Dear AdventuRiders,
I would normally be bummed about the "near 100%" chance of rain on Monday, but we REALLY need the moisture. Anyhow, the forecast calls for Heavy Rain and about 55 degrees in the morning and merely Rain and 60 degrees in the afternoon. I will be optimistic and schedule 2 rides anyway.
On Monday, April 23rd - 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, April 25th - Boxboro
We will meet at the soccer fields on Liberty Square Road.
This is one of my favorite rides. Its scenic, challenging, and has a two mile downhill run through Harvard. Of course that means that there are some uphills too, but the one category 5 (easiest category) hill we have is mostly just long and not that steep.
The route is about 27 miles long and 700 feet vertical (moderate) with most of the elevation gain in the first hill, although it is uphill back to the starting point too. It is all on road and I plan to bring my road bike.
Lunch is at the Horseshoe Pub in Hudson.
On Friday, April 27th - 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.
Lunch is at The Old Mill Restaurant in Westminster.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole