Skiing on Monday - Party after the Holidays

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, we were hoping for a warmer, less windy season finale. If you've been outside today you know it's not biking weather, and tomorrow isn't going to be much better. So the Monday rides are CANCELLED :-(

Fear not though, Wachusett Mountain is open for the season and my season pass is itching to be used. It should be PERFECT skiing weather.

We haven't got around to planning our 10th anniversary party yet, and we thought a mid-January party would be a good winter break. Of course all our former, current, and future riders are invited. That's about as far as we've gotten. Our first thought for a date is Friday, January 17th since our ski passes don't work that day. Thoughts?

On Monday, November 25th - Wachusett Mountain

• I am taking the kids to school and should be at Wachusett around 9:00AM.
• Look for the guy in a yellow coat, short skis and no poles.
• Distance - TBD.
• Elevation Gain - 1000 feet (if the summit trails are open).
  
• Rough Surface - not at Wachusett!
• Equipment - I plan to bring my short skis.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - Today's Ride is POSTPONED.

Reminder - Everybody Ride to Somerville on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, it looks like this might be the last official ride of the season :-( Monday looks verrrrrry cold and extremely skiable.

The weather for tomorrow is looking worse every time I check, but lets hope for the best. Other than the threat of rain, it should be cloudy and low 40s with virtually no wind. I'm not planning to ride in the cold rain again though!

Everybody is welcome to join us tomorrow to celebrate the completion of our 20th season. There are 2 starting points, one includes gravel and other one doesn't. Since we are simply riding the Minuteman Bikeway, you can turn around when you get half tired or need to be back early. Otherwise we are going to Davis Square to have a yummy lunch at Dave's Fresh Pasta. They have an assortment of fantastic sandwiches and paninis amount other things.

On Friday, November 22th - Bedford

• 9:30 AM - The Everybody + Ride will leave Fawn Pond.
• 10:00 AM - The Everybody Ride will leave Bedford Depot Park.
• 11:30 PM - LUNCH at Dave's Fresh Pasta in Davis Square.
  
• Route Map - Narrow Gauge - Minuteman - Somerville
  
• Distance - 23 / 27 miles
• Elevation Gain - 350 / 450 feet
• Unpaved - None / 4 miles - generally smooth
• Equipment - I plan to bring my ROAD bike.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 25 / 30 flat, smooth miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Wachusett State Park

Hike to the top of Wachusett Mountain on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, Wachusett Mountain Ski Area is closed, but it's still supposed to be frigid (wind chill in the 20s) tomorrow morning. Fearless Leader considered a "Tour de Dunkin" ride with warm up stops, but decided on a hike instead.

We will meet at the State Park Headquarters (NOT the ski area) and hike the auto road to the summit. There are really nice views from the top and we can check on snow making efforts.

On Wednesday, November 20th - Wachusett Mountain

• The Fearless Leaders Choice Hike will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We will return by NOON.
• Starting Point Map - Wachusett State Park Headquarter.
• Route Map - Wachusett Mountain.
• Distance - 4 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 550 feet (1 cat 4 hill).
• Rough Surface - none
• Equipment - I plan to bring warm hiking boots.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 6 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - NOON - The Angler.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO at NOON. Morning ride canceled.

Combined beginner / recreation ride. Elm Street Playground, West Acton. 

CHANGE OF PLANS - Combined ride at NOON - Morning Ride Cancelled.

Dear AdventuRiders,

Although the forecast is for rain in the morning, it's supposed be SUNNY in the afternoon. It will be windy, but with temperatures around 60 degrees it won't matter. This might be the last time we get to wear shorts this season!

So, let's meet at NOON and do a leisurely combined Beginner / Recreation ride to the Assebet River National Wildlife Refuge.

On Monday, November 18th - Acton - Elm Street Playground

• The Beginner / Recreation Ride will leave at NOON.
• We should return by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Acton - Elm Street Playground.
• Route Map - Acton - ARNWR.
• Distance - 18 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 250 feet (moderate).
• Rough Surface - 5 miles of beautiful / car free off road.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 20 flat, smooth miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

Fwd: Final Week to Register for 2014 MLR at 2013 rates

Dear AdventuRiders,

I just signed up for the Maine Lighthouse Ride next September 6th. I think 5 years is long enough to forget the cold, rainy ride we had in 2009. They have completed much more of the ET since then. I signed up for the 100 mile ride, but ...

BTW, there may not be a Seacoast Century ride next year, after 40 years Dave Topsham is getting tired.

Anyone else interested?

Bill

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Eastern Trail Alliance <eta@easterntrail.org>
Date: Sun, Nov 17, 2013 at 8:37 PM
Subject: Final Week to Register for 2014 MLR at 2013 rates
To: "bill.brandt@gmail.com" <bill.brandt@gmail.com>

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The Maine Lighthouse Ride 2014 The deadline for early bird rates is this Tuesday! Be part of a ride that's now 1,000 strong! Hello, riders! Our largest annual fundraiser, the Maine Lighthouse Ride, will see a boost in its registration fee after midnight this Tuesday, November 19. The fee will increase to $55 for Eastern Trail Alliance members and $70 for non-ETA members. However, children 11 and younger will ride for free, and those from 12-17 will now pay only $25. Click here to sign up now for the current rates of $45 for members/$60 for non-members, Don't forget that the first 500 riders receive a free t-shirt. And that an MLR registration makes a great gift for the holidays! If you were a part of the 2013 ride, you'll remember that taste of a typical early fall day in Maine - a cool morning followed by a very warm afternoon. This provided great morning ride conditions, particularly for the 62-mile and Century riders. And the dry weather provided particularly good coastline views! Fully Supported Rest Stops!  You can see a collection of photos of the riders, volunteers and scenery from the 2013 event, taken by ETA trustee Jim Bucar, by clicking here. Seaside Views, & Lighthouses! Take advantage of these early-bird rates for next year's ride, scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2014. Bear in mind that we are likely to sell out again next year!  Click here before Tuesday midnight to take advantage of  2013 rates - Register now online! Coastal Maine Villages! It's no wonder this event is drawing more riders every year, riders of all ages. Many bikers ride in family or social groups and enjoy being part of the larger communal experience, joining both fellow Mainers and numerous out-of-state visitors. Read much more about this great ride on our web site — including pictures and videos from past Maine Lighthouse Rides.       Happy Riders! See you on September 6, 2014!!! "A rider on this trek doesn't have to wait long for another blast of ocean breeze, a rocky, wild ocean view from Portland Harbor, or the sight of snowy egrets congregating at the wide-open Scarborough Marsh." Click here to Register for the 2014 MLR! Eastern Trail Alliance - www.Easterntrail.org

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This Week - Acton - TBD - Bedford

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, the current forecast has the rain basically ending at 8:00 AM with a few showers and strong winds after that. It will be warm though, so I'll try to get the rides in.

On Monday, November 18th - Acton - Elm Street Playground

• The Recreation Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should return by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Acton - Elm Street Playground.
• Route Map - Acton - ARNWR.
• Distance - 14 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 250 feet.
• Rough Surface - 1/2 mile.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 17 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - 11:30 to 12:30 - The Local Table.

• The Beginner Ride will leave at 12:30 PM.
• We will return by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Acton - Elm Street Playground.
• Route Map - Acton - Littleton Beginner.
• Distance - 11 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 250 feet.
• Rough Surface - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 13 flat, smooth miles.

On Wednesday, November 20th - TBD

Another frigid day is on tap, and Wachusett Mountain opened on Saturday, so Fearless Leader may not be able to resist temptation.

On Friday, November 22nd - Bedford - Minuteman Bikeway

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Westminster

They took our portapotty away! 

Reminder - Westminster on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

There's lots of snow at Wachusett Mountain, but the weather tomorrow looks good for bicycling. It should be Partly Cloudy and low 40s when we leave with light breezes.

On Friday, November 15th - Westminster

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 1:00 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Westminster Bandshell
• Route Map - Westminster - Princeton
• Distance - 26 miles
• Elevation Gain - 850 feet (more difficult)
• Unpaved - 2 miles - a few very rough spots
• Equipment - I plan to bring my ROAD bike.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 35 flat, smooth miles.

Lunch will be at The Angler in Westminster.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Andres Art, Brookline NH

Wednesday's Alternate Adventure

Dear AdventuRiders,

Fearless Leader has decided not to become Frozen Leader. He proposes doing a hike instead of a ride. The windchill is supposed to be in the teens!

So, one of my favorite places is Andres Institute of Art in Brookline, NH. It's an outdoor sculpture park located at the former Big Bear Mountain Ski Area. Admission is free and as you climb the "mountain" there are some really cool sculptures made by people from all over the world. Here is a couple of my favorites.

On Wednesday, November 13th - Andres Institute of Art

• The Fearless Leaders Choice Hike will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We will return by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Andres Institute of Art.
• Route Map - Andres Trail Map.
• Distance - 2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 400 feet (to keep you warm).
• Rough Surface - 1 mile.
• Equipment - I plan to bring warm hiking boots.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 4 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Chrysanthis.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Groton Center

This Week - Groton - TBD - Westminster

Dear AdventuRiders,

Even though Monday is a holiday (Veteran's Day), we will be doing a combined Beginner / Recreation Ride in the morning followed by a yummy lunch at Filho's. NO AFTERNOON RIDE.

The weather is also looking like it's going to cooperate. It should be SUNNY and near 40 degrees when we leave, but it could be a bit windy. It only warms up to the mid 40s but still SUNNY when we return.

The ride is designed for maximum interesting places while minimizing hills and distance. The ride starts with mountain views as we pass Groton School on our way Surrenden Farm with more views to the south and west. Then it's DOWN to the Nashua River and UP to the Holdenwood Storybook House. From there we will finish climbing the hill up to quaint and historic Shirley Center (bring a snack).

Then it is generally downhill to West Groton and the new Fitch Bridge before riding a piece of the Nashua River Rail Trail back to Groton Center. I allocated 2 1/2 hours for the ride, so we can take our time and enjoy the scenery.

On Monday, November 11th - Groton Center

• The Beginner / Recreation Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should return by NOONish.
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center.
• Route Map - Groton - Shirley Center.
• Distance - 15 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 350 feet (to keep you warm).
• Rough Surface - 1 1/2 miles.
• Equipment - I might bring my hybrid bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 19 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - Noon to 1:00 - Filho's Cucina.

On Wednesday, November 13th - TBD

It's looking MIGHTY cold with highs only reaching the mid 30s. The Fearless Leader may decide a hike around deCordova Sculpture Park or Andres Institute of Art would be more enjoyable.

• The Fearless Leaders Choice Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We will return by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - TBD.
• Route Map - TBD.
• Distance - TBD.
• Elevation Gain - TBD.
• Rough Surface - TBD.
• Equipment - TBD.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to TBD flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - TBD.

On Friday, November 15th - Westminster

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 1:00 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Westminster Bandshell
• Route Map - Westminster - Princeton
• Distance - 26 miles
• Elevation Gain - 850 feet (more difficult)
• Unpaved - 2 miles - a few very rough spots
• Equipment - I plan to bring my ROAD bike.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 35 flat, smooth miles.

Lunch will be at The Angler in Westminster.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

Fwd: The Season Is Nearly Here!

Dear AdventuRiders,

It snowed a bit on us at the end of the ride today which reminded me to remind you.

If you're planning to get a season pass, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH is the last day to get cheap Wachusett season passes.

Bill

Snow Is In The Air

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Snow is in the air! We made snow earlier this week. Snow is in the forecast next week. Snowmaking will continue as temperatures permit. Opening day is just around the corner (We're still shooting for Saturday, Nov. 23rd)!  Weather permitting we are just 2 weeks away from making those first turns of the season. Stay tuned! Still time for the best deal! Don't forget that November 13 is the last day to get the lowest "Greatest Possible Savings " on your season pass.  All you need is 4 people to take advantage of these great prices. Mark your calendars! With winter right at our doorstep, our special event calendar is already starting to fill up.  Here are some highlighted upcoming dates and events: Boston Ski & Sports Expo (November 14-17) - Come visit the Wachusett booth and the new Children's Learning Center sponsored by our Polar Kid's Ski School staff. Wine, Cheese, Chicks & Skis (November 15) - A fun night out for the ladies sponsored by the MTNSide Ski & Ride Shop. Instructor Training Course Begins (November 17) -  Learn how to instruct and become part of the Ski & Snowboard School team. "Dinner with Jack" at Wachusett Village Inn (November 19) - A unique gourmet dining experience sponsored by Jack Daniels and Anthony's Liquor Mart.  Lodging Packages available. WinterFire (November 22) - a fun night to kick off the season including the new TGR movie, Draw The Line Aerosmith Tribute Band, Snowmaking open house and debut of our new Buck's Barbecue stand!                    Wachusett Mountain Ski Area operates in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

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GO - East Pepperell Center

Reminder - East Pepperell on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

I hope you didn't get used to the beautiful warm weather we had on Wednesday. The beautiful part is staying around for tomorrow, but the warm part is not.

Its should be SUNNY and near 40 when we leave and mid 40s when we return, but it will be breezy. 

We will be going to Dunstable and Tyngsboro and admiring some views, checking out the "Field of Dreams" and looking at not so cute cows.

On Friday, November 8th - East Pepperell Center

• The Fitness Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We will return by 1:00 PM.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.
• Route Map - Pepperell - Dunstable - Tyngsboro.
• Distance - 27 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 600 feet.
• Rough Surface - a bit.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 32 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Dolce Grill.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - East Pepperell Center

Reminder - East Pepperell Center on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Get ready for the "heat wave" tomorrow! It should be low 40s when we leave with Partly Cloudy skies and light breezes. The temps will climb into the low 50s by the time we return. It was 10 degrees colder on Monday, but the Sun felt wonderfully warm and we had a very nice ride.

We will visit Monson Center (ghost town in NH) on our way to cute animals at Grand View Farm. From there we get a nice long cruise along the wide shoulder of Route 13 to a delicious LUNCH at Chrysanthi's. Don't fill up too much though, because it still 9 (relatively flat) miles back to East Pepperell.

On Wednesday, November 6th - East Pepperell Center

• The Fearless Leaders Choice Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We will return by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.
• Route Map - Monson Center - Federal Hill.
• Distance - 28 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 800 feet (to keep you warm).
• Rough Surface - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 36 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM - Chrysanthis.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - East Pepperell Center

It should be above freezing by 9:30 and SUNNY. 

This Week - East Pepperell - East Pepperell - East Pepperell

Dear AdventuRiders,

Another week of four rides with the same Starting Point? I guess I'm getting lazy in my old age. Each ride is largely different and each lunch spot is different and doesn't include the Spa :-)

So, while you're watching the rain/snow showers tomorrow, you should probably dig out the rest of your cold weather gear.

On Monday, November 4th - East Pepperell Center

The weather is looking SUNNY for Monday but a verrry chilly start with temperatures around 30 degrees. By afternoon the temps will be in the low 40s.

• The Recreation Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should return by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.
• Route Map - Hills Of Pepperell (your friends).
• Distance - 15 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 400 feet (to keep you warm).
• Rough Surface - 1/2 mile.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 19 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - 11:30 to 12:30 - Pizza Pizzazz.

• The Beginner Ride will leave at 12:30 PM.
• We will return by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.
• Route Map - East Pepperell - Nashua - NRRT.
• Distance - 12 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 200 feet.
• Rough Surface - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 13 flat, smooth miles.

On Wednesday, November 6th - East Pepperell Center

• The Fearless Leaders Choice Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We will return by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.
• Route Map - Monson Center - Federal Hill.
• Distance - 28 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 800 feet (to keep you warm).
• Rough Surface - 1 mile.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 36 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM - Chrysanthis.

On Friday, November 8th - East Pepperell Center

• The Fitness Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We will return by 1:00 PM.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.
• Route Map - TBD.
• Distance - TBD.
• Elevation Gain - TBD.
• Rough Surface - TBD.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to TBD flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Dolce Grill.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - Today's Ride is POSTPONED.