GO - Larter Field, Dunstable

On Monday, September 28th -Dunstable - Larter Field

Starting Point

• Name - Larter Field
• Address - 120 Groton Street
• Town - Dunstable, MA 01827
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - Plenty.
• Facilities - PortaPotty.
  

Here's the Correct Morning Route Map.

Sorry, I had the Route Map link going to the wrong ride. Here is the correct one.

Bill

9:30 AM - The Morning Recreation Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Beautiful Dunstable Ride
• Distance - 11 miles
• Elevation Gain - 500 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved - 1/4 mile of old rail line.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 16 flat smooth miles.

This Week - Dunstable - TBD - Lunenburg

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, it looks like Fearless Leader could be out for a few more weeks :-( However, you will be in good hands with Very Nearly Fearless Carole.

The weather looks good, Partly Cloudy, 60s in the morning, 70s in the afternoon. This is a BYOL picnic ride.

The Monday morning Recreation ride gets "the best of Dunstable" with a slightly greater level of difficulty. Believe me, it will be worth it! We will NOT be doing long stretches of the very rough rail line like we did this Spring.

The Monday afternoon Fitness ride will be the "Field of Dreams" ride with a couple of challenging hills, but GREAT views.

The Wednesday "Fearless Leader's Choice" ride is CANCELLED :-(

I haven't totally figured out the Friday rides in Lunenburg yet because ALL the lunch places (and porcelain) have closed :-(

On Monday, September 28th -Dunstable - Larter Field

Starting Point

• Name - Larter Field
• Address - 120 Groton Street
• Town - Dunstable, MA 01827
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - Plenty.
• Facilities - PortaPotty.

9:30 AM - The Morning Recreation Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Beautiful Dunstable Ride
• Distance - 11 miles
• Elevation Gain - 500 feet (moderate)
• Unpaved - 1/4 mile of old rail line.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 16 flat smooth miles.

11:30 AM - We are scheduled to be back.

11:30 AM - Lunch Time

BYOL Picnic - or Dunkin Donuts if you are desperate.

12:30 PM - The Afternoon Fitness Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Dunstable - Field of Dreams.
• Distance - 16 miles
• Elevation Gain - 900 feet (hilly)
• Unpaved - none.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 22 flat smooth miles.

2:30 PM - We are scheduled to be back.

Hope to see you there,

(Bill and) Carole

GO - Harvard Center

On Friday, September 25th - Harvard Center

Starting Point

• Name - Harvard Center Parking
• Address - 5 Elm Street
• Town - Harvard, MA 01451
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - NOTE: The driveway between the Town Hall and the Unitarian Church is one way going out. You will have to go around the Common to get to the parking. You can just park on Elm Street away from the construction.
• Facilities - None (Town Hall is closed). 

Reminder - Harvard Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

What can I say? Another PERFECT day is forecast for tomorrow!

The bad news is that I am still not allowed to ride my bike fast enough to keep up with you lot. So I am promoting Carole to Nearly Always Fearless Leader.

PLEASE NOTE: there is construction at the Harvard Town Hall and you cannot use the driveway between the Town Hall and the Unitarian Church to get to the Start Point.

The Morning Fitness Ride is the infamous "Roller Coaster" ride. We will visit the Shaker Lollipop Cemetery, climb ("clank clank, clank" on the roller coaster)  UP Oak Hill Road to the Harvard apple orchards. Then we will zoom ("whee" on the roller coaster) back DOWN to Harvard Center.

The Afternoon Recreation Ride will feature Bare Hill Pond. We can enjoy the town beach for a while at least before we (maybe) get throw out. Then we ride around the pond and UP to Prospect Hill for spectacular views of the Nashoba Valley (and GOATS too). Then its a tamer version of the roller coaster back toHarvard Center.

On Friday, September 25th - Harvard Center

Starting Point

• Name - Harvard Center Parking
• Address - 5 Elm Street
• Town - Harvard, MA 01451
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - NOTE: The driveway between the Town Hall and the Unitarian Church is one way going out. You will have to go around the Common to get to the parking. You can just park on Elm Street away from the construction.
• Facilities - None (Town Hall is closed). 

9:30 AM - The Morning Fitness Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Harvard Center - Roller Coaster Ride.
• Distance - 13 1/2
• Elevation Gain - 900 feet
• Unpaved - none.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 20 flat smooth miles.

11:30 AM - We are scheduled to be back.

11:30 AM - Lunch Time

Harvard General Store.

12:30 PM - The Afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Harvard Center - Prospect Hill
• Distance - 12 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 700 feet.
• Unpaved - some rough pavement.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 17 flat smooth miles.

2:30 PM - We are scheduled to be back.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

No Wednesday Ride :-(

Dear AdventuRiders,

Its happened again :-( Portsmouth weather is looking great, except my Doctor tells me to lay low for a while.

So no Wednesday Ride.

Bill

GO - Sterling Center

It could be chilly!

Starting Point

• Name - MCRT Rail Trail Parking
• Address - 16 Waushacum Avenue
• Town - Sterling, MA 01564
• Parking - At the end of the rail trail driveway.
  
• Facilities - portapotty.
  

This Week - Sterling - Portsmouth - Harvard

Dear AdventuRiders,

The bad news is that fearless leader is still sick, the good news it that my lovely Vice President of Not Losing People, Carole, will be leading tomorrow's rides.

I'm feeling much better and I have a Dr. appointment tomorrow. 

On Monday, September 21st - Sterling

Starting Point

• Name - MCRT Rail Trail Parking
• Address - 16 Waushacum Avenue
• Town - Sterling, MA 01564
• Parking - At the end of the rail trail driveway.
  
• Facilities - portapotty.

The Morning Recreation Ride will explore the Mass Central Rail Trail to Holden.

• 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 also ride the MCRT via the Old Stone Church.

• 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 - MCRT
• Distance - 17 miles
• Elevation Gain - 650 feet.
• Unpaved - 8 1/2 mile smooth dirt.
• Equipment - Any sturdy, well maintained, bike will work.
• AR Index = roughly equal to 20 flat, smooth miles.
  

Hope to see you tomorrow,

(Bill) and Carole

This Week - Sterling - Portsmouth - Harvard

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather this week continues to be beautiful New England Fall weather!

I'm feeling better, so I scheduled an easy one for Monday. The Mass Central Rail Trail from Sterling to Holden and back should be absolutely beautiful.

I will send out complete information the evening.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

GO - Carlisle Center

On Friday, September 17th - Carlisle Center

Starting Point

• Name - Center Park
• Address - Lowell Street
• Town - Carlisle, MA 01741
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - at Center Park just up the street from Fern's - Please DO NOT PARK at FERN'S.
• Facilities - Fern's outback PortaPotty, or buy something at Fern's.

Reminder - Carlisle on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The bad news is that fearless leader is still sick, the good news it that my lovely Vice President of Not Losing People, Carole, will be leading tomorrow's rides.

On Friday, September 18th - Carlisle Center

Starting Point

• Name - Center Park
• Address - Lowell Street
• Town - Carlisle, MA 01741
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - at Center Park just up the street from Fern's - Please DO NOT PARK at FERN'S.
• Facilities - Fern's outback PortaPotty, or buy something at Fern's.

9:30 AM - The Morning Fitness Ride will leave.

• 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 (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 21 flat, paved miles.

11:30 AM - We are scheduled to be back.

11:30 AM - Lunch Time

 Fern's Country Store.

12:30 PM - The Afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Carlisle - GBFSP.
  
• Distance - 12 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 230 feet, 2 noticeable hills.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 15 flat, paved miles.

2:30 PM - We are scheduled to be back.

Hope to see you there,

Carole

Carlisle Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, if you liked the weather today, you'll like Friday too! Its supposed to be about 70 degrees in the morning, and 80 degrees in the afternoon, all under SUNNY skies.

Anyhow, the Morning Fitness Ride will take us to the Olde North Bridge and beautiful Monument Street. Porcelain bathrooms at ONB.

The Afternoon Recreation Ride will take us to Heart Pond, Genuine porcelain bathrooms at Great Brook Farm and back through scenic Carlisle.

On Friday, September 18th - Carlisle Center

Starting Point

• Name - Center Park
• Address - Lowell Street
• Town - Carlisle, MA 01741
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - at Center Park just up the street from Fern's - Please DO NOT PARK at FERN'S.
• Facilities - Fern's outback PortaPotty, or buy something at Fern's.

9:30 AM - The Morning Fitness Ride will leave.

• 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 (as usual).
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 21 flat, paved miles.

11:30 AM - We are scheduled to be back.

11:30 AM - Lunch Time

 Fern's Country Store.

12:30 PM - The Afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Carlisle - GBFSP.
  
• Distance - 12 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 230 feet, 2 noticeable hills.
• Unpaved - none.
• Equipment - I plan to bring my road bike.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 15 flat, paved miles.

2:30 PM - We are scheduled to be back.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

DIY - Portsmouth on Wednesday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Sorry for the late notice, but I'm sick and Carole is busy. It looks like too nice of a day to miss though! It should be SUNNY all day, not as windy, seventies to start the day, 80 degrees to end, and low humidity.

So, its going to be a DIY ride. Many of you have done it before, and its pretty simple. If you're planning to go, RSVP me so I can coordinate the best I can.

On Wednesday, September 16th - Hampton North Beach

Starting Point

• Name - Hampton North Beach.
• Address - 930 Ocean Blvd.
• Town - Hampton, NH.
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - Plenty - It costs $2.00 / hour.
• Facilities - Yes - Porcelain!!!

9:30 AM - The Fearless Leader's Choice Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Hampton North Beach - Portsmouth.
• Distance - 32 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 750 feet (basically flat).
• Unpaved - none.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 33 flat smooth miles.

12:30 AM - Lunch Time

Portsmouth Brewery

3:00 PM - We are scheduled to be back.

Sorry we won't be there :-(

Bill and Carole

GO - Groton Center

On Monday, September 14th - Groton Center

Starting Point

• Name - Rail Trail Parking
• Address - 2 Station Ave.
• Town - Groton, MA 01450
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - Plenty - Park facing away from Buckingham Bus to keep the "Groton Precision Parking Police" happy.
• Facilities - Porcelain at Town Hall.

Reminder - Groton Center on Monday

Dear AdventuRiders,

Sorry for my extremely late planning. Don't ever try to build a new house 250 miles away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyhow, it should be a pretty nice day tomorrow. It could be a bit chilly in the morning and we'll need to watch the weather around noon, but other than that, Fall in New England.

On Monday, September 14th - Groton Center

Starting Point

• Name - Groton Center Rail Trail Parking
• Address - 2 Station Ave.
• Town - Groton, MA 01450
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - Park away from Buckingham Bus and facing the correct direction.
• Facilities - Bathrooms at Town Hall.

9:30 AM - The Morning Recreation Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Groton - Ayer - Devens
• Distance - 13.5 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 300 (easy)
• Unpaved - none
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 15 flat smooth miles.

11:30 AM - We are scheduled to be back.

11:30 AM - Lunch Time

Filho's Cucina.

12:30 PM - The Afternoon Fitness Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Groton - Pepperell - Mt Lebanon
• Distance - 13.5 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 600 feet.
• Unpaved - 1/2 mile - it could be rough.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 18 flat smooth miles.

2:30 PM - We are scheduled to be back.

It will just be me tomorrow :-( 

L'Shana Tova to Carole

Bill

This Week - Groton Center - TBD - TBD

Dear AdventuRides,

I got back from Bar Harbor pretty late last night, so I haven't had time to plan rides yet.

On Monday, we will start in Groton Center and do two different rides than Carole did on Friday. Stay tuned for complete details.

Bill and Carole.

STOP in the morning / GO in the afternoon - Groton Center

It's too yucky this morning, but this afternoon looks just to be cloudy.

NO OFFICIAL lunch, show up and ride at 12:30.

Reminder - Groton Center Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Well, I am still in Bar Harbor, but its not as fun as it sounds. I'm dealing with movers, architects, general contractors, etc. So my lovely Vice President of Not Losing People, Carole, will be leading tomorrow's ride.

The weather is still not looking good for Friday. BTW, my phone tells me there is a Flash Flood Watch for Groton tonight. I will make the GO / STOP decision before 8:00 AM tomorrow. As usual I will send email to this list and post it on our website AdventuRides.com.

The morning fitness ride will stop at the Storybook House, Shirley Center, West Groton, and Fitch Bridge. 

The afternoon recreation ride will be really lazy and use the Fitch Bridge to get to the other side of the river on our was to East Pepperell Center. We will go to the Nissitissit River and then check out the covered bridge and the Prudence Wright memorial. Then we can cruise the NRRT back to Groton.

On Friday, September 11th - Groton Center

Starting Point

• Name - Rail Trail Parking
• Address - 2 Station Ave.
• Town - Groton, MA 01450
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - Plenty - Park facing away from Buckingham Bus to keep the "Groton Precision Parking Police" happy.
• Facilities - Porcelain at Town Hall.

9:30 AM - The Morning Fitness Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Groton - Shirley - Fitch
• Distance - 16 miles
• Elevation Gain - 600 feet
• Unpaved - 1 mile.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 19 flat smooth miles.

11:30 AM - We are scheduled to be back.

11:30 AM - Lunch Time

Blah, blah, blah, Filho's.

12:30 PM - The Afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Groton - Pepperell - NRRT
• Distance - 13 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 400 feet (easy - peasy)
• Unpaved - 1/2 mile
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 15 flat smooth miles.

2:30 PM - We are scheduled to be back.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

This Week - Groton Center on Friday

Dear AdventuRiders,

The weather is not looking great for Friday, but I usually pay no attention to it this far ahead of time

The morning fitness ride will stop at the Storybook House, Shirley Center, West Groton, and Fitch Bridge. 

The afternoon recreation ride will be really lazy and use the Fitch Bridge to get to the other side of the river on our was to East Pepperell Center. We will go to the Nissitissit River and then check out the covered bridge and the Prudence Wright memorial. Then we can cruise the NRRT back to Groton.

On Friday, September 11th - Groton Center

Starting Point

• Name - Rail Trail Parking
• Address - 2 Station Ave.
• Town - Groton, MA 01450
• Navigation - Google - Waze
• Parking - Plenty - Park facing away from Buckingham Bus to keep the "Groton Precision Parking Police" happy.
• Facilities - Porcelain at Town Hall.

9:30 AM - The Morning Fitness Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Groton - Shirley - Fitch
• Distance - 16 miles
• Elevation Gain - 600 feet
• Unpaved - 1 mile.
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 19 flat smooth miles.

11:30 AM - We are scheduled to be back.

11:30 AM - Lunch Time

Blah, blah, blah, Filho's.

12:30 PM - The Afternoon Recreation Ride will leave.

• Route Map - Groton - Pepperell - NRRT
• Distance - 13 1/2 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 400 feet (easy - peasy)
• Unpaved - 1/2 mile
• AR Index - Roughly equal to 15 flat smooth miles.

2:30 PM - We are scheduled to be back.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole

The Fall 2015 Season Starts Friday, September 11th!

Dear AdventuRiders,

Wait! What happened to the Summer? Well the good news is that the Fall 2015 Season of AdventuRides starts on Friday, September 11th. Yes, that's THIS Friday!

New riders just need to bring their bike, their helmet, and sign a WAIVER. 

Returning riders and those who are sure they are going to like it should sign up with the recreation department of their choice.

Littleton Recreation page 9.

Action Recreation page 41.

Pepperell Recreation.

I will send out Friday's ride details shortly. BTW, we're starting in Groton Center.

I hate to admit it, but my bike has spider webs on it and the chain is rusty. While I was getting my bike ready, I made up a checklist for you.

1. Find your bike, evict the spiders, and dust it off.
2. No, not your spouse's bike!
3. Make sure it fits and works properly and hasn't been hit by a lawnmower.
4. Lubing the chain is always a good idea.
5. PUMP UP YOUR TIRES. There is no way that the tires held enough air over the Summer. Riding on low tires is no fun. As a last resort, I will have a pump with me. You should get into the habit of pumping up your tires at least once a week.
6. See #5 - This is important for your enjoyment of the ride. Please have me pump up your tires before we leave if necessary.
7. See #5 - If you need to use Fearless Leader's pump, please get there 15 minutes early.
8. You MUST have an ANSI approved bicycle helmet. I have one spare, first come first served. 
9. You will want a water bottle.
10. You will want an assortment of layered clothing. It often goes from chilly in the morning to hot in the afternoon this time of year.
11. A signed Waiver of Liability, yes, initial all the yellow spaces too.
12. I will have a few Waivers of Liability with me if you need one.
13. A smile on your face, at least by the time we return.

Hope to see you there,

Bill and Carole