April 2004 Ride Report Page    
Here you will find the reports of our exploits for the month April 2004 more or less as they happened. I will publish any ride reports or digital photo's that I receive.  Please send them to  bikebob@crocker.com and you too can get yourself published on the web! There are several links on the homepage that will give you information about ride schedules and how the rides are run.

Sunday, April 4, 2004.  The Winding Trails Fat Tire Classic…Last Sunday during our ride at Batchelor Street, Jack mentioned that there would be a MTB race in CT the following Sunday (today).  Immediately, I got excited.  But, I bet that surprises a lot of you, because let’s face it, I’m just really not a competitive person (yeah right!)  I was totally jazzed up, and so Jack and I set the plan in motion.  The only other two races I’ve ever done were last August in Easthampton.  It was a pitiful sight, I’m sure.  I showed up, having never done a race before (let alone having hardly ridden my MT bike for more than an hour straight), wearing old baggy cargo shorts, a tank top, and sneakers.  My old Marin was outfitted with toe cages, which quickly got caught on all the exposed roots.  Nevertheless, I pushed my way through that course, making it to the end and having that I’m-going-to-puke-everywhere feeling.  The course was only 6 miles.   

So, I looked forward to today’s race with anticipation (hoping that all the hours I’ve spent riding since would actually be making me a better rider) and a little fear (“what if I really suck?”)  Jack and I met at Batchelor St. so that we could take one vehicle.  It was 7:30 am, cold, rainy, just down right unpleasant weather-wise…but we were happy that we were going to the race.  Within 45 minutes, we arrived in Farmington CT, and pulled into the Winding Trails parking lot.  You could feel the buzz of the “first real race of the season”, and there were people on bikes everywhere.  Old people, young kids, and everyone in between.  The expert/pro riders weren’t scheduled until later in the day, so they weren’t around to intimidate everyone!  It was about 9 am by the time we got in to register.  

I became a NORBA member today, figuring that if I race pretty much every weekend until I move, it’ll be worth saving $5 every time.  We quickly moved through the line and got our numbers, and by the time we finished gearing up, it wasn’t long until we were gathered near the start gate.  I raced in the Beginner Women 19-34 category, but all together, there were 10 women in the Beginner class.  The route was a 5-mile loop of fast double track, some fun single track here and there, and one giant mud-soaked quagmire.  The Beginner race meant that we’d be making two loops for a total of 10 miles.  I was very scared.  What if I couldn’t finish?  Worse, what if I came in last?  I know we did it for fun, but come on, who likes to finish last?? 

The women, of course, were placed at the END of the stagger.  Even the kiddies and “older” guys got to go ahead of us.  Jack and I had some last encouraging words for each other, and in our Bikes Unlimited finery, we set out to bring pride to our bike shop, all the people we ride with, all the riders in the valley, and Bob (of course)!  Jack took off like a shot, and was definitely out in front as the group took off up the little incline.  That left us gals waiting to go.  It was strange, but I felt pretty calm.  There was some small talk among the girls as the other groups went out about why/how we got into MTB.  Two girls said their boyfriends did it, and they were sick of watching from the sidelines.  One girl was a sophomore in high school, and came out with her school’s bike club.  There was laughing and “good-lucking” all around.  Then, someone asked if this was the first time we’d all ridden this season.  I shook my head and said something like, “Nope…I rode all winter.”  I got some very scary looks. 

The whistle went for us, and I hammered down on my pedals.  I was ahead at the top of the rise, and just mashed it down the double track road.  I had an early lead, but didn’t want to come out too strong and bonk at the end.  I decided best to get a lead early on and then try to maintain it.  By the time we hit the mud-encrusted single-track downhill, I had lost some of the pack, but a few girls were in my sights.  I felt I had an advantage all-around.  Batchelor St. prepared me for the single-track, slightly technical parts, and the Plains were my training for the smooth rolling wide roads.  Not long into the first lap, I started to pass some of the men from Jack’s group, and then some of the kids from the group before Jack’s.  I fell into a groove, and only stopped once or twice for a huge downed tree and a very, very steep short climb.  Literally, before I knew it, lap one was over.  50% done.  I felt good.   

Lap two went by just as fast, if not faster.  It was spectacular.  I was sure that I had a lead, but on the other hand, I didn’t know where the rest of the girls were.  I couldn’t let my guard down for a second.  You know what they say…don’t get cocky.  At one point, I was approaching a kid, maybe 9 or 10 years old.  I called out to let him know I was passing on the right.  He tried to race me, and for a split second I thought I should let him win.  Nah!  I put the hammer down and he was quickly out of sight.  As I approached the lake again, I knew the finish was close.  I pushed up the last little hill and the race was over.  With a time of 1:07, I had beat the rest of the field.  Jack was waiting at the finish and was kind enough to snap a picture of me with what I’m sure was a terrible face as I was straining up the last few yards.  I quickly found out that he had also won his class (with an impressive 1:00 flat), and we (of course) gave praise to Bob for his omniscient and omnipotent ways.  Well, kind of.   

Overall, it was a great day.  The weather held out for us (but it was beginning to rain as the pro race was getting under way), and we both accomplished a lot.  Granted, we didn’t race in the hardest classes or do the most number of laps, but we gave it our all.  Those months of riding the Plains and the Conway Clubhouse really did pay off.  We didn’t do it for the medals.  We didn’t do it for the glory (well, there’s a stretch).  But, I think we both felt some personal accomplishment, and it was a good thing.  Jack and I headed back north, hoping that we will do it again very soon, and hoping that some of our other fellow riders may want to join us for a race on Saturday the 10^th in CT.  (Submitted by Stephanie).

Monday 4/5: It was a busy and hectic day for me at the shop and when 6:00 came around I wanted to get out for a ride, I still had a bunch of things to do so it was 6:30 by the time I got on my bike. I left the shop and headed south on a very chilly evening. The wind was howling and it was 30 degrees as I turned onto Hope Street. I knew that I had to hustle in order to get back before dark so I pushed hard into the cross wind on Deerfield Street. I got onto River Road and the wind was pretty stiff but I managed to keep the 19 mph pace up all the way down to RT. 116 where I turned right to head up to Sugarloaf Street. When I got to the traffic light at Sugarloaf Street I was crawling along at 14 mph and it got worse from there. I battled the winds as I rode up North Main Street to Mill Village Road where the winds practically pushed me backwards. I road as hard as I could but with the sun setting, I could not tell what my speed was because it was getting dark. As I neared the turn onto RT. 5&10 I could smell the food from the Wok. This should have told me something about the wind velocity. I made my way back up RT. 5&10 as the light was fading fast and there was barely light enough to see the road. I got back to High Street in the dark and I poked along on the side of the road until I got back to the shop. I ended the 24 mile ride with a 24 degree temperature and with an 18 mph average.

Tuesday 4/6: It was another very windy day today although it was quite a bit warmer I did not get to go outside much. I got ready to go at 6:00 and we were on the road at 6:10. I led the group that included Jeff, Curt, John Bentley, Baby Bell with Michelle tagging on to the group for a ride back to Gill. I led the group up the hill on Bernardston Road at a pretty good clip. I knew that we had to keep the pace high in order to finish the ride before dark. At the top of the hill I pulled off and then we all took turns at the front for the trip to Bernardston. We had a brisk wind blowing us nearly sideways and I was the only one to use the echelon to escape the wind. I used Baby Bell for a wind shield near the town line and this saved me from exploding trying to keep the pace up. We made the turn in Bernardston and headed for Northfield. I took the lead at the RT. 91 overpass and we held a 23 mph pace until the hill down to Bennet Meadow. There was no sprint in the group at this point and I for sure was not looking to go any faster. We made the turn onto RT. 63 and it was here that I realized that there was only four of us left. John dropped off earlier and Michelle went home in Gill. Curt was feeling the pressure and he dropped back to recover. We slowed the pace a bit and soon Curt was back in the group. We kept the pace reasonable for most of the way to the Erving town line. At this point Baby Bell and Jeff sprinted for the town line and from what I could see Baby Bell took it. We all stayed together for the ride through Millers Falls, but we got strung out on the hill up to Millers Falls Road. When I got back on the group we were riding into the teeth of a gale force headwind. Just as I got on the back, Baby Bell pulled off and left me to pull into the wind all the way to Stuarts Nursery and then Curt took over. We rode down the hill to the center of town and after we crossed the river we rode back to the shop. We ended the ride with a 19.5 mph pace. It was heaps of work but lots of fun.

Tuesday, April 6th Distance - 25.44  Average - 19.7
This was my first ride in a week of rain and wind. On the few days that were not rained out I just couldn't arrange to get out. I was at least able to spend a little time on the trainer, so it wasn't ALL time spent on the couch watching television and eating chips.

Tonight was the first Tuesday night Bicycle Unlimited ride of the summer. Even a short 25 mile ride was pushing the available light, so we had to set a good pace North on 5 toward Bernardston. We were riding into a pretty stiff headwind as we made our way North. I took a turn when Bob handed things over to me at the top of the climb on 5. Even taking the group downhill took an effort against the wind. I kept it up as long as I could before dropping back, careful not to use everything up so I would have a chance to hang onto the back of the group. I think this is what happened to John Bentley... he took his turn in front almost to the Bernardston line before heading to the back of the group. He must have used up all his reserves on his pull, since when he dropped back he fell right off the group and was never seen again. I feel bad that nobody noticed he was gone until he was well out of sight. I was already working so hard to hang on that I had tunnel vision and didn't notice anything except the wheel of whichever rider was ahead of me.

I was riding pretty close to the edge up to Bernardston and then East on 10. I was pushing close to my limits but even then a gap would grow between me and the rider ahead. I would push a bit more to close it back down only to have it appear again a minute later. I decided that there was no way I was going to be able to go to the front of this group at this pace, so was happy to drift to the back and let everyone else do the hard work. Bob did most of the work on this section, pulling us all the way from the Rte. 91 overpass to the top of the descent down to 63.

Michelle left us at the NMH campus to ride home, leaving myself, Bob, Jeff and Peter Bell to finish the ride. I almost gave up and let the group go as we turned South on 63, but everyone slowed to take a drink. This gave me a minute to recover so I could hang on for a bit longer.

Just North of the South Mountain Road turn, I decided that I had to take it down a few notches. I sat up and let my heartrate drop a good 25bpm down to 150. I was expecting to see the last of the group as they pulled away from me, but the gap never grew. They had slowed to give me a chance to recover so soon I caught them again. We hit the rolling hills on 63 where I struggled up each small rise, but would manage to catch back on once over the top. Bell and Jeff went for the Millers Falls line which tired them out a bit for the climb that followed, making it easier for me to match their pace.

We saw the last of the sun around the time we rode under Rte 2, but still had plenty of light for the trip home. I was glad I had the extra visibility of my blinking light as things slowly got darker. The rest of the ride was fairly flat except for the short climb out of Millers Falls. By the time we were heading toward Turners Falls, I was feeling pretty rested so took a final pull to the top of Third Street when Bob handed the group off to me at the airport.

I ended up with a 20.4 average at the lights in town, then took the climb over to Greenfield at a slow cool-down pace. This dropped my final average to 19.7 by the time I got back to the shop well behind the other three riders, mostly because I got caught by red lights at both intersections in Greenfield. (That is my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)

Another Night on The Ridge

After some post work chat and prolonged suiting up, Me (Liam), Bob, Stephanie, Mark C (he's back!), Craig, and a guy whose name I can't remember (Matt Chickering ed) headed out and up to poet's seat on what was probably the nicest night of the season thus far. We all hit the ridge trail in good order, I was happy to have cleared the log at the entrance (first time this year-yea!). Actually I felt my sharpest to date and was plugging along in the lead until I snapped my chain...as always, God Bless Bob and the good cheer and tech support he always offers in these riding situations without out complaint (that's why I keep shopping here!). After a slight delay I caught the gang back at the top of the hill (after successfully clearing the final rock climb in the full view of some hikers). At the tower the majority of the group rode down the paved road while Mark and I dropped down the switch backs. Upon reaching the parking lot I was surprised to see that the group had already headed across the road and were ascending the blue trail, so Mark and I double-timed it and quickly caught-up. WE made the usual turn off onto the yellow trail where we also took a few minutes to regroup. One member of the group said he was feeling a little whupped (Matt ed) from the climbing and wanted to light out on his own after an extended break. Greg offered to hang out and ride with him (which was cool, because we were all leery of leaving anyone behind, after all, these rides are just recreational and about hanging out together. So, after the break, the group made a split with me, Bob, Stephanie and Mark proceeding down the yellow trail to bear's den road, then onto the white trail, taking the power line cut-off short cut. We climbed the last power line hill, I was a little in front and waited at the bottom of Joe's Rock for the group, when after a few minutes there was no sign of the others I assumed (correctly) that they had taken the low trail. So I rode up Joe's rock (unsuccessfully!!!) onto that higher rocky trail and met up with the gang on the other side. After much enthusiastic cajoling by Bob we ignored the threat of impassable mud and dropped down to the green trail behind Marcus p's house. As usual, we were soon off our steeds and slogging through the mud (though Mark C. made a nice go of trying to soldier through it on his bike!). We finished the climb and at the top of Bear's den road when we ran into Greg and the other guy and briefly rejoined forces. However, having Mark back on the ride and knowing that Stephanie has never been up to the platform I got those two to join me on a ride (hike!!!) up to the lookout. I think Stephanie appreciated the "best view in Southern Franklin County" and after a brief respite, also enjoyed the rocky ride down the upper portion of the blue trail (none of us cleared the whole thing...hey, it's still early season). We continued down the blue trail, delighted to find that Bob had continued with Mark's early efforts and removed the fallen tree blocking the path. Once across the road, the group split again (after turning on lights...still need 'em!) with Bob, Stephanie, Mark and me riding the white trail back and the rest of the group sticking to the road up and over poet's seat. We all made it back to the shop in good order. Another fine ride on the Greenfield ridge!
Liam

Wednesday, April 7, 2004.  First Daylight Savings MTB ride of the new season.  I say “new season” here because so many of us have been riding all winter that the term “season” just doesn’t apply to us.  Anyways, I was excited to drive up to the shop and do a ride with Bob and the crew on the Greenfield ridge.  I made it up to the shop early so that someone could put my rear wheel back on my bike.  I bravely took it off the night before to clean my brakes, knowing that I had never actually put a rear wheel back on by myself, but all along feeling like I could do it.  Well, I just couldn’t figure the darn thing out.  I called Cheetah—who, being 3000 miles away—did his best to coach me through it on the phone.  Needless to say, I just couldn’t do it.  So, feeling a little like a dope, I had Craig replace the wheel and I was back in business.  Jack stopped by the shop to say he wouldn’t be riding with us, and slowly, the last few stragglers rolled in.  Liam was uncharacteristically early, and Matt and Mark C. showed up not too long after.  Rounding out the group was Bob, Craig, and me.  

 Now that road season is in full tilt, Michelle has left me all alone.  COME ON LADIES…let’s get out on the trails and show those boys what we can do!!  Anyways, contrary to some of my rides in the fall last year, I had no qualms about going out with the boys on the ridge.  We all headed out, with the sun shining, which was kind of strange.  I’d never ridden the ridge in the daytime before, so it seemed brand new in a lot of ways.  I made it up the first climb to the top of the ridge with no problem, and meandered along the trail.  Quickly, we came upon Liam, who’s tired out old chain just didn’t want to live any longer.  It decided to break to end it’s own misery, and Bob stopped to help Liam repair it (hint, hint Liam…it’s time for a new one!)  Matt, Craig, and I continued on toward Poet’s Seat to wait for the others.  We made it down to the parking area and then crossed over the road to go out toward Sachem’s Head.   

It wasn’t long before I had to stop and let some air out of my tires.  Craig had topped me off back at the shop, but I was bouncing around all over the place.  This is one of my favorite parts of the ridge, undulating with quick little descents.  We took a hard left and everyone took a breather.  At this point, Craig and Matt decided to stick together, since Matt felt like he was starting to tank, so the rest of us took off out toward the power lines (eventually…I still don’t know these trails all that well).  Everyone yelled to Marcus P, and got the dogs barking.  Liam was eager to climb up to the platform, so he, Mark, and I hiked it up to the top.  What a rewarding view!  With daylight beginning to fade, we started down the blue trail—which is totally sketchy in some places.  By the time we regrouped and made it back to the parking area, Mark, Craig, and Matt were ready to call it a done deal for the night.   

We all flicked on our helmet lights, and Bob, Liam, and I took off down the white trail.  The beginning is so much fun…you feel as if you are flying.  I surprised myself by only stopping once when I instinctively leaned too far left so that I wouldn’t fall off the cliff!  We all regrouped, and rode out.  It was a fun night, and I hope that we can get the group out maybe two nights a week.  (Submitted by Stephanie)

Thursday, April 8th Distance - 25.45 Average - 20.3

Sometimes ya' got it, sometimes ya' don't. My last few rides have been in the "don't" column. Tonight I knew it wasn't going to be one of my best rides when we hit the third street hill at the beginning of the ride and I was already struggling. Though I ended up riding with the group without any problems, I spent a LOT less energy taking pulls and going for town line sprints and a lot more time just taking it easy riding at the back of the group.

I think my new best buddy is Harold. He puts up a windscreen so large that it was like riding the trainer at home. I was feeling no wind at all as I got sucked along in his vortex. When Harold wasn't available, I tried my best to hide behind Bob, and even managed to get some of Jamie's wheel for a while (quite an accomplishment).

The pace felt fast for this time of year, but on this flat loop it would be considered a mellow pace later in the year.

John Parrot went out for all of the sprints and usually managed to entice either myself, Michelle, Jeff or Bob to play along. The first time I took him up on his challenge, he came from far back in the group and was going to fast for either Michelle or me to catch his wheel as he went by. Next, he went out for the Deerfield line at the bridge. Michelle went with him, but I didn't catch who took that one. Finally Bob was pulling us all up towards the Cheapside bridge and I was sitting right behind him when John came past us. I jumped on his wheel as he passed, but was sure that I wasn't alone in making a move. Sure enough, as we went up the little grade to the bridge Bob went flying past with Michelle right on his wheel.

If we had been on the same team at a race it would have been the perfect setup. John and I pulling Bob up to the final few hundred feet, then Bob accelerating past us to slingshot Michelle toward the line. I'm sure it isn't the finish that John planned on when he went forward, but it worked out well for Michelle.

I ended up with a 20.6 average as we turned onto Hope St., which fell to 20.3 as we rolled back to the shop.

Thursday, April 8, 2004.  Time for another MTB ride!!  Okay, I have to admit (much like Curt did a few weeks ago) that I have a problem.  I can’t get enough of MTB.  I think about it every day.  When I drive by another car that has a bike on top or on the back, I crane my neck to check it out.  I am living for the day when the new jerseys come in.  I bought another 3 pairs of DeFeet socks from Bob.  I am sick. 

Well, OK…there are much worse things I could be addicted to, so I guess that makes it all right.  This made me feel better.  I have admitted my problem.  Now…what’s step 2? 

Anyways, right after I finished Wednesday night’s ride, I called up Pete from the Batch to see if he was riding Thursday.  Of course he was!  Geez, what’s wrong with me for thinking otherwise.  I planned to go right from work to Batchelor Street so that I could get in about 1.5 hours of riding and enjoy the warmer weather.  I still wasn’t sure what to wear…we’re in that weather limbo where one minute, it’s warm and sunny, and the next minute the wind will kick up or the clouds will roll in.  I settled on shorts, a short sleeve jersey, and some arm warmers.  As I was getting dressed, I noticed a state forest guy marking MORE trees.  Let me back up a minute and let everyone know that the state (I think) wants to have part of the woods where the Batchelor St. area is located logged (the idea here is to thin the woods out and promote re-growth…at least that’s what they call it).  The only really bad part is that some of our trails could get wiped out or at best trashed from all the machinery.  Also, there is a strong chance that the parking lot would be used as their staging area.  Bottom line: this is a blow to this gem of a trail system.  If you value MTB in the valley, please write to your representative/senator and let them know that these trails need to be saved!  Anyhow, the forestry guy was marking our trails out on the trees with red paint and dots…I hope that it works, because it would be a shame to lose some of these trails. 

Pete showed up a few minutes after me, and we were soon off.  We went up IMBA Access up to the ponds and stopped to talk to Seth.  Down by the muddy area, it was really deep, and I got caught up on a hidden root.  Down I went into the dirty water, but I managed to stay out of the worst of it.  We went to Jacob’s Ladder, and I dug in really hard and cleared some sections I was having trouble with on my last few rides.  Despite having ridden the night before, I felt pretty good.  We headed over to Serpentine, and again, I dug into the quick, steep climbs.  The bottom of Serpentine is always a mess—muddy and wet.  Well, it didn’t let me down.  I half-rode half-walked through the low areas of mud.  Then, it was off to climb UP Twister.  About halfway up, I was starting to get tired and make stupid mistakes.  Knowing I didn’t want to do anything dumb like hurt myself, I said farewell to Pete, who—in the Energizer fashion just always keeps going and going—was going over to Missing Persons.  I zoomed back down Upper Access and completed the whole ride in about 1.5 hours.  Just enough to keep me fresh for the race on Saturday, but not too much.  It was a great day to ride overall.  (Submitted by Stephanie)

Saturday, April 10, 2004.  The Hopbrook Dam Mountain Bike Race.  Middlebury, CT.  Jack, Liam, and I had all been anticipating the Root 66 Series race in CT on this very day since last week’s race at Farmington.  Although not part of the CT series, we all figured it would be fun to go out for a spin and have some fun.  Friday, though, Liam called up and had to cancel due to previous obligations, so that left the dynamic duo (Jack and me) to keep the new tradition alive.  We met again at Batchelor Street, loaded up the bikes, and were in Middlebury in an hour and 15 minutes.  The weather was supposed to be quite good, no rain in the forecast to give us any trouble.   

When we got to the site, which was centered around the lovely Hopbrook Lake, the air was damp and quite chilly.  It was all we could do to stay in the sun and hope that a little warmth would reach us.  We registered and soon suited up to take a practice spin around the course.  The race started out on a patch of coarse sand, with a sharp left turn, around the lake, over a “beach”, and then up a decent sized incline.  Jack and I decided to warm up by riding the course slowly, and it became obvious that this ride would be much different from last Sunday’s Winding Trails race.  In short, there were A LOT more hills (just as Bob had predicted…now everyone, take a moment to recognize Bob’s eerie clairvoyant abilities.)  Anyways, the loop continued around a meadow and then up into some narrow singletrack (think the Greenfield ridge’s white trail…looking down a very steep drop-off).  The loop continued up probably the worst hill you could imagine for a race…steep enough to kill your momentum, but long enough that the grind was very intense (new training necessity…hill repeats at Batchelor Street AND lots more road riding).  After that, there was a lot of double track and a few more climbs, ending on some pretty sweet downhill singletrack.  

The course was a little over 5 miles, and right as we lined up for the race, the official told us that they dropped the number of laps for the Beginner class to 1 instead of 2.  We were all a little confused by this, but given my energy level (hint: foreshadowing of a struggle), I’m glad it worked out that way.  Jack’s group took off two minutes ahead of the Beginner women, and I cheered him on along the first corner.  Then, us women were off.  One girl (her first race) bumped into me around the first sharp corner and nearly sent me flying.  This allowed one of the other racers to really pull ahead of me, and let’s just say, I was never able to catch her.  She pounded around that lake and by the time we hit the Greenfield-y single track, she was gone.  She ended up coming in 30 seconds after Jack (who took first in his category and got a winner’s jersey—YEAH JACK!), so she made up a minute and a half on the stagger from his group, and ended up beating me by almost 4 minutes.  Can you say “Sport” class?!   

Be it the position of the planets, lack of a good snack before the race, or just my lack of ability (most likely the latter), I came in second with a time of 40 minutes.  It was a struggle, to be honest, and I was a little disappointed, but every race is a learning experience, and I’ve identified some things that I need to work on.  I met some cool people and had fun, overall, so it was all worth it.  We watched the Expert/Pro racers since their race was after ours, and I was just in absolute awe over how FAST these people are.  Bionic is the only word I can think of.  We ended up having great weather, and finding another great place to ride.  Next race: April 25 in Chester, CT…The Rock Garden Ramble!  Come out with us if you can…it’ll be another great time!  (Submitted by Stephanie)

Easter Sunday 4/11: The weather forecast was for rain or cloudy conditions for today's ride, but we really lucked out with sunny skies and 50 degree temperatures. Joining me for the ride today was ME, Curt, John Gustin, Joanne, Wendy King, HMJ, Wild Turkey, Michelle, Baby Bell, and Jamie. The plan was for my group to do a 40 mile loop while HMJ and the royal following were planning a 30 mile trip. I left the shop and led the group down to Deerfield Street at a 15 mph pace. Once we got onto RT. 5&10 we were hit with a pretty good headwind. I stayed in the front and we pedaled along at a 19 mph pace to Old Deerfield. The group was doing very well at this pace so I continued down to Mill Village Road at the same pace. As we got out on the farm road Baby Bell took the lead and he led us up Stillwater hill. I dropped back and rode with WT and Wendy and helped them get back onto the back of the peleton. I then went to the front and took the bunch down to RT. 116 and onto Saw Mill River Road. I led the group over to the town line sprint where Bell, Michelle, and Curt went for the line. Baby Bell had a pretty good jump and he coasted across the line ahead of the other two riders. I decided to give Bell a run on the next hill and when I got to the bottom, I accelerated past him and then started to sprint for the top. As I got into the sprint, I could feel the rear wheel dragging and I soon was going pretty slow. I stopped at the top of the hill and tried to release the brake, but I had to open the quick release to keep going. I got back onto the group on the climb into Whatley and then tried to take Bell on the next hill but I ran out of gas near the top. I waited up at the top of the hill and after the girls went by I motored on ahead with the group behind me. Bell went for the next town line about two miles before we got there. I for one was not going to sprint today so I just ho-hum'ed his efforts and left it up to the rest to give him a go. After the town line I took the lead and headed for Northampton and I was totally unaware that WT and Wendy had turned off on one of the side roads. When I got to the turn in Northampton, Curt mentioned that Wendy and WT were not with us. Since I wasn't sure of what happened I decided to head back up 5&10 to make sure that they were alright. I rode alone back along the route and eventually made it to Depot Street where I took a right and headed for River Road. I had hoped to catch up with the rest of the riders as the came north, but when I hit the railroad track on Depot Street I soon lost hope of catching them. These tracks have caused more flat tires than any other road hazard in the county. I was indeed a victim of the tracks and soon I was on the side of the road replacing my tube. It didn't take too long and I was soon back on my way. I decided to just head back to the shop and not do the entire route. I headed back through South Deerfield and when I got to Mill Village Road I came upon a woman who had a flat tire and I stopped briefly to replace the tube for her. I got back on my bike and headed for the shop. I was the last to arrive back at the shop where the riders were waiting for me. I ended the ride with a 18 mph pace for the 40 miles, which wasn't too bad for a windy day.

Sunday, April 11th Distance - 44.32 Average - 18.8
We had a decent turnout for today's ride, given that it was Easter Sunday. The riders who showed up were divided into two groups. One group (Peter Bell, Michelle, myself, Nancy and Wendy) went out with Bob, while several other riders (Jack, Tom, and a few others) rode with ME.

We headed South from the shop and set an easy pace down to Old Deerfield. Bob took the front for the entire ride until we turned off Rte 5, so those of us behind him never felt the wind he says he was fighting against. As soon as we turned into the village, Bell took the front. I was the next in line, so was really glad that he was feeling good and stayed in front all the way to the bottom of Stillwater.

As soon as we hit the climb, the group split up. Michelle and Bell raced up the hill, Bob rolled up at an easier pace with Nancy and Wendy, and I struggled alone somewhere in the middle. The group came back together at the top and we all continued South.

Peter wanted someone to play with him at the Whately line, but nobody was really up for it. I think I could only take a sprint against him if I was able to take him completely by surprise. Michelle finally made an effort on the sprint just so he had to work for it, and I gave a halfhearted effort to stick on her wheel, but was too cautious about using too much energy. I dropped off well before the line.

Bob and Bell went for the next line, which Peter took (Bob mumbled some excuse about his brake pads rubbing...) We kept things pretty quick over the next few miles over the series of rollers and were soon back on Rte 5. It wasn't until we were ready to turn Left to Hatfield that we noticed that we had dropped Nancy and Wendy somewhere (we learned later that they had taken an earlier turn to get to Hatfield). Bob was concerned about where they were, so he turned back to find them while Michelle, Peter and I continued on.

Without Bob, Nancy and Wendy, the pace picked up quite a bit as we rode a paceline North on River Road. This was turning out to NOT be the easy paced ride I had been expecting. Peter kept inching the pace up any time we were within a mile of a town line, while I would bring the pace back down a few MPH whenever I got to the front. Once we hit 116, we turned Right into Sunderland then Left at the lights to 47 North (I got the Sunderland town line, I think out of pity). We zipped along Meadow road and I got to feeling rested by the time we came up to the town line past the waterfall, so I decided to give it a shot. I sprinted past Peter and looked back to see that nobody had followed. I sat up to roll across the line, but forgot to keep an eye on the riders behind me. 100' short of the line, Michelle came charging past me. I dug in to give chase, but we were to close to the line by that point so she took it by half a bike length. I think this tipped me over the edge, I never got fully recovered for the final 10 miles or so of the ride.

By the time we got to the short climb at the end of Meadow Rd, my legs were feeling like they didn't have much left. I took it easy up the hill then things picked up again once the road flattened out.

Peter turned us onto the road toward Poets Seat. In no time we were at the bottom of the final climb. I waved good-bye to my companions and settled into a nice easy gear I could spin up the hill. I was surprised to get down the other side still able to see Michelle and Peter only 100 yards ahead. I snuck up on them and passed them in the final few hundred feet back to the shop.

Bob pulled in 5 minutes later with stories of riding solo, a flat tire and assisting another rider with a flat. You could tell by looking at him that it had been a long tough push for him to make it back to the shop so quickly after fixing two flats.

Hey Bob,

Thursday 4/15 5:15am Coke Plant: Talked to Slim (AKA Liam) last night about going riding this morning, and he unfortunately could not make it. But I decided I would give it a go anyway, So... 5:15am headed in on the power lines and through the clearing that destroyed 20% of the coke plant which was extremely muddy, and up the fire road to Red Rock on up the power lines. Both of these trails were dry and quite perfect for riding. Once on up to the top of the power-lines I rode through the small stretch of single track over to the water tower, and then down the secret trail. I broke off 3/4 of the way down and dropped down Double Death which was very leaf covered and slick. At the bottom of Double Death I took a right and rode up (I think in Bobspeak it is pronounced Stinger; in Markspeak it is pronounced mud climb). Anyway, I then rode up Luke which was perfect until almost 3/4 of the way up to the top, then there was a mixture of mud and leaves for about 300 yards; fun, fun, fun. Once up to the top I went straight down the water tower access road and dumped back in on the right through the single track (Mud Road) and back over to double death to give it a shot, needless to say I only made it half way up due to the slick leaves, but climbed up #2 hill on DD and took the secret trail back up to the water tower. I rode down the power lines and then out to the road again. It felt great to get out on the bike first thing in the morning. Most of the Coke plant is totally rideable and free of too-much mud and fallen trees, but unfortunately people are dumping garbage out there now.
See you all soon,
MAC

Thursday, April 15th Distance - 30.61 Average - 19.8

Bull Hill... at a pretty fast pace for this time of year. We dropped two riders by the time we got the 63, leaving myself, Bob, Michelle, Jeff and Jamie. I hit a new max heartrate for the season (187) three times on this ride. I was able to spend some time in the front a few times early in the ride, but spent the last half hanging out in toward the rear of the group watching Bob, Michelle and Jeff go out for the sprints.

We've really been pushing hard on the Tuesday/Thursday rides and I can't tell if I am getting stronger or not... the rides all continue test my limits. On tonight's ride, I was doing fine until we were on Mill Village road just short of Old Deerfield village. I took a very short turn in the front, then just couldn't hold Bob's wheel when I went back. I finally cracked and slowed a bit. A minute later I was joined by Jamie who had also decided to ease up a bit. We rolled along 50 yards behind Bob, Michelle and Jeff until we came back together just before coming back onto Rte. 5.

We got back to the shop just as dusk fell.

This was my first ride on the new Spinergy Xaero wheels (I also upgraded my tires at the same time, so everything I feel may not be 100% related to the wheelset). I do feel a difference, but can't put it into words. Part of it is in the 'feel' on the road. The difference here is almost backwards from what I would expect. I would say that the *smaller* bumps feel smoother somehow, when I would have expected the change to be more apparent on the large hits.

The other change is in the acceleration. I must say that the change here is minimal enough that it may be pretty much negated by having a bad day. I think I'm feeling a little quicker, but it may just be because I am looking for the change.

I guess one sure way to know would be to ride these wheels for a while then put my old front wheel on for a ride. I think I'd notice a negative change more easily. Submitted by Curt

Thursday 4/15: Today was another wild one at the shop and I barely got out the door to do the ride at 6:10. Our plan was to do the Bull Hill ride and so I had to get the group going pretty quickly or else we would not get back before dark. Joining me tonight was Jeff, Curt, Michelle's L & H, Jamie, Baby Bell, and John Klem. I led the group down the hill to Turners Falls and when I got to Avenue A, I realized that my computer was not working and so I asked for the riders behind to keep me advised of my speed. I led the group down to the Farren Care Center where we took a left and headed up Greenfield Road. I dropped to the back of the bunch to ride with Michelle L. and John. They were starting to come off and when we got to the hatchery, Michelle decided to drop back and do a shorter ride. After she left I rode back to the group and soon we were cruising through Montague Center at a pretty good clip. We headed out to RT. 47 and just before the turn to RT. 63, John decided to turn around as well. The group made the turn onto RT. 63 where we headed up the hill to Sunderland. I led the group and I intended to lead out the sprint, but when the sprint went it was only Jeff. The rest of the riders were strung out on the hill so I dropped back to pace the group back together. When we were all together we did a pace line for the ride down to Bull Hill. We put a good effort into the ride down RT. 116 into a brisk headwind. I led the troop to the town line but was unable to do much more than watch the others go for it. When we got across the Sunderland Bridge we soft pedaled up the hill to Sugarloaf Street. When we all got around the corner I took the lead and headed the group up to Mill Village Road. We road in a pace line all the way to Old Deerfield. It was pretty tough to keep the speed high when you are riding into a gale force wind. I knew we were in for a struggle ahead when I could smell the food from the Wok Restaurant as we turned onto RT. 5&10 and sure enough I struggled to keep 19mph as we headed back into Greenfield. We made the turn onto Washington Street just as it was getting dark so we kept the pace a little higher than usual to make it back to the shop before dark.

Sunday 4/18: It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the middle seventies and not much wind. I went over to the shop at 12:00 to get ready to ride and just as I arrived a customer came in and bought a new road bike. After the sale I hustled to get ready and then went out to the parking lot to do the ride. There was a large group of riders waiting for the ride to start and I quickly got them together to give them the route. ME was riding with half of the twenty riders who joined us today and I was riding with the other ten. Our route was the Cave Hill ride and my plan was to stay with the intermediate group. Leading the way today was Andrew PH Hilton with me right behind him. We rode down the hill to Turners Falls and I made the turn onto Montague Center Road in the lead. After the turn I drifted to the back to let the group set their own pace. We rode over to Greenfield Road and as soon as we got onto the hill the group split. Going on ahead was Andrew, Tom Martyn, Baby Bell, Curt and Keith Streeter. I stayed behind with the remainder of the pack which included QN, Chris Koh, Jamie, Moose Boy and IP. We set a good pace as we rode through Montague Center. I stayed at the front for most of the way over to Leverett Road where I relinquished the lead to MB. MB lasted for a short distance before he made QN take over for him. QN not only kept the pace high, she beat Jamie for the town line sprint before pulling off. We made it to the hill as a group but we got strung out when IP pushed the pace up the hill. I was off the back to wait up for Chris and the group circled at the top to wait for us. After the group was all together I headed down the other side at 45 mph with the rest of the bunch right behind. We rode down from Leverett Center to RT. 63 and then over to Bull Hill. Jamie and MB took turns trying to keep me from sprinting for the town line and sure enough MB won. We cruised down to RT. 116 where MB and I did the pull into the headwind. When we got to the gas station MB pulled off and that left me to pull the group through the traffic lights in the center of Sunderland. After the light Jamie made a run for the town line and he beat me pretty easily. I got him back on the next hill and then common sense prevailed and I settled into a more reasonable pace for the trip up to Mill Village Road. I led the group down the hill and onto Old Main Street where we rode easily over to RT. 5&10 for the spin back to the shop. I led the group across the Cheapside Bridge and was beat for the town line by Jamie. After that we pedaled up to Hope Street where IP took over and led us back to the shop. We ended the ride with a 19.2 average for the 34 miles. It was a great ride on a very nice day.

Sunday, April 18th Distance - 30.61 Average - 33.56
 

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel on today's ride, so was glad when a wide range of riders showed up. Now, no matter how I felt, I would haves a group to fall in with.

We all started together and headed over to Avenue A in Turners, then up the climb past the treatment plant. The odds were good that I would et dropped here, but the front of the group actually slowed to a reasonable pace on the steepest part of the climb so I held on without any difficulties. Once over the top, though, I looked back and noticed that the group had fragmented. I hadn't really planned on pushing to stay in the front group, but I didn't feel like I was putting very much effort in so far so decided to hang around for a while to see what happened.

Peter Bell, Keith and one other guy (Andrew.. ed) stayed at the front of our small breakaway group, while Tom Martyn and I got a nice relaxing ride in the rear. Even though we were setting a high pace, I ended up still rested as we reached the 63 intersection.

I decided, as we started the climb up to the Cave Hill turn, that I was going to be reasonable and drop off well before I got burnt. So only a half mile or so later I let myself slowly drop off the back. Shortly after, I noticed Keith also getting shelled out of the back of the group and kept him in my sites all the way up Cave Hill. As we neared the top, I caught site of Tom Martyn a few hundred yards ahead as well as a group slowly gaining from behind.

I caught Keith at the stop sign after dropping down the backside of the hill and we set out for Bull Hill road together. This section of road starts off with some rolling hills, then speeds up as we dropped down to 63. As we came up to the turn onto Bull Hill road, we picked up Tom who was waiting for us, having opted out of the longer loop that the other two riders had decided to go on.

We dropped down to 116 then flew up towards Sunderland at a blazing pace. We started rolling at 25-26MPH, but soon Tom pushed the pace up to 27-28. Over the final mile, we were setting a steady 30MPH pace.

Tom slowed just a bit to recover at the Sunderland lights, so I thanked him for the pull by steeling the Deerfield town line from him. It took me a while to get back up to speed after the climb to the Sugarloaf lights, but soon we were once again rolling North at a pretty good clip. Keith dropped off here, but caught back on as we waited for a break in the traffic so we could cross onto Mill Village road.

Tom took us pretty much all the way to Old Deerfield, but Keith was starting to have a harder time hanging on by this time. He dropped off one last time on the farmlands South of the village and we never saw him again. The two of us were alone now, but the pace kept up during the final few miles into Greenfield. Once turning off of Rte 5, we finally slowed to cool down as we navigated the back roads to the shop.

This ride was longer, faster and hillier than what we did on Thursday. But for some reason I ended this ride feeling well rested and ready for more. Perhaps one reason is that I spent a good deal of time today riding Tom's wheel...Submitted by Curt

Sunday 4-18: It was a great day for a race and there were a lot of people at Adelphia.

There were 8 people from my team in the Pro-3 race. Much to my dismay, there were 6 or 7 Pro riders there, some who were fresh off a rest week after racing in Redlands and Pomona. Needless to say, the pace was a bit brisk. Our race was shortened from 10 laps (25 miles) to 8 laps due to a horrible crash in the men's cat 3 race which was finishing up as we were being briefed in the staging area. We heard a loud noise and just saw bodies flying through the air and one guy sliding by on his back, passing people who were still on their bikes. Anyway, we finally started and it was tough. I felt good for the first 2 laps, the third lap nearly killed me because I went up the second incline in too big a gear. Laps 4 and 5 were OK, but it seemed to be getting really hard. Lap 6, we came around the back side and were approaching the last turn, but I just couldn't seem to get the bike to go fast. Lap 7, with the silence of having been dropped, I heard the familiar sound of the rub and released the front brake, but I was way too cooked for it to make a difference. I ended up catching another rider and rode the rest of the lap with her and started the last lap with her before dropping her on the back side. But, as we came around the last turn, she had caught up and was accelerating. We sprinted for the finish but when we rounded the last little bend, there were a bunch of guys riding in the road doing their cool down - talking, not paying attention....My competitor got through, but one of the guys cut me off and sent me flying into the hill on the side of the road. I was OK, a little stunned, but more concerned about my bike. I could see the finish line and I was not about to get a DNF. So, I hopped on my bike and rode across the line. There were a few people who finished behind me, so I finished AND I didn't get last place. Not exactly how I wanted to begin my cat 3 experience, but it could have been a lot worse. And, hey, now my left and right levers will match. At least I didn't break the one you just replaced. :) Despite the gravity check and the resulting throbbing headache, it was a great day and I'm glad I did it. It's a tough field and I have a long way to go, but I didn't get killed nearly as badly as I thought I might. Next up: Monson and Palmer.

Michelle

Monday 4/19:

Tuesday 4/20:

4-22 5:00am, misty morning inaugural ride of the Amish Mountain Biking Club.

Phone rings at 4:40am , I think it's the alarm and wonder why I can't turn it off. After my wife chucks the phone at me, I answer and the somber voice of Mark Courtemanche queries "We're still on for 5:00 am, right?" "Be there in ten minutes." I grumbled. Then I popped (well not exactly popped) out of bed, slid into my bibs, grabbed my pre-made coffee, jumped into my car (which I prudently loaded the night before) and Met mark at the Park St. entrance to Mt. Toby at a little before 5 o'clock. It was still dark so we needed lights for the first half hour of the ride. After some chit chat we got right to climbing the mountain rd. Not too muddy, but the rocks, ruts and slicks were plentiful and hard to see and negotiate at that hour. After a refreshing slog up the first set of climbs I turned off onto the sugar house trail which was muddy, and dark, but on the whole, a real good ride. By the time I reached the end of that trail I realized Mark was nowhere to be seen. I waited, still no Mark so I rode back down the trail and ran into Mark who missed the turn and climbed the dead end trail up to Toby cliffs...well, it was dark. We laughed and kept riding (we both had promises to keep and many miles before our wives got bent that we weren't back in time!). We dropped down the Robert Frost extension to Toby road and began the long climb. Toby road was made harder than usual due to extensive winter erosion along the lower part of the climb. WE decided to turn off the climb at the upper link trail (in the interest of time). BY now it was light out so we picked up the pace considerably. We worked our way over to the telephone trail, across quite a few fallen trees. The telephone Trail, in spite of the wetness, rode better than I expected, both of us made it down in good order, jumped off on the orange trail, back up to the sugar house trail, from which we simply (and quickly) retraced our tracks back to the cars, getting there a little before 7:00am. The trail back to Park ST. entrance is a lot of bunny-hopping fun! Even with the mud et al., this was a great ride, and a wonderful way to jump start our day. The Amish mountain biking club will be hosting weekly early morning adventures, we hope to see more people out to join us and increase our early morning ranks. I'll keep passing ride announcements along to Bob! Rise and Shine, Peoples!
Liam

Thursday, April 22nd Distance - 32.97 Average - 21.1
I headed down to the shop a bit early tonight so I would have time to replace my chain before the ride. I've been having some strange shifting problems and the chain I have now is the original one that came with the bike, so it has about 3K miles on it. I was hoping I would be able to get away with being cheap by replacing the chain but not the cassette. I took the bike for a short spin after I was done and it felt OK, so I figured I had just saved myself some money.

My legs were feeling a bit stiff, since I'd ridden the two previous nights. I usually don't ride three days in a row like this, so was half expecting my legs to be dead when I hit the Third St. hill (and every hill after that). Even before we hit that climb, I realized that I had a bigger problem to worry about. As I accelerated after the stop sign at the canal my chain started skipping. Then on the climb it got even worse. Everyone around me started cringing as my bike began to sound like it was going through a chipper. There isn't much that can break your rhythm and really mess you up like having the chain grind and skip every time you put any pressure on the pedals.

I started to learn how to avoid the skipping as we got onto a flatter section of the ride. If I stayed in my 52, things went well. All I had to do was avoid any chainring other than the 52 and I was fine (as long as I didn't hit any climbs or need to stop)!

We kept a nice paceline going down to Sunderland. There were a few new riders in our group who insisted on accelerating off the front of the paceline when they got to the front, but we reigned them in and will have to beat some sense.... er... show them how it should be done.

In Sunderland the group split, with about half the riders turning West to make a shorter loop while the rest of us continued South on 47. When I started up as the lights turned green my bike made the worse noise I have ever heard a bike make. When I put pressure on the crank it slipped all the way down, making it sound like I was shredding every tooth off my crank and cassette. I learned my lesson and on the rest of the ride learned how to start off with very light pressure on the pedals and slowly build up speed by spinning lightly.

Bob got us set up in a nice double paceline on 116. Everyone got a turn in the front and practice with how the line worked as people transitioned off the front. Things slowed down just a bit until we got through South Deerfield, then slowly picked up again. By the time we were on Mill Village road we were ready to ramp the speed up to the mid-twenties again. I took things over just short of Lee road and had fun pulling the group down the nice drop onto the farmlands before turning it over to the next rider.

Back on Rte. 5, I was realizing that I was going to end the ride with plenty of energy left over. I decided that I wanted to go for the last sprint over the Cheapside Bridge into Greenfield but wasn't positioned well in the group for a sprint. I figured my only chance of getting it was to go out early, and hard enough that nobody could ride my wheel to the line. I started my sprint well South of the Chinese restaurant, jumping out of the line and pushing as hard as I could. About halfway to the line I was starting to fade, but I had a good gap on anyone behind me so was able to roll across the line with plenty of margin.

We slowed for the final few miles (21.6 average as we left Rte 5) and ended up rolling back into the shop just as the light faded. Bob put a new cassette on the bike (I selected an 11-27 to replace the 11-25, so I'll have it even easier on South Mountain!) and did some 'tweaking' on the front derailleur to fix some other shifting problems. My 'granny gear' is now a 30/27 so I should be able to ride any hill in the area, even if it takes me all day to do so! Submitted by Curt

4/24 & 4/25: Here is a report for this weekend's races. :)
I went into this weekend worried about my fatigue level and although it didn't seem to be a problem for Saturday's 123 race in Monson, it bit me in Sunday's 3/4 race in Palmer. I've decided that even though the 1/2/3 races are much harder, I like them better than 3/4 races. Today's Palmer race was one of the scariest races I have been in. I'm shocked and amazed (and quite thankful) that there wasn't a crash in this race. There was, however, a crash in the Monson race and I got caught behind it (but not in it)... the front 10 women took off at the sound of the crash and the rest of us spent the remaining three laps chasing them. I was in the first chase group and we never caught them. We worked well together, but they were gone. In the end, I managed to dig deep and pull off a sprint up the hill to take 13th place. Today, at Palmer, I felt like dookie. I was so tired and I had nothing for the first 20 miles. I felt better on the second lap and was considering trying to go off the front and lead out our two strongest climbers for the final climb, but as I started to make my move, I realized I didn't have enough left to be of any help, so I settled back into the field in what I thought was a safe spot. The sprint started and I started to go, but then crazy scary stuff was going on in front of me and I couldn't get around it, so I just backed it off and decided to just ride. I had visions of breaking levers and this time it would be on pavement so it would have involved road rash and it just didn't seem worth it for what might have been 10th place. I think I ended up 18th out of about 50. Not too bad considering how I felt. Always looking for the bright spot, I was psyched that I didn't have any trouble staying with the field and feeling the way I did. Last year, I wouldn't have been able to. Progress. :)

I didn't get to see Jeff's race, but he looked happy when I saw him afterwards and he said it went OK. Hopefully he will send a report in. I know that Joe had a tough first lap with a derailleur issue and then something else. He had to chase the field for quite awhile by himself, but he caught them and eventually placed pretty highly.
Keepin' the rubber side down,
Michelle

4-25 Bachelor St. I pulled into the soon to be logged parking lot at Bachelor ST.., followed closely by Chris Koh at about 7:35. Mark C. and Kip (the real slim!) were already there and raring to go. We were the only ones (well, Jack had left his car there but that's another tale) there. It was nice, sunny, kind of cool, but a good early morning Sunday vibe. Some of the guys were complaining about being cold so in an effort to heat them up I led the group up Far east and then onto the technical, hilly newly minted trail called Missing Persons. After this initial warm, there was no more chatter about being cold. We then continued to climb up to Pete's Wicked Trail fun trail with a muddy stream crossing, tough hill, and some rock-garden V-drops. Next we worked our way over to Twister-a signature trail in this area and always a crowd pleaser, lots of rolling rocks and tricks. The group was feeling pretty good by the time we got to the bottom of twister. The Sun was warming the whole park and still, we were alone in the woods. We proceeded up the IMBA Access trail, to pond trail, to Jacob's Ladder. Now, Jacob's Ladder is about as technical as a trail can be and still be considered X-C (without crossing over into true Freeride status).. WE were all a little tired but happily soldiered through the rock-dropping twists and turns of this gem. To finish out the ride, we took Raptor to the hard side of technical trail (which we mostly walked!) up to Serpent God (another great, bony descent!) and  down to serpentine. On the way out we passed about 15 riders (rude jerks actually) heading the other way. when we returned to the parking lot @ 10:30, it was packed with cars-I for one really appreciated the early start which helped maintain the sublime peacefulness of un-crowded trails for the bulk of the ride. On the whole, everyone rode well. I'm riding better than ever and I have to thank Bob for convincing me to ride all winter and showing me the value of the Montague Plains (which I used to despise, but now I appreciate). This has been the sharpest Spring riding of my life. Winter riding is the key to year long biking happiness!  

Liam

Sunday, April 25, 2004.  1^st Annual Rock Garden Ramble.  Cockaponsett State Park, Chester CT.  The Rock Garden Ramble…race #2 in the CT Series and our (Jack and me) 3^rd race this season.  The name said it all…rocky…my type of terrain, and what I’d describe as sort of like Batchelor Street’s boniest sections on steroids.  Jack and I met at our usual Batchelor St. meeting point (hence Jack’s car in the otherwise-empty lot—see: Liam’s most recent ride report).  The Beginner race was set at 9 am, and not really knowing the travel time, we met around 6 am and got an early start.  A little over an hour later, we arrived in Chester and promptly registered.  I have to say, this registration-table-by-the-lake thing is getting a little old (the Hopbrook Dam race was the same way)…the wind and dampness coupled with temps in the mid-30s meant it was a bit nippy, but the sun quickly came out and began to warm things up.   

Jack helped me do some last minute tire inflating as we got ready.  The night before, I decided to take a nice leisurely spin around the park where my grandmother lives.  It was strictly a quick ride on the MTB on the road thing, and it was great until I got a flat…in the back.  Now, lord knows I’m not very good with replacing the back wheel once I take it off, but I AM pretty good at changing a flat since I took Bob’s clinic this winter.  With a quick cell phone SOS to Bob, who coached me about the gears I needed to be in, I managed to successfully change the flat AND get the tire back on…what a good feeling!  With one little issue, I thought, “Gee, I surely wouldn’t have the bad luck of having a mechanical during the race tomorrow!”  Ha!  As you will soon find out, the MTB gods had other plans. 

Back to the race…there were a lot of people who came out…those hibernators have finally dusted off their bikes from a winter of non-riding!  I’m sorry, but skiing is just really not a true substitute (honk if you’re a member of the Polar Bear Club, baby…YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!)  People began to tool around on the bikes, getting warmed up, and trying to find the start line.  Soon, rumors were swirling about course changes and lap additions.  Originally, it was going to be one-6 mile loop for the beginners and we were not going to be able to ride in the Rock Garden.  Hey, what was the name of the race again?!   I didn’t drive all that way to be shunned from the Rock Garden!  I guess that was the overall consensus, and the race operators decided to shorten the lap to 5 miles and let us do the Rock Garden.  (The official did prompt us little girls to feel free to get off the bike and walk if we were “not sure of ourselves”…bet he didn’t say that to the guys!)  We also went up to 2 laps, making a nice round distance of 10 miles.  The one word being thrown around was “technical”…a technical course.  Most of the girls from the 1^st race were there and most of them were not-too-thrilled about a technical course.  I, however, couldn’t wait.   

We lined up in regular fashion, with the girls taking up the caboose.  I made some jokes about Suffrage and Susan B. Anthony and we all laughed.  Jack’s group took off up the paved road, and with less than a minute, we were off too (the stagger wasn’t quite right in terms of timing, but since this was the first-ever Ramble, we’ll cut them some slack).  Up the hill, I had the lead and I was counting on building an early lead and then holding onto it during the second lap.  Only young Emily Curry from Sturbridge (she’s 15) was holding my wheel, as she did most of the race.  Let me tell you, this girl is so good AND she rides flat pedals.  Watch out junior Olympics!  Anyways, this was my type of trail…rocky, wet, with some steep climbs and a lot of fun downhill.  I exited lap #1 with Emily a short distance behind, but none of the other girls in sight.  Then, about ¼ mile into lap #2, it happened.  The MTB gods struck me down and with one push on the cranks, I began to free-wheel.  No biggie, just a dropped chain, I tried to reassure myself.  But, alas, it wasn’t to be.  There, swinging in the breeze, were the two, twisted, horribly mangled ends of my chain.  Nothing could save me, although I pled with about a dozen riders for a chain tool, a chain, ANYTHING!   

At one point, I chucked the chain in the woods and said, I can either DNF or I can run this mo-fo out of here and finish this race.  I chose the latter, and walked-ran-rode my bike for the next 4.5 miles.  Emily passed me within 30 seconds, then Michelle about 10 minutes later, and Carly finished 2 minutes ahead of me.  I felt pretty proud that I made it to the end.  Trust me, riding the Rock Garden = good.  Running it = not so good, but I had a lot of fun.  Emily and I would’ve finished very close to each other, and she beat the 1^st place 19-34 woman by 13 minutes.  I finished with an overall of 1:46 and took third place out of 6.  Not too bad, I guess, but I still got a few sandbagger comments from the competition. 

Jack continued his winning trend by taking first with a very good 1:16.  Yea Jack!  Overall, it was a really fun day.  Even though there was a mechanical, some scoring errors (not mine), a rider who never was timed, etc. it was still a cool race and a really, really great course.  It was also a relief to feel good again during a race, as compared to the Hopbrook Dam race, during which I felt like I hadn’t ridden in months.  I guess it was just comforting to know that even though I may have off-days every once in a while, I am still a good rider.  I also value learning something new every time I race, and just getting more “into” the sport that I love.  Tune in next Sunday for the next installation of Bikes Unlimited MTB Race Results:  Meadow Muffin Madness!  Submitted by Stephanie.  (P.S.  Carly…if you happen to read this…guess what…the broken chain curse is coming to you next!)

Sunday, April 25th Distance - 34.0 Average - 19.6

I was ready for a good fast ride down the valley today, but it was not meant to be. As soon as I hit the first climb on River Rd., the skipping problem I thought we had taken care of returned. As I tried to shift to ease up and spin easier, the chain came off completely. By the time I rode it back on, the group had pulled away. I managed to catch their wheel again, but on the next climb the same thing happened. This time, the hill was longer and it took me several seconds to get the chain back. By the time I was ready to go again, the main group had quite a lead on me and was still pulling away.

Bob dropped back to pace me up to the group, but they were motoring right along. Just when it looked like we were going to eventually be able to make up the gap, my chain started skipping on the rear cassette. All we could figure was that when it had come off earlier, I had crunched it somehow and now I had a damaged link. We stopped a few times to try to fix it, but nothing we did made any difference so we gave up on our chase and dialed things back a few notches. The last time we stopped to look at things, Ron joined our group from behind so the three of us set out together.

We cut West early, crossing over the railroad tracks that eat tires for lunch. We thought that we had gotten away with it until, about a mile later, Bob pulled over with a slow flat. As he fixed it on the side of the road, another rider pulled up from behind us and joined us for the rest of the ride. We set a fairly easy pace North back to Greenfield, but having the chain skip on almost every revolution really started to mess with my rhythm. I spend most of the time in the rear of the group where I could use the draft and not need to put as much pressure on the pedals.

A bike mechanic's work is never done... once back at the shop, Bob put a new chain on Stephanie's MTB bike (fresh from a race where she had to run most of the last loop) and replace the brakes for another customer before he had a chance to replace my chain and give me a new middle chainring. I took the bike over the ridge to Turners and really pushed the gears climbing back up, but couldn't cause it to skip even once, so I think the issue is finally behind me.

Tuesday 4/27: I was really beat from having put in long hours at the shop so I decided to take it a little easy tonight and ride with the Intermediates for as long as I could and then drop off to ride with whoever else was behind. The group tonight included Jeff V., Jamie, Jim H., Jorge, Rick Trowell, Parrott breath, Keith Olsen, PJW, Baby Bell, Wayne Holden, John and Jair Gustin. PJW and Keith did a 20 mile loop while the rest of the group went out with me. It was a cool and very windy evening and I had to lend out some cool weather gear to those who forgot what spring was like here in the Northeast. The route for tonight was to ride over Poet's Seat and head for Leverett. I led the troops up the first climb and the bunch was right behind me on the descent. At the bottom of the hill we re-grouped and crossed the bridge. We headed up Greenfield Road and onto Hatchery Road where I did the Lance move at the corner. I stayed on the front for about twenty seconds and then I headed for the shelter of the paceline. I was riding near the back of the group as we passed through Montague Center when Jim came up and told me that three riders had been shelled off the back. I decided to drop back and ride with them, but just as I was leaving the group, there was a near disaster in the paceline. As the group got to the rough section of road, Jamie hit a pot hole the size of New Jersey and his handlebars slid downwards. I watched as he careened across the road and stopped near a pond. I arrived just as he was straightened his handlebar and stem. Jamie was OK although somewhat shaken by the accident, and he and I waited for Rick and Wayne to arrive and join us. We all headed out to RT.63 and rode together down to Bull Hill Road. It was really windy and we struggled on the way to Bull Hill with Rick doing quite a long pull at the front. Jamie and I did some hill sprints as well as a couple of half hearted town line jumps. When we got to RT. 116 I went to the front to pull into the wind. I struggled to keep the pace up, but I had a hard time keeping a 16 mph pace for most of the way to Sunderland. Jamie and I took turns at the front for most of way back to Greenfield and we ended the 30 mile ride with a 18 mph average.

Wednesday, April 28, 2004.  As usual, tonight Bob planned a MTB ride, this time up at the Coke Plant.  I did a short ride yesterday at the Batch, but overall had a terrible ride.  I just wasn’t into it and the black flies were eating me alive.  I was out for a little over and hour and that was enough for the day.  So, I really was looking forward to riding tonight so that I could get a good workout and make up for my poor performance yesterday.  When I got to the shop, I had Bob check the rotor on my front wheel, since it seemed to be rubbing.  All seemed okay, and soon the group was assembled.  Riding tonight was Bob, Jack, Craig, Lucas, Eric, Brandon, and me.  There was word that Mark C and Liam would be joining us, but I think that they rode this morning, and they didn’t show. 

It was cool and almost borderline chilly once we started to ride, but we soon warmed up and headed down the road toward the Coke Plant.  We crossed over Route 2 and over the stink-mud pit.  We rested a moment and I emptied my shoe of a tiny rock that was causing big problems, and we were soon on our way.  Jack led us in and I followed behind him.   Soon, we came to lots of mud, and I rode right through it, cringing at the thought of all that grit in my brakes.  I don’t think that Eric and Brandon have done any riding up here at the Coke Plant, so they seemed unfamiliar with the trails, whereas the rest of us knew our way around all right.  I remembered that the last time I was up here was snow shoeing this winter!  A far cry from it now!  We headed up Luke, then to the water tower and down the power lines, where we regrouped at Red Rock.  Next, it was down the chute and to the Hill of Doom.  Lucas brought his students out to the Hill to do some maintenance (slave labor!) on Earth Day.  Ah, what a tricky guy that Lucas is…helping the earth and getting something done for the MT bikers at the same time! 

As we contemplated the hill, a wild turkey with an apparently broken wing fluttered up from the brush and scared the living daylights out of us.  Off to the side was a pick up which looked stuck in the mud.  At first, we thought someone was out hunting, but no one was to be found, so we all started up the Hill of Doom.  Craig hoofed it up, and Lucas, Eric, and Brandon each cleared the hill.  I was next, and actually cleared it, too…I have conquered the Hill of Doom.  I just thought back to last year and how I couldn’t even make it to the first little turn, and it felt good to make progress.  We headed down to Jack’s Pond and then made the long climb up the hill again.  We rested on top of the ridge for a minute, and I wiggled my front wheel around.  It just didn’t feel right…squirrelly is how I’d describe it.  Something wasn’t right, because there was so much play in the wheel, but we tightened up the quick release and hoped that would get me back to the shop.  So, we whipped down the trails, across Rt. 2, up in back of Stop and Shop, and back out to the shop.    

Bob threw my bike up on the stand and removed the front wheel.  It still seemed like the quick release, so while he fiddled with it, I started to pack up my stuff.  Then, Bob let out this gasp that made me very worried.  Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly have another mechanical (flat on Sat., broken chain on Sun.) Bob gave me the news.  My whole front shock was shot (hence the rubbing in the rotor).  It had broken clean across where the bridge meets the stanchion on the right side.  We figured that during the race Sunday (with all the rocks), I had probably gotten a hairline fracture, and then my ride at Batchelor Street or tonight at the Coke Plant was enough to seal the deal.  With the wheel removed, the right stanchion was able to turn 360 degrees.  I was very lucky, to say the least.  The only thing holding my bike together in the front was my quick release.  I could’ve crashed pretty easily, but everything held together.   The way I figure it, the only thing left for me to do is crack my frame and I’ll be done!  Despite having to buy a new fork (which I’ve wanted to do for a while but now can justify!), it was an awesome ride overall.  Hope we’ll do it again next week!

Thursday 4/29: I was really beat from a very long day so I decided to the 25 mile ride with the intermediates tonight. I sent the Experts out fro the 34 mile Tyler Hill ride and I will post the ride report from them when I get it.
    I led the group from the shop over to Bernardston Road and then up the hill. I had said that I was going to keep the pace at 10 mph on the hill, but I just couldn't do it. I tried to keep it slow but I still managed to hit 15 mph all the way to the top. On the way down I kept the pace even and the group was right behind me all the way to the town line. I did a double pace line to Bernardston and then we formed a single line into the town center. After we made the turn onto RT. 10 the group was right behind me so I paced the line at a 20 mph pace up the hill. This was a bit much for some of the riders so I went back and towed a few riders back on. It was a very windy night although it was pretty warm and the group worked hard to stay together. I had the group form a double pace line on the way to Northfield and everyone got a chance to be on the front for at least a short time. When we got to RT. 63 the group again formed a double pace line for a while and we practiced the drafting skills we did on RT. 10. The group stayed pretty much intact for the ride down RT. 63 into Erving. There was a sprint for the town line in Erving but I pretty much stayed out of that and I towed the group back together on the hill into Millers Falls. After we climbed the steep hill out of Millers Falls we rode a double pace line all the way to the Third Street Hill. We flew down the hill and then we crossed the River back into Greenfield. The group split up on the climb up Esleeck Hill and we drifted back to the shop in two's and three's. It was a nice ride with an ending average of 19 mph for the 25 miles.

4-30. 4:45am, time for an old-fashioned barn raising. Out of bed, into bike clothes, full of coffee, out of door...hmmmm, it's warm, back inside grab short sleeve shirt and zip over to Mt. Toby at the Park St.  entrance. 5:00 am and all is well, and yet again I notice the membership of the Amish Mountain Biking Club has again grown, in addition to Harold, Ben, and Marc, Kip (The Real Slim) has joined the community (he would have joined us on Wednesday, but a miscommunication sent him to Mt. Toby at 5:00 am instead.). It was still dark but after few minutes of lights or no lights discussion, we decided to forgo illumination (good thing to since it was plenty bright after 10 minutes of riding). Up we went in the dark, bouncing off of unseen rocks, roots and mud dips (a Toby feature). At the top of the first climb I stopped expecting to wait a bit for the group, but of course Ben was on my wheel and the rest of the gang soon behind and ready to keep pushing on. We traversed the sugar house trail (in all of its undulating muddy glory) and regrouped again before taking the trail that drops down to the Toby Road. Again I was pleasantly surprised to see the group close together and for the most part ready to roll on. The gang was feeling game so we all double-timed it down the rocky, slightly twisty descent and on to the Toby rd and began to pedal up the long climb in good cheer...until we noticed we had lost Harold, worried that he had made a wrong turn we about-faced and pedaled back. Fortunately he was just taking it easy and we about-faced again and began the climb. Harold blasted off at top speed but after about a 1/4 mile he stopped and asked if there was a shorter way back because he didn't has the gas to get up the big hill (the Toby climb is a long, arduous grind!). We sent him up the telephone pole trail and told him to wait at the Robert Frost extension trail (orange blaze) until we looped around, he happily obliged. This leads to a side note, I was happy Harold properly gauged his abilities this morning. Part of riding in the morning is to fit in mountain biking around hectic work and family schedules and time of the essence (can't be late for work, etc.). Everyone is happy to work out short cuts and alternate routes and meeting places to accommodate riders of all abilities and speeds. So thanks for speaking up Harold! Parting ways with Harold, the rest of us dug in and powered up the Toby Rd climb to the upper link trail which we rode to the telephone trail and onto the Robert Frost extension (where we met a well rested Harold who was raring to go and rode the rest of the ride at a quick pace!). Mud was the word and though lately I've walked around the offending soils, today I soldiered through them...I really don't like mud. We retraced our steps, bombing the Sugar house trail and whooping it up down the jumps and bumps of Mountain Rd back to the cars. As we pulled out of the woods everyone wore big smiles through the splattered mud. Though Ben, who had been leading walked out last-his chain having broken within yards of the ride's end. That's two mechanicals in a row for Ben.. I hope that thing about these things happening in threes is just a myth (but, just to be safe, bring tools and supplies on the next ride, my man.!). The pace of the rides are increasing steadily. We finished the ride in less that an hour and a half which bested last week's time at Toby by about 35 minutes. Wow, we're all getting there guys, look out 'cause it looks like an Amish summer (cue the Coolio Yankovic!).