Reminder - Brookline on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The forecast for tomorrow is looking particularly grim :-( 

I won't call it off yet, but I will send out a GO / STOP notice before 8:00 AM tomorrow morning.

On Wednesday, October 1st - Lake Potanipo, Brookline, NH.

We will cross the 100 year old suspension bridge over the Souhegan in Milford and pass the Granite Town Rail Trail (not very bikeable) before stopping for lunch at Chrysanthi's Restaurant. If you want to skip lunch, its just a couple of miles straight down Route 13 back to the start.

• 9:30 AM - We will leave for Milford, NH.
• 1:30 PM - Non-lunching people should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Lake Potanipo, Brookline, NH.
• Route Map - Potanipo - Silver - Milford.
• Distance - 23 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 760 feet - 2 Category 5 hills.
• Unpaved - 4 miles - mostly smooth.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.

AR Index - Roughly equal to 31 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Acton Center

This Week - Acton Center - Brookline - Lunenburg

Dear AdventuRiders,

I guess the weather can't be perfect all the time. Tomorrow is forecast to be "good" with temps in the mid 60s to mid 70s and Mostly Cloudy. 

The Morning Recreation Ride will explore the backroads of Carlisle, Nara Park in Acton and then Nagog Orchards in Littleton before a nice downhill run back to Acton Center.

The Afternoon Fitness Ride will visit an old school house, Boxboro Center (don't blink) and West Acton on the way back to Acton Center.

The Monday rides use a new starting point that has PORCELAIN, Picnic Tables, and a Pizza Joint! The library opens at 9:00 AM and has porcelain to the left as you walk in the front door. Please park away from the library entrance and down toward the playground.

LUNCH will be a BYOL Picnic at the playground. You can buy lunch at the Acton House of Pizza on the other side of the library.

On Monday, September 29th - Acton Center

• 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
• 11:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Acton Center - Behind the Library.
• Route Map - Acton Center - Nagog.
• Distance - 13.5 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 650 feet.
• Unpaved - 1/2 mile.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index = Roughly equal to 17 flat, paved miles.

LUNCH - BYOL Picnic - Or Acton House of Pizza

• 12:30 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Acton Center - Behind the Library.
• Route Map - Acton Center - Boxboro.
  
• Distance - 14 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 800 feet.
• Off Road - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 20 flat, smooth miles.

On Wednesday, October 1st - Lake Potanipo, Brookline, NH.

We will cross the 100 year old suspension bridge over the Souhegan in Milford and pass the Granite Town Rail Trail (not very bikeable) before stopping for lunch at Chrysanthi's Restaurant. If you want to skip lunch, its just a couple of miles straight down Route 13 back to the start.

• 9:30 AM - We will leave for Milford, NH.
• 1:30 PM - Non-lunching people should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Lake Potanipo, Brookline, NH.
• Route Map - Potanipo - Silver - Milford.
• Distance - 23 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 760 feet - 2 Category 5 hills.
• Unpaved - 4 miles - mostly smooth.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.

AR Index - Roughly equal to 31 flat, paved miles.

On Friday, October 3rd - Lunenburg Center

• 9:30 AM - The morning Fitness Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Lunenburg Center.
• Route Map - Lunenburg - Pearl Hill.
• Distance - 14 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 19 flat, paved miles.

LUNCH is a PICNIC at the Teen Center. We can get food at the Village Grill.

• 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Lunenburg Center.
• Route Map - Lunenburg - Shirley.
• Distance - 13 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 18 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Bolton Center

Reminder - Bolton Center Baseball Fields on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather forecast is looking EXCELLENT again for tomorrow. How does 60s in the morning and 70s in the afternoon sound? SUNNY skies and gentle breezes too...

Don't forget to Bring Your Own Lunch if you are going to picnic with us tomorrow. There are pretty much no eateries near our starting point.

On Friday, September 26th - Bolton Center

• The MORNING FITNESS ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Bolton Center.
• Route Map - Bolton - Berlin.
  
• Distance - 13 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 900 feet
• Unpaved - none.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 19 flat smooth miles

LUNCH - 11:30 AM - BYOL Picnic

• The AFTERNOON RECREATION ride will leave at 12:30 PM.
• We should be back by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Bolton Center.
• Route Map - Bolton - Harvard.
• Distance - 13 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 750 feet.
• Unpaved - none.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 18 flat smooth miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Hampton North Beach

Remember, the ride starts at 9:30.

Reminder - Hampton North Beach on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

If you liked today's weather, you'll LOVE tomorrow's weather along the coast. It's forecast to be SUNNY, near 60 all day with a bit of breeze in the afternoon!

Let me know if you want to carpool and I will try to match people up. 

On Wednesday, September 24th - Portsmouth

Beautiful seacoast ride!!!

• The FEARLESS LEADER'S CHOICE ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Hampton North Beach.
• Route Map - Hampton - Portsmouth.
• Distance - 35 Miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet.
• Unpaved - none.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 35 flat smooth miles

LUNCH - Noonish - Portsmouth Brewery.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Harvard Center

Carole, my lovely and directionally challenged partner, will lead the morning ride.

This Week - Harvard - Portsmouth - Bolton

Dear AdventuRiders,

The excellent bicycling weather is forecast to continue this week. Monday morning is supposed to be SUNNY and mid 60s rising to about 70 degrees in the afternoon.

On Monday, September 22nd - Harvard Center

The morning ride will feature Bare Hill Pond, Still River, Prospect Hill, and of course GOATS.

• The MORNING RECREATION ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Harvard Center.
• Route Map - Harvard - Bare Hill Pond
• Distance - 11 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet.
• Unpaved - 1/2 mile smooth gravel.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 16 flat smooth miles.

LUNCH - 11:30 AM - Harvard General Store.

The afternoon ride will feature the Shaker stone barn, cemetery, and the center village. We will also ride UP Oak Hill and check out the apple orchards. Then it's the roller coaster ride back to town.

• The AFTERNOON FITNESS ride will leave at 12:30 PM.
• We should be back by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Harvard Center.
• Route Map - Harvard - Shaker Village
• Distance - 15 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 950 feet.
• Unpaved - none.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 22 flat smooth miles.

On Wednesday, September 24th - Portsmouth

Beautiful seacoast ride!!!

• The FEARLESS LEADER'S CHOICE ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Hampton North Beach.
• Route Map - Hampton - Portsmouth.
• Distance - 35 Miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet.
• Unpaved - none.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 35 flat smooth miles

LUNCH - 11:30 AM - Portsmouth Brewery.

On Friday, September 26th - Bolton Center

• The MORNING FITNESS ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Bolton Center.
• Route Map - Bolton - Berlin.
  
• Distance - 13 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 900 feet
• Unpaved - none.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 19 flat smooth miles

LUNCH - 11:30 AM - BYOL Picnic

• The AFTERNOON RECREATION ride will leave at 12:30 PM.
• We should be back by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Bolton Center.
• Route Map - Bolton - Harvard.
• Distance - 13 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 750 feet.
• Unpaved - none.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 18 flat smooth miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Sterling

It's a bit chilly this morning.

Reminder - Sterling Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, if you believe the weatherman, Friday looks like a TOP 10 sort of day with bright blue skies and temperatures from the low 50s to the low 60s! So, I've planned a couple of rides featuring the Mass Central Rail Trail starting in Sterling, MA.

As you are traveling through Sterling Center on Route 62 West, when you see this view out your windshield,

turn LEFT and follow the rail trail signs.

On Friday, September 19th

The Morning Fitness Ride will take us on a bit of the Mass Central Rail Trail , the true story of "Mary Had A Little Lamb" and a visit to the Wachusett Dam.

• The Morning Fitness Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Sterling.
• Route Map - Sterling - Wachusett - Clinton.
• Distance - 15 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet (more difficult).
• Unpaved - 2 miles - very smooth crushed rock.
• Equipment - Any sturdy, well maintained, bike will work.
• AR Index = roughly 19 flat, paved miles.

Lunch will be at Village Pizza & More in Sterling.

The Afternoon Recreation Ride will explore the Mass Central Rail Trail to Holden and we will return the same way since it is such a nice trail.

• The Afternoon Recreation Ride will leave at 12:30 PM.
• We should be back by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Sterling.
• Route Map - Sterling - MCRT.
• Distance - 16 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 500 feet (easy).
• Unpaved - 8 1/2 - but it doesn't really count.
• Equipment - Any sturdy, well maintained, bike will work.
• AR Index = roughly 18 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Westminster

Reminder - Westminster on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The forecast calls for getting rid of the rain and clouds and replacing them with sunny and seasonable. It should be a GREAT ride, complete with goats. I did a quick PortaPotty check at the starting point this afternoon and I would rate it at least a "10".

On Wednesday, September 17th -Westminster

The Wednesday Fearless Leader's Choice 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. I'm planning to do the whole ride with just a couple of snack breaks and then have lunch afterwards. Lunch will be at The Angler or someplace else...

• The Fearless Leader's Choice Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We should be back by 1:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Westminster Bandshell
• Route Map - Westminster - Wachusett *** possible tweaking involved ***
• Distance - 27 miles
• Elevation Gain - 800 feet (more difficult)
• Unpaved - 1 mile - some rough spots
• Equipment - I plan to bring my ROAD bike.
• AR Index = roughly 36 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Carlisle Center

It's pretty chilly right now, but it should warm up by 9:30.

This Week - Carlisle - Westminster - Sterling + Seacoast Century

Dear AdventuRiders,

The great biking weather continues! On Monday, it should be SUNNY and mid 50s in the morning and near 70 in the afternoon.

The Morning Recreation Ride will ride past the Cranberry Bog on the way to Great Brook Farm State Park, and finally some quiet backroads in Carlisle.

The Afternoon Fitness Ride will explore some quiet Carlisle backroads on our way to the Old North Bridge in Concord. 

On Monday, September 15th - Carlisle Center

• 9:30 AM - The Morning Recreation Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Carlisle Center - Please DO NOT park at Fern's.
• Route Map - Carlisle - GBFSP.
• Distance - 12 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 230 feet, 2 noticeable hills.
• Unpaved - maybe a bit.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 14 flat, paved miles

LUNCH is at Fern's Country Store.

• 12:30 PM - The Afternoon Fitness Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Carlisle Center - Please DO NOT park at Fern's.
• Route Map - Carlisle - Old North Bridge.
• Distance - 15 1/4 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 275 feet (average)
• Unpaved - a little bit.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 17 flat, paved miles.

On Wednesday, September 17 - Westminster

Around Wachusett Mountain and GOATS! Yummy lunch afterwards at The Angler. Stay tuned for more details.

On Friday, September 19th - Sterling - MCRT

Mass Central Rail Trail Ride. Yummy lunch at Village Pizza. Stay tuned for more details.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Chelmsford Center

Beautiful day!

Reminder - Chelmsford Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather tomorrow is looking perfect for bicycling. It could be a bit chilly in the morning, but sunny with only a slight breeze.

The morning FITNESS RIDE will go to Great Brook Farm State Park (porcelain facilities) and ride part of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.

The afternoon RECREATION RIDE will be more of the same except shorter.

On Friday, September 12th -Chelmsford Center.

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Great Brook Farm State Park.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Chelmsford Center.
• Route Map - Chelmsford - GBFSP - BFRT
• Distance - 14 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 250 feet (moderate).
• Off Road - a little bit (and very walk-able).
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 15 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - Brickhouse Center Sports Grill.

• 12:30 PM - The Recreation Ride will leave for the Cranberry Bogs.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Chelmsford Center.
• Route Map - Chelmsford, BFRT, Cranberry.
• Distance - 10 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 150 feet (easy)
• Off Road - maybe a little at the cranberry bogs.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 11 flat, smooth miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Groton Center

It could be chilly.

Reminder - Groton Center on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

It doesn't look like a good swimming day, so we'll take the scenic route to Hollis for lunch and then cruise back.

On Wednesday, September 10th - 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.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Groton Center

It looks like a beautiful day!

Reminder - Groton Center Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Where the heck has the summer gone? I usually look forward to the cool weather of Fall, but it was like that all Summer here in Bar Harbor (except for the hurricane that Carole brought with her :-)

Anyhow, just to prove how much I enjoy leading bicycle rides, I am leaving this behind ...

​

... to start the 22nd Season of AdventuRides.

So, as usual we are starting on / near a rail trail to get our biking legs back and make sure our bikes are tuned, lubed, and most importantly, TIRES INFLATED.

The morning Recreation Ride will ride the Nashua River Rail Trail to Pepperell and return by way of Nashua Road. 

The afternoon Fitness Ride will travel toward Ayer on the NRRT and then go to historic Shirley Center and the Storybook House. This one is a little longer and hillier than is usual for the beginning of the season, but I'm sure everyone has been riding all Summer :-)

On Monday, September 8th - Groton Center

• 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
  
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
  
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center.
  
• Route Map - Groton - Pepperell - Nashua Road
  
• Distance - 12.5 miles
  
• Elevation Gain - 350 feet
  
• Unpaved - None
  
• Equipment - I plan to bring my ROAD bike.
  
• AR Index - roughly equal to 15 flat, smooth miles.
  

LUNCH - 11:30 to 12:30 - Filho's Cucina.

• 12:30 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
  
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
  
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center.
  
• Route Map - Storybook - Shirley Center
  
• Distance - 15 miles
  
• Elevation Gain - 600 feet
  
• Unpaved - None
  
• 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

Next Week - Groton - Groton - Chelmsford

Dear AdventuRiders,

Where the heck has the summer gone? I usually look forward to the cool weather of Fall, but it was like that all Summer here in Bar Harbor (except for the hurricane that Carole brought with her :-)

Anyhow, just to prove how much I enjoy leading bicycle rides, I am leaving this behind ...

​

... to start the 22nd Season of AdventuRides.

So, as usual we are starting on / near a rail trail to get our biking legs back and make sure our bikes are tuned, lubed, and most importantly, TIRES INFLATED.

The morning Recreation Ride will ride the Nashua River Rail Trail to Pepperell and return by way of Nashua Road. 

The afternoon Fitness Ride will travel toward Ayer on the NRRT and then go to historic Shirley Center and the Storybook House. This one is a little longer and hillier than is usual for the beginning of the season, but I'm sure everyone has been riding all Summer :-)

On Monday, September 8th - Groton Center

• 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
  
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
  
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center.
  
• Route Map - Groton - Pepperell - Nashua Road
  
• Distance - 12.5 miles
  
• Elevation Gain - 350 feet
  
• Unpaved - None
  
• Equipment - I plan to bring my ROAD bike.
  
• AR Index - roughly equal to 15 flat, smooth miles.
  

LUNCH - 11:30 to 12:30 - Filho's Cucina.

• 12:30 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
  
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
  
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center.
  
• Route Map - Storybook - Shirley Center
  
• Distance - 15 miles
  
• Elevation Gain - 600 feet
  
• Unpaved - None
  
• Equipment - I plan to bring my ROAD bike.
  
• AR Index - roughly equal to 20 flat, smooth miles.
  

On Wednesday, September 10th - Groton Center

The Fearless Leader is thinking about riding to Heald Pond in Pepperell since this may be our last chance for a swim before it get chilly. Lunch is TBD. More details when I manage to pry myself away from Bar Harbor.

On Friday, September 12th - South Chelmsford

The plan is to start at Heart Pond Beach in South Chelmsford and ride parts of the Bruce Freeman Bike Trail, stop at Great Brook Farm State Park to use their outstanding porcelain, and explore the beautiful backroads of Carlisle. Stay tuned for more details.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole