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