Thanks!!! We couldn't do it without you!

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, the 22nd season of AdventuRiders is behind us now. Seriously, we couldn't do it without you! 

The party was a huge success, thanks Jane and Ralph! Everyone contributes in their own way and the net result is FANTASTIC!

So, the final numbers are in:

• Number of rides - 40
• Number of miles - 657
• Number of moving hours - 61
• Number of calories (for me anyhow) - 41,500

See you in the Spring,

Bill and Carole

GO - Carlisle HIKE + PARTY

Reminder - Carlisle HIKE + PARTY on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Its not too late to sign up for the END OF SEASON PARTY at Jane's house in Carlisle @ 11:30 AM tomorrow.

Everyone survived the bike ride on Wednesday, but I must admit it was COLD in the morning, but rather pleasant in the afternoon. Anyhow, Fearless Leader has decided a hike would be more appropriate tomorrow morning.

So the plan is to meet at Jane's house @ 9:30 AM and go for a hike in Estabrook Woods. I'm only semi-familiar with the trail system there, but we will wander around and enjoy the late Fall scenery until it is time to head back to Jane's and PARTY.

 

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Depot Park, Bedford

Starting Point Map

Be sure to have good gloves, ears and face protection, and a smile under all those layers.

Reminder - Somerville Here We Come on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The poll results are in and RIDE to Somerville won by a landslide!

The good news is that the forecast is for SUNNY skies Wednesday. The less good news is that it will be about 25 degrees when we leave and the windchill will be 15 degrees. On the way back, the temperature will rocket up to freezing.

Be sure to have good gloves, ears and face protection, and a smile under all those layers. I doubt the bathrooms in Bedford will be open :-(

In case I forget tomorrow morning, here are a few reminders.

1. Rail trails don't have cars, but they have plenty of other hazards. Stay alert.
2. Anything that looks wet could be ice.
3. Leaves could be especially treacherous.
4. Watch out for car doors once we get to Davis Square.

Everybody is welcome to join us on Wednesday to celebrate the completion of our 22nd season. Since we are simply riding the Minuteman Bikeway, you can turn around when you get half tired or need to be back early. 

At the risk of causing a mutiny, I have a new lunch recommendation from our intrepid rider Darlene (who steered us to Dave's in the first place). She recommends Diva Indian Bistro right in Davis Square. "Diva has a very good Indian lunch buffet for $8.99.  They also have seating!! and there is bike parking nearby." 

Otherwise we can have a yummy lunch at Dave's Fresh Pasta.

On Wednesday, November 19th - Bedford to Somerville

• 9:30 AM - The Everybody Ride will leave Bedford Depot Park.
  
• 11:30 PM - LUNCH in Davis Square.
  
• Route Map - Narrow Gauge - Minuteman - Somerville
  
• Distance - 23 miles
• Elevation Gain - 350 feet
• Unpaved - None
• Equipment - I plan to bring my ROAD bike.
• AR Index - roughly equal to 25 flat, smooth miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - All Rides Today are POSTPONED

Last Week of the Season - Sterling - Minuteman - PARTY

Dear AdventuRiders,

The AdventuRiders have spoken, and having a Friday End of Season Party has won by a landslide!

Well, it looks like our run of good weather has come to an end :-( The Monday forecast is for a 90% chance of rain / freezing rain.

Wednesday is looking SUNNY but COLD, and Friday is too far away to take the forecast seriously.

On Monday, November 17th -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 - TBD
• 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 - TBD
• 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.

Everybody is welcome to join us on Wednesday to celebrate the completion of our 22nd 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. 

At the risk of causing a mutiny, I have a new lunch recommendation from our intrepid rider Darlene (who steered us to Dave's in the first place). She recommends Diva Indian Bistro right in Davis Square. "Diva has a very good Indian lunch buffet for $8.99.  They also have seating!! and there is bike parking nearby." 

Otherwise we can have a yummy lunch at Dave's Fresh Pasta.

On Wednesday, November 19th - Bedford to Somerville

• 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 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.

On Friday, November 21st - Morning Ride + End of Season Party.

Stay tuned for more details.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - Today's Rides Are POSTPONED

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, Loon Mountain is opening on Saturday morning.

Reminder - Groton Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Usually "Blah blah blah Filho's" is all I need to write for Groton Center rides. However, the weather is looking particularly tricky for tomorrow. If the weathermen are wrong about the snow, and the cold, and the wind, we'll give it a go. It looks highly unlikely though :-(

I'll make the call before 8:00 AM tomorrow morning.

On Friday, November 14th - Groton Center

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
  
• 11:30 AM - 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.
  

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

• 12:30 PM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
  
• 2:30 PM - 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.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

Fwd: It's About That Time....

Dear AdventuRiders,

More Wachusett Mountain stuff....the last time I will remind / bug you.

Bill

For Season Passes and Snow!

To view this email as a web page, go here.

Opening Just Around the Corner! With the return of cold temps this week, snowmaking operations will begin as soon as possible. Our scheduled opening date is Saturday, November 22, however we will open sooner if weather permits. Our snowmaking team just needs a couple of nights with low humidity and temperatures in the mid 20's or below to get down enough base to open. Snowmaking will commence on Indian Summer, Ralph's Run and Challenger first. Stay tuned to the website and daily snow report updates for the latest plans. Still Time to Buy Your Season Pass The season will be here within just a few more days so don't wait to buy your new season pass. Passes may sell out this winter so don't delay.  For groups of 4 or more in our "Greatest Possible Savings" Club, prices starts as low as $249 per person. Save $120 per person if you purchase by November 19th.  Join a group, start a group, buy now! Get Fired Up For Winter! Celebrate the start of the winter season by joining us November 21st for our 4th Annual Winter Fire Celebration. An evening of Hot Deals, hottest new TGR ski and snowboard action movies, Hot Foods and Fired Up Fun!  Buy tickets in advance and save. Winter Is No Laughing Matter (or maybe it is)! Work off your Thanksgiving dinner with a night of skiing and laughter at our first annual "Comedy Kick Off" on Friday, November 28 at 8 p.m.  Work out your abs while laughing aloud to four hilarious local comedians performing live in the Granite Room.  Advance tickets only $10 for the show.  Ski package also available.  Buy Now Learn To Be An Instructor At Our ITC Our Instructor Training Course kicks off this weekend (November 16) so now's your chance to get that dream job of teaching skiing or snowboarding here at Wachusett. Click here to register.

This email was sent to: bill.brandt@gmail.com This email was sent by: Wachusett Mountain 499 Mountain Road Princeton, MA 01541 We respect your right to privacy - view our policy
To update your profile or to be removed from our mailing list click here Manage Subscriptions

GO - Harvard Center

Starting Point Map - Harvard Center - Town Hall

Update - Harvard - Hudson Route Map for Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Here is the route map and details. Yup, its hilly, but they are fairly well distributed and there are no category hills.

On Wednesday, November 12 - Harvard Center

Any ride starting in Harvard is HILLY, but the views are always beautiful.

• 9:30 AM - The Fearless Leader's Choice Ride will leave.
• 1:00 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Harvard Center - Town Hall.
• Route Map - Harvard - Hudson.
• Distance - 25 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 1500 feet.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 35 flat, paved miles.

LUNCH is at Harvard General Store.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

Change of Plans - Harvard Center on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Decisions, decisions, decisions :-( It doesn't look like good weather on the coast tomorrow with drizzle and fog in the morning and maybe a shower in the afternoon. So the Portsmouth ride is cancelled :-(

However it should be relatively warm inland and we should take advantage of it since its mid-November! How about we meet in one of my new favorite places, Harvard Center? We can ride for a few hours and come back for lunch at ~1:00 PM. 

Maybe a movers and Shakers and Quakers ride...?

On Wednesday, November 12 - Harvard Center

Any ride starting in Harvard is HILLY, but the views are always beautiful.

• 9:30 AM - The Fearless Leader's Choice Ride will leave.
• 1:00 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Harvard Center - Town Hall.
• Route Map - TBD.
• Distance - 25-30 miles.
• Elevation Gain - TBD.
• Unpaved - TBD.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to TBD flat, paved miles.

LUNCH is at Harvard General Store.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

Wachusett Mountain Ski Passes

Dear AdventuRiders,

If you're not a downhill skier, you can stop reading now.

Save $120 by buying your Wachusett Mountain Greatest Possible Savings season pass before November 19th and using the Group Name Adventurides.

It pays for itself in less than 5 trips to Wachusett, and you get the Perks For Passholders as well.

See you on the slopes,

Bill and (hopefully Carole)

GO - Lunenburg Center

Starting Point Map - Lunenburg Center.

Reminder - Lunenburg Center on Monday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The forecast for Monday calls for SUNNY and mid 40s in the morning to mid 50s in the afternoon and light winds. Delightful!!! The rest of the week doesn't look so good at this point...

The morning Recreation Ride will explore ALPACAS, rocking horses, Hickory Hills Lake, and a bit of the hills of Lunenburg. The afternoon Fitness Ride will feature a bunch of freshly paved roads as well as ALPACAS, Flat Hill, and Lake Whalon. 

The Senior Center is open on Mondays and they have bathrooms. The actual bike routes have no portapotties that I could find. Plan accordingly.

On Monday, November 10th - Lunenburg Center

• 9:30 AM - The morning Recreation Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Lunenburg Center.
• Route Map - Lunenburg - HHL - Old City.
• Distance - 13 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet. Yes there is a category 4 hill, but its not bad.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 17 flat, paved miles.

LUNCH is a PICNIC at the Teen Center if it is warm enough. We can get food at the Village Grill. I checked and they claim to be open on Mondays.

• 12:30 PM - The afternoon Fitness Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Lunenburg Center.
• Route Map - Lunenburg - Shirley - Whalom.
• Distance - 14 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 900 feet.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 20 flat, paved miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

This Week and Next Week

Dear AdventuRiders,

The end of the 2014 Fall season is rapidly approaching with only 2 weeks to go. We schedule 10 to 11 weeks of rides to get our normal 8 weekly rides completed between bad weather. This season we have had exceptionally good weather which has resulted in 8 Monday rides and 8 Friday rides so far. Of course we will continue until until snow or cold or Wachusett skiing stops us.

Anyhow, this is what I am thinking for the rest of the season. Stay tuned for the details.

On Monday, November 10th, Lunenburg. 

Some new variations (Flat Hill, rockin' horse hill) and ALPACAS!

On Wednesday November 12th, Portsmouth!!! 

Who said we can't do the same spectacular ride twice in the same season? The weather looks good, so what the heck!

On Friday, November 14th, Groton Center. 

Blah, blah, blah, Filho's Cucina.

On Monday, November 17th, Morning Ride + PARTY.

Any volunteers?

On Wednesday, November 19th, Minuteman Bikeway to Davis Square.

Blah, blah, blah, Dave's Fresh Pasta.

On Friday, November 21st, Meadowbrook Orchards, Sterling.

Warm PORCELAIN, good food, and hills.

I also want to hike Andres Institute of Art in Brookline, NH sometime. We'll see what the weather does...

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Acton Center - Behind the Library

Bring 3 or 4 layers to be comfortable.

• Starting Point Map - Acton Center - Behind the Library.

Reminder - Acton Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

It should be done being rainy and cold by tomorrow morning. It is forecast to be Mostly Cloudy and mid 40s when we leave and Partly Cloudy and still mid 40s when we return. The wind will be a bit busy, dress accordingly.

We will start at the Acton Library (nice warm PORCELAIN bathrooms) and the rides will generally move away from Acton traffic whenever possible. The morning Fitness Ride highlight will be the llama, goat, and sheep menagerie in Littleton and still colorful backroads through Boxboro. The afternoon Recreation Ride will feature the Prouty Woods in Littleton with possible side trips to Long Pond and Wilderness House (fantastic views).

It will probably not be the greatest picnic weather, so we can eat inside at Acton House of Pizza.

On Friday, November 7th - Acton Center

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 11:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Acton Center - Behind the Library.
• Route Map - Acton, Flagg Hill - Llamas.
• Distance - 17 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 900 feet - one significant / walkable hill.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index = Roughly equal to 22 flat, paved miles.

LUNCH - Acton House of Pizza

• 12:30 PM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Acton Center - Behind the Library.
• Route Map - Acton - Long Pond - Littleton.
  
• Distance - 13 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet.
• Off Road - A bit if we decide to go to Wilderness House.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 17 flat, smooth miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

STOP - Today's Ride Is Postponed.

Fearless Leader has a sinus headache :-(

Reminder - Lake Potanipo on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather is looking pretty decent tomorrow, considering its November. Mostly Cloudy, mid 50s when we leave and near 60 degrees and still Mostly Cloudy when we return.

I changed the ride a bit to avoid the freshly graded Federal Hill Road and substitute a beautiful walk through the woods to get to Monson Center. I also found a new portion of the Potanipo Rail Trail that we will try out.

There are 2 category 5 hills (easiest category). The first one happens early in the ride and we will find some sculptures near the top of the hill. The second one we will be walking through the woods to Monson Center.

The bad news is that I found NO portapotties on the route. Be prepared.

On Wednesday, November 5th - Lake Potanipo, Brookline, NH.

We will cross the 100 year old suspension bridge over the Souhegan River 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 - The FLC Ride will leave for Milford, NH.
• 1:30 PM - Non-lunching people should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Lake Potanipo, Brookline, NH.
• Route Map - Potanipo - Monson - Milford.
• Distance - 23 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 1400 feet - 2 Category 5 hills.
• Unpaved - Yes, some smooth dirt and some off road.
• 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 - East Pepperell Center

You should add one layer for every 10 degrees colder than 70 degrees. So, I would suggest 3-4 layers + a wind resistant layer. You'll be toasty warm after we hit the hills.

• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.

This Week - East Pepperell - Potanipo - Acton Center

Dear AdventuRiders,

Break out your woollies, its gonna be nippy in the mornin'! The clouds and rain are going away, but some of the wind will still be with us tomorrow. It should be SUNNY and around 40 degrees in the morning, but the wind will make it feel like mid 30s. Dress warmly! After lunch it will still feel like November (duh!), but it will still be SUNNY and a bit "warmer".

The "good" news is that everything is uphill from East Pepperell since its a river town. Both rides will go UP to Hollis, NH, on generally different routes, so we will warm up on the hills and have a head wind on the way out and a tailwind and downhill on the way back.

Our first experience at Breen's Diner for LUNCH was quite positive. It should be warm and they have PORCELAIN and all day breakfast!

On Monday, November 3rd - East Pepperell Center

• 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
• 11:30 AM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.
• Route Map - East Pepperell - Hollis.
• Distance - 14 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 500 feet.
• Unpaved - a few miles of smooth dirt.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 17 flat, paved miles.

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

• 12:30 PM - The afternoon Fitness Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - East Pepperell Center.
• Route Map - East Pepperell - Hollis.
• Distance - 16 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 650 feet.
• Unpaved - several miles of smooth dirt.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 20 flat, paved miles.

On Wednesday, November 5th - 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 - The FLC Ride 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 31 flat, paved miles.

On Friday, November 7th - Acton Center

• 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
• 11:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Acton Center - Behind the Library.
• Route Map - TBD.
• Distance - TBD.
• Elevation Gain - TBD.
• Unpaved - TBD.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index = Roughly equal to TBD flat, paved miles.

LUNCH - Acton House of Pizza

• 12:30 PM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
• 2:30 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Acton Center - Behind the Library.
• Route Map - TBD.
  
• Distance - TBD.
• Elevation Gain - TBD.
• Off Road - TBD.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to TBD flat, smooth miles.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

This Week - East Pepperell - Potanipo - Acton

Dear AdventuRiders,

I'm still out scouting routes for this week, but I thought I would give you a heads up on my plans. Stay tuned for more information.

Bill