Another Bicycle Tuneup Special

Dear AdventuRiders,

The other Bill (Thanks Bill) found this Special from the CycleLoft in Burlington.

Bill

Groton Town Meeting Articles

Dear AdventuRiders,

If you are not a Groton resident, you can ignore the rest of this message and go back to staying warm.

Otherwise, there are 2 articles of interest to outdoor people at the Groton Town Meeting on Saturday.

1. Treating the invasive weeds in Knops Pond and Lost Lake. 

As many of you know, our intrepid rider Alex has been working hard (and writing compelling articles) with his friend Art Prest to save the Groton Lakes from being overrun with invasive weeds. They have gotten all the approvals and now its just a matter of getting funding from the town for herbicide treatment. The article will be for $95,000. This is the first step to reopening Town Beach for the enjoyment of all.

It is the first article to be considered, so your prompt arrival at 9:00 AM on Saturday 01/26 at the Middle School is essential to getting the 2/3 majority needed.

2. Fitch Bridge replacement. 

The prices came in much lower than expected.  Rather than the $600,000-$650,000 expected for a new bridge, the prices were $160,000 for demolition alone and ~$386,000 for the whole project (including demolition of the old bridge).

We've stopped by this bridge many times, and being able to cross the river at this point allows us to avoid riding on 119 or 225. YAY!

Bill

 

 January 26 2013 Special Town Meeting Warrant.pdf

 FB January 2013 TM Handout 2013-01-24.pdf

Actual Bicycle News in January

Dear AdventuRiders,

One of our intrepid riders. Richard, send along this link for bicycle tuneup discounts at Goodales in Nashua. NOTE: Its only good until the end of this month. Thanks Richard!

Although I'm not planning to ride the Bike New York Five Boro Tour, (been there, done that) the registration opens at NOON tomorrow and usually sells out quickly. Its a great experience and you get to see NYC in a whole new way. The logistics of getting there and back are a problem, and 32,000 bicycles is still hard for me to imagine even though I've done it twice. Definitely something for the bucket list though.

Bill

Rails-to-Trails Greenway Sojourn

Dear AdventuRiders,

I've never done this ride, but it does sound interesting.

Join us June 23-27 for the 2013 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Greenway Sojourn — a fully-supported, 5-day ride along the GAP. 

And now, back to waxing my skis :-)

Bill

Greetings + Actual Bike Stuff

Dear AdventuRiders,

I hate the term "Season's Greetings" since it's just a generic, politically correct cop out. So, "Harambee!" (Swahlli Quanzaa greeting), "Merry Christmas", "chag Chanukah sameach", "Happy New Years", "Io, Saturnalia!", and of course my favorite, "Bah Humbug".

Surprisingly, I have some bicycle related news. 

• Bike New York has gone back to a "rush" signup system for their Five Boro Tour. It typically sells out all 30,000 participants in less than 24 hours. I've done this ride twice, and while it's a logistical "problem", it's certainly something for the bucket list. Registration begins January 22nd at noon.
• Maine Lighthouse Ride has extended their early registration deadline until January 15th. We did this ride once, had two flat tires before we even started, and the weather was horrible. They have significantly extended the trail since then and the weather could be wonderful. I'm tempted to try this ride again.
• AdventuRides - January. The next week looks cold (YAY!!!), but if we get a January thaw (BOO!!!), stay tuned for a new Princeton ride.

In Downhill Ski related news, I have found that Christmas day is one of the best ski days of the year. Wachusett opens at 4:00 PM on Christmas day, the slopes are still freshly groomed, the lights are on, and there is no one there who speaks English :-) Let me know if you want to join me. BTW, All season passes are valid after 4:00 PM.

In non-ski related news, on days that my Wachusett pass doesn't work, or the ski conditions are crummy, I have been known to climb Mount Wachusett from the south on Administration Road. It's about a 5 mile round trip to the summit and back. Easy and scenic, who could ask for more? I'll let you know...

Peace,

Bill and Carole

GO - Groton Center

"Too Warm To Ski" Ride Tomorrow

Dear AdventuRiders,

Although I have been skiing twice already, it's always biking season if the weather cooperates. The Monday forecast is for Sunny and 40s when we leave, and 50s when we get back. 

Here's the synopsis: blah, blah, blah, Filho's.

We will meet in Groton Center, ride to West Groton, Pepperell, and Hollis on our way to Mine Falls Park in Nashua. Its basically flat on the way back and the last 8 miles are on the Nashua River Rail Trail.

The route is a little over 30 miles, but there are only a couple of noticeable hills. Hopefully the rain tonight will wash away some of the salt and sand on the roads. I plan to bring my hybrid bike since I'm in the process of cleaning my road bike.

On Monday, December 3rd - Groton Center

• 9:30 AM - The "Too Warm To Ski" Ride will leave.
• 1:00 PM - We should be back.
• Starting Point Map - Groton Center.
• Route Map - Groton - Nashua.
• Distance - 31 miles.
• Elevation Gain - 550 feet.
• Unpaved - 1.5 miles (smooth).
• Equipment - I plan to bring my hybrid bike.

AR Index - Roughly equal to 34 flat, smooth, miles.

Lunch afterwards at Filho's Cucina.

Hope to see you there,

Bill (and maybe Carole)