Change of Plans - Cape Ann on THURSDAY

Dear AdventuRiders,

I hate to change the Exploration Ride again this week, but the weather is looking MUCH better on Thursday. The Wednesday forecast is Hazy, Hot, and Humid with a high of 86 in Rockport. Thursday is supposed to be Sunny, Much Cooler, and Breezy, with a high of 70 degrees. 

On THURSDAY, June 2nd - Cape Ann

RSVP if you are planning to join us, and tell us if you are carpooling from Shaw's or meeting us at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester.

I'm planning to do the whole route with a snack break in Rockport and then have lunch / beer at Cape Ann Brewery.

Join us on the FIRST OFFICIAL AdventuRides trip to Cape Ann. We had a wonderful guest fearless leader last fall, and I have taken his route and added a few more points of interest. 

We will start at Fort Stage Park in Gloucester with sweeping views of the harbor and ride (carefully) through the Gloucester waterfront. From there we will ride down to the Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary along quiet private roads. Next stop is beautiful Good Harbor Beach. 

Then we ride along the coast past the Twin Lighthouses of Thacher Island on our way to Rockport. Bring a snack for our stop at the Headlands on Rockport Harbor. After exploring Bearskin Neck in Rockport, we will head back along the north coast. Along the way we will ride through Annisquam Village before returning to Fort Stage.

Lunch / Beer will be at the Cape Ann Brewery a short drive away on the Gloucester waterfront.

• Carpool Meeting Map - 8:45 AM Shaw's Parking Lot in Groton
• Start Point Map - 10:00 AM Fort Stage Park - Gloucester
• Route Map - Cape Ann - Rockport
• Distance : 27.5 miles
• Elevation Gain : 400 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved : NONE
• Equipment : I will riding my ROAD bike.

AR Index = roughly equal to 30 flat, paved miles.

Here is the schedule:

• At 8:45 AM - The carpool will leave from Shaw's
• At 10:00 AM - The Exploration Ride will leave.
• At 1:30 PM - We will be back to Fort Stage.
• Lunch at Cape Ann Brewery.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - Thunderstorms Roaming Around

Today's ride is postponed.

This Week - West Groton - Cape Ann - East Pepperell

Dear AdventuRiders,

This Monday is Memorial Day, but since we have had such crappy weather on Mondays, I have scheduled a special make-up ride. The weather for Monday is supposed to be hot and humid, so I thought a visit to the Squannacook River and Heald Pond would be in order. Both have exceptionally nice swimming holes, but the water is probably quite cold.

On Monday, May 30th - West Groton

We will meet at Cutler Field in West Groton. Here is a starting point map.

This is a variant of my hot summer day ride from Groton Center. We will stop at the Bertozzi Wildlife Management Area with an optional dip in the Squannacook River. Then its off to the hills of West Pepperell and Heald Pond. I've extended my normal route a bit to avoid the really steep hills and still stop at Heald Pond. Then we zoom down the hill to Pepperell Center before returning by way of (not over) Mount Lebanon.

• We will leave at 9:30 AM
• Start Point Map - Cutler Field
• Route Map - West Groton - Swimming Holes
• Distance : 18 miles
• Elevation Gain : 375 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved : 1.5 miles
• Equipment : I will riding my HYBRID bike.

AR Index = roughly equal to 21 flat, paved miles.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The Special Memorial Day Ride will leave.
• At Noon - We will be back.
• Lunch?

On Wednesday, June 1st - Cape Ann

I'm planning to do the whole route with a snack break in Rockport and then have lunch / beer at Cape Ann Brewery.

• We will leave at 10:00 AM
• Start Point Map - Fort Stage Park - Gloucester
• Route Map - Cape Ann - Rockport
• Distance : 27.5 miles
• Elevation Gain : 400 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved : NONE
• Equipment : I will riding my ROAD bike.

AR Index = roughly equal to 30 flat, paved miles.

Here is the schedule:

• At 10:00 AM - The Exploration Ride will leave.
• At 1:30 PM - We will be back.
• Lunch at Cape Ann Brewery.

On Friday, June 3rd - East Pepperell

We will meet at the Rail Trail parking lot in East Pepperell Center. Here is the starting point map.

This is a "new" ride that starts at East Pepperell Center, goes UP to Hollis Center, then DOWN to Nashua. Then we will ride through Mine Falls Park on our way back to the Nashua River Rail Trail and back to Pepperell.

• We will leave at 9:30 AM
• Start Point Map - East Pepperell Center
• Route Map - Pepperell - Hollis - Nashua
• Distance : 27 miles
• Elevation Gain : 500 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved : 4 miles
• Equipment : I will riding my HYBRID bike.

AR Index = roughly equal to 32 flat, paved miles.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• At 12:30 PM - We will be back.
• Lunch

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - See You In Lunenburg

Reminder - Lunenburg Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather forecast is for Partly Cloudy and Warm tomorrow, quite a change from Monday! It should be mid 70s when we leave and mid 80s when we get back. It could be a moderately humid, so bring plenty of water. There is a beach at Pearl Hill if we need to cool off.

The Friday Fitness Ride will tour the rolling hills of Lunenburg, Shirley, and Townsend. Along the way we will visit Lake Shirley, Hickory Hills Lake, and Pearl Hill State Park. The route features many rolling hills, but only one significant hill, beautiful views, and scenic backroads. 

We will meet at the parking lot in Lunenburg Center between the Teen Center and the Senior Center. The Senior Center may be open for bathroom use, but ease up on the coffee just in case. There are a few PortaPotties along the way.

On Friday, May 27th @ 9:30 AM - Lunenburg

• Meeting Point Map : Lunenburg Center - between the Teen Center and Senior Center
• Route Map : Lunenburg - Pearl Hill
• Ride Distance : 27.5 miles
• Elevation Gain : 700 feet
• Unpaved: None - Although the pavement is generally rough.
• Equipment : I will be riding my ROAD bike

AR Index : roughly equal to 34 flat, paved miles.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• At 12:30 PM - We will be back.
• Lunch

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - RSVP if you are coming

Change of Plans - Portsmouth TOMORROW

Dear AdventuRiders,

Sorry for the late notice, but the weather report for Portsmouth changed to SUNNY tomorrow and CLOUDY on Thursday. I rearranged my schedule so I can do a Wednesday ride, so the weatherman better be right! Its supposed to be upper 60s and light winds.

On Wednesday, May 25th - Portsmouth

Although its an hour drive each way, this is a good route to accumulate miles without hills and with marvelous scenery. It will cost us $1.75 an hour to park at Hampton North Beach, but I'll bet we won't have to pay entrance fees at the parks.

RSVP if you want to carpool, or if you're meeting us at Hampton North Beach.

We can meet at the Shaw's parking lot at 4 corners in Groton to carpool. Here is a meeting place map.

We will meet at the Hampton North Beach Parking. Here is a starting point map.

• The Exploration Ride will ride along the beautiful NH seacoast to New Castle and then to Portsmouth. Along the way we will stop at Rye Harbor State Park, O'Diorne State Park, Fort Constitution, ... Since we have experience with afternoon headwinds on the coast, I have mapped out an inland route on the way back if necessary.

• The route is about 31 miles and mostly flat. Here is a route map. Its all on road, so I plan to bring my road bike.
• The AR Index is 31.

We have many choices for lunch in Portsmouth. Here are a few suggestions:

• Lunch on the deck overlooking Portsmouth Harbor at River House Restaurant.
• Pub lunch with fresh microbrew beer at the Portsmouth Brewery.
• Lighter fare at Popovers on the sidewalk in bustling Market Square.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:00 AM - Meet at Shaw's to carpool.
• At 10:00 AM - Meet at Hampton North Beach parking lot.
• At 12:30 PM ish - We will have lunch.
• At 3:00 PM - We will be back to Hampton North Beach.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Bring Your Rain Gear

It looks like just drizzle though.

This Week - West Groton - THURSDAY Portsmouth - Lunenburg

Dear AdventuRiders,

The forecast for tomorrow isn't looking as bad as is usual for Mondays, but there is a 40% chance of rain in the morning :-( Let's hope for the best!

I can't do a Wednesday ride this week, but the weather is looking better for Thursday at this point anyway.

On Monday, May 23rd - West Groton

We will meet at Cutler Field in West Groton. Here is a starting point map.

The morning Recreation Ride will cross the Squannacook River and climb up to Hickory Hills Lake in Lunenburg. From there we will climb Flat Hill (it isn't) to Shirley Center and view the spectacular gardens at a private wildlife refuge called Holdenwood. Then we swoop down the hill, cross Mulpus Brook, and head back to West Groton.

• We will leave at 9:30 AM
• Start Point Map
• Route Map
• Distance : 15 miles
• Elevation Gain : 400 feet (more difficult)
• Unpaved : NONE
• Equipment : I will riding my HYBRID bike, just because I want to.

AR Index = roughly equal to 18 flat, paved miles.

We can have lunch at the Clover farm Store in West Groton, home of the famous Squannacookie.

After lunch, the afternoon Recreation Ride will visit the Bertozzi Wildlife Refuge along the Squannacook River and continue to Townsend Harbor and check out the future Squannacook River Rail Trail. From there we will ride some scenic backroads on our way back to West Groton.

• We will leave at 12:30 PM
• Start Point Map
• Route Map
• Distance : 12 Miles
• Elevation Gain : 250 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved : 1 mile dirt / gravel
• Equipment : I will riding my HYBRID bike.

AR Index = roughly equal to 14 flat, paved miles.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The morning Recreation Ride will leave.
• At 11:30 AM - We will have lunch at the Clover Farm Store.
• At 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• At 2:30 PM - We will be back.

On Thursday, May 26th - Portsmouth

Hope springs eternal!

On Friday, May - 27th - Lunenburg

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Bring Your Rain Gear

Putting some adventure in AdventuRides!

Reminder - Dunstable - Larter Field Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well the forecast for tomorrow is "Few Showers" in the morning, "T-Showers" in the afternoon. It should be upper 50s when we leave, and low 60s when we get back. At least its getting warmer. I have multiple short cuts back if the weather turns nasty.

This is one of the longer rides we have done this season, so we will need to pick up the pace a bit so that we get back on time.

On Friday, May 20th - Dunstable - Larter Field

This ride explores the back roads and many ponds of Dunstable, Westford, and Groton. Along the way we will pass Massapoag Pond, Cow Pond Brook Reservoir, Keyes Pond, Nabnasset Pond, Stoney Brook Reservoir, Forge Pond, Knops Pond, Duck Pond, Lost Lake, and Whitney Pond (whew). The route has many rolling hills, but only one significant hill. There are several short stretches of dirt / gravel, and I'm bring my hybrid bike because I don't want to get my road bike muddy.

• We will leave at 9:30 AM
• Starting Point Map - Larter Field in Dunstable
• Route Map
• Distance - 28 Miles
• Elevation Gain - 500 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved - 2 miles
• Equipment - I'm bringing my HYBRID bike since it has a fender.

AR Index - roughly equal to 32 flat, paved miles

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• At 12:30 PM - We will be back.
• Lunch?

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - Wednesday's Exploration Ride is Postponed

Dear AdventuRiders,

I don't like to postpone rides a day in advance, but tomorrow is looking pretty hopeless :-(

Maybe Friday will be better.

Bill

STOP - All Monday Rides Postponed

Reminder - West Groton Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well I ate and drank too much on the Cape this weekend, and I really need a bike ride! Unfortunately, the weather is looking most uncooperative tomorrow :-(

On Monday, May 16th - West Groton

We will meet at Cutler Field in West Groton. Here is a starting point map.

The morning recreation ride will cross the Squannacook River and climb up to Hickory Hills Lake in Lunenburg. From there we will climb Flat Hill (it isn't) to Shirley Center and view the spectacular gardens at a private wildlife refuge called Holdenwood. Then we swoop down the hill, cross Mulpus Brook, and head back to West Groton.

• We will leave at 9:30 AM
• Start Point Map
• Route Map
• Distance : 15 miles
• Elevation Gain : 400 feet (more difficult)
• Unpaved : NONE
• Equipment : I will riding my HYBRID bike, just because I want to.

AR Index = roughly equal to 18 flat, paved miles.

We can have lunch at the Clover farm Store in West Groton, home of the famous Squannacookie.

After lunch, the afternoon recreation will visit the Bertozzi Wildlife Refuge along the Squannacook River and continue to Townsend Harbor and check out the future Squannacook River Rail Trail. From there we will ride some scenic backroads on our way back to West Groton.

• We will leave at 12:30 PM
• Start Point Map
• Route Map
• Distance : 12 Miles
• Elevation Gain : 250 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved : 1 mile dirt / gravel
• Equipment : I will riding my HYBRID bike.

AR Index = roughly equal to 14 flat, paved miles.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The morning Recreation Ride will leave.
• At 11:30 AM - We will have lunch at the Clover Farm Store.
• At 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• At 2:30 PM - We will be back.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - It's A Beautiful Day!

See you in West Acton.

Next Week - West Groton - East Pepperell - TBD

Dear AdventuRiders,

I will down on Cape Cod for a friend's wedding this weekend, so I haven't had time to plan next weeks rides yet. I will fill in the blanks by Sunday evening, but here is what I am thinking...

On Monday, May 16th - West Groton

The flowers at Holdenwood in Shirley Center are in full and spectacular bloom, so I thought I would take a ride up there.

We can have lunch at the Clover Farm Store in West Groton.

On Wednesday, May 18th - East Pepperell Center

The weather is looking potentially crappy all week, so I didn't schedule the Portsmouth ride :-(

We can go up to Nashua, have lunch at Martha's Exchange and cruise back through Mine Falls Park.

On Friday, May 20th - TBD

Stay tuned for more updates,

Bill and Carole

Reminder - West Acton on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Just to prove that great minds think alike, our rider emeritus, Carlin, sent me one of her paintings (in progress) of the beautiful hill in West Pepperell that we visited on Monday afternoon. Check it out!

The weather for Friday is looking better at this point. Now they're saying Mostly Cloudy, 60s and light winds.

The Friday Fitness Ride will first take us to the Acton Arboretum to enjoy all the trees in full bloom. Then we will cross Route 2 (at the lights) and ride along Fort Pond Brook and the old mill buildings before reaching Maynard. From there we cross the Assabet River, ride the unpaved portions of the Assabet River Rail Trail, explore the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge and have a potty stop. Then is off to the golf courses in Stow before heading back along Delaney Pond and Elizabeth Brook. The route isn't particularly hilly, but there is almost 5 miles of unpaved, civilized off-road.

We can have lunch at Idylwilde Farm.

On Friday, May 13th @ 9:30 AM - West Acton

• Meeting Point Map : West Acton - Elm Street Playground
• Route Map : West Acton - Assabet River NWR - Delaney
• Ride Distance : 27.4 miles
• Elevation Gain : 417 feet
• Unpaved: 4.5 miles
• Equipment : I will be riding my HYBRID bike

AR Index : roughly equal to 32 flat, paved miles.

I have been working on a method to better describe the difficulty of the rides. So I have a formula that takes into account hills and unpaved areas and attempts to describe the additional difficulty in terms of extra miles. None of this is an exact science, but it should be helpful in setting your expectations.

For example, a 24 mile end to end ride on the Nashua River Rail Trail would have an AR Index of 24. The 24 mile Bolton - Mount Pisgah route that we did last Friday has an AR Index of 32 due to the hills. This ride also has an AR Index of 32 due mostly to the unpaved portions.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• At 12:30 PM - We will be back.
• Lunch

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - Chilly and Drizzle :-(

Change of Plans - East Pepperell Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather gods are not smiling on our Portsmouth ride. There is a persistent ocean storm that is supposed to bring cloudy, windy, rainy weather to the coast tomorrow :-(

We're just supposed to get the cloudy part here tomorrow, so I changed the ride to our "new" ride to Nashua, NH and Martha's Exchange for lunch. The "new" ride starts in East Pepperell instead of Hollis, so we follow a flat route back to the start after lunch instead of climbing back up to Hollis.

Wednesday, May 11th - East Pepperell

We will meet at the Rail Trail parking lot in East Pepperell Center. Here is the starting point map.

• This is a "new" ride that starts at East Pepperell Center, goes UP to Hollis Center, then DOWN to Nashua. Then we will ride through Mine Falls Park on our way back to the Nashua River Rail Trail and back to Pepperell.

• Lunch will be at Martha's Exchange on Main Street in Nashua. Its a brewpub with great food and a Sweet Shoppe too! Here is their beer menu.

• The route is a little over 27 miles with about 500 feet vertical (moderate). Here is a route map. There is a considerable amount of dirt / gravel trail in Mine Falls Park. Its is generally quite smooth and a road bike will work, but I plan to bring my hybrid bike for comfort sake.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The Exploration Ride will leave.
• At 12:30 PM ish - We will have lunch at Martha's Exchange in Nashua.
• At 2:30 PM - We will be back.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - It's A Beautiful Day!

This Week - Groton Center - Portsmouth - West Acton

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather forecast is looking pretty good for this week. Monday is supposed to be partly cloudy and around 60 degrees. Wednesday is supposed to be similar, so we'll try again for the Portsmouth ride. Friday is too far away to worry about the "Few Showers" in the forecast.

On Monday, May 9th - Groton Center

We will meet in Groton Center at the Nashua River Rail Trail parking. Here is a starting point map.

• The morning recreation ride will explore the scenic backroads of Groton and Dunstable. We will stop at Baddacook Pond on the way with an optional PortyPotty stop at Larter Field. From there, we will ride some amazingly smooth roads on the way back to the Nashua River Rail Trail.  Here is a route map.

• The route is about 15 miles with 200 feet vertical (easy). There are a few rolling hills on the way, and there is about 1/4 mile of dirt / gravel road. A road bike will work, but I plan to bring my hybrid bike. 

• Lunch at Filho's Cucina, YUMMY!

• The afternoon recreation ride will explore West Groton and the beautiful rolling hills of West Pepperell. We will also check out the new covered bridge and memorial park before returning on the Nashua River Rail Trail. Here is a route map.

• The route is a little over 13 miles and 300 feet vertical (moderate). The one significant hill in West Pepperell is also the most scenic. There is also about 1/4 mile of dirt / gravel road. A road bike will work, but I plan to bring my hybrid bike. 

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The morning Recreation Ride will leave.
• At 11:30 AM - We will have lunch at Filho's Cucina.
• At 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• At 2:30 PM - We will be back.

On Wednesday, May 11th - Portsmouth

Although its an hour drive each way, this is a good route to accumulate miles without hills and with marvelous scenery. It will cost us $1.75 an hour to park at Hampton North Beach, but I'll bet we won't have to pay entrance fees at the parks.

We can meet at the Shaw's parking lot at 4 corners in Groton to carpool. Here is a meeting place map.

We will meet at the Hampton North Beach Parking. Here is a starting point map.

• The Exploration Ride will ride along the beautiful NH seacoast to New Castle and then to Portsmouth. Along the way we will stop at Rye Harbor State Park, O'Diorne State Park, Fort Constitution, ... Since we have experience with afternoon headwinds on the coast, I have mapped out an inland route on the way back if necessary.

• The route is about 31 miles and mostly flat. Here is a map. Its all on road, so I plan to bring my road bike.

We have many choices for lunch in Portsmouth. Here are a few suggestions:

• Lunch on the deck overlooking Portsmouth Harbor at River House Restaurant.
• Pub lunch with fresh microbrew beer at the Portsmouth Brewery.
• Lighter fare at Popovers on the sidewalk in bustling Market Square.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:00 AM - Meet at Shaw's to carpool.
• At 10:00 AM - Meet at Hampton North Beach parking lot.
• At 12:30 PM ish - We will have lunch.
• At 3:00 PM - We will be back to Hampton North Beach.

On Friday, May 13th - West Acton

We will meet at the Elm Street Playground in West Acton (around the corner from Idylwild Farm). Here is a starting point map.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• At 12:30 PM - We will be back.
• Lunch

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

New England Bike Expo This Weekend

Dear AdventuRiders,

Our intrepid rider, Darlene, alerted me to the New England Bike Expo this weekend in Somerville.

The details are at this website: http://www.newenglandbicycleexpo.com/

Have a great weekend!

Bill

GO - It's a Beautiful Day!

Reminder - Bolton Center Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather forecast is looking quite nice for tomorrow. Its supposed to be mid 50s, SUNNY, and a bit breezy when we leave and mid 60s and windy when we get back. It will be a TAILWIND on the way back though. I'm thinking lunch at Sorrento's in Harvard.

Everything is in bloom including the apple trees, since the Harvard Apple Blossom Festival is on Saturday. This ride features distant views, hills, horses, villages, working farms, and hills.

On Friday, May 6th - Bolton Center

We will meet at the Bolton Center baseball field. Here is a starting point map. Its about 27 minutes from Groton Center via I-495.

• This route will take us UP Peach Hill in Bolton to beautiful views along very rural roads on our way DOWN to Berlin. After a break in quaint Berlin Center, we will start UP again to Mount Pisgah in Northboro. 

• After an extended break at Mount Pisgah, we will zoom DOWN and back to Berlin Center. From there we travel the back roads of Bolton back to the starting point.

• The route is about 24 miles, 750 feet vertical (a bit challenging) and includes one category 5 hill (easiest category) Here is a route map. The route is all on road and I plan to bring my road bike.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - Today's Exploration Ride is Postponed.

Reminder - East Pepperell Tomorrow - Bolton on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather forecast isn't looking so great tomorrow :-( I'll send out email and update the website before 8:00 AM tomorrow.

Wednesday, May 4th - East Pepperell

We will meet at the Rail Trail parking lot in East Pepperell Center. Here is the starting point map.

• This is a "new" ride that starts at East Pepperell Center, goes UP to Hollis Center, then DOWN to Nashua. Then we will ride through Mine Falls Park on our way back to the Nashua River Rail Trail and back to Pepperell.

• Lunch will be at Martha's Exchange on Main Street in Nashua. Its a brewpub with great food and a Sweet Shoppe too! Here is their beer menu.

• The route is a little over 27 miles with about 500 feet vertical (easy). Here is a route map. There is a considerable amount of dirt / gravel trail in Mine Falls Park. Its is generally quite smooth and a road bike will work, but I plan to bring my hybrid bike for comfort sake.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The Exploration Ride will leave.
• At 12:30 PM ish - We will have lunch at Martha's Exchange in Nashua.
• At 2:30 PM - We will be back.

Friday, May 6th - Bolton

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

The Flattest Century in The East - Registration Open

Dear AdventuRiders,

Our intrepid rider, Jane, sent me this note. Thanks Jane!

I tried to register for this ride last year, but it was sold out. I don't know much about it, but its supposed to be scenic and flat. I signed up for the 68 mile ride.

Bill

Hello All,   Heads Up!! Registration for The Flattest Century in the East (TFCE) is now open.   http://www.nbwclub.org/rides/tfce.html

GO - It's A Beautiful Day!

Reminder - Heart Pond Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

YAY!!! SUNNY and mid 50s to low 60s tomorrow.

Monday, May 2nd - Heart Pond

We have two choices of rides on Monday, the morning ride will be an easy cruise along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and a trip through Great Brook Farm State Park. The afternoon ride will be a bit more challenging as we visit the scenic backroads of Carlisle.

We will meet at the Heart Pond parking lot in South Chelmsford. Here is a starting point map.

• The morning Recreation Ride will feature the new ($1,000,000 per mile) Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. We will also cruise over to Great Brook Farm State Park and ride past the cranberry bogs.

• The route is a little less than 14 miles long, a little over 200 feet vertical (easy), and there are only two noticeable hill on it. There is a short bit of old dirt road in GBFSP, but a road bike will work fine. Here is a route map.

We will have a picnic lunch at Heart Pond beach. We can get subs at Kate's Corner store or BYOL.

• The afternoon Recreation Ride will also visit Great Brook Farm State Park on our way to the scenic backroads of Carlisle.

• The route is a little over 14 miles long with almost 300 feet vertical (average). It is all on road. Here is a route map.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The morning Recreation Ride will leave.
• At 11:30 AM - We will have a picnic lunch.
• At 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• At 2:30 PM - We will be back.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole