April 2001

Ride Page
Here You will find the reports of our exploits for the month April 2001 more or less as they happened. If you have a ride you want listed or want to submit a report of a ride you went on, please leave me a note. bikebob@crocker.com
Glossary of Names used in these reports: ME (MaryEllen) Ice Princess, IP (Lynn Black); Moose Boy, MB (Kris Black); Marcus P. Marcus, MPM (Marc Lombard); Black Beauty, BB (Marsha Martin); Timster, (Tim Fowler); Little Puke, LP (Matt Putnam); Jorge, (George Katzar); His Majesty Jack, HMJ (Jack Spanbauer); Queen Nancy, QN (Nancy Spanbauer); Donna the Hon, DTH (Donna Golec); Star, (Dave Walker); Crash Test Dummy, CTD (Ed Sokoloski); Georgie Boy. GB (George Bernegger); Little Bugger, LB (Casey Golec);
JiT, Just-in-Time (Justin Golec); Homer (Michelle Hurley); Tywor (Tyler Golec); Service (Rod Perez); Rick² (Rick McCulloch and Manson)

Sunday 4/1: This is one of the longest winters in recent memory and I haven't even been on my mountain bike in three weeks, so with a reasonably warm (40's) day we decided to go out for a road ride. Along for the trip today was Rick², Tom Martyn, Homer, Wayne Holden, Doug Dale, Charles, and me. We left the shop and headed for Turners Falls in a line behind Charles. This lasted until we got to the stop light at Silver Street and we all passed him when he stopped for the red light. We rode easily down the hill to the bridge and then we took an right and rode out to Ave. A where we turned right again. We rode along at a 18 mph pace and soon we were making the turn to go over to Greenfield Road. We found that the roads were reasonably dry and not in too bad shape, pothole wise. We rode up the hill on Greenfield road and after following the detour, we rode down to Leverett Road. Once we made the left turn onto RT. 47 and the right onto RT. 63 we could relax and ride in double file. As we neared the top of the first hill I turned to see if the group was still together and when I did a count I noticed that Wayne wasn't with us. I asked what happened and GB told me that he had broken a spoke and decided to just ride back home by himself. After we got over the top of the hill we all settled into a nice pace. It was good to cruise down the highway at 19 mph and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. I am sick of winter!! We rode together down RT. 63 to Bull Hill Road and made a right turn. We slowed down a bit due to the rough pavement and we cruised to the end of the road where we made a right onto RT. 116. The group was really talkative at the beginning of the ride, but at this point the riders had become less vocal as we picked up the pace to 23 mph. We rode to the center of Sunderland and made a right turn onto RT. 47 and headed north. I rode in front as we made our way down to Falls Road and took a left. After the turn we again rode double file and we had a great time tooling along this beautiful stretch of road. It was nice to get away from the cars and just enjoy the day as we made our way back to Montague. As we were riding along Rick Manson asked me where we were heading, as he did not recognize any of the area. I told him that we were making a big figure eight and we would soon be on the road we come out on. We rode to the end of Meadow Road and made the detour over to Turners Falls Road where we again rode single file all the way down to Millers Falls Road. We took a left and then we headed down the hill to the center of Turners Falls. After a brief stop for the traffic light we rode over to the bridges and crossed the canal and the river to Greenfield. We rode up the hill on Greenfield Road and then we glided back to the shop. It was a nice ride of 35 miles and just what the doctor ordered to cure the cabin fever we all have had lately.

Thursday 4/5: Tonight was the first of our weekly road rides and it couldn't have come on a better day. The temperatures today were in the 60's and it was a clear evening when our crew showed up. Along for the ride was Rick Manson, John Bentley, Tom Martyn, LP, Jorge, GB and me. We left the shop and headed for Turners Falls on Greenfield Road. After we crossed the river we headed right and then out to Ave A. where we again turned right. We rode down the avenue to Sherman Drive and turned left. After that we took Greenfield Road up the hill to Montague Center. We rode along chatting and generally trying to get GB to do some of the work (to no avail). It was great to get back out on the road with some old friends from the northlands. After we got to Montage I led the group down Meadow Road to RT. 47 where we took the right and headed for Sunderland Center. I took the right turn to cross the river and when I did, I was hit with a strong head wind. I pushed hard and after we got across the river, I decide to forgo River Road and instead I took the flatter RT. 116 route. I pushed the pace as much as I could, but it was really tough going and I had to back down the pace. The group had split up and so I waited for everyone to get back on. I then took it easy as we headed onto RT. 5&10 but soon I had the pace back up to 20 mph and I put my head down and started to hammer back to the shop. I rode all the way back to Greenfield with LP on my wheel for most of the way, (although he did spell me a couple of times) and I was really pooped when I got back to the shop. After everyone got back we rejoiced in the beginning of a new season.

Sunday 4/15: Since it was Easter, did not plan a big ride, so I was joined by only two other riders for the trip to Bull Hill Road and back. Along for the rip was Mark Ziter and Homer. We left the shop on a cool and very windy day and headed for Turners Falls on Greenfield Road. We rode easily across the river and up the hill to the mini-mart where we took and left and headed for Millers Falls. I rode in the lead as we made our way to Lyman Street and took a right. We were riding into mostly a cross wind to this point and we all worked pretty hard to keep a 17 mph pace. After we made a right onto RT. 63, found that the wind was moving to behind us and I picked up the pace to 20 mph. All of the speed readings were supplied to me by either Homer or Mark as my computer was not working (long story). We rode at a steady pace down RT. 63 and I did a couple of good jumps on the hills as we made our way down to Bull Hill Road. I was pleased that we had made such good time and I was looking forward to the short leg back to the shop. But as soon as we made the turn onto RT. 116, I was hit with a strong headwind and the pace slowed considerably. I had Mark take a couple of pulls as we made our way to RT. 47. We rode up RT. 47 to Falls Road and took a left into the teeth of a gale force headwind. I pushed as hard as I could, but it was a struggle at times to keep a 17 mph pace. We rode briskly along to Meadow Road and although the wind was a tough chore, we all enjoyed the beautiful day. After we got back to Montague we took a ride up Ferry Road and then headed back to the center of Turners Falls. After we crossed the river to Greenfield Road I paced Mark and Homer most of the way up the hill and when we neared the top, I sprinted to the crest to see if I could get my heart rate up to 190 (not quite) and then we all rode back to the shop together.

Monday 4/16: Today was Patriot's Day here in Massachusetts and going for a ride is a perfect way to celebrate this local holiday. Tonight we had a large group of energetic riders which included MPM, Steve Daby, Larry, Chris, Dave LaValley, Homer, Mark C., Richard Rogers, Gary, Flyin' Brian, Tom and myself. It was a reasonably warm day today and most of the riders were able to comfortably wear shorts and long sleeves for the first time this season. I haven't been up to the trails since last week when we rode through the snow and mud, so I didn't know what the trail conditions would be like, so I just told everyone that we would have to "wing it". We left the shop and headed over to Gill Road and then crossed the highway. When we got to the trails on the other side we found them to be nearly snow free and not too muddy. I rode in the middle of the group as we made our way to the truck turnout. When I got to the turnout, I helped FB work on Mark's derailleur while we waited for the rest of the riders to arrive. After we got Mark squared away, I then led the group on the "race course" route to Five Points. From here we rode up the Ridge Trail to Luke and then up to the water tank. We regrouped at the water tank and after a few minutes we took off for the power lines. We took the power lines and I cautioned the new riders about the holes and drop offs that are on this section of the trail. We rode down to Red Rock and re-grouped. I suggested that the faster riders take the chute trail down to Jack's Pond and I then took the remaining riders down the road. Since this is the first snow free ride of the year, I suggested that we do the Hill of Doom, and so we headed off to do the hill. I waited for everyone to try it before giving it a go. I rode the hill in my little ring, just in case my fitness wasn't up to snuff. It was, and MPM and I were the only riders to make it up the incline. After a minute or so rest we headed off for the Apple Orchard Trails. We rode from there over to the Double Dip where we stopped to pick out the next route. I decided to take the Streambed Trail all the way back to the Crossover Trail, while some of the riders decided to take Deer Run instead. After a couple of miss-cue's we all ended up on the Ridge Trail, where we then headed back to Five Points. We decided to try to ride out of the woods through the swamp. I was surprised to find the trail to be pretty dry and we all made it back to the highway crossing together, and after we got to Gill Road we rode back to the shop together. (That is until MPM piped me on the sprint down High Street.) It was a good ride and everyone seemed to have a good time.

Wednesday 4/18: Tonight I rode over to Montague with Chris and we were met there by Penny, Service, and Homer. It was a nice night and we rode up to the Telephone Pole Trail at an easy pace and we regrouped at the fire pit. I was surprised to find that all the snow has melted from the trails, but there is still a lot of snow in the woods. We rode out to the Toilet Bowl Trail and then we re-grouped. I was pleased to see how well Penny did on the trails, after having been off the bike for a while. We crossed the power lines and continued on the trail for a while. This is the same trail that we avoid in the summer due to the deep, soft sand, but I thought that the ground would still be wet and we would be able to ride on it. Wrong!! It was dry as a bone and we slogged through the sugar sand for a half mile or so. I felt bad that I misjudged that one, but after a rest we all headed off again. I rode at the front and we took the trails out to the brook. It was starting to get late and although I had lights, I wanted to get back as before dark. I rode across the brook and headed down the trail to a big puddle where I waited for Service and Chris to arrive. I goaded them into riding across it and after they did I took the short route around. I then suggested that we take the banked trails back to the power lines and soon we were all moving along. At some point, Service got Popsicle toes and he stopped to take his socks off. What an idiot! If he left the socks on he would have been warmer than taking them off and putting on wet shoes. Anyway, the girls and Chris got way ahead of Service and I sent them back to the cars and I rode with Service all the way back to the van. When Service got back, I gave him some neoprene socks to wear and soon the feeling came back to his toes. After he was ambulatory, he and Penny took off and the rest of us headed for home. It was a good ride on nice evening.

Thursday 4/19: Tonight was our "first" Thursday ride for the year. We had a group of 17 riders show up on a brisk early spring evening. I led the group out on a 25 mile loop through Montague and back through Deerfield. The ride started at a leisurely pace and we all made it to the traffic lights in Turners Falls together. It was nice to get such a large group together this early. At the traffic lights I stopped to fix my cycle computer, and Mark Newton took the honors of leading the crew. After getting the computer going aging I rode to near the front until the top of the hill where I noticed that the group had pretty well shattered. I sent Mark, Tom Martel, Richard Rogers and several others on ahead and I went back to check on the riders behind. I rode to the traffic island and again worked on my heart monitor, as I lifted my jersey Heidi and Nancy rode by and were shocked to see me flashing my "six pack" abdomen. I thought that this would spur them on to try to stay with me, but instead they were laughing so hard that they had a hard time staying on the bikes. Well, after that rebuke, I sprinted back up to the main pack where I hoped that I would receive a better reception. When I arrived I was promptly deposited in the front of the group and I took up the lead. It was a good thing that I did, because just as I was about to make the turn onto Ferry Road, I spotted Malcolm and Tom Silko riding towards us. It seems that they got dropped by Richard and his crew and were coming to join our bunch. I was glad to have some help join our ride and I quickly put them at the front to give me a rest. We rode down Meadow Road to RT. 47 and then to Sunderland where, due to a large tractor trailer truck in the way, I had to do a sidewalk detour. Basically I led the group down the sidewalk and through the parking lot of the mini-market. When we got back on the highway, we rode across the bridge to Deerfield. We made the turn onto River Road and began the ride back home. I rode along at an easy pace as we cruised along the flats and then I took some good pulls before we got to the hills. As we got to the first hill Macomb took off and sprinted to the top. I chased him down and we waited for the group to join us before we headed down the hill. As we descended the hill we hollered to "Jorge the Slug" as we passed his house. He was asleep on the couch and probably did not hear us. We continued the rolling fun over the next two hills although I had to keep a keen eye on Tom and Malcolm because they seemed to have a lot of fight still left in them. After the last hill, I had enough of their skullduggery and I challenged them to a race up the hill to the cemetery. I led the way to the bottom of the climb and when the road steepened I took off and rode to the top un-contested. It was great fun and after everyone caught on, we headed off to the shop. I rode near the front to keep an eye on things, and we all stayed together until we got to High Street. It was here that the boys from the frozen northlands challenged me again. Tom and Malcolm took turns hammering all the way back to the shop, but I held on an when it came to the sprint, I nipped the interlopers at the line. What a great ride, lots of fun and good company, I love this stuff!

Sunday 4/23: This is the first Sunday road ride for the season and I arrived at the shop a little early to get ready. I was soon joined by MB, IP, ME, HMJ, QN, Timster, Paul Cyr-Mutty, Mike Doubleday, and Dan LaRoche. It was a cloudy and somewhat cool morning and I wondered if the weather forecast for a hot and humid day would pan out. Just in case I wore a long sleeve jersey and tights which is what most people had on. I was a little whipped today and so I took the group out of the shop at a modest pace and I continued with this to the bridge in Deerfield, but I had to give it up because I knew that I wasn't going to make the whole trip at the front. By the time we got to Deerfield there was only five of us in the group, MB, Paul, Mike, Dan and myself. I took short leads at the front and the group sort of moseyed down the road at 18 mph to the foot of Stillwater hill. Michael was a ways back and Paul and Dan were humping it up the hill, so I decided to drop back a ride with Michael. We rode along at an easy pace and we caught up with the rest of the riders at RT.116. I took the lead as we headed down to So. Mill River Road and soon we were on our way into Whately. We generally took our time riding along and we waited for Paul to make a repair to his water bottle cage. After we got across RT. 5&10 we headed for River Road and then we took the left at the fork and headed back north through the town of So. Deerfield. Paul lead the group out to RT. 5&10 where we turned right and headed for Greenfield. I was riding in the lead when I came down the hill near the butterfly museum and encountered a broken beer bottle right in front of me. I yelled "glass" to the riders behind me, and everyone except for one rider avoided the shards. I heard the "psssst" of air as it exits a tire and I knew someone had a flat. It was MB. We all stopped and I assisted the dear boy with the task and in a few minutes we were back on the road again. After we got going again we kept a 20 mph average all the way back to the turn onto Washington Street, where we slowed the pace and rode easily all the way to High Street. Once we got to High Street, however, the hi-jinks began. First it was Dan who took off at a high rate of speed with me on his wheel. Then, after Dan had pulled us to the Farmer's Exchange, it was Paul who came sprinting past us. I jumped after him and with a good effort I nipped him at the line. We all rode to the traffic light at Silver Street and did a cool down back to the shop. It was great to be out on what turned out to be a warm (hot) day. We were all over dressed and I, for one, was glad that we didn't try to do a faster ride. I would have been cooked. We ended up with a 19 mph average. Soon after we got back Rob Lapointe pulled into the parking lot with his group behind him. He along with IP, QN, ME, Timster and HMJ managed to keep an 18 mph average over a longer and hillier route. Way to go!

Monday 4/23: Another beautiful day today and tonight we had a large group of energetic riders show up for the trip to the Coke Plant. Along for the trip was Homer, Penny, IP, Service, Chris, Gary, and me. We rode over to the trails via Gill Road and the RT. 2 crossover and after everyone got past the stinkhole we regrouped at the truck turnout. We then split into two groups with myself taking the boys on a rip up the Ridge Trail to Luke. I tried to keep the pace mellow as we headed into the climb to the water tower and we all stayed pretty close together. After all the boys arrived at the tank we then headed out to the power lines, where I took the short route to the Cross-over Trail. We circled back around to the water tank and the girls were waiting for us when we arrived. We all then rode back out to the power lines and we took the road down to Red Rock. After we rested for a few minutes, I took the boys down the Chute and then over to the Hill of Doom, while IP took the girls down the road. We were supposed to meet the girls at the top of the Hill of Doom, but after a few minutes wait, we decided to go find them. We rode over to Double Dip and we still hadn't seen them so I hollered and they yelled back from the direction of the Streambed Trail. We took off and finally caught them as they were nearing the top of the climb. The girls waited for Chris and I to make the turn and ride the last section of the hill. After we had gone up, IP gave it a go and she rode right to the top, and the other girls followed, although they did not make it all the way to the top. After that we all headed across the top of the hill to the Secret Trail which we followed all the way back to the Ridge Trail. We stopped for a minute before continuing down the hill to Five Points. We then rode through the swamp to the trails behind Lillian Street and then back across the highway to Gill Road. We all took it easy as we made our way back to the shop. Everyone was commenting on the fact that they felt like they could ride all night. Now that is a ride!!

Tuesday 4/24: Tonight's ride is a beginner road trip and we had a good group for the ride. Along for the ride the ME led was Missy Godwin, Jill, and Sue Putnam. ME took her group on a 10 mile ride over to Leyden Road and then back to town on Bernardston Road. They all had a good trip and seemed to enjoy the scenery and the company. My ride was an easy trip over to Deerfield. I had MB, IP, QN, Big Al Ross, and Matt Hyde joining me for a trip down River Road. I led the group out at an 17 mph pace and when we got to the hills I slowed and let the other riders climb at their own speed. This gave me a chance to observe the riders as the climbed and I was able to suggest some technique's that they might use to improve their efficiency. As we rode along we were constantly reminded of the ominous dark clouds overhead by Big Al "Thundercloud" Ross. It was like riding along with a Tarot card reader, only he was reading the clouds, and announcing his predictions as we rolled along the lane. After we descended the last hill onto the flatter section of the road we were treated to a beautiful scene as we neared Richard Roger's house. With the sun shining against the black clouds to the east the view looked like a Maxfield Parrish painting. It was gorgeous!!! If I only had a camera capable of capturing that shot, I would have become the next Ansel Adams. We continued along River Road for a short distance and then we took a right turn and headed up Hillside Road. I rode with Matt and Big Al as we made our way to the top of the incline, and when everyone arrived, we headed down to RT. 5&10. I made the turn to head north and I reminded MB of the need to avoid the glass in the road ahead. (see Sunday's report) I rode down the hill, and when I neared the section of danger, I gave out a yell "GLAAAAS" so that MB would hear it. I later found out that some nearby residents heard me and they mistakenly thought that the air raid siren had sounded and they headed for the shelters. Sorry!! After passing through Old Deerfield, I led the group back across the Cheapside Bridge and into Greenfield. We rode together up to Hope Street and then back to the shop. It was a nice ride (except for "Thundercloud's" whining about the high speed we maintained.) and we finished up with an 17 mph average. I thought that this was one of the best rides I have been on in quite a while.

4/26: Today I took my bike out, and after ten or twenty minutes, was finally able to get on without falling off. I went teetering down the driveway, and almost made it to the bottom without falling. I was exhausted when I finally coasted to a stop, and had to use the cell phone to call a taxicab to bring me back up the hill. I thought maybe I should warm up before trying again, so I did a series of figure eights, and when I completed one without falling, I knew it was time to try again. I was really exhausted now, and made it to the bottom of the driveway after 6 falls! I think maybe I should put the training wheels back on, but last time I brought a tool anywhere near my bike, Bob confiscated it and told me I wasn't allowed to touch things that I could swallow and choke on. Bob, please put the training wheels back on my bike!
1st Ride Report!
April 26 2001
Evan Tice (This report was submitted by Even Tice, my little bike buddy!)

Thursday 4/26: It was a pretty nice day today, with temperatures in the 70's and not much wind, it was perfect for the ride. I had planned a 22 mile route for the main ride and I also had a longer route for the faster riders. We were once again blessed with a large group of the northlanders who came down to see what it would be like to ride where the wasn't any snow. I mentioned that the "green stuff" that they saw everywhere was really a natural thing and that contrary to what they had heard we do not paint our snow green. Anyway, it is always nice to see old friends come out for the rides. The Beermonters that were riding with us today were Rick², Mike Beh, Tom Martyn, Malcolm, Andy Rome, and Curt Bousquet. We left the shop and rode over to Silver Street in a large group and we all stayed together until we got to the end of Silver Street and turned right. As soon as we got onto Leyden Road, the pace picked up and we started to see the group string out. I sort of stayed in the middle of the bunch to see what would shake out of the speed up. One of the first to get shucked off the back was Jorge, who was having an off day, (I am a saint) and soon the group of 27 riders was down to 13. Brendan Creigh and Matt Hyde were up at the front, putting the hammer down. We were flying along at 24 mph as we neared the first turn, so I went to the front to make sure that everyone made it. The pace eased up a bit as we climbed the hill on Barton Road due to the really bad pavement on that section of road. After we crested the hill we again were pushing a pretty good pace as we headed out to Bernardston. It was really surprising to see so many people willing to ride this hard at this time of the year, but the riders in the group didn't seem to mind the effort. We rode up to the intersection of RT 5&10 where we all took it easy crossing over. After that, however, the hammer went down again and soon the pace was right back up there. I rode to the front of the group to make sure that everyone knew that we had to turn onto Church Street and that we would have to slow the pace up a bit so that the last riders could hop back on the line. I stayed back near the middle of the group to try to get some rest, before my turn at the front came up again. As soon as everyone was back on the pace line, the speed went back up to 23 mph again. I drifted to the front as neared the Flea Market and soon I was hammering along at a good clip. I led the group all the way to Gill Road, where Mark Newton took over. Mark stayed at the front all the way to the MT. Hermon campus, where he turned to head back home. As we headed down the hill, Homer took the lead and she kept the pace all the way to the Bennett Meadow Bridge. I was in the middle of the group at this point and I stayed there as we climbed the hill to the intersection of RT. 63. As we got to the turn, I took the lead with Brendan and we rode to the next hill where he and MB took the lead. At this point we were starting to see some of the riders lose some of their steam, so I had Brendan back it down to 19 mph. We rode along at this pace for a little while when Doug Dale got a flat. I offered to wait with him, but he said he was OK, so I got back on the line and continued on. I rode near the front as we made our to the first of the hills. Brendan and Matt were going pretty hard up the hills and I was trying to keep the group together, but as we neared the steeper hill, I took off and charged up to Brendan and Matt. I told them that they should do their own thing and that I would drop back and ride with the rest of the group. They said that they would hang for us and if we got to them then OK, otherwise we would see them at the shop. I dropped back to the other riders and we all started to work together to try to catch up with Brendan's group. I charged as hard as I could and we closed the gap but when we got to the hill going out of Millers Falls, Brendan pulled away again with MB in the middle. When everyone got to the top of the hill we all pulled together and although we caught up with MB we never could catch Brendan's group. It was a tough pull for me, but I managed to get everyone to the end of Millers Falls Road in a group. We all descended the hill into Turners Falls and after we crossed the canal bridge we caught up with the riders near the end of the 22 miler ride. At this point I was toast! I rode up the hill to Greenfield at 10 mph and when I arrived at the shop, I was pooped!

Sunday 4/29: It was a chilly morning and I was not too sure if many people would show up for the road ride. I arrived at the shop to find IP, MB and Homer already waiting for me and so I got the shop opened and started to get ready. Soon afterwards we were joined by Todd Amato, Doug Dale, Ron Johnson, Sean Kelly, Tom McDonald and Dan LaRoche. We left the shop and headed south on High Street to Sanderson Street, where we turned left. We climbed Mountain Road to Poets Seat where I stopped to adjust my heart monitor while the rest of the riders rode down the other side. After getting my equipment straightened out, I headed off to catch up with the other riders. I rode at a pretty good clip and I caught the back of the group on Greenfield Road. After I got back on we took it easy going up the hill into Montague Center. I rode near the back of the group as we headed out to RT. 63 and began the climb. I wasn't feeling like sprinting up the hill so I stayed back and I ended up riding with IP, Homer, Ron and Todd. We rode along about a half mile or so behind the other group but we never did get any closer until we got to RT. 116. Just as we got to the center of town the front group slowed enough for us to catch up. We rode over the bridge and then through the town of So. Deerfield. After crossing the highway we rode down Mill Village Road to Old Deerfield, where we turned left onto RT. 5&10. I led the riders back into Greenfield and then over to the shop. It was a great ride and I was glad to see so many people show up.

Monday 4/30: After a very hard day training police officers, I was glad that only three people showed up for the ride. It was very warm today (88 degrees) and I was tired from the training. Along for the ride tonight was Chad (I will tell you about Chad if you have a couple of hours and are not frightened by the state of the mental health system.) DTH and Chris Magoon. We took a leisurely ride over to the Coke Plant and after we got to Five Points it was becoming clear that Chad was not going to do too well. We started up the Ridge Trail and when I got to the top of the first hill I could see Chad walking up. We all waited for Chad to get up to us and then I suggested that he might be better off going back down the hill and waiting for us at Five Points. Chad agreed that he was a bit out of his element and he then turned around and headed down the hill to Five Points to await our return. After he left, the three of us headed up Luke to the water tank where we paused for a minute or so before heading out to the power lines. I had Chris take the longer route to the road, while DTH and I rode down the right side of the power lines. We all got to Red Rock together and we decided to take the road down to Jack's Pond. It was a beautiful evening, warm but not too hot and we all enjoyed being out on the trails. We stopped at the top of Double Dip and took in the views before heading down the hill and over to the Streambed trail. Chris led us most of the way up the hill and then over to Deer Run. After we go to the Deer Run Trail we decided to head back to Five Points to get Chad, as it was now getting near dusk and I did not want to leave him out there (not that he isn't already!) too long. We rode easily over to the Ridge Trail and down to Five Points where we found Chad waiting. After we got Chad going, I sent DTH and Chris back to the shop and I rode in with Chad. It was a really nice ride. I enjoy just riding through the woods when the spring flowers are just beginning to bloom and taking in all of the sights and sounds of the season.