Ride Page

Here You will find the reports of our exploits for the month April 2000. 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
News Flash: Moose Boy joins the ride group. 

Actually it is Kris Black, but he has earned a new moniker for his ability to ignore the obvious, namely April first. It seems that last Saturday morning the dear boy was planning on staying in bed, rather than arising to prepare for the road ride with the rest of us at The Body Shoppe. His wife, being the astute observer of her slumbering husband, used a rather unique ploy to get the slug out of the rack. After getting up and making the coffee , she observed no response from the bedroom, so she used the method of last resort to awaken him. She went over to the kitchen window and loudly announced that there was a large moose in the back yard. Well, that did it! Kris was out of the sack in two seconds flat, and out to the kitchen where Lynn was waiting for him. As soon as he arrived she said April Fools, and the name Moose Boy was applied to him, and I am sure that it will stick.
Saturday 4/1: Today I went on a road ride led by Becky and Steve from the Body Shoppe. There was 23 riders assembled in the parking lot at 10:00 and I arrived just before the entourage left. I led the ride out of the parking lot and down High Street. Directly behind me was the Star and behind us was a single file line of twenty one riders. I kept the pace at 16 mph as we rode down to Main St. and turned onto Hope Street. At this point the group had split up and I was with  about nine riders. We made the turn onto Russell St. and then I got everyone bunched up for the crossing of RT. 5&10. The group made the crossing without difficulty and we continued on Deerfield St., to the Cheapside Bridge. After crossing the bridge the group made the turn onto River Road. Bob Schilling took off up the first hill which quickly shattered the group. Jaybird dropped back to help gather the troops and I shot up to the front to slow the pace a little. After getting things under control I dropped back to help out with Jaybird, who was riding with the Debbie Duo (Schilling and Orre). Once the group reformed, we all rode together in a double pace line. As soon as we got down the hill and on the flats, Bob and Star picked up the pace again, and this strung out the group. I stayed at the front of the pack as we neared the first climb leaving Jaybird to keep an eye on the rear. It was at this point that Jay decided to sprint up to the front to join us on the climb. He unfortunately pulled out of his cleat and crashed to the ground, injuring his hand. Unaware of what happened behind me, I responded to the pickup of speed from Larry, Bob and Star by going to the front. I slowly increased the speed as the hill got steeper and I ran a little hill climbing clinic for Larry Dean and Star. Although they gamely held on for most of the first climb, I pulled away near the top. After they got up to me again, we headed down the other side and began the second, steeper climb. I pushed up the hill in the big ring and soon was clear of the others as I crested the top. I breezed down the other side and slowed the pace as we got past the farms. After a while, the rest of the original group arrived and I told them that I was going to turn back to get some of the people that were just behind us. I told them that if they wanted to wait, we would all meet at the Sunderland Bridge and continue on in a large group.  After swinging around and corralling the last few riders, I finally arrived at the bridge and we all set off across it on the sidewalk. We rode into Sunderland and then we turned North on RT. 47. At this point I found out about Jaybird's accident and after making sure that he was OK, I rode at the back with Moose Boy (see the story on the homepage), Lynn, Marsha, Rick McCullock, and Roger Katz. We made our way up RT. 47 to Falls Road where we turned left and headed for Montague. It was great to be out on such a beautiful, warm spring morning.  Our group had a great time talking and taking in the scenery as we rode along the banks of the Connecticut River. We all enjoyed the view of the water as it passed over the Whitmore Falls. It was nice to see the many groups of cyclists that passed us going the other way. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the day, it was truly wonderful to be out on a ride. My group of riders got pretty strung out as we meandered down the road to Montague and when we got to the end of Meadow Road, I made a small error in judgment. (I took my group left, while Jaybird and the others turned right and waited for us at the Book Mill.) After waiting for a few minutes, Jay figured that I had gone the other way and he led his group off to catch us. Jay finally caught up with me up on Turners Falls Road and soon the whole group was on the way back to the shop. We were going along at a good pace when some idiot, who will remain nameless, got a flat. Not only did he interrupt the perfect precision of the pace line, but he had the audacity to have not provided himself with the proper tube! Luckily, Jaybird had the proper one, and after receiving a severe admonishment from the peleton for not being prepared, the errant rider managed to fix the flat and the ride got going again. We made good time down to Millers Falls Road and soon the group was flying down the hill into Turners Falls. We crossed Ave. A and then headed over the White Bridge and up the hill on Greenfield Road. After climbing the hill we turned left onto French King Highway and we slowly pedaled back to the shop from there. It was a wonderful way to begin the weekend.

Sunday 4/2: Today was our first "Family Ride" of the year. I drove over to Montague Center at 5:00 and was greeted by a large group of riders getting ready to ride. Along for the trip today was Rip and Hammer (Pete and Billy), Donna the "Hon", Curt, Mic, Billy Cowan, Bill and Mark Gallant, Tracy and Samantha. It was a warm, cloudy afternoon with a threat of rain in the forecast, but our group was undaunted by the prospect of showers. We left the center of town in a group with Billy and Curt leading and myself as the sweep. As soon as we got to the first hill however, Sam dropped off the back and soon the rest of the riders were pulling out of sight. Sam and I rode together over to the Telephone Pole Trail and I coached her up the hill. When we got to the top of the hill we spotted the group waiting for us and we pushed a little harder to get up to where the were waiting. At this point I noticed that Sam was getting a little pooped, so I offered to take her on a shorter loop. Billy agreed to lead the troops around the trails and meet Sam and I at the bottom of Willis Hill. I rode at a pretty mellow pace with Sam and we arrived at the meeting spot just ahead of the other riders. After a couple of minutes rest, Billy's group headed up the hill and Sam, Mark and I headed on a flatter route over to the brook where we all were to meet again. Sam and Mark kept up a good pace as we rode the trails over to the brook and we arrived ahead of the group once again. When we got off our bikes Mark noticed a Frisbee in some bushes and after he retrieved it we played a game of catch. We waited a few minutes for the group to arrive and they did then we split up again. Sam, Mark and I were joined by Donna for the trip out to the power lines, where we regrouped again before heading back to the start. Donna, the kids, and myself took our time as we rode the power lines back to the Telephone Pole Trail and out to the road. We got out on the hardtop just as darkness started to fall and we arrived back at the center of town as the rest of the riders were loading up their bikes to head home. It was a nice night to be out and I was glad that everyone had a good time.

Thursday 4/6: We had some pretty strange weather today, even for New England. The morning started out at 20 degrees and sunny, then it clouded up near noon, and then it started to snow. It was really coming down at times, then the clouds blew over and the sun came out. The temperature went up and the wind died down. The ride was on, and I was getting set for another season of rides. At 6:00 the clouds returned, but it was warm and the riders were ready to head out. We had a total of 17 people. I took 13 with me for an 18 mile ride, and MaryEllen took 4 women with her for a 10 mile trip. I led my group out of the parking lot and up High St. to Wildwood Ave., where the group turned left. We rode to the end of the street and turned right onto Bernardston Road. I led the group to the bottom of the hill and then I dropped back to let the faster riders go ahead. As I got to the top of the hill I stopped and waited for the last rider to go by. After Irene passed me, I got going behind her and headed out for Bernardston. I stayed behind Irene, Corrine, Harold and Sandi Waldron as we made our way up RT. 5&10. By the time we made the turn onto RT. 10, the five of us were riding in two groups. I got behind Irene and provided her with a push to get the group back together. However, just as we got close, Sandi got her second wind and she took off like a shot. I stayed with Corrine and Irene while Harold and Sandi pulled away on the first hill. When we got to the top of the hill, I suggested to Irene and Corrine that we take a shortcut, and they agreed. I took off to catch Harold and Sandi so that they would know where we were going. They also decided to cut the trip a little short and said that they would turn onto Turners Falls Road and join us along that road somewhere. I turned back to re-join Irene and Corrine as the neared the crest of the hill on           RT. 5&10. My group then made the left turn onto Gill Road and then we turned right onto West Gill Road to begin our journey back to the shop. As we began to ride up the hill near the golf course,  I gave a few tips on how to ride uphill to Corrine and Irene. That seemed to make a difference because they seemed to do much better on the climb than on previous climbs. After I got to Main Road, I sent Irene and Corrine ahead and I waited to see that the rest of the riders were coming along. I watched as Timmy, Bob Welsh, Dan, Lucy, and several others rode by me and I then headed back to the shop. I rode with Lucy, who was having some difficulty with leg cramps. We rode easily over the White  Bridge and we arrived back at the shop just as the rain began to fall in earnest. It was nice to get out with the group again and I look forward to a fun season.

Tuesday 4/11: I was kept busy at the shop tonight so I did not get to go out for the ride. Matt, Alex and Jesse did go for a ride on the ridge and the said that the trails were in great shape. It was raining when they left but they said that the trails were still dry when they got up there. The rocks were somewhat slippery, but the boys managed to keep off the worst of the rocky trails. 

Wednesday 4/12: Today was a sunny and cool day, a great improvement over the last few days. It was a clear cold evening when MB (Moose Boy) and Ice Princess showed up for the ride. As we were getting ready to go out Mark and Bill Gallant called and said that they would meet us out at the Coke Plant. MB, IP, myself and Seth Payson left the shop and headed out to the Coke Plant. We rode down to Gill Road and crossed RT. 2 and then we rode up to the truck turnout. We waited for a minute to see if Mark and Bill would show up, but when they didn't, we headed onto the trails. We rode over to Five Points and then up the Ridge Trail. After we got to Luke Skywalker, I dropped back and rode up with IP, while MB and Seth went on ahead. IP and I rode steadily up the trail and after getting stalled in the mud near the top we mad it to the water tank soon after MB and Seth. We rode past the tank and out to the power lines and then down the road to Red Rock. We all made it up Red Rock without difficulty. After stopping for a moment, MB, Seth and I headed down the Chute Trail, while IP headed down the road. My trio rode over to the Messed Up Trail and we hooked up with IP at Jacks Pond. I led the group as we headed down to the Hill of Doom and I also led the group up the hill. MB and I were the only successful climbers and after a short stop at the top we all headed out for Double Dip. After we all got to the top of DD, we headed out to climb the Streambed Trail.  The last few times we have ridden that trail we have found quite a bit of damage that was done by four wheelers, and although the damage is still there, it is diminishing with the care and trail maintenance we give the area. After we got halfway up the hill we turned  left onto the Crossover Trail. We rode across the hill and past Double Death. We headed over to Stinger Hill, where I made three attempts to get up it without success. MB did make it to the top and credits the feat to his Spin class attendance this past winter. After we all got to the Ridge Trail, we headed down to Five Points and then out through the swamp to the Coke Plant. IP and I decided to take the trails behind Lillian St. and MB and Seth followed us. We crossed RT. 2 and then headed back to the shop. Although MB and I had cold feet, we were otherwise very comfortable out on the trails.

Thursday 4/13: Tonight was another cold spring evening and we had 17 hardy riders show up at the shop at 6:00 for our second road ride. We had mostly different people than we had last week, and I think that the weather is keeping the beginners at home for now. We left the shop and headed south on High St. and then we rode the usual route to River Road. As we passed the Meadows Golf course, there was a group of people cheering for Sandi Waldron. One of those people looked an awful lot like her husband, now all I have to do is get him on a bike and he can cheer from the saddle! After we got to the top of the first hill, Matt pulled up to me and said that he was having trouble with his cleats. He asked to borrow my Alien tool, and I told him that we would pull over at the top of the next hill. George Katzar stopped and helped Matt while I continued on with the rest of the riders. At this point, Joe Mardeusz took off and we never did see him again until we got back to the shop. MPM and his sister Denise were at the front of the group with Nancy, while I drifted in the middle of the bunch. As we rolled along River Road I tried to help Sandi with her front derailleur, which was giving her a hard time. I wasn't able to make the adjustment on the road so the dear girl had to ride in the middle ring the whole way. Good thing she did the Spinning class this year! After we got to the end of River Road I passed George on my way to catch up with Nancy and Denise. As I did so, I mentioned to George that with a little effort he will be able to serve as my water boy this year. I caught up with Nancy & Co. on RT 116, just as we made the turn for home, and I went to the front to give her a break. As we headed north, the pace somehow got faster and soon we were rolling along at 20mph. I stayed at the front until Matt passed me going down the hill near the Butterfly Museum. After he went by, I hooked on and it was a sprint all the way back. The pace line that formed included myself, George, MPM and Matt. We kept up a 25mph average most of the way back, but we were doing 30+mph in some sections. It was great to get out and push a little, and even though Matt nipped me at the town line, I felt I got a great ride. After we got into Greenfield we cruised easily back to the shop, although we nearly got creamed by a "soccer pop" in a Volvo on High Street. We arrived back at the shop and we were soon followed by the rest of the riders, who came in in small groups. It was a great ride for so early in the year.

Sunday 4/16: I was busy at the shop again today and I did not notice the time slipping by, so at 5:00 I had to hurry up in order to get ready for the ride. There were a lot of kids waiting for me to give them a ride over to the Plains and it took a few minutes to get them loaded. Along for the trip was Seth Payson, Jessica, Daniel, Jake Stuckey, Dan Fish, and Doug. When we got to Montague Center there was another bunch of riders waiting and they were Donna the Hon, Curt and Tyler Golec, Billy Cowan, the Ice Princess, Bill Gallant, Tim something, Nick and Alex Filler. After I got the cell phone programmed with Nick's and Donna's number, we were on our way. I rode with the six younger kids, while Curt and Billy took the rest of the crew out on the trails. My bunch rode at a steady pace and we even caught sight of the others as we got to the top of the Telephone Pole Trail, but they moved on before we caught up to them. The kids and I took the TP trail out to the Power lines and the we took the second first left onto the Forest Trail. Everyone enjoyed the banked trails and Tyler and Jake showed us how to do an endo off of them and although they got a little dirty, they had a pretty soft landing in the dirt. After getting going again we headed out to the bottom of Willis Hill, where we took a left and headed into the woods again. We stopped at the end of the trail and I had to re-supply Tyler and Dan with my water. After that we headed up the Red Rock Trail. Everyone had fun as we all took turns crossing the brook. Tyler and Dan took a dip in the chilly water while the rest of the kids made it across with just wet feet. We rode to the top of the hill and I warned everyone that the road was rough ahead and that they all needed to be careful. Well, after Dan and Jake took off I followed the other kids and as soon as we go to the last downhill I saw Dan loose control and fall pretty hard. He got up right away, but he was pretty shaken and it took a couple of minutes for him to get his wind back. After I got him on his feet, I fixed his bike up and we joined the other kids at the sand pit. We rode out to the power lines and then we headed down the Secret Trail, which has been widened by a brush truck. After getting out to the power lines again we then headed back into the woods and onto the Toilet Bowl Trail. Some of the kids were getting tired so we headed back to the Telephone Pole Trail and then out to the road. We headed back to the center of town and arrived just ahead of the rest of the group. The kids had a great time and they are all looking forward to a fun summer of rides.

Thursday 4/20: The shop was really busy as the riders arrived for the 6:00 ride. It has been cloudy and cool and I didn't want to pick a course too early because of the poor forecast, so I waited until everyone arrived and then decide to take the southern route. Tonight we had both a road and a MTB event and I had to hurry up to get the shop closed and get myself ready. My plan was to ride with MaryEllen's group and Matt was going to lead the faster riders. In the middle I had Beck and Steve doing the sweep. The route was to go down to Deerfield and then over to Whately. After Matt left with his 25 riders, my group of five women left for our planned 16 mile trip. I led the group down High St. at an 11mph pace and I thought that I was doing great, but as soon as we got to the hospital, I was hearing "pick it up" from the riders behind me. It seems that the group was not interested in such a leisurely pace, so I brought the speed up to 17 mph. We rode down to Main St. and we turned onto Hope Street. After we made the trip down Russell St., we made the left turn onto Deerfield Street. At this point I had Jeanne Boucias take the lead and I rode at the back. Nikki Welsh and Karen Atherton rode just ahead of me and behind Pat Baker. Pat had just bought her bike last week and was out on her first group ride. I noticed that she was having some trouble figuring out the gear selection so I had Nikki and Karen go ahead and I rode up and assisted Pat. After a few quick pointers Pat was cruising along at a good clip and we were closing the gap on the riders ahead of us. As we neared the turn onto Main St. in Old Deerfield I could see Jeanne pulling off to the side of the road. It seems that the dear girl had gotten a flat tire. This is the second time she has gotten a flat and both times I was with her and as was the case last time, I did not have a wrench to remove her rear wheel. At this point I sent the rest of the girls ahead and I rode back to the shop to get the van. When I arrived at the shop I was met by Jeff Leonard who was late, but wanted to catch up with the rest of the group. I gave him directions and he took off. I got in the van and then headed out to pick up Jeanne. After collecting Jeanne I drove along the route that the rest of the girls rode and soon we came upon Pat and Nikki. I pulled the van over to check on Pat and she said that she was getting tired, so I had her jump in with me and Jeanne and I then drove back to the shop. When we got back I fixed Jeanne's flat and soon the other riders started to come back in. Matt and his group did a 31 mile ride, while Kris and Lynn did a 26 miler. Everyone did well and although the weather was not the best, it was fun to be out on the road.

Tuesday 4/25: Tonight was the first good day to ride after five days of rain and cold. I was joined tonight by Tracy, Samantha, Dave Minor, and Gary Bordeau for a trip to the Coke Plant. We left the shop at 6:15 and headed for the RT. 2 crossover. Sam and Tracy were following Dave, Gary and me and after we got to the truck turnout I decided to let Tracy and Sam go at a slower pace. I told Tracy that we were going on ahead and I gave her directions as to how to get to the water tower. Dave, Gary and I then took off for a rip up the hill. We followed the driest path possible. We rode up the Ridge Trail and then up the Secret Trail to the top and then we headed back down Luke Skywalker. As we neared the bottom of the hill we encountered Trace and Sam as they made their way up. I told Tracy that we would make a loop and meet them at the water tower. Dave led the way as we headed over to the Crossover Trail. After getting to the Streambed Trail we turned left and headed to Red Rock. We climbed the power lines and rode over to the water tower where Tracy and Sam were waiting. I directed Tracy to head for Red Rock and that we would meet her there. I led my group for a trip over to the Chute. We rode down the Chute and then we headed for the Hill of Doom. I followed Gary up the hill and was able to make it in the middle ring. After we all got to the top of the hill we left to go get Tracy and Sam. We rode past Jack's pond and then headed up Red Rock Road to Red Rock where Tracy was waiting. I then told Tracy to ride down the hill and that from the bottom she should ride along the road to the truck turnout and we would meet her and Sam there. My trio then headed across the top of the hill and down the Secret Trail to the Ridge Trail. From there we rode down to Five points and then out to the truck turnout where we found Tracy and Sam waiting. Everyone then left for the RT. 2 crossing and we all headed back to the shop. We had a great ride and I hope to get another in tomorrow.

Thursday 4/27: Twenty-two people showed up tonight for our road ride to Sunderland and back. It was showering and cool all day and at 4:00 I was still uncertain if we were going to get the ride in. But the sun came out briefly at 5:00 and the ride was on. I rode with the first group as we headed out of the driveway, but because I had to stop to let some cars go by, a few people got ahead. We rode at a brisk pace as we made our way down the hill on Greenfield Road and then up to the lights at Third Street. When we got the green light we all took off for the Third St. hill. Matt Putnam set the pace as we began the climb and soon there was only "The Star", Brendan Creigh, and myself with him. After we got to the top of the hill, I dropped back to pick up riders that were strung out behind us, and the remaining trio went on ahead. I gathered a group of seven riders together and we rode in a pace line all the way out to the Book Mill, where three people turned, while I headed out to RT. 47 with the remaining four. Tom Martel, Michelle Hurley, Timster, and Rob Lapointe made up our group as we headed into Sunderland. We held together for a few miles, but Rob and then Michelle fell of the pace. Michelle said that she was having difficulty shifting her 8 speed levers with her new 9 speed cassette and she dropped her chain on the hill. Since I knew that they were together, I headed down towards the center of town with Timmy and Tom. We managed to stay together for most of the ride through town. After we made the turn onto RT. 116 I rode at the front of our group and we headed up the hill to So. Deerfield. We got past the traffic lights but Tim and I had to wait up for Tom a couple of times. Once we got onto RT 5&10 I went to the front and we kept up a 20mph average all the way back to Greenfield. We headed into town on Deerfield Street and Tim said that we should ride up Bank Row. I agreed and we rode up to the lights at Mill St. and turned onto Bank Row, where I proceed to hammer Timmy on the climb. After I got to the top of the hill I turned onto Main Street and headed for High Street. Tim caught up to me as we headed towards the shop and we rode in to the parking lot together. After making sure everyone got back OK. I left for home. It was another great ride.

Twas the night before Monday and all thru the house, not a creature was stirring...cause we had a real busy weekend, (along with a number of other Body Shoppers and friends).  My guess is there are a lot of us out there that  are going to sleep well tonight.
It started out harmlessly with a 10 mile run on Saturday morning followed by 60 mile bike ride into N.H. and Vt. with Mad Dog Dave, Papa Joe, Becky and myself.  Beck and I had about 20 minutes to change into our biking costumes and off we went.  That  took care of any problems we might have had sleeping Saturday night.  Now today we had the Don Maynard Memorial Ride which was a 45 mile jaunt, once again thru Vt.  Two great rides on two beautiful days.  Not bad considering the weathermen suggested we write off the weekend.  We decided to ride it off instead. Anyway, in regards to the Maynard ride, there was about 50 riders that started off from GCC and headed north.  Many were from the Franklin-Hampshire Freewheelers Organization (WWW.freewheelers.org), but The Body Shoppe was well represented.  Not only did we have a lot of our members and friends there, they all did a great job on what was anything but a flat ride and into a stiff head wind about 95% of the way.   Go figure.  Again,  GOOD JOB BY ALL!!!! I'm not sure how many milestones were set by our members and friends but I do know of one.  Corinne beat her longest ride ever by at least 15 miles.  Way to go Corinne.  I wish I knew of other personal bests but unfortunately I don't.  If you did have a "pb" let me know, it's nice to be recognized.  Check out the photo board for new pics of this ride.  It might be sleepy time before I get any photos done however.  Never enough time in the day. Anyway, it was a spectacular weekend spent with friends and family.  So waas up? The above submitted by Steve Shattuck

Sunday 4/30: It was a warm spring day today to end what was a very wet and cool April. Tonight was also the first ride for CTD after his accident and we were all very happy to see that he has don so well in such a short time. He along with Dan, Mark, and Jake joined me at the shop and we all rode over to Montague in the van. We were greeted by Moose Boy, Lynn, Donna "the Hon", Curt, Nick and Alex Filler, John Strong, Mic, and of course Tyler Golec. We all left the center of town together and headed for the Telephone Pole Trail. I rode along with Alex and we got to horsing around on the dirt as we made our way up the hill. I kept hitting his rear wheel and trying to knock him off but he nearly took me off the trail so I decided to stop that nonsense. When we got to the top of the hill I noticed that Tyler and CTD had fallen a ways behind, but they knew the way we were heading and we had agreed to meet them near Willis Hill if they got behind. The rest of the crew took off for the Toilet Bowl Trail. Our group headed onto The TB trail and it was here where young Jacub hit the Ice Princess's rear wheel a couple of times . IP kept her cool and. she let the little lad get away with it this time. As we rode along Donna was riding just ahead of us and she was saying something that I couldn't hear so I rode up to her and she said "Hey Bob, do you think Curt is trying to kill me or is this new stem too short?" When we arrived out on the power lines I asked Curt about his handy work. Well Curt was a little lost for words but he managed to fumble out an excuse about how he was just trying to help his wife out. We all enjoyed putting Curt on the mark and after a few moments we headed out for E. Hatchery Road. After we arrived at the road, Donna noticed that Tyler and CTD were right behind us. It seems that they managed to put the hammer down after they got to the top of the hill and now they were joining us. The group again split up with Curt, MB, Alex and Mick heading up the steep side of the hill and the rest of us rode up to the brook on the lower trails. We all met at the brook and decided to take the Middle Trail up to Willis Hill, but before we took off I had to get a bug out of Tyler's eye. I hoisted the little lad upside down and took him over to the brook to hand dip the bug out, but before Tyler's head hit the water the bug popped out, saving him a cold wash. After that episode CTD and Tyler decided to take a different route. I gave Tyler a lift over the frigid water, but I didn't give CTD the same treatment as I wanted to see him take a plunge into the drink. He made it across the brook with no trouble and the took off on the trail that would bring them to Willis Hill. The rest of us took off up the hill and we got to play in the mud and water. I challenged Alex to ride across the big puddle at the top and he accepted. I rode straight across, while Alex got bogged down half way and he had to wade across. We played in the mud and water all the way out to the power lines at the bottom of Willis Hill. It was here that CTD and Tyler met up with us and we all rode down the hill together. At the bottom of the hill I took CTD and Tyler and we cut through the woods and got back to the main road on the power lines. The group split up again and I took six people with me and we headed back to the Telephone Pole. We rode at a pretty good clip all the way down the hill and back to the van. We beat everyone back and we partook of the refreshments provided by CTD. What a nice way to finish off a crappy month of April.