. Here is a map.
* At 2:15 PM we will be back.

The Fitness Ride will explore Lost Lake, Duck Pond, Massapoag Pond, and Keyes Pond as well as parts of the NA&B rail line. The route is a little over 16 miles with a significant amount of off road. I plan to bring my hybrid bike.

We can have a Picnic Lunch at Forge Pond Beach and we can get subs at Pizzaria Presti across the street.

The Recreation Ride will feature one of the wonders of the Merrimack Valley: the Stone Arch Bridge in Westford. We will also visit Nabnasset Lake and possibly Burge's Pond. The route is about 12 miles with a some civilized off road and a few hills. I plan to bring my hybrid bike.

PortaPotty Warning: There is no PortaPotty at the starting point! There will be some along the ride.



On Wednesday, October 20th, we are working on a trip to Cape Ann. Stay Tuned.



On Friday, October 22nd, - We will meet at the Rail Trail parking in Sterling Center. Here is a map.

* At 9:30 AM, the Recreation Ride will leave for the Wachusett Dam. Here is a map.
* At 11:30 AM, we will have lunch at Bambi's Corner Cafe or Sterling Pizza.
* At 12:15 PM, the Fitness Ride will leave for Holden. Here is a map.
* At 2:15 PM, we will be back.



Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

STOP - All Friday Rides Are Postponed

Definitely NOT a top 10 day!

Local Events + Reminder - Stow - Nancy's Airfield Cafe

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well the weather is looking pretty grim tomorrow :-( 100% chance or rain in the morning. I will send out email and update the website before 8:00 AM with GO / STOP status.

In the mean time, let me plug a few local bicycle related events:

Human Powered Vehicle Festival

On Saturday 10/16 (rain date 10/17) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, come to the Nashua River Rail Trail between Groton Center and Ayer and see all sorts of strange human powered vehicles. Carole and I will have a table for AdventuRides stuff and I am going to bring some of my wheeled creations Including Carole's new "hybrid" bike.

Bikes Not Bombs

If you have some old bikes laying around the house, I know I do, you can donate them to Bikes Not Bombs. They ask for a $10 per bike donation to help pay for restoring the bike.

"For 25 years, BNB has been a nexus of bike recycling and community empowerment both in lower income neighborhoods of Boston and in the nations of the Global South. BNB's programs involve young people and adults in mutually respectful leadership development and environmental stewardship, while recycling thousands of bicycles."

Here are some local dropoff spots.

• Concord Dropoff Day

  Sat Oct 16th
• Westford Bike Drive

  Sat Oct 16th
• Ayer Recycle Day

  Sat Oct 23rd
• Acton Boxborough Regional Bike Drive

  Sun Nov 7th

On Friday, October 15th, we will meet at the Stow Airfield on Boxboro Road. Here is a map. Please park away from Nancy's. I plan to bring my Hybrid Bike.

• At 9:30 AM - we will leave for Delaney Pond. Here is a map.
• At 11:30 AM - we will have lunch at Nancy's Airfield Cafe.
• At 12:15 PM - we will leave for the ARNWR. Here is a map.
• At 2:15 PM - we will be back.

Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

GO - Another Beautiful Day!

Bring something warm.

Reminder - Groton Center Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Are you ready for another TOP 10 day? It will be a bit chilly when we leave, mid 40s and Sunny, but it should be near 60 when we get back. Bring a warmth layer and a wind layer and you should be fine. Check out the picture from yesterday's ride.


Tomorrow we will meet in Groton Center, here is a map. The Groton Precision Parking Police seem to be more interested in Dunkin Donuts these days, but park facing the "correct" way just in case.

Then we will leave for Dunstable by way of Martin's Pond Road, Baddacook Pond, and Massapoag Pond. From there we will stop at the Stone Arch Bridge and ride a portion of the NA&B Rail Road before heading back to Pepperell. Then its the good ole Nashua River Rail Trail back to Groton. The route is about 25 miles and 450 feet vertical (moderate). There is some gravel and the NA&B has a fairly loose surface. I am planning to bring my Hybrid Bike. Here is a map.

On Wednesday, October 13th - We will meet in Groton Center. Here is a map. I need to be back by 12:30.

* At 9:30 AM - We will leave for the Dunstable Stone Arch Bridge. Here is a map.
* At 12:30 PM - I need to be back.
* Lunch at Filho's ???



On Friday, October 15th, we will meet at the Stow Airfield on Boxboro Road. Here is a map. Please park away from Nancy's.

* At 9:30 AM - we will leave for Delaney Pond.
* At 11:30 AM - we will have lunch at Nancy's Airfield Cafe.
* At 12:15 PM - we will leave for the ARNWR.
* At 2:15 PM - we will be back.



On Saturday, October 16th - Human Powered Vehicle Festival, Groton Center. Rain date 10/17.


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

GO - It's A Beautiful Day!

Bring something warm.

Reminder - Hudson - 5 Boro Bike Tour

Dear AdventuRiders,

It looks like another TOP 10 day tomorrow. Sunny and 50 degrees in the morning, sunny and low 60s in the afternoon! There are not too many of these days left this year. So, even though its Columbus Day, let's ride.


Not to be outdone by the NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour, I present the Central Massachusetts 5 Boro Bike Tour. We will ride through Marlboro, Southboro, Westboro, Northboro, and Boxboro. Along the way, we will ride on the Assebet River Rail Trail, have a snack at Chauncy Lake, explore the old Westboro State Hospital, stop at the Horseshoe Pub for lunch (80 beers on tap!), and then circumnavigate Delaney Pond to pick up our last "boro".

The morning 4 Boro ride is about  23 1/2 miles with 550 feet vertical including one Cat 5 hill (easiest category). Here is a map. The afternoon Boxboro ride is about 15 1/2 miles and 225 feet vertical. Here is a map. There are bits and pieces of gravel, but I am planning to bring my road bike anyway.


On Monday, October 11th - We will meet at the Horseshoe Pub in Hudson. Here is a map.

* At 9:30 AM - We will leave for the 4 Boro Bike Tour. Here is a map.
* At 12:30 PM - We will have lunch at the Horseshoe Pub. They have 30 new menu items for Oktoberfest as well as the usual 80 beers on tap.
* At 1:30 PM - If people are interested, we can continue on to Boxboro and pick up our 5th "Boro". Here is a map. Take that NYC!
* At 3:30 PM - We should be back.


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

Next Week - Groton - Hudson - Groton - Stow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Ok, the weather tomorrow is looking WAAAAY too nice to pass up, 60 degrees and SUNNY! There is also a Charity Chili Cook Off at Deven's Common ($10 donation) that we can stop by on our ride. I haven't planned a ride, but we can figure out something appropriate. Skip lunch, and maybe breakfast too and join as at noon in Groton Center. Everyone is welcome, the more the merrier. Bring your kids, your spouse, your friends!


On Sunday, October 10th - Not only is it 10/10/10, but it is also Carole's 29th Birthday (again).

"Join us at 31 Station Ave. and the Rail-Trail, Groton center Sunday Oct. 10, 10AM to 3PM to support 350.ORG's world event '10-10-10' Climate Action day. See http://www.350.org/ for more information."
 
* At Noon - We will meet in Groton Center at the Rail Trail. Here is a map.
* At 1:00 PM (until 4:00) - Chili Cook Off - Devens Common - $10 Donation - ALL YOU CAN EAT.
* Sometime - We will be back.


On Monday, October 11th - We will meet at the Horseshoe Pub in Hudson. Here is a map.

* At 9:30 AM - We will leave for the 4 Boro Bike Tour. Here is a map.
* At 12:30 PM - We will have lunch at the Horseshoe Pub. They have 30 new menu items for Oktoberfest as well as the usual 80 beers on tap.
* At 1:30 PM - If people are interested, we can continue on to Boxboro and pick up our 5th "Boro". Here is a map. Take that NYC!
* At 3:30 PM - We should be back.

The morning 4 Boro ride is about  23 1/2 miles with 550 feet vertical including one Cat 5 hill (easiest category). Here is a map. The afternoon Boxboro ride is about 15 1/2 miles and 225 feet vertical. Here is a map. There are bits and pieces of gravel, but I am planning to bring my road bike anyway.


On Wednesday, October 13th - We will meet in Groton Center for a longish morning ride. I need to pick up my kids at school before 1:00.

* At 9:30 AM - We will leave.
* At 12:30 PM - We should be back.
* Lunch ???



On Friday, October 15th, we will meet at the Stow Airfield on Boxboro Road. Here is a map. Please park away from Nancy's.

* At 9:30 AM - we will leave for Delaney Pond.
* At 11:30 AM - we will have lunch at Nancy's Airfield Cafe.
* At 12:15 PM - we will leave for the ARNWR.
* At 2:15 PM - we will be back.



On Saturday, October 16th - Human Powered Vehicle Festival, Groton Center. Rain date 10/17.


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

GO - It's A Beautiful Day!

Dress warmly.

Reminder - Harvard Track Tomorrow - NOT Depot Road

Dear AdventuRiders,

YAY, the sun is back! Tomorrow looks like a TOP 10 biking day. Sunny and mid 50s in the morning, sunny and mid 60s in the afternoon. It will be a bit windy though, so be sure to bring a wind layer. I also figured out a great ride for Monday (see below).

On Friday, we will try a new starting point in Harvard. We will be meeting at the Harvard Track behind the Harvard Post Office on Route 110. Here is a map. Janet told me about a new path that connects Depot Road to the area on the other side of Route 2. Thanks Janet! The path is loose gravel and not very suitable for road bikes, so I will be bringing my born again - again Bianchi Hybrid Bike. The gravel is about 1/2 mile long, so it would be possible to bring your road bike if you don't mind walking.

The morning Recreation Ride will take us UP Prospect Hill for some spectacular views of the Nashoba Valley and the Tree People at Fruitlands Museum. Then we will ride around Bear Hill Pond and finally past the South Shaker Village on the way back to lunch. The route is about 13 miles and 325 feet vertical (mostly Prospect Hill). Here is a map.

The afternoon Fitness Ride will take us UP Oak Hill to Carlson Orchards and their new solar energy farm. Then we get a breezy 2 mile DOWNHILL run to Delaney Pond. From there we explore some hilly backroads of Harvard before returning via the new gravel path. The route is almost 16 miles with 650 feet vertical. Here is a map.

On Friday, October 8th - We will meet at the Harvard Track, NOT Depot Road. Here is a map.

* At 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave for Bear Hill Pond. Here is a map.
* At 11:30 AM - We will have a picnic lunch from Sorrento's or Pizza Bella.
* At 12:15 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Oak Hill and the Stow Road downhill run. Here is a map.
* At 2:15 PM - We will be back.


On Sunday, October 10th - Not only is it 10/10/10, but it is also Carole's Birthday.

Join us at 31 Station Ave. and the Rail-Trail, Groton center Sunday Oct. 10, 10AM to 3PM to support 350.ORG's world event '10-10-10' Climate Action day. See http://www.350.org/ for more information.
 
By riding your bicycle and registering the distance you traveled you will help Groton reach a goal of at least 350 miles. The final total will be used towards 350.ORG's worldwide effort to educate everyone, and to send a message to world leaders the need to take serious action to solve the worsening problem of 'Climate Change'.


On Monday, October 11th - We will meet at the Horseshoe Pub in Hudson.

At 9:30 AM - We will leave for the 4 Boro Bike Tour. Here is a map.
At 12:30 PM - We will have lunch at the Horseshoe Pub. They have 30 new menu items for Oktoberfest as well as the usual 80 beers on tap.
At 1:30 PM - If people are interested, we can continue on to Boxboro and pick up our 5th "Boro". Take that NYC!
At 3:30 PM - We should be back.


On Saturday, October 16th - Human Powered Vehicle Festival, Groton Center. Rain date 10/17.


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

GO - Bring Something Warm

Reminder - Shirley Center Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather is definitely looking better tomorrow. Mid 50s and partly cloudy in the morning, mid 60s and windy in the afternoon. You will want to bring a warmth layer and a wind layer.


Tomorrow, we will meet in historic Shirley Center (NOT Shirley Village where the train station is). Here is a map. Then its off to Flat Hill (it isn't) for beautiful views and foliage. We will visit Hickory Hill Lake and climb UP toward Pearl Hill before turning back to Lunenburg. Trudy's Treats is gone :-( so we won't be stopping in Lunenburg, but instead we will zoom down to Lake Shirley before climbing back up to Shirley Center. The route is about 24 miles and quite hilly with over 600 feet elevation gain. Here is a map.

I will probably bring my born again - again hybrid bike even though the route is entirely on road. Road bikes will work well on this route.

On Thursday, October 7th - We will meet in historic Shirley Center. Here is a map.

* At 9:30 AM - We will leave for the hills of Lunenburg. Here is a map.
* At 12:30 PM - We should be back.
* LUNCH - At Bull Run Restaurant. Here is their new Fall menu. I have my eye on the "Turkey Gobbler" sandwich!



On Friday, October 8th - We will meet at the Harvard Track, NOT Depot Road. Here is a map.

* At 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave for Bear Hill Pond. Here is a map.
* At 11:30 AM - We will have a picnic lunch from Sorrento's or Pizza Bella.
* At 12:15 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Oak Hill and the Stow Road downhill run. Here is a map.
* At 2:15 PM - We will be back.

On Friday, we will try a new starting point in Harvard. We will be meeting at the Harvard Track behind the Harvard Post Office on Route 110. Here is a map. Janet told me about a new path that connects Depot Road to the area on the other side of Route 2. Thanks Janet! The path is loose gravel and not very suitable for road bikes, so I will be bringing my born again - again Bianchi Hybrid Bike.


On Sunday, October 10th - Not only is it 10/10/10, but it is also Carole's Birthday.

Join us at 31 Station Ave. and the Rail-Trail, Groton center Sunday Oct. 10, 10AM to 3PM to support 350.ORG's world event '10-10-10' Climate Action day. See http://www.350.org/ for more information.
 
By riding your bicycle and registering the distance you traveled you will help Groton reach a goal of at least 350 miles. The final total will be used towards 350.ORG's worldwide effort to educate everyone, and to send a message to world leaders the need to take serious action to solve the worsening problem of 'Climate Change'.


On Monday, October 11th - Even though it is Columbus Day, I am planning to do a 25 - 30 mile ride with lunch afterwards.
adv

On Saturday, October 16th - Human Powered Vehicle Festival, Groton Center. Rain date 10/17.


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

Ride Updates

Dear AdventuRiders,

Although we have ridden in the rain on the coast before, tomorrow is looking particularly wet and windy on Cape Ann. So, unfortunately tomorrow's Cape Ann Ride is POSTPONED.


Because of all the rainouts, I have scheduled some special rides. I haven't worked out all the details yet, but here is what I am thinking.

On Thursday, October 7th - We will meet in historic Shirley Center and ride 25 - 30 miles with lunch afterwards.


On Friday, October 8th - We will meet at the Harvard Track, NOT Depot Road. Here is a map.

* At 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave for Bear Hill Pond. Here is a map.
* At 11:30 AM - We will have a picnic lunch from Sorrento's or Pizza Bella.
* At 12:15 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Oak Hill and the Stow Road downhill run. Here is a map.
* At 2:15 PM - We will be back.

On Friday, we will try a new starting point in Harvard. We will be meeting at the Harvard Track behind the Harvard Post Office on Route 110. Here is a map. Janet told me about a new path that connects Depot Road to the area on the other side of Route 2. Thanks Janet! The path is loose gravel and not very suitable for road bikes, so I will be bringing my born again - again Bianchi Hybrid Bike.


On Sunday, October 10th - Not only is it 10/10/10, but it is also Carole's Birthday.

Join us at 31 Station Ave. and the Rail-Trail, Groton center Sunday Oct. 10, 10AM to 3PM to support 350.ORG's world event '10-10-10' Climate Action day. See http://www.350.org/ for more information.
 
By riding your bicycle and registering the distance you traveled you will help Groton reach a goal of at least 350 miles. The final total will be used towards 350.ORG's worldwide effort to educate everyone, and to send a message to world leaders the need to take serious action to solve the worsening problem of 'Climate Change'.


On Monday, October 11th - Even though it is Columbus Day, I am planning to do a 25 - 30 mile ride with lunch afterwards.


On Sunday, October 17th - Human Powered Vehicle Festival, Groton Center.


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

STOP - All Monday Rides Are POSTPONED

Ugh, cold, windy, and rainy :-(

Reminder - Forge Pond Beach Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, the forecast for tomorrow isn't looking real swell at this point. It just calls for sprinkles in the morning and about 50 degrees. The afternoon is looking worse, but I will wait until tomorrow morning to call it.

Bring your hybrid bike and warm clothes.


On Monday October 4th - We will meet at Forge Pond Beach in Westford. Here is a map. From the intersection of West Prescott Street and Pleasant Street, follow the narrow paved road along the railroad tracks to the beach.

* At 9:30 AM the Fitness ride will leave to explore Lost Lake and Massapoag Pond. Here is a map.
* At 11:30 AM we will have a picnic lunch at the beach or the restaurant.
* At 12:15 PM the Recreational ride will leave for the Stone Arch Bridge and Graniteville. Here is a map.
* At 2:15 PM we will be back.

The Fitness Ride will explore Lost Lake, Duck Pond, Massapoag Pond, and Keyes Pond as well as parts of the NA&B rail line. The route is a little over 16 miles with a significant amount of off road. I plan to bring my born again - again hybrid bike.

We will have a Picnic Lunch at Forge Pond Beach and we can get subs at Pizzaria Presti across the street.

The Recreation Ride will feature one of the wonders of the Merrimack Valley: the Stone Arch Bridge in Westford. We will also visit Nabnasset Lake and possibly Burge's Pond. The route is about 12 miles with a some civilized off road and a few hills. I plan to bring my hybrid bike.

PortaPotty Warning: There is no PortaPotty at the starting point! There will be some along the ride.


Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

Next Week - Westford - Cape Ann - Harvard

Dear AdventuRiders,

To help lift your spirits on this rainy day, here are some pictures from last weekend's Seacoast Century. Thanks Ralph!

Also we are planning a special trip to Cape Ann on Wednesday. Thanks to Joe and Alex, we will have a local guest leader to show us around Gloucester, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport. Stay tuned for more details.



On Monday, the weather forecast looks a bit iffy, but its waaaaaaay to early to make any accurate predictions.

On Monday October 4th - We will meet at Forge Pond Beach in Westford. Here is a map. From the intersection of West Prescott Street and Pleasant Street, follow the narrow paved road along the railroad tracks to the beach.

* At 9:30 AM the Fitness ride will leave to explore Lost Lake and Massapoag Pond. Here is a map.
* At 11:30 AM we will have a picnic lunch at the beach.
* At 12:15 PM the Recreational ride will leave for the Stone Arch Bridge and Graniteville. Here is a map.
* At 2:15 PM we will be back.

The Fitness Ride will explore Lost Lake, Duck Pond, Massapoag Pond, and Keyes Pond as well as parts of the NA&B rail line. The route is a little over 16 miles with a significant amount of off road. I plan to bring my born again - again hybrid bike.

We will have a Picnic Lunch at Forge Pond Beach and we can get subs at Pizzaria Presti across the street.

The Recreation Ride will feature one of the wonders of the Merrimack Valley: the Stone Arch Bridge in Westford. We will also visit Nabnasset Lake and possibly Burge's Pond. The route is about 12 miles with a some civilized off road and a few hills. I plan to bring my hybrid bike.

PortaPotty Warning: There is no PortaPotty at the starting point! There will be some along the ride.



On Wednesday October 6th - We will meet at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. Here is a map.

* At 10:00 AM - We will leave for a tour of Cape Ann. The route is about 27 miles
* At 3:00 PM - We will be back.

A note from our guest leader "I can recommend a stop for food – Halibut Point, a tavern on Main Street in Gloucester - http://www.halibutpointrestaurant.com/. (I can also recommend the Italian fish chowder – tomato based and spicy.) After the ride, for the beer drinkers there's Cape Anne Brewing - http://www.capeannbrewing.com/". Our guest leader obviously understands our prime motivations :-)



On Friday October 8th - We will meet at the Harvard Track, NOT Depot Road. Here is a map.

* At 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave for Bear Hill Pond. Here is a map.
* At 11:30 AM - We will have a picnic lunch from Sorrento's or Pizza Bella.
* At 12:15 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Oak Hill and the Stow Road downhill run. Here is a map.
* At 2:15 PM - We will be back.

On Friday, we will try a new starting point in Harvard. We will be meeting at the Harvard Track behind the Harvard Post Office on Route 110. Here is a map. Janet told me about a new path that connects Depot Road to the area on the other side of Route 2. Thanks Janet! The path is loose gravel and not very suitable for road bikes, so I will be bringing my born again - again Bianchi Hybrid Bike.



Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole

STOP - All Friday Rides Postponed :-(

At least we need the rain.