Dear AdventuRiders,
After more than a week off, you would think I would be caught up on planning bike rides, but .... In my defense, I've driven to Haverford, PA and Bar Harbor, ME, and helped my son build a pipe organ for his senior project.
Anyhow, the weather on Monday is looking pretty nice. It should be Sunny and near 50 in the morning and near 60 in the afternoon. The rest of the week is looking rather iffy at this point.
The plan is to explore the Mass Central Rail Trail in the morning, have lunch at Village Pizza, and explore the Wachusett Reservoir and Dam in the afternoon.
On Monday, April 28th - Sterling
- 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 - 14 1/2 miles.
- Elevation Gain - 500 feet (moderate). NOTE: MapMyRide changed the way it calculates elevation gain. Don't be intimidated.
- Unpaved - 8 1/2 - but it doesn't really count.
- Equipment - Any sturdy, well maintained, bike will work.
- AR Index = roughly equal to 18 flat, smooth miles.
11:30 AM - Lunch will be at Village Pizza & More in Sterling.
The Afternoon Fitness Ride will ride to the Wachusett Reservoir and Dam.
- The Afternoon Fitness 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 - Wachusett Dam
- Distance - 14 1/2 miles
- Elevation Gain - 650 feet.
- Unpaved - 1 mile smooth dirt.
- Equipment - Any sturdy, well maintained, bike will work.
- AR Index = roughly equal to 20 flat, smooth miles.
On Wednesday, April 30th - Groton Center
So, how about a ride from Groton Center to Hollis via West Groton and lunch at Hollis Country Kitchen. Then it's a straight shot down freshly paved Route 122 to Pepperell and we can take either Nashua Road or the Rail Trail back to Groton.
- 9:30 AM - We will leave for Hollis
- 11:30 AM - Lunch at Hollis Country Kitchen.
- 2:30 PM - We will be back.
- Starting Point - Groton Center.
- Route Map - Groton - Hollis - Nashua Road
- Distance - 29 miles.
- Elevation Gain - 600 feet.
- Unpaved - 2 miles smooth dirt.
- Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
- AR Index - Roughly equal to 34 flat, smooth miles.
On Friday, May 2nd -Harvard Center
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole