Ride Page

Here You will find the reports of our exploits for the month December 2001 more or less as they happened. (Actually, I make all of this stuff up. We never do any rides and most of the people mentioned below are characters in a soon to be released Harry Potter novel.) If you can make up better stories than me, please leave me a note at bikebob@crocker.com and you too can get yourself published on the web. Do you need any more incentive that that?
Glossary of Names used in these reports: ME (MaryEllen) Ice Princess, IP (Lynn Black); Moose Boy, MB (Kris Black); Marcus P. Marcus, MPM (Marc Lombard); Black Beauty, BB (Marsha Martin); Timster, (Tim Fowler); Little Puke, LP (Matt Putnam); Jorge, (George Katzar); His Majesty Jack, HMJ (Jack Spanbauer); Queen Nancy, QN (Nancy Spanbauer); Donna the Hon, DTH (Donna Golec); Star, (Dave Walker); Crash Test Dummy, CTD (Ed Sokoloski); Georgie Boy. GB (George Bernegger); Little Bugger, LB (Casey Golec); 
JiT, Just-in-Time (Justin Golec); Homer (Michelle Hurley); Tywor (Tyler Golec); Service (Rod Perez); Rick² (Rick McCulloch and Rick Manson)

Saturday 12/1: I can hardly believe our good fortune this past week. We have had temperatures well above normal every day and except for the rain the last few days, it has been sunny and dry. I got ready for the ride a little early today and was surprised when only a few people showed up for our trip. Joining me was John Bentley, Will, Michael Beh, Chris Koh, Homer, Penny and Jill Richmond. We left the shop a little after 1:00 and headed south on High Street to Main Street and then we followed the usual route down to Deerfield Street. I led the way and tried to keep the pace mellow, but when we got to Deerfield Street we had already lost Penny and Jill. Homer said that they were going to do their own ride and that we should just continue on, so we did. I led the group down RT. 5&10 at 19 mph and we kept that up all the way to Old Deerfield. When we made the turn onto Old Main Street, I dropped back to chat with some of the folks at the rear of the group. We rode along at a pretty good clip with Will and John doing the work at the front, while I hung out in the back with Michael and Chris. After a little confusion at the end of Main Street, I went back to the front with Michael and we headed down Mill Village Road to Lee Road. The group got a little fractured on the hill going up to Lee Road, so I had John and Will slow it down a bit until everyone got back on. I rode back to get Chris, who was having a hard time with the pace, and when we all were back together I then led the group down RT. 116 to South Mill River Road where we turned right. The wind had been really brisk up to this point, but we really got hammered when we got out into the open area near the Whatley town line. I rode at the front and tried to keep the group together until the hill where the bunch split up again. I rode at a 18 mph average after the hill and I kept the pace down until we got to the next hill. The group still seemed to split up on each climb so I just decided to let people ride up at their own pace and then regroup on the other side. We rode through Whately to Hatfield where Chris decided to take a shortcut over to River Road while the rest of us rode over to RT. 5&10. We turned right onto 5&10 and we headed south to Chestnut Street, where we turned and headed east toward the center of town. I had noticed that we had a pretty stiff wind all the way south and I fully expected to have a tailwind when we turned to head up River Road. I rode in the middle of the group as we headed north, but when we left town and got out in the farm area, Will had to stop to take a pee, so I went to the front to keep the pace reasonable. This was no problem since we now had a really stiff crosswind that made a 19 mph pace difficult. I stayed at the front and kept looking back to see if Will was coming. We rode a few miles before I decided to turn around and go back to get Will. John agreed to accompany me and we turned around near Nourse Farms and started back. We only had to go a short way before we saw Will heading towards us. We waited until he got a few hundred yards away before we turned in front of him. When Will caught back onto us, we all took turns at the front and we finally caught up with the rest of the group near Mt. Sugarloaf. We all rode across RT. 116 together and then we headed up River Road in Deerfield. After we got past the UMass farm Michael spotted another rider up ahead and we all took off to chase him down. What fun!! We caught up with the rascal in short order and he joined us for the ride to the hills. I led the troops up the hill, but the group got really split up, and when we got to the second crest, I slowed up to get the group back together. As we rode down the hill I began to suspect that Michael was laying in wait, so that he could beat me up my favorite hill, and I backed the pace down to prepare for the attack. Well, it seems that Michael had shot his load on the chase and he was really bonking, and I rode up the hill without a challenge. After the hill the group got really split up and I kept slowing the pace down, but after a while I sent all the riders on ahead and I went back to finish the ride with Michael and Will. I met up with them just before the Cheapside Bridge and we all crossed that together. Michael was really whipped and I had to keep slowing down to let him get back on, which he did just as we made the turn onto Hope Street. I rode with Mike and Will up Hope Street and as we rode along Michael told me that he thought that I was "a frog among princes" or something like that. After we made the turn onto Main street we rode at a 15 mph pace back to the shop. After a few minutes Penny and Jill returned from their ride and we all shared stories of our late fall road adventure. My group did 39 miles in a little under 2 hours for and average of 19.5 mph, not bad for this time of the year.

Sunday 12/2: Joe, Vern, Liam, Kip and several others went on a ride to the DAR Forrest. I will publish  report if I get on. One thing is for sure, most came back tired and sore.

Tuesday 12/4: Ruthie you bad girl! Last week we skewered Penny for not showing up and this week you were among the missing. It was another warm evening tonight and most of us were able to wear just a light jersey and tights. We went out at 6:00 with a group that included Penny, MPM, Steve Daby, Mark C., Mark Newton, Matt C., and myself. I rode over to the Coke Plant with Penny while the rest of the riders went on the trails behind Stop&Shop. Our plan was to meet up at the truck turnout and then ride the trails. Penny and I took the Gill Road route over to the trails and when we got over to the Coke Plant we took an extra lap around the lower trails to give the boys a chance to catch up. After the boys arrived I led the group out to the swamp, where I intended to take them on the Cellar Hole Trail. I missed the entrance to the trail and ended up taking another trail over to Five Points. When all the riders got to Five Points, Matt led us out on Mud Road to the Red Rock Road. I rode with Penny and Steve over to the Streambed Trail which Penny took, while Steve and I continued on to Red Rock Road. I stayed right behind Steve as we climbed up to the junction with the Streambed Trail. At this point Penny joined us having climbed that hill and arriving at the junction just as we did. Steve went on ahead and I gave Penny moment to catch her breath before she headed up the Crossover Trail. Penny was a little tired from the climbing so she decided to head out on her own. After Penny took off, I headed out to catch up with Steve and the rest of the boys. I managed to get back onto the back of the group just after the first climb. Steve paused to point out the place where he broke his collar bone a few months ago and oddly enough it was at the same spot that I broke my leg on a winter ride a few years back. After the remembrance thing, Steve and I pressed on and we caught up to Penny and the rest of the boys at the water tank. After a brief discussion, we decided to ride down Luke to the bottom and take a left and then ride up the Secret Trail and return to this spot. The main reason we have changed our ride routes lately is the fact that the leaves are so slippery. There is also a decline in the number of riders out on the trails and so our favorite routes do not get packed down quite so well as in the past. It seems that most folks have put up the bikes based on the calendar not on the conditions. (Slippery leaves in some spots, notwithstanding!) After everyone made it around the loop and got back up to the top of Luke, we paused briefly to rest. At this point Mark Newton made mention of the fact that Penny and I had taken the cut off half way down Luke and then ridden up the Secret Trail ahead of him and the others. It should be noted that he used the term "bailed" in the conversation which, given the proximity of large rocks to Penny, was not the smartest thing to say. Penny used up all of her self control and allowed Mark to continue to live. After the commotion we all headed out to ride back down the to the Hill of Doom. I followed Steve all the way down to the bottom of the climb, where he paused before making his attempt at the climb. I passed him at the base of the hill and began to ride up, but I slipped on some loose rocks near the top. I made it a little farther up the hill this week than last week but I still did not make it all the way to the top, damn! After everyone got to the top of the hill, (some on their bikes, some walking) we decided to head back for home. Steve and Penny took one route while I rode the usual route over Double Dip with the rest of the crew. We all met up on Deer Run and from there we headed to the Ridge Trail. I then led the group down the hill to the Cellar Hole Trail where Matt C. took over and then led the group out to the trails behind Lillian Street. We crossed over the highway and then headed back to the shop. We have had such nice weather that it is really wonderful to have this opportunity to get out and ride the trails at night. 

Wednesday 12/5: I took a day off today and went out for a thirty five mile road ride. It was 68 degrees when I left the shop. I did the ride in short sleeves and shorts. I did the loop up RT. 5&10 to Bernardston and then I took RT. 10 to Northfield. I rode down RT. 63 all the way to RT. 47 in Montague. I originally was planning on going down to Sunderland, but it was getting late and I did not want to get caught out after dark. When I got to Leverett Road, I took a right and headed back through the center of town. I rode through Turners Falls and after crossing the river I rode up Esleeck Hill and then back to the shop. I managed to keep a 20 mph average for the trip, due to light winds and a fairly flat route. I only saw two riders out today (one rider was Keri Tognari) and I wonder how long this incredible weather will last. I really enjoyed the ride. (I sent out an email to announce this  ride and below is the response that I received from Roger Katz.)

Thursday 12/06: I was hanging around the shop after lunch today, getting ready to do some inventory input, when Michael Beh came in. I was surprised to see him and so I asked if he needed anything. He looked at me and said that he came down at the behest of Malcolm, to do the ride. I said "what ride"? Then he told me of the email that I sent and the light went on. I had sent a note on Tuesday night, about the ride on Wednesday, but I neglected to say that it was for Wednesday. Anyway, it seems that the note got received by most people on Wednesday and it said that the ride was for tomorrow, which was today.  So Michael and Will made the trek down from the frozen northland to do the trip. At that point I had no choice but to go with them. I got my gear together and we headed off for our loop down the valley. I took them down to River Road in Deerfield along our usual route. I rode across the bridge at a pretty gentle pace and we made the left turn onto River Road. I led the boys down the road for the first few miles but when we got to the first hill,  I dropped back and let Michael take the lead. We paced ourselves up the hill and then we raced down the other side. I sprinted up the next little hill in the big ring. I was really hammering up the incline and as I neared the top all that rocking back and forth caused my cell phone to pop out of my pocket and fall to the side of the road. Will, who was right behind me saw it fly out of my jersey and he stopped to pick it up for me. I swung around at the top of the hill to ride back to Will and Michael and retrieve my phone. After we crested the hill we rode easily down the other side and then we rode all the way down to RT. 116 where we took a left (after nearly getting killed trying to cross the highway). We then rode across the bridge and then took a right onto RT. 47 and into the teeth of a brisk headwind. I rode at the front all the way down to Plumtree Road where we took a left and headed up the hill towards RT. 116. We made the crossing of the highway and then we headed for Sunderland center again. I kept the pace at a steady 27 mph for the four miles into town and then we turned north onto RT. 47. After the turn we brought the pace back down a bit and we took an easy ride up Falls Road into Montague. As we rode along, I could not help noticing all the spring flowers that were blooming along the roadside, it was quite unusual for early December. When we got to the end of Meadow Road we took a left and headed up to Ferry Road where we climbed the hill. We all were pushing the pace a little and soon we crested the hill and turned to head back to Greenfield on Turners Falls Road. I pulled the boys along for the first little way and then I dropped back to sit on Michael's wheel, to get some needed rest. After we past the fire house we rolled down the Third Street hill and through the town of Turners Falls. After we crossed the river, we rode up Esleeck Hill and back to the shop. We all had a marvelous time on a warm late fall afternoon.
Well, after that road ride I figured that I would have to tank up before I did the night ride. I went out and got some pasta to eat and then took a short break before heading back to the shop to finish the day. After the shop closed I loaded my van up with several  bikes and then headed south to Deerfield to do the Pocumtuck Ridge ride. My original plan was to ride with Joe and Liam and do the Clapp's Pond ride, but in light of my earlier effort I decided to take it a little easier. When Joe and I arrived at the parking spot we were joined there by Ruth, Homer, Penny, Jack, Matt C., and Liam. We got our gear ready and then we headed out for the trails. Joe took Matt and Liam on the Crystal Cave Trail while I rode with Jack and the girls on the Nelson Road/Bruiser Trail. We set a pretty good pace on the first part of the ride and I fell in behind Jack and Homer, while Penny and Ruth followed me. We rode steadily up the hill and we stopped only briefly on Pine Nook Road, before finishing the climb out to Red Rock. Penny did awesome on the climbs, she made it all the way to the last steep section without stopping and would have made it all the way if not for the loose gravel making the ride much harder than in the past. This was Ruth's first trip up to Red Rock so we all rode out to the ledge so she could see the view of the valley. By this time we were expecting to see Joe and his group but after a few minutes, when they hadn't arrived, we headed out to do the ridge. Joe would have to catch us out on the trail. I once again rode in the middle of the group for the trip out to the barricaded section of the trial. When we approached the fence, I went to the front to hold up the barbed wire for the riders. We rode up to the next blocked section of trail and we took a cleared trail around it. After we got past that section, we headed out to the power lines where we stopped to rest for a couple of minutes. Joe and his group still had not caught up to us so we made the decision to head back rather than try to do the longer loop. We turned around and started back and I rode behind Jack as we made our way to the blocked trail. Just after I got through the first section, Joe Liam and Matt came along. Joe and Liam wanted to do the loop down to the pond, while Matt decided to head back with us. After Joe and Liam left, we continued riding along at a fairly good clip, with Jack and Matt setting the pace. When we got to the downhill section I stayed back and led the girls down to Pine Nook and then over to the Refrigerator Trail. We all had a good time flying down the trails and when we got to the Mud Mile, Jack and Matt were waiting for us. We all returned to the parking area together and when we got back we treated ourselves to a malted beverage and a Bagel. It was quite a nice ride and we all enjoyed the evening under the stars.

Saturday 12/8: It was cold and cloudy for most of today and when it got near 1:00, I began to wonder if anyone would show up for the ride. But as the appointed hour arrived I was joined by Penny, Ruth, Homer, Kerry Tognari, Wayne, Steve, and Shawn Manchester (Jorge was again a no show. It must be the water!). We left the shop and headed down High Street at 1:15. When we got down to Main Street, the temperature on the bank clock was 38 degrees, although it felt colder. I led the group down to Deerfield Street where we crossed the road and headed for Deerfield. We held a steady 18 mph average, but this was too much for Penny today and she turned around at the Wok restaurant. I did not find out about that until we got onto Old Main Street, and I asked Ruth about Penny's absence. We formed a double pace line on Mill Village Road and we made great time down to RT. 5&10. After we crossed the highway we rode through the center of So. Deerfield and made a left turn onto Sugarloaf Street. When we got to the traffic lights we had to stop and wait for quite some time before the light turned green. After we made the turn we rode down to Sunderland and we turned left onto RT. 47. I was still in the lead at this point and I rode at a moderate pace for a little way, but I did not get too far before Shawn came up behind me to say that Kerry was falling off the back. I slowed the pace and after I made the turn onto Falls Road I went back to assist Kerry in getting back up to the group. After Kerry was back in the group I rode with her a little way before I took up the post at the front. As I rode along at the front, Wayne said that his fingers were really cold, so he and I exchanged gloves. I gave Wayne my polar gloves and I put on his gloves, which worked OK for me. I rode at the front to the end of Meadow road with Wayne. When I got to the turn I made the shortcut across the dirt cyclocross style, in honor of our missing comrade Jorge. We rode up Ferry Road to Turners Falls Road and then we headed back towards Turners Falls. At this point Kerry and Ruth we struggling with the pace, so I sent the other three riders on ahead, and I stayed back with Kerry and Ruth. We rode along at a comfortable pace all the way to the Third Street and then we coasted down the hill to the lights in the center of town, where we caught up with the rest of the group. We all stayed together to the bottom of Esleeck Hill where Wayne, Shawn, and Homer rode up ahead of Ruth, Kerry and myself. My group took it a little easier up the hill and back to the shop. Everyone went inside to get warmed up and then the riders headed for the showers. It was a cold day, but we dressed for it and the ride was really enjoyable in spite of the chill.

Tuesday 12/11: We had our first snowfall of the season on Sunday and although it has warmed up there is still a few inches of snow on the ground, but this would not deter the hardy riders at Bicycles Unlimited. Nay, Nay; We are not like Jorge! A small group of people arrived at the shop at 6:00 and after everyone geared up, we headed out for the trails. Along for the ride tonight was Penny, Ruth, Jack, Joe Liam and myself. Joe and Liam had a few last minute adjustments to make and so I took the rest of the riders and headed out to Gill Road. We crossed the highway and headed into the woods on the other side and found that the snow was not that deep, and if fact the trails were mostly bare. We rode up to the truck turnout and then we headed over to the swamp. The brook was not frozen so we were able to make it across with out any difficulty. We rode the slushy trails over to Five Points and rested for a minute. I knew that it would be snowy on the Ridge Trail as well as Luke, but everyone was willing to give it a try. I led the charge up the hill and onto Luke, with the rest of the crew following me. It was a little tricky in spots and you had to watch out for lumps in the snow (usually a rock or a log) but other than that, it was quite doable. I had to get off my bike a couple of times on the way up Luke, but I managed to ride the whole way up. Jack and I stayed together most of the way up the hill and when we got to the water tank, we waited for the girls to arrive. It was a nice evening, with fairly mild temps, no wind and a cloudless sky, who could ask for more in the winter? After Penny and Ruth got up to the water tank, we all headed off for the power lines. I was surprised at the depth of the snow out on the power lines, given how open the area is, but we had no trouble getting through it. After we made the turn and headed down the hill, Penny fell while try to turn out of a rut. She was OK and got right up and soon was on her way down to Red Rock. We stopped for a minute at Red Rock before we headed down the hill to Jacks Pond. We took a alternate route over to Double Dip, because the Orchard Trails would have been too slippery to ride. I led the way over to Double Dip and when I got there, I made it most of the way up the hill. There was just enough snow to hide the slippery leaves underneath that my wheel lost traction on the steep part and I had to walk to the top. We paused for only a moment to decide on which route to take back to Five Points. I suggested the Streambed and Deer Run route or maybe just returning on the flatter Mud Road. Penny and Ruthie wanted to try the more rigorous route so off we went. I led the group over to the trail and soon I put some distance on Jack and the girls. As I was climbing up the hill I saw the lights on Joe and Liam's bikes and I hollered over to them. They hollered back and turned in our direction. I finished the hill and then  I waited at the crossroad for everyone to arrive. When Joe and Liam caught up to us, we headed off to return to the Ridge Trail. We rode down the Ridge Trail to the Cellar Hole Trail where I stopped to make sure that everyone made the turn. I followed the boys along the trails all the way back to Lillian Street and when I caught up to them I told them to continue and that I would wait for the girls. Penny and Ruth came right along and soon we caught up to Jack and we all headed over to the highway. Penny and Ruth went across first and I waited for Jack, and after he crossed, we rode back to the shop.

Saturday 12/15: OK, I'll admit that the calendar says that it is late fall and there is some unwritten rule that all bicycles are relegated to the garage after October 1^ST, but a few of us hardy souls persist in riding anyway. It was a nice sunny day with the temps in the middle forties and a brisk wind blowing from the North. Perfect conditions for a 30 mile road ride. At 1:00 there were only two other riders besides myself at the shop, so we decided not to wait until spring for anyone else to show up, and we headed out from the shop towards Bernardston. Joining me for the ride today was Will and Homer. We headed up Bernardston Road at a 15 mph clip, with myself in the lead. As we climbed up the second hill I noticed that Homer had fallen back a few feet, so I slowed up a bit to let her catch back on. We continued on into Bernardston but Homer said that she was not up to the pace and that she would take a different route at her own pace. After Homer turned off Will and I continued on towards RT. 63 at a 20 mph pace. It was pretty difficult to keep up that speed into the cross wind but we managed to pace ourselves to the top of the hill at RT.142. I kept trading places with Will as we made our way across the river and up the hill to RT. 63. When we turned south on RT. 63 we had a nice tailwind that helped us regain our strength while we paced ourselves along at 22 mph. We rode down to Millers Falls and then we took a left to continue on RT. 63 to Swamp Road. At this point we were keeping a good 19.5 mph average and that was great when you consider the wind. We rode up to the top of the hill on Swamp Road and then took a right turn to head back to Turners Falls. Will and I rode along at a 18 mph average all the way to the center of Turners and after we got across the canal we rode up Esleeck Hill. We took it easy after the top of the hill and we arrived back at the shop with a 19 mph average for the 30 miles. Pretty good for a late fall ride.

Tuesday 12/18: Penny was the only rider who showed up for the ride at 6:00 and after waiting for a few minutes I decided not to ride. Penny and Joe then decided to do the ride anyway and they went off on their trip. I will post their report if I get it.

Wednesday 12/19: Today was a really mild day and since I had some time I decided to go out for a road ride. I was a little tired from too much work so I planned to take it easy. I left the shop at 1:30 and headed south with no particular route in mind. I rode down High Street to main street and after checking the temp on the bank (47) I decided to do the River Road ride in Deerfield. I rode easily into a pretty stiff head wind and I managed to keep a 17 mph pace up the hills on River Road. But I was definitely not up to my usual par and so I decided to take Hillside Road back over to RT. 5&10. I did the 12 mph crawl up Hillside and then took the long route down to North main Street. After I got to RT. 5&10 I had a bit of a tail wind and this little boost was I needed to get me back to town with an 18.5 mph average. It was nice to be able to get out on the road bike this late in the year.

Thursday 12/20: It was another warm day today and I knew that the ride tonight would be a nice one. Our ride was scheduled for 6:20 at the common in Montague.  Joe rode over to Montague with me in the van and we were met over there by Penny, Liam, Homer, and Wayne Holden. After everyone got their gear together, Penny, Homer and I rode down Main Street while Joe Liam and Wayne took the route through the meadow. Our plan was to meet up out on Willis Hill at some point. After the groups split up our bunch headed up the Telephone Pole trail and then out to the Toilet Bowl Trail. Penny kept a fairly good pace up all the way out to the power lines and I was starting to wonder if I would be able to keep up. Penny did relent, just briefly at the end of the Toilet Bowl Trail, before we headed across the power lines to the road. We followed the road over to the Brook Trail where we decided to take the flatter route to Willis Hill. After an obligatory stop at The Big Pine Tree (which, by the way seems to be sick) we headed over to Willis Hill Road. I followed the girls up the hill and for the first time in several weeks, I actually made it. We rode to the bottom of Willis Hill and waited there for a few minutes before heading off towards Red Rock. I sort of expected to see Joe and his group by now, but I did not see their lights, so we just kept on going. I led the way through the swamp and up the hill to Red Rock. We waited on top of the rock for a while, but we still did not see the lights from Joe's group. I led Homer and Penny down the hill and then over to the Banked Trails. We rode over to Jon Parrott's favorite trail and then we followed the Second First Left back to the Telephone Pole Trail. I led the way down the Telephone Pole Trail and then I waited for the girls to get to the bottom of the hill before following them back to the cars. After a few minutes Joe returned and told us that he got a little turned around and that he never made it up to Willis Hill. It still was a great night and a wonderful ride.

Tuesday 12/25: Today I get to relax and enjoy the holiday, so I decided to take a ride on my road bike. I left the shop at 1:00 under sunny skies and 37 degrees of winter heat and headed south. I rode down RT. 5&10 to South Deerfield at a leisurely pace of who knows what, since I did not bother to turn on my cycle computer. I took it easy on the only hill along the way and soon I was rolling along past Channing Bete Company. MPM drove by me and honked as he passed me, but I did not see any other cyclists out on such a nice day. After I got to So. Deerfield I took a right onto RT. 116 and headed up to Stillwater Road. I glided down the hill on Stillwater and when I got to Mill Village Road I turned and headed for Old Deerfield. I really just poked along and took in the sights and sounds of our wonderful valley and it really was quite a nice day to be out. I did not have to wear much for clothing, just a long sleeve shirt and a couple of short sleeved ones underneath that as well as my tights, but I was quite comfortable. I really enjoyed going through the village with no one around, quite peaceful. I rode back to Greenfield and noticed a pleasant absence of automobiles on the road, it should be Christmas every day! When I arrived back in town it was a balmy 40 degrees and as I pedaled up Federal Street, I waved to another cyclist as he passed me. I turned of Federal Street and rode back to the shop where I took a few minutes to reflect on the day. It was really nice.

Saturday 12/29: Today was a chilly 35 degrees with a stiff west wind blowing and I went out for a ride with MPM on our road bikes. I dressed with my winter boots, rubber socks, rubber gloves, two jerseys, my Euro jacket, skull cap and my lucky tights. We left the shop at 1:30 and headed out to RT. 5&10 where we turned north. MPM wanted to do a short ride so I selected a 20 mile loop and I started out at a modest 16 mph pace. I led the way up Bernardston Road with MPM right behind me as we crested the first hill and headed down to Bernardston. It was not a cold as I first thought it might be and we rolled down the hill at 22 mph. MPM and I chatted as we rolled past Lorenz Honda and soon we were on the flatter section near the Bernardston town line. I was talking to MPM but I wasn't getting a response so I looked behind to see if he was there, but he had fallen off the pace a bit. I slowed up and soon he was right back with me and we continued on to the turn at RT. 10 and we then headed off towards the center of town. MPM was a bit over dressed so he took off his wind breaker and he felt a little better. We rode up RT. 10 to Gill at a 20 mph pace which we were able to do because of the tailwind. As we rode along there was a bit of snow and ice on the side of the road so we had to be careful not to get too far to the shoulder. We rode down the hill past the NMH campus road and then took a right onto Gill Road. We started to do the climbs at an easy pace and we cruised along at a good clip until we got to the farms, where we encountered a few sections of black ice as well as quite a bit of manure that a farm truck had spilled as it bounced along the roadway. I cautioned MPM that an encounter with either hazard would result in a trip to the pavement, but the latter would be a less desirable choice if it came to an unavoidable circumstance. We rode up the hill past the police station, dodging the poop and ice and it was fortunate that there was not much traffic so that we were never in any danger of crashing. After cresting the hill we rode down the other side and waved to the farmer as he was depositing the load of manure on his field, knowing that the danger as well as the smell had past. Both of us kept commenting on how nice it was to be out on such a lovely winter day. After we got to the bottom of the hill we crossed the highway and headed across the Gill-Montague bridge into the village of Turners Falls. We rolled through town and then we headed across the General Pierce bridge and back into Greenfield. We decide to skip the Mountain Road route in favor of a trip past the Lombard Estate. We raced up the hill onto Hope Street and then rode back to Main Street. We ended the ride with a 18.5 mph average and we cooled down as we made our way up High Street and back to the shop. It was great to get out on a ride this late in the year and I am looking forward to our next road ride which will be on New Year's Day.

Sunday 12/30: Today was the last ride of the year, not yesterday; I sometimes cannot keep up with all the rides. Anyway, I arrived at the shop to find a large group of people waiting for me and Joe. Our ride today is a trip to MT. Tom in Holyoke. I opened up the shop and got my stuff ready and soon after I did, Joe showed up and installed a derailleur on MPM's bike and we got our stuff together and loaded the van with some bikes. We had 11 people at the shop and we caravanned down to Holyoke in six vehicles. We parked at Peak Performance Bike Shop and everyone got their bikes ready and donned their cold weather gear. It was 35 degrees out with a stiff 25 mph wind which gave us a 10 degree wind chill effect. As we were preparing to leave, Kip arrived with his sister-in-law Kerry. They joined the crew which included MPM, Mark C., Brett, Dylan, Liam, Steve Daby, Jack R., Wayne, Joe and myself. After everyone was ready we followed Joe out to the trailhead. In order to get to the trails we had to climb the RT 141 hill up past Ashley Reservoir on the road. This is no small feat as the hill is quite long. When we got to the trail head we were met there by Ben Shear and Denice. This made our group 15 and we headed off to ride up the trail to the top of MT. Tom. The route we took led us up some pretty steep uphill terrain and over some fallen trees as well as loose rock, in other words, a great challenge. Joe led the group and I rode near the back as we made our way up a very scenic trails along the southern side of the mountain. When we got to the top of the first hill we made a turn onto a new orange dot trail and followed this trail all the way to the summit road, where we re-grouped again. When everyone arrived we paused for a few minutes before we headed up one of the steepest paved hills in the area. Most of the riders rode up, but some of the riders underestimated the climb and had to walk to the top. I was impressed with Kerry and her riding skills, she had ridden most of the technical sections that I had to walk and she did very well on the climb in addition to that. When we arrived at the top of the hill we waited at the summit of the mountain and we all took in the views of the valley below for a few minutes. We encountered several groups of hikers along the way and they all expressed surprise that we could ride up such a steep hill. After everyone arrived we headed out on one of the most difficult trails in the county. The trail follows the ridge north along the M&M Trail system for a few miles, and I ended up hiking more than riding. Most of the riders walked some then re-mounted and rode to the next rock climb, but I found it easier to walk between the obstacles. We stopped several times along the route to let me and the stragglers catch up. When we stopped we found that the wind was blowing like a hurricane and that made the wait a chilly one, so our rests were brief. We finally made it to the end of the M&M Trail, which put us out on the access road, which we rode down to the lower trails which led us to the bottom of the mountain. The lower trail system was much easier to ride than the ridge, but the trails were still very much a challenge. We rode along the lower trails that eventually took us out past the old ski and amusement park area. At this point it was getting late so we decided to head back on the road. Denice and Ben took the trail around the reservoir to get back to their car and we rode down the hill to RT. 5 and then back to the bike shop. I think that everyone was pretty whipped and after loading the bikes into the van we all headed for home. A good day out on the trails!