GO - Harvard Center

It's chilly this morning.

• Starting Point Map - Harvard Center - Town Hall.

Reminder - Harvard Center on Friday - Halloween Special

Dear AdventuRiders,

Happy Halloween!!! The weather is looking seasonable with low 40s in the morning and low 50s in the afternoon with Partly Cloudy skies.

OK, so it's not Salem, but we can make it as spooky as possible (Salem wasn't that spooky yesterday). Costumes are encouraged, and I will buy lunch for the best costume! GET BUSY!!!

On Friday, October 31 - Harvard Center

The morning Fitness Ride is HILLY, but the views should be beautiful. Its not that many miles, but Vaughn Hill can be challenging. We may stop by Harvard Cemetery to make it an official Halloween ride.

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Harvard Center - Town Hall.
• Route Map - Harvard Center - Lancaster View.
• Distance - 14 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 1000 feet and 2 category 5 hill.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 21 flat, paved miles.

LUNCH is at Harvard General Store.

The Recreation riders always miss out on the Shaker Villages tour. I shortened up the ride as much as possible, and of course walking the hills is always an option. I don't know if it is haunted, but we will visit the Shaker "Lollypop" Cemetery too.

• 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Harvard Center - Town Hall.
• Route Map - Harvard Center - Shaker Villages.
• Distance - 13 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 750 feet, 1 Category 5 (easiest) hill.
• 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 - Beverly - Salem Halloween Special

It seems the Magnolia House Of Pizza burned down on Sunday. I guess we'll need to find something in Manchester.

• Starting Point Map - Curve Lane Soccer Field.

Reminder - Beverly - Salem Ride on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

YAY, they've moved any mention of rain until later in the afternoon. It will be warm, and partly to mostly cloudy until 3:00 ish when it could start raining. It should be about 60 degrees when we leave and near 70 degrees when we get back. Much nice than our 35 degrees and raining Halloween ride from last year.

On Wednesday, October 29th - Beverly - Salem

So the plan is to meet in Beverly at the soccer fields on Cross Lane and ride along the coast to Salem. We will stop at Lynch Park and ride through Endicott College in Beverly, go to Tuck's Point and Singing Beach in Manchester, and tour some beautiful coastline in Gloucester. I haven't checked out our usual LUNCH stop in Magnolia yet, but we'll find something special.

RSVP if you want me try and arrange carpools.

The route map shows 1500 feet elevation gain, but in reality it is mostly just "ripples" rather than noticeable hills.

• 9:30 AM - We will leave from the Curve Lane Soccer Field.
  
• 12:30 PM- ish - Lunch at Magnolia House of Pizza.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Curve Lane Soccer Field.
• Route Map - Beverly - Manchester - Magnolia.
  
• Distance - 31 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 1500 feet - pretty flat actually.
• Unpaved - None.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 35 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - Magnolia House of Pizza. The plan is to buy lunch there and go across the street to the Magnolia Town Landing / Park for a picnic.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Horseshoe Pub - Hudson

Bring something warm!

Reminder - Hudson on Monday - Ride Details

On Monday, October 27th - Hudson - (Assebet River)

• The Morning Recreation Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We will return by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Hudson - Horseshoe Pub.
• Route Map - Hudson - ARNWR
• Distance = 15 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain = 450 feet (easy).
• Unpaved = 5 miles mostly smooth but leaf covered.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.

AR Index = Roughly equal to 17 flat, paved miles.

Lunch is at 11:30 AM.

• The Afternoon Fitness Ride will leave at 12:30 PM.
• We will return by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Hudson - Horseshoe Pub.
• Route Map - Hudson - Bolton - ARRT
• Distance = 17.5 miles
• Elevation Gain = 850 feet (more difficult)
• Unpaved = a little bit
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.

AR Index = Roughly equal to 22 flat paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

This Week - Hudson - Salem - Harvard

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather is looking nice, but quite breezy. We will generally be in the woods or at least surrounded by trees so it shouldn't be an issue. It should be SUNNY and upper 40s when we leave and mid 50s when we return.

I have been one of the major culprits in being late for the rides. If we get a late start in the morning, it messes up the whole day. So, please try to be at the starting point early enough to get geared up and ready to go at the appointed time.

I haven't figured out all the ride details yet, but we will go to UP to Marlboro, through the woods to the Wildlife Refuge and ride the Assebet River Rail Trail sometime during the day. I will publish details later this evening.

We have quite a few possibilities for LUNCH including the Horseshoe Pub (80 beers on tap + Oktoberfest), Rail Trail Flatbread Company, (Carole has some suggestions too).

On Monday, October 27th - Hudson - (Assebet River)

• The Morning Recreation Ride will leave at 9:30 AM.
• We will return by 11:30 AM.
• Starting Point Map - Hudson - Horseshoe Pub.
• Route Map - TBD
• Distance = 15 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain = 400 feet (easy) There is only one significant hill.
• Unpaved = TBD
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.

AR Index = Roughly equal to 17 flat, paved miles.

Lunch is at 11:30 AM.

• The Afternoon Fitness Ride will leave at 12:30 PM.
• We will return by 2:30 PM.
• Starting Point Map - Hudson - Horseshoe Pub.
• Route Map - TBD
• Distance = 17 miles
• Elevation Gain = 800 feet (more difficult)
• Unpaved = TBD
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.

AR Index = Roughly equal to 21 flat paved miles.

On Wednesday, October 29th - Salem (Beverly and the North Shore)

This is our pre-Halloween Ride because I'm afraid Salem will turn into it's usual madhouse on Friday.

On Friday, October 31 - Harvard Center (Haunted Shaker Cemetery)

OK, so it's not Salem, but we can make it as spooky as possible... Costumes are encouraged, and I will buy lunch for the best costume! GET BUSY!!!

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - All Friday Rides are POSTPONED

Reminder - Harvard Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

After all this rain, hopefully clear up a bit tomorrow. I'll make the GO / STOP decision before 8:00 AM tomorrow. I reserve the right to change the routes to take advantage of the foliage and/or avoid muddy roads.

The morning Fitness Ride will visit the "Lollipop" Cemetery and the old Shaker Village before climbing Oak Hill for a GREAT roller coaster ride back to Harvard.

LUNCH will be at Harvard General Store.

The afternoon Recreation Ride will climb Prospect Hill before riding around Bare Hill Pond and hopefully not getting throw out of Town Beach. 

On Friday, October 24th - Harvard Center

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Harvard Center - Town Hall.
• Route Map - Harvard Center - Rollercoaster.
• Distance - 14 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 850 feet and 1 category 5 hill.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 20 flat, paved miles.

LUNCH is at Harvard General Store.

• 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Harvard Center - Town Hall.
• Route Map - Harvard Center - Bare Hill Pond.
• Distance - 10 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet, 1 Category 5 (easiest) hill.
• Unpaved - 1 mile smooth dirt.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 15 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - Wednesday's Ride is POSTPONED

Reminder - Groton Center on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

I detected a distinct lack of rain today, but the weatherperson is still convinced tomorrow will be wet. I'll let you know my opinion before 8:00 AM tomorrow morning.

The weather is looking like a washout on Wednesday. If the weather changes, we will ride UP Wallace Hill to Brookline, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, Filho's.

On Wednesday, October 22th - Groton Center to Brookline, NH.

• 9:30 AM - We will leave for Brookline, NH.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center.
• Route Map - Groton Center to Brookline, NH.
• Distance - 24 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 1100 feet - 1 Category 4 hill.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I would plan to bring your road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 30 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Meadowbrook Orchards, Sterling

Bring some warm clothes.

This Week - Meadowbrook Orchards, Sterling - Groton - Harvard

Dear AdventuRiders,

I can't promise the perfect weather, foliage, and companionship that we had on Friday, ...

However, the weather looks good but chilly tomorrow morning. It should be low 40s in the morning, and low 50s in the afternoon. The morning ride takes us to Wachusett Dam and then to George Hill in Lancaster. The afternoon ride will take us to the Mass Central Rail Trail and back over Kendahl Hill.

We will meet at Meadowbrook Orchards in Sterling. Please park away from the restaurant so their regular customers aren't inconvenienced.

On Monday, October 20th -Meadowbrook Orchards - Sterling.

• 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map -  Meadowbrook Orchards - Sterling
• Route Map - Meadowbrook - Wachusett - Lancaster
• Distance - 14 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet.
• Off Road - Some smooth dirt.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 18 flat, smooth miles.

LUNCH - Meadowbrook Orchards - Sterling

• 12:30 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Meadowbrook Orchards - Sterling
• Route Map - Meadowbrook - MCRT
• Distance - 17 miles
• Elevation Gain - 950 feet
• Off Road - 4 miles of smooth crushed rock.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 23 flat, smooth miles.

The weather is looking like a washout on Wednesday. If the weather changes, we will ride UP Wallace Hill to Brookline, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, Filho's.

On Wednesday, October 22th - Groton Center to Brookline, NH.

• 9:30 AM - We will leave for Brookline, NH.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center.
• Route Map - Groton Center to Brookline, NH.
• Distance - 24 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 1100 feet - 1 Category 4 hill.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I would plan to bring your road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 30 flat, paved miles.

On Friday, October 24th - Harvard.

Stay tuned...

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

This Week - Sterling - Groton - Harvard

Dear AdventuRiders,

So I changed my mind about the starting point for tomorrow. We will meet at Meadowbrook Orchards in Sterling tomorrow so we can have PORCELAIN and a warm place for lunch. I'm still working on the details, so stay tuned!

Bill

GO - East Pepperell Center

Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.

Reminder - East Pepperell Center TODAY

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather looks terrific for tomorrow. Partly Cloudy and 60 degrees in the morning and 70 degrees in the afternoon.

On Friday, October 17th - East Pepperell Center

We will check out the new Breen's Diner in East Pepperell as well as explore along the Nissitissit River.

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.
• Route Map - East Pepperell - Potanipo.
• Distance - 16 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 650 feet.
• Unpaved - a little bit.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 20 flat, paved miles.

LUNCH is at the NEW Breen's Diner. BREAKFAST ALL DAY! Here is their menu.

• 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.
• Route Map - East Pepperell - Hollis.
• Distance - 15 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 450 feet.
• Unpaved - several miles of smooth dirt.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 17 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

Reminder - East Pepperell Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

I haven't forgotten about you, I am on my way back. I'm having trouble leaving Bar Harbor...

Bill

STOP - No Official Ride Today

This Week - DIY Groton - East Pepperell

Dear AdventuRiders,

Unfortunately, neither Carole nor I are available to lead the "Fearless Leader's Choice" ride on Wednesday. So it will be a DIY ride from Groton Center to Brookline. 

RSVP if you are planning to do the ride and I will make sure there is a quorum.

On Wednesday, October 15th - Groton Center to Brookline, NH.

• 9:30 AM - We will leave for Brookline, NH.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center.
• Route Map - Groton Center to Brookline, NH.
• Distance - 24 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 1100 feet - 1 Category 4 hill.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I would plan to bring your road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 30 flat, paved miles.

On Friday, October 17th - East Pepperell Center

We will check out the new Breen's Diner in East Pepperell as well as explore along the Nissitissit River. Stay tuned for more details.

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - .
• Route Map - .
• Distance - .
• Elevation Gain - .
• Unpaved - .
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to xx flat, paved miles.

LUNCH is at the NEW Breen's Diner.

• 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - .
• Route Map - .
• Distance - .
• Elevation Gain - .
• Unpaved - .
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to xx flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

Reminder - No Rides on Monday

Dear AdventuRiders,

I'm "stuck" in Bar Harbor for some of this week anyhow. I'll plan Wednesday and Friday rides between long bouts of doing nothing.

Bill

GO - Forge Pond Beach, Westford

Another beautiful day!

Reminder - Forge Pond Beach, Westford on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather is looking spectacular again on Friday! It should be around 50 degrees in the morning and 60 degrees in the afternoon with SUNSHINE.

The starting point is somewhat difficult to find. When you get to the intersection of Route 225 and the railroad tracks in Forge Village, look for a small road parallel to the railroad tracks with a sign that says "Forge Pond".

If you are coming from the south, turn LEFT immediately before the RR tracks. If you are coming from the Groton side, turn RIGHT immediately after the RR tracks.

If the weather is nice enough, we'll have a picnic and you can buy food at Pizzeria Presti across the street.

On Friday, October 10th - Westford - Forge Pond Beach

The Morning Fitness Ride will ride to Westford Center and then toward Mystery Spring before returning by way of Nabnassett.

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Forge Pond Beach, Westford.
• Route Map - Westford - Center - Nabnassett.
• Distance - 15 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 650 feet.
• Unpaved - 2 miles mostly smooth.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 20 flat, paved miles.

LUNCH is at Pizzeria Presti and / or a PICNIC at Forge Pond Beach

The Afternoon Recreation Ride will go to the Stone Arch Bridge, Nabnassett Pond and visit East Boston Camps on the way back.

• 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Forge Pond Beach, Westford.
• Route Map - Westford - Nabnassett.
• Distance - 12 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 500 feet.
• Unpaved - a bit of smooth dirt.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 16 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - Today's Ride is POSTPONED

Reminder - Brookline on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Its hard to complain about the weather after the spectacular days we have had this season. However, Wednesday looks decidedly wet and the route has 4 miles of normally smooth dirt. If we get substantial rain overnight and tomorrow morning it will turn to mud :-(

Anyhow, I'll make the GO / STOP decision before 8:00 tomorrow morning.

On Wednesday, October 8th - 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 - 1400 feet - 2 Category 5 hills.
• Unpaved - 4 miles - mostly smooth.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 32 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Dunstable - Larter Field

It's a bit chilly. Don't forget your BYOL picnic lunch.

This Week - Dunstable - Brookline - Westford

Dear AdventuRiders,

Monday is forecast to be ANOTHER beautiful day. It will be chilly in the morning (about 50 degrees when we leave), but warming up to the low 60s by afternoon.

The morning Recreation Ride will take us UP to High Street and over to the Stone Arch Bridge before visiting a corner of Nashua. Then its back on scenic Dunstable backroads.

The afternoon Fitness Ride features Massapoag Pond and the "Field of Dreams".

On Monday, October 6th -Dunstable - Larter Field

• 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
  
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
  
• Starting Point Map -  Dunstable - Larter Field.
  
• Route Map - Dunstable - Nashua
  
• Distance - 13.5 miles
  
• Elevation Gain - 500 feet
  
• Unpaved - 1 mile.
  
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
  
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 16 flat. paved miles.

LUNCH 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Picnic Lunch at Larter Field - BYOL - No food places nearby.

• 12:30 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map -  Dunstable - Larter Field.
• Route Map - Dunstable - Tyngsboro.
• Distance - 16 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 800 feet.
• Unpaved - None
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 21 flat. paved miles.

On Wednesday, October 8th - 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 - 1400 feet - 2 Category 5 hills.
• Unpaved - 4 miles - mostly smooth.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.

AR Index - Roughly equal to 32 flat, paved miles.

On Friday, October 10th - Westford - Forge Pond Beach

The Morning Fitness Ride will ride around a bunch of ponds and stop by the Stone Arch Bridge.

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Forge Pond Beach, Westford.
• Route Map - Westford - Cow Pond - Stone Arch.
• Distance - 15 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 650 feet.
• Unpaved - 2 miles mostly smooth.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 20 flat, paved miles.

LUNCH is at Pizzeria Presti.

The Afternoon Recreation Ride will go to Nabnassett Pond and visit East Boston Camps on the way.

• 12:30 PM - The afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Forge Pond Beach, Westford.
• Route Map - Westford - Nabnassett.
• Distance - 12 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 500 feet.
• Unpaved - a bit of smooth dirt.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 16 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Lunenburg Center

Reminder - Lunenburg Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The forecast for Friday calls for SUNNY and mid 50s to mid 60s and light winds. Delightful!!!

The morning Fitness Ride will explore the hills of Lunenburg to Pearl Hill State Park. The afternoon Recreation Ride will feature a bunch of freshly paved roads and ALPACAS. 

Don't be too concerned about the 700 feet elevation gain, MapMyRide has changed how they calculate elevation gain and the new way tends to give much higher results.

There are only a few potty stop opportunities on these rides, so plan accordingly.

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

STOP - Today's Ride is Postponed