Dear AdventuRiders,
This week we will ride part of the beautiful Mass Central Rail Trail on Monday, visit Salem the day before Halloween (starting in Beverly to avoid some of the chaos), and tour the cemeteries of Lowell and Chelmsford on Friday.
The weather on Monday is looking seasonable with temps in the mid 40s in the morning with SUNNY skies and mid 50s with mostly SUNNY skies in the afternoon. The weatherman is bound to get it right some time or another.
On Monday, October 28th - Sterling - MCRT
The Morning Recreation Ride will explore the Mass Central Rail Trail to Holden and we will also visit the Old Stone Church in West Boylston.
- The Morning Recreation Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
- We should be back by 11:30 AM.
- Starting Point Map - Sterling Center - PortaPotty equipped.
- Route Map - Sterling - MCRT - Recreation.
- Distance - 17 miles.
- Elevation Gain - 400 feet (noticeable).
- Unpaved - 8 1/2 - but it doesn't really count.
- Equipment - Any sturdy, well maintained, bike will work.
- AR Index - roughly equal to 20 flat, smooth miles.
11:30 AM - Lunch will be at Village Pizza & More in Sterling.
The Afternoon Beginner Ride will cover the same parts of the MCRT, but will take a shorter and flatter route.
- The afternoon Beginner Ride will leave at 12:30 PM.
- We should be back by 2:30 PM.
- Starting Point Map - Sterling Center - PortaPotty equipped.
- Route Map - Sterling - MCRT - Beginner
- Distance - 14 1/2 miles
- Elevation Gain - 280 feet (moderate)
- Unpaved - 8 1/2 - but it doesn't really count
- Equipment - Any sturdy, well maintained, bike will work.
- AR Index = roughly equal to 17 flat, smooth miles.
On Wednesday, October 30th - Salem Halloween Spooktacular
As I was was scouting out this ride, I ended up wanting to yell "Enough with the beautiful ocean vistas already, I get it!". Along with the history and Halloween madness of Salem, this promises to be a EPIC ride. Lunch is at Cap't Waterfront Grill & Pub. One of my friends works there and she claims it's the best place in town. Stay tuned for more info.
- 10:00 AM - We will leave from Beverly.
- 12:30 PM - Lunch at Cap't Waterfront Grill & Pub.
- 2:30 PM - We should be back to Beverly.
- Starting Point Map - Beverly, Cross Lane Soccer Field.
- Route Map - Beverly - Salem - Marblehead.
- Distance - 31 miles (mostly flat).
- Elevation Gain - 400 feet.
- Unpaved - 1 mile (smooth).
- Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
- AR Index - Roughly equal to 33 flat, smooth miles.
On Friday, November 1st - Chelmsford - Smashed Pumpkin Tour
We will visit the cemeteries of Lowell and Chelmsford. TBD.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole