GO - Lunenburg Center

It's a beautiful day! 60s to mid 70s.

Reminder - Lunenburg Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Ignore the thunder outside right now. The forecast for tomorrow is a TOP 10 sort of day with SUNNY skies and temps in the mid 60s to low 70s!

We will start off towards Lake Whalom on Sunny Hill Road and enjoys the views from the top. Then its off to Flat Hill (it isn't) to enjoy some more views. From there we will ride around Hickory Hills Lake on our way to Pearl Hill. You may notice the word "hill" used very often in the description, but its not as bad as it sounds and the views should be especially nice tomorrow.

We can have lunch afterwards at Bangkok Hill - Original Thai Cuisine.

On Friday, September 30th - Lunenburg

• The Fitness Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 12:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Lunenburg Center.
• Route Map - Lunenburg to Flat Hill and Pearl Hill State Park.
• Distance = 26 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain = 750 feet (more difficult).
• Unpaved = none.
• Equipment = Any sturdy, well maintained bike will work.

AR Index = Roughly 34 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and maybe Carole

GO - East Pepperell Center

Mostly cloudy, mid 60s.

Reminder - East Pepperell Center to Nashua Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, the weather is looking much better for tomorrow. Mostly cloudy but little chance of rain and temps in the mid 60s.

We will start in East Pepperell Center and ride UP to Hollis, NH and take the French Mill Road route to Nashua instead of our usual Wheeler Road route. There is some civilized gravel road on the way and a fair number of hills before we hit Mine Falls Park for a no traffic route to downtown Nashua. 

We can have lunch at Martha's Exchange (a brew pub) in Nashua before heading back. If the weather is nice enough we can have lunch outside on Main Street. 

We will ride back on a different route through Mine Falls Park and then take as little of the Nashua River Rail Trail back as we want.

On Wednesday, September 28th - East Pepperell Center

• The Exploration Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center Rail Trail Parking.
• Route Map - Pepperell - Nashua - Martha's.
• Distance = 28 miles.
• Elevation Gain = 550 feet (moderate).
• Unpaved = 8 miles - it sounds worse than it is.
• Equipment - Any well maintained bike will work, but I am planning to bring my Hybrid bike.

AR Index = Roughly 34 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill, but probably not Carole :-(

GO - Forge Pond Beach, Westford

Low 70s to low 80s today.

This Week - Westford - Nashua - Lunenburg

Dear AdventuRiders,

Assuming I survive the Seacoast Century tomorrow and the weatherman is at least close to right for Monday, we will meet at Forge Pond Beach in Westford.

On Monday, September 26th - Westford, Forge Pond Beach

• At 9:30 AM the Morning Recreation Ride will leave.
• We will return by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Forge Pond Beach, Westford.
• Route Map - Forge Pond - Massapoag Pond.
• Distance = 14 miles
• Elevation Gain = 300 feet (medium)
• Unpaved = 2 miles - probably a bit of sand.
• Equipment - Any well maintained bike will work.

AR Index = Roughly 18 flat, paved miles.

At 11:30 AM, we will have lunch at Pizzeria Presti. If the mosquitos aren't too bad we'll have a picnic, otherwise we will eat at the restaurant.

• At 12:30 PM the Afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• We will return by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Forge Pond Beach, Westford.
• Route Map - Forge Pond - Nabnasset Pond
• Distance = 15 miles
• Elevation Gain = 250 feet (easy)
• Unpaved = 1 1/2 miles
• Equipment - Any well maintained bike will work.

AR Index = Roughly 17 flat, paved miles.

On Wednesday, September 28th - Nashua - Martha's Exchange

On Friday, September 30th - Lunenburg - Bangkok Hill

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

Seacoast Century

Dear Seacoast Centurions,

I just looked at the Portsmouth forecast, and Saturday looks like a washout :-( On Sunday, the forecast is for a few showers in the morning and partly cloudy by the late afternoon. So, I am planning to ride Sunday.

My plan is to ride Sunday starting at Hampton Beach at 9:30 AM and ride north until I'm half tired and then turn around. I have an inland route on the way back in case we get an afternoon sea breeze.

There is a trade off between time in the saddle versus speed. I plan on riding at a moderate but deliberate pace to do the 64 miles to Cape Neddick and back in less than 5 hours in the saddle.

If the weather is nice enough, I was planning to stop in York, ME and get sandwiches to take to Cape Neddick for a picnic. There is a restaurant on the Cape, but its jammed on Seacoast days.

On Sunday, September 25th - Hampton Beach - Seacoast Century

• I plan to be registered and ready to ride at 9:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Hampton Beach State Park
• Route Map - Hampton Beach - Cape Neddick
• Distance = 64 miles
• Elevation Gain = 800 feet (actually very easy)
• Unpaved - 1/2 mile
• Equipment - A bike with road tires is HIGHLY recommended.

AR Index = Roughly 66 flat, paved miles.

RSVP if you plan to join me.

Bill

GO - Heart Pond, South Chelmsford

It's not supposed to rain until 1:00.

Change of Plans - Heart Pond, South Chelmsford Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

The sun is shining here at this moment, but I don't think it is going to last :-(

The weather for tomorrow calls for a few showers until noon and temps in the mid 60s to low 70s and humid. I'll make the call before 8:00 AM tomorrow and send out email and update the website. Keep your fingers crossed and rain gear on standby.

On Friday, September 23rd - Heart Pond, South Chelmsford

We will ride a few miles of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail on our way to the Olde North Bridge in Concord. Along the way we will visit Great Brook Farm State Park, the cranberry bogs, the backroads of Carlisle, and beautiful views from Monument Street. There is a bunch of freshly paved roads - YAY!

• The Fitness Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We will return by 12:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Heart Pond, South Chelmsford
• Route Map - South Chelmsford - Olde North Bridge
• Distance = 23 miles
• Elevation Gain = 400 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved = a little around the Olde North Bridge
• Equipment - Any sturdy, well maintained bike will work.

AR Index = Roughly 25 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Bolton Center

From 495, take 117 West thru town. Turn left at the blinking yellow light.

Seacoast Century This Weekend

Dear Seacoast Centurions,

The Seacoast Century is this coming weekend, September 24th and 25th. The weather for Saturday is not looking good, but it still quite a few days away.

If the weatherman happens to be right, I am planning to do a 64 mile route on Sunday that starts at Hampton Beach and goes to Cape Neddick and back. Here is a map. My route takes an inland shortcut back that includes some unpaved (but smooth) roads and bypasses Newcastle on the way back. If we are feeling ambitious, there is a 12 mile extension that will take us to Perkins Cove, just south of Ogunquit. Here is a map. 

The official metric century (62 miles) turns around in York and misses Cape Neddick :-( 

I'm thinking if we get an "early" start about 9:30 AM, then 64 miles will get us back before 4:00 PM. If we go to Perkins Cove, it will add about an hour.

Thoughts, comments?

Bill

Change of Plans - Bolton on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The rain today turned some of the NH dirt roads a bit slippery. 

SO, I am swapping the Wednesday and Friday rides. The weather is looking terrific tomorrow with SUNNY skies and temps in the mid 60s to mid 70s and light winds!

This ride will take us from the Bolton "Wine Country" through beautiful farms and orchards to Berlin. From there we do our best to avoid Solomon Pond Mall on our way to the Assebet River Rail Trail. The trail is a breezy downhill run to Hudson where we can get lunch at the Horseshoe Pub. Then we will cross the Assebet River on our way back to Bolton.

On Wednesday September 21st,

• The Exploration Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• LUNCH will be noonish at the Horseshoe Pub in Hudson, hopefully out on the deck with one of 80 beers on tap sitting in front of me.
• I can give you instructions on how to get back if you don't want lunch.
• Otherwise we will be back by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map = Bolton Center Baseball Diamonds.
• Route Map = Bolton - ARRT - Horseshoe Pub.
• Distance = 22 miles
• Elevation Gain = 500 feet (more difficult)
• Unpaved = None
• Equipment = Any sturdy, well maintained bike will work.

AR Index = Roughly 26 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Sterling Rail Trail

It's a beautiful day!
Bring something warm.

Bill

This Week - Sterling - Brookline - Bolton

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, if you believe the weatherman, Monday looks like a TOP 10 sort of day with bright blue skies and temperatures from the mid 50s to the mid 60s! So, I've planned a couple of rides featuring the Mass Central Rail Trail starting in Sterling, MA.

On Monday, September 19th

The Morning Recreation Ride will explore the Mass Central Rail Trail to Holden and we will return the same way since it is such a nice trail.

• The Morning Recreation Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Sterling.
• Route Map - Sterling - MCRT.
• Distance - 16 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 300 feet (easy).
• Unpaved - 8 1/2 - but it doesn't really count.
• Equipment - Any sturdy, well maintained, bike will work.

AR Index = roughly 19 flat, paved miles.

Lunch will be at Village Pizza & More in Sterling.

The Afternoon Recreation Ride will take us on a bit of the Mass Central Rail Trail and will then explore the hills of Lancaster and the true story of "Mary Had A Little Lamb".

• The Afternoon Recreation Ride will leave at 12:30 PM.
• We should be back by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Sterling.
• Route Map - Sterling - Lancaster.
• Distance - 13 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 375 feet (more difficult).
• Unpaved - 2 miles - very smooth crushed rock.
• Equipment - Any sturdy, well maintained, bike will work.

AR Index = roughly 17 flat, paved miles.

On Wednesday, September 21st

We will meet at Lake Potanipo in Brookline, NH and ride to the ghost town of Monson on our way to views from Federal Hill and lunch in Milford, NH. We may ride a bit of the Potanipo Rail Trail on the way back. 

On Friday, September 23rd

We will meet in Bolton Center and ride to Marlboro and return by way of the Assebet River Rail Trail to Hudson. If it is nice day, we can drive back to Hudson and have lunch with one (or more) of the 80 beers on tap at the Horseshoe Pub.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Westminster Bandshell

Bring something warm.
Bring a snack.

Reminder - Westminster Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Tomorrow is looking fabulous, but chilly. Be sure to bring something warm and a wind layer.

I found a Dunkin Donuts in Westminster to serve all your lavitorial needs. As you enter Westminster on Route  2A, take a sharp left at the cracker factory to get to the starting point, or continue 1/4 mile on Route 2A and DD will be on your left.

Hope to see you there,
Bill

On Wednesday, September 14, 2011, Bill Brandt <bill.brandt@gmail.com> wrote:
> Dear AdventuRiders,
> After consultation with my Vice President of Keeping It Real, We decided the Greenville trip was probably too ambitious this early in the season and it will be much prettier with some Fall foliage. 
>
> So, I am changing the ride to a gorgeous ride around Mount Wachusett. Carole, Eddie and I did this ride in June and it shot right up to the Top 10 Ride category! Its a bit outside our 30 minute starting point radius around Groton, but Route 2 is quick and I adjusted the starting time.
> The weather is supposed to be PERFECT for biking with bright blue skies and a high in the low 60s. We may be fighting a headwind on the way back ...
> BTW, while you're out there, you can buy your Mount Wachusett Season Ski Pass for as little as $239 for non-holiday weekdays and all nights by using "ADVENTURIDES" as your GPS group name.
>
> On Friday, September 16th - Westminster
> The Fitness Ride will take us west to the Mount Wachusett region. We will start in Westminster, climb UP toward the west shoulder of Mount Wachusett on some scenic backroads before zooming DOWN to beautiful views at Princeton. From there we ride to Gardner passing many lakes before turning back to Westminster. There are a couple of significant hills at the beginning of the ride including a Cat 5 (easiest category) as we pass the mountain. From there it is rolling hills back to Westminster.
>
> The Exploration Ride will leave at 9:45 AM.
> Starting Point Map <http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=218228614350416641468.00049ef2b4192c146fb0a&ll=42.543453,-71.903136&spn=0.009106,0.019248&z=16> - Westminster Bandshell
> Route Map <http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/37557470> - Westminster - Wachusett
> Distance - 23 miles
> Elevation Gain - 725 feet (more difficult)
> Unpaved - 1 mile - some rough spots
> Equipment - I plan to bring my ROAD bike.
>
> AR Index = roughly 31 flat, paved miles.
> Here is the schedule:
>
> 9:45 AM - The Exploration Ride leaves.
> 1:00 PM - We will be back to Westminster.
>
> Hope to see you there,
> Bill and Carole
>

Change of Plans - Westminster on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

After consultation with my Vice President of Keeping It Real, We decided the Greenville trip was probably too ambitious this early in the season and it will be much prettier with some Fall foliage. 

So, I am changing the ride to a gorgeous ride around Mount Wachusett. Carole, Eddie and I did this ride in June and it shot right up to the Top 10 Ride category! Its a bit outside our 30 minute starting point radius around Groton, but Route 2 is quick and I adjusted the starting time.

The weather is supposed to be PERFECT for biking with bright blue skies and a high in the low 60s. We may be fighting a headwind on the way back ...

BTW, while you're out there, you can buy your Mount Wachusett Season Ski Pass for as little as $239 for non-holiday weekdays and all nights by using "ADVENTURIDES" as your GPS group name.

On Friday, September 16th - Westminster

The Fitness Ride will take us west to the Mount Wachusett region. We will start in Westminster, climb UP toward the west shoulder of Mount Wachusett on some scenic backroads before zooming DOWN to beautiful views at Princeton. From there we ride to Gardner passing many lakes before turning back to Westminster. There are a couple of significant hills at the beginning of the ride including a Cat 5 (easiest category) as we pass the mountain. From there it is rolling hills back to Westminster.

• The Exploration Ride will leave at 9:45 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Westminster Bandshell
• Route Map - Westminster - Wachusett
• Distance - 23 miles
• Elevation Gain - 725 feet (more difficult)
• Unpaved - 1 mile - some rough spots
• Equipment - I plan to bring my ROAD bike.

AR Index = roughly 31 flat, paved miles.

Here is the schedule:

• 9:45 AM - The Exploration Ride leaves.
• 1:00 PM - We will be back to Westminster.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

A Bunch of Other Stuff

Dear AdventuRiders,

There are a bunch of other things going on this Fall that you might be interested in.

Bill

Human Powered Vehicle Festival - 09/17/2011

Is happening this Saturday at the Ayer end of the Nashua River Rail Trail. Of course the highlight :-) is the ride I am leading at 9:30 AM that will go to Groton, West Groton, Shirley Center, Surrenden Farm, and back to Ayer. There are complete details at the HPVF website.

GrotonFest - 09/24/2011

A little of everything - think harvest festival. Here is the website.

Chili Cook-Off - 10/10/2011

Not only is this Carole's birthday, it is also the Chili Cook-Off at Devens Common to benefit the Autism Resource Center. I will plan a ride that just happens to end up in Devens. Alex and I did this last year, and it was really fun!

Bikes Not Bombs + Other Recycling- 11/05/2011

 
Saturday, November 5
9am-2pm
Ayer-Shirley Regional Schools Parking Lot
141 Washington Street, Ayer
 
Open to anyone at no cost as long as you *bring non-perishable foods* to be
donated to Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry
 
Vendors on hand (more
information)<http://recycleyourreusables.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/lowell-wish-project/>
 
- The Lowell Wish Project
- Bikes not Bombs ($10 donation per bike)
- ProShred (paper shredder)
- Nike Reuse a Shoe
- ReFoamIt (styrofoam recycler)
- Wheels for the World (wheelchairs, walkers, etc)
- Gently used sporting goods sale
- Local farmer selling fall produce
 
 
*We need volunteers*! If you would like to help on or before November 5,
please contact Laurie Sabol at the phone number or email below.
 
For more information
 
- http://recycleyourreusables.wordpress.com/
- 978 496-5839
- Ayerrecycles@gmail.com
 
Laurie Sabol
Ayer Recycling Committee

GO - West Groton - Cutler Field

Partly cloudy and warm.

Rest of the Week - West Groton - Townsend

Dear AdventuRiders,

After two fabulous rides today (its hard to have a bad ride in perfect weather) I have decided what to do the rest of the week.

On Wednesday, September 14th, - West Groton -> Pepperell = Swimming?

It may be our last chance for a swimming ride this year. Its supposed to be "hot" on Wednesday and we can go visit Heald Pond in Pepperell for an optional refreshing dip in a crystal clear pond and then stop at the Bertozzi WMA for another (probably even more refreshing) dip in the Squannacook River. Afterwards we can go to Clover Farm Store and have a picnic lunch across the street on the river. You might want to bring mosquito repellent if you are not planning to swim.

• The Exploration Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 12:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Cutler Field, West Groton - PortaPotty equipped
• Route map - West Groton -> Pepperell
• Distance = 17 miles
• Elevation Gain = 400 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved = 1 mile
• Equipment - There is some civilized off road, but I will be bringing my road bike anyway.

AR Index = roughly 21 flat, paved miles.

On Friday, September 16th - Townsend - Greenville - Mason

This is one of my favorite rides, but it is not for the faint of heart. There is a considerable amount of UPHILL riding to get to Greenville and a bit more to get to the spectacular views of the Nashoba Valley to the East , Uncanoonuc Mountains to the North and Boston skyscrapers on the horizon. Trust me, its worth the effort! From there we will cruise DOWNHILL on the Mason Rail Trail back to Massachusetts.

WARNING: There is a Cat 3 hill (middle category - mostly because its 5 miles long) and a Cat 5 hill (easiest category) on this ride.

Bring a snack and we will have a picnic at the Mill Pond on the Souhegan River.

There is a (beautiful) paved shortcut back to Massachusetts for those who want to miss out on the unpaved Mason Rail Trail.

• The Fitness Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We could be back by 1:30 PM using the shortcut.
• Starting Point Map - West Townsend
• Route Map - Townsend - Greenville - Mason
• Distance = 27 miles
• Elevation Gain = 1000 feet
• Unpaved = 5 miles (Mason Rail Trail)
• Equipment = I LOVE my road bike and I'm going to use it anyhow.

AR Index = roughly 36 flat, paved miles using the shortcut.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Its A Beautiful Day!

See you in East Pepperell Center.

This Week - East Pepperell Center - TBD - TBD

Dear AdventuRiders,

We had a GREAT ride on Friday to start off our 16th season of AdventuRides, and the weather for Monday looks promising, although perhaps Mostly Cloudy.

You can register for the Fall 2011 season at any of these local recreation departments:

• Acton Recreation - Program #137
• Littleton Recreation - Page 8
• Pepperell Recreation
• Roudenbush Community Center

You don't need to register before your first ride, but for insurance purposes, please register soon. Thanks!

The morning Recreation Ride will feature the Nashua River Rail Trail north to New Hampshire with a visit to the rapids on the Nashua River in Hollis. On the way back, we will ride the scenic back roads of Dunstable before heading back on the Rail Trail.

Lunch will be at the NEW Pepperell Spa Cafe. After 70 years the Bozicas family has sold the Spa to a new owner. They have a bathroom on the first floor now!

The afternoon Recreation Ride is "Rail Trail Free" and we will explore along the Nissitissit River to Brookline NH and back.

On Monday September 12th

• The Morning Recreation Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - We will meet at the gravel rail trail parking lot at the end of Main Street at Groton Road.
• Route Map - Pepperell - Dunstable.
• Distance - 14 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 200 feet (easy).
• Unpaved - none,
• Equipment - I plan to bring my HYBRID bike.

AR Index = roughly 14 flat, paved miles.

On Monday September 12th

• The Afternoon Recreation Ride will leave at 12:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - We will meet at the gravel rail trail parking lot at the end of Main Street at Groton Road.
• Route Map - Pepperell - Brookline.
• Distance - 14 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 250 feet (moderate).
• Unpaved - 1/2 mile - reasonably smooth.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my HYBRID bike.

AR Index = roughly 16 flat, paved miles.

On Wednesday September 14th

TBD, although I will tell you that we have a very special guest rider.

On Friday September 16th

TBD

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - It's a beautiful day!

See you in Groton Center.

Reminder - Fitness Ride - Groton Center Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, it looks like we'll get a break in the rain tomorrow. It may be mostly cloudy, but it beats tropical downpours.

• If you haven't signed our WAIVER this year, you can print a copy here and bring it with you. We will also have copies if you need one.
• Be sure to parallel park facing away from Birmingham Bus. The Groton Precision Parking Police may still be lurking around.
• PUMP UP YOUR TIRES!!! You will enjoy the ride much more with properly inflated tires
• Don't forget your HELMET.
• Get ready for fun, adventure, companionship, fresh air, and even some exercise.

On Friday, September 9th - Groton Center

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

• The route will take us down Martin's Pond Road to Baddacook Pond, over to Massapoag Pond. From there we will ride to UP to a beautiful views in Dunstable.

• We can have a snack / potty stop at Larter Field.

• Then we cruise the backroads to Sand Hill Road and catch the rail trail back to the Center. The route is about 25 1/2 miles with about 500 feet vertical (moderate). Here is a route map. There is a bit of dirt / gravel but I'm planning to bring my road bike.

• The Fitness Ride leaves at 9:30 AM. Please arrive a few minutes early to get the paperwork done.
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center
• Route Map - Groton - Dunstable
• Distance - 25.5 Miles
• Elevation Gain - 500 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved - 1/2 mile
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.

AR Index = roughly 30 flat, paved miles.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• Snack at Larter Field
• At 12:30 PM - We will be back.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

This Week - Fitness Ride - Groton Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable summer and are ready for some AdventuRides Fall 2011 fun!

Our first ride of the season is a Fitness Ride that starts in Groton Center. Check it out!

On Friday, September 9th - Groton Center

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

• The route will take us down Martin's Pond Road to Baddacook Pond, over to Massapoag Pond. From there we will ride to UP to a beautiful views in Dunstable.

• We can have a snack / potty stop at Larter Field.

• Then we cruise the backroads to Sand Hill Road and catch the rail trail back to the Center. The route is about 25 1/2 miles with about 500 feet vertical (moderate). Here is a route map. There is a bit of dirt / gravel but I'm planning to bring my road bike.

• The Fitness Ride leaves at 9:30 AM. Please arrive a few minutes early to get the paperwork done.
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center
• Route Map - Groton - Dunstable
• Distance - 25.5 Miles
• Elevation Gain - 500 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved - 1/2 mile
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.

AR Index = roughly 30 flat, paved miles.

Here is the schedule:

• At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• Snack at Larter Field
• At 12:30 PM - We will be back.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

A Few Gentle Safety Reminders

Dear AdventuRiders,

With the AdventuRides Fall 2011 season starting on Friday (09/09/2011), I thought I would send out some gentle safety reminders.

Bill

Helmets.

• A CPSC approved helmet in good condition is required on all of our rides.
• All bicycle helmets sold in this country since 1999 are CPSC approved.
• Helmets should be replaced at least every 10 years since the materials deteriorate over time.

Lane Usage. OK, I admit it. I am probably the worst offender here, but here are the guidelines we will follow.

• NEVER ride on the wrong side of the road. The are enough blind corners and silent Priuses to cause a serious accident. Even if there is no yellow line, we should always leave enough room for oncoming traffic to easily pass us.
• On busy roads we should ride single file as close to the right side as safe.
• On quiet roads we should generally ride only two abreast. Traffic coming around blind corners behind us don't expect the whole lane to be filled with bikes.
• The exception to all this is when we are turning left or on a very narrow road when we want to "control the lane" to prevent cars from trying to squeeze past us.
• In general we want to share the road and not surprise other users.
• Remember, "Dress to be visible, ride like you're invisible".

Parked Cars. 

• DO NOT ride near a parked car. 
• When passing a parked car, move left at least 6 feet. This is an example of controlling the lane.
• Hitting a car door that swings out in front of you is bad.
• Instinctively swerving left into traffic is worse.

Hand Signals.

• When turning right, I use my right arm to point to where I am going rather than the traditional left arm signal. That 17 year old driver will know exactly what you mean.
• When stopping, I raise one or the other arm like I'm going to ask the teacher a question. This is "Bike New York" style and it is more visible than the tradition arm down signal.

Courtesy. We find that drivers are generally very courteous to us and we need to return the favor.

• When we stop along the road, we should stay in line rather than bunching up and blocking the lane.
• When a driver is courteous to us, its always nice to acknowledge it with a friendly wave.

Speed. Again, I am one of the worst offenders. I'm not going to play cop, but keep this in mind:

• Yes, it is fun to see how fast you can charge down a hill.
• The laws of physics tell us that falling off a bike at 30 MPH will hurt 4 times as much as falling off at 15 MPH.