Ride
Page
Here You will find the reports of our
exploits for the month January 2002 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); P. J. Wabbit; PJW (Penny Abbott)
Tuesday 1/1: Boy is it
cold out! Compared to the last few weeks this is artic cold, but it is
hardly the worst that I've seen, so we decided to do a road ride anyway.
I started the day by being the pace car for the Sawmill River 10K
running race at 10:00 and after that I went over to the shop to get
ready for the afternoon event. It was 28 degrees out when the group
arrived at 1:00 and with the wind was blowing at 20mph which gave us a
wind chill of -11 degrees. Brrrrrr. Joining me today was Homer, Dan
LaRoche, Wayne Holden, and Joe Brunell, who missed the start and caught
up with us near the end. My plan was to do a 25 mile loop over to
Montague and back. Before we started Dan pointed out that we could miss
several icy underpasses by going over the mountain so that is what we
did. I led the group down High Street and we turned onto Sanderson
Street and began the climb up the hill to Poet's Seat. After we got over
the hill we rolled over the General Pierce Bridge and headed up
Greenfield Road. As we passed the treatment plant Homer mentioned that
she had to unzip her jacket because she was too warm. Wayne piped in
with a comment on the fact that maybe the smell was from a source other
than the plant, and maybe she should zip up. (If it was warm weather, I
would be reporting the demise of Wayne, but the cold kept Homer under
control, since we needed people to block the wind.) After the fart
factory we continue up the hill to Montague Center where we turned onto
Ferry Road and headed down to Meadow Road into Sunderland. When we got
out onto the flat section of the road we got a slight tailwind and I
took the opportunity to get behind and rest for a bit. We rolled out to
RT. 47 where we climbed the hill and headed back into Montague.
Now there is not much that I haven't seen whilst out riding my bicycle
on the highways and byways of western Massachusetts, but what came next
was a real surprise. As we rounded a corner near Stage Road, what before
my wondering eyes did appear, but Ted Lapinski riding on a snowmobile.
Now this my not seem unusual to some, but the fact that we have not a
flake of snow on the ground gave rise to the following comment from me;
"Boy, you need snow to operate that thing don't you?" Ted was
nonplussed and he pretended not to notice the lack of snow, but I know
that deep down inside, he knew that I was right. After waving bye to Ted
we turned onto RT. 63, where Wayne headed off towards his house and we
headed towards Millers Falls. We made the turn onto S. Lyman Street and
then onto Millers Falls Road. It was here that Joe caught up with us and
the four of us started the return leg for home. We encountered a pretty
fierce headwind as soon as we turned and Homer began to fall back. I
sent Joe and Dan on ahead and I stayed to ride with Homer. We rode down
the hill, through the center of Turners Falls and after we crossed the
river, Homer and I headed up Greenfield Road and then back to the shop.
When we arrived at the shop, Dan and Joe were waiting for us and we went
inside to warm up before heading back home. It was a really nice ride.
Thursday 1/3: It was a
fairly busy day at the shop and before I knew it people were arriving
for the ride to Montague. It was only 18 degrees out at 6:00 but we had
a large group show up for the ride. As I was getting ready to go Rick
Manson arrived along with Ruthie and several of the regular riders.
After the bikes were loaded into the van, I followed the group over to
Montague Center. When I drove through the common I was surprised to find
that there were no parking spots on the right side of the common, so
several of us had to park across the street. (This, as it turns out was
a rather fortuitous event, which I
will explain later.) After getting all the bikes out of the van and
getting dressed, I found out how large a group we had after all. Riding
tonight was Homer, Penny, Ruth, Rick, Joe, MPM, Steve, Wayne, Kip, Liam,
Ron Rancourt, and myself. We spit up for the trip out to the Telephone
Pole trail with Penny leading my group up the road and Joe leading
another group out through the meadow. I rode at the back of the line as
we made our way up the Telephone Pole Trail to the fire pit. We were
only there for a couple of seconds, when a light appeared over the top
of the hill. I was Steve. He got separated from Joe and the other riders
and caught up with us just as we were leaving out for the Toilet Bowl
Trail. Penny was on fire tonight and she set a wicked pace as she led
the group along the trail. As I was leaving to follow Steve, I noticed
more lights comming, and I knew that it would not be long before Joe
caught up to me. I rode along at the back and as we got further into the
woods I found that there was some ice on the trails. I told everyone to
be very careful for leaves and dirt hiding the ice underneath. We rode
out to the Toilet Bowl Trail and just as I was making the turn, MPM came
up from behind with the rest of the riders and we were all together
again. When we got out to the power lines we paused for a few minutes
before everyone elected me leader and sent me on to lead the ride. I
took our usual route out to the Brook Trail to the Red Rock Road where I
took a left and headed up the hill. I rode up the hill to the top where
I waited for everyone else to catch up. After a few minutes wait I could
see Penny coming along and I decided to wait up for her, so I sent Joe
and most of the group out to Willis Hill. When Penny got to the top of
the climb, she made a wrong turn and ended up on the other side of the
hill, so I hollered over to her to turn onto the connecter road which I
thought was just in front of her. As it turns out, she was not at the
trail and when she turned she landed in a thicket of brush. I rushed
over to give her a hand and soon she was back on track. As soon as Penny
was ready, I had Steve lead her, Homer, Ruthie and myself up the Swamp
Road and over to Willis Hill where Joe was waiting. Joe and his crew had
already ridden up the hill and the last of them were just coming down
just as we were arriving. We all re-grouped at the bottom of Willis Hill
and after a couple of minutes we all headed down to the Big Pine Tree
Trail (BPT). The group again split up with Homer leading 6 of us
down to the tree and Joe took the rest of the riders on the longer loop.
After the stop at the tree, we rode out to the road where we took a left
and joined up with Joe's bunch. After a brief discussion we decide to do
the Banked Trail and before we left I warned the riders about the
dangers of hoar frost as well as ice on the lower banks of the trail. I
rode in the middle of the group and when we got to the end of the trail
I took over the lead and headed for Parrott's Run. I led all the way to
the turn where I stopped and made sure that everyone made the right and
to warn them of the log on across the trail. I followed the group along
the Second First Left and out to Old Northfield Road. I followed along
behind and watched as the group missed the turn onto the Telephone Pole
Trail. As We got near the next turn I sped up so that I could holler to
the front of the group when the turn came along. As I got near the front
I saw the group make the left and so I backed off a bit. Just before I
got to the turn I saw Kip turn sharply onto some ice and instantly hit
the ground with a thud. I rode up to him and he was winded and a little
sore but otherwise he was OK. Kip and I rode together out to the
Telephone Pole Trail and soon we were flying down the hill to the
hardtop road. After everyone was safely across the road, I followed the
last rider back to the center of town. As I was getting the bikes into
the van, I noticed a small boy with a pair of Tickle-Me-Elmo slippers
on, coming from the house that I parked in front of. He was a cute
little tyke and as I was asking him his name, his dad came along and
said that his name was Willy. Willy started to say something, but I
could not hear him so I leaned over and asked him to repeat it. He said
that we can come over to his house for a little while. I smiled and
thanked him and then Gary (his dad) said that all the bikers were
welcome to join him and his family at the bonfire that he had going and
that he had some Berkshire IPA on tap as well. I mentioned that we had a
large group, but he said to bring it on, and so I invited the group. We
went around to the back of their house where we comforted by a large
fire in an old washing machine tub (you had to be there) and a keg of
brew. It was great to get warmed as well as treated to the beer. It will
go down as one of the best rides of the year, that's for sure!
Saturday 1/5: It was a
moderately cold day and three riders showed up for our ride. I led the
group down to RT. 5&10 along the usual route at a 14 mph pace. This
was to ensure that we all got warmed up slowly before we go too far into
the ride. We rode across the Cheapside Bridge and headed down to Old
Main Street in Deerfield at 20 mph. I made the turn onto Old Main Street
and then I slowed the pace a little and we formed a double line and
headed down to Mill Village Road. Wayne and I took turns at the front
until we got to the farms where Homer set the pace. Homer led us up to
the hill where Wayne took over. Wayne and I then stayed at the front and
led Ruth and Homer down to Sunderland. We crossed the bridge and then
took a left onto RT. 47. I continued at the front until we got to Falls
Road where I fell in behind Ruth and coached he along. Each hill we
encountered got to be more difficult for Ruth and eventually I had Wayne
and Homer pull ahead and I rode with Ruthie all the way to the fire
house. Wayne and Homer slowed up enough for Ruthie and I to catch on and
we all then rode to the intersection of Millers Falls Road, where Wayne
took a right to head home. Homer, Ruthie and I then took a left and
headed down the hill into Turners Falls. After we crossed the river
Homer rode up the hill on Greenfield and I followed Ruth up the hill and
then back to the shop. It was a nice ride and I think that if the
weather reports hold true, it will be the last one for a while.
Sunday 1/6: Today we did
a ride in Montague. I rode over to the common in the center of town and
was met there by Homer and Jack. Joe, Kip and Mark Courtemanche were
also there but they did a ride up to MT. Toby while my trio headed up to
the plains. Jack led as we made our way up the Telephone Pole Trail and
at the top of the hill we headed straight out to the power lines. We
then took the Second First Left and rode out to the Third First Left
Trail. As we rode along we saw a man illegally cutting cord wood and
another man hunting. I mentioned that we should not say anything to
either of the men, since we new they were criminals by virtue of their
actions and that at least one of them was armed and we were not. We
passed that section and headed on towards the Sofa Trail. We followed
that trail all the way out to the Banked Trail, which we followed to the
end. It was a nice day with the sun shining and the temperature was
about 40 degrees. Jack led us out on the usual flat route to Willis Hill
Road, where I then had him go straight and out to some trails that we
haven't used in quite a while. The trails were still there, but they
hadn't been used, so they were a little overgrown with a few low
branches hanging down. We were able to ride the trail all the way up to
and past the water tank. We too a trail that led us back out onto Willis
Hill Road and we rode that down to BPT Trail. After following that trail
out past the tree, I then had Jack take us up to the Brook Trail. It was
a little icy in some spots as we headed out to the sand pit, but we did
not have any trouble riding around the ice. I then had the group take
some backwoods trails that we rarely use and we ended up riding the
Toilet Bowl Trail all the way back to the Telephone Pole Trail. It was
nice to get out and ride on such a nice day so late in the season (Or
early in the year, depending on your perspective.) I do not know if we
will be able to ride for the next few days, due to the snow, but I hope
so.
Tuesday 1/8: I was really
whipped today so I decided to take the evening off and get some other
work done. Joe led Penny, Liam, Mark C., and MPM on a ride over to the
Coke Plant. I will get a report from him at some point.
Thursday 1/10: It was a
really warm day today and it still was 45 degrees out when the group
arrived for the ride. I drove over to Montague with Chris Magoon and I
was met there by Homer, Penny, Kip, Wayne, and Mark Courtemanche. Penny
led our group out along the road to the Telephone Pole Trail where we
encountered the slush that is all that is left from last Sunday's
snowstorm. Penny led the first few feet into the snow but I passed her
when her bike slid out from underneath her on the high side of the
trail. I then rode up the hill to the fire pit where I waited for the
group to arrive. Soon after Penny and Homer arrived, the boys who did
the meadow loop came up over the hill and joined us for the rest of the
ride. I sent Penny, Chris, and Homer on ahead and I rode with the boys
out to the power lines, where we hooked up with Penny and her crew. We
took the Second First Left and headed into the woods with Mark in the
lead and I at the back of the pack. We rode along the jeep trail for a
while and when we made the Third First Left the boys were waiting in the
field for us. I was at the back of the group and when I got up to
Kip and Mark they were unsure of the route so I then took up the lead
and headed down the trail. There was a lot of hoar frost under the snow
and it was a little dicey in some spots, but I managed to keep up a good
pace all the way out to the Banked Trail. I waited up at the Banked
trail and sent the boys on ahead. After the last rider had passed me I
then took up the sweep position and rode out to the power lines. The
Banked trails were not as much fun as they were a few weeks ago due to
the frost, but I managed to keep a good pace and it was an OK run. After
I arrived, the group waited for everyone to catch their breath before we
headed out towards Willis Hill Road. The trails at this point had very
little snow and we sped along at a good clip and soon we were making the
turn onto the BPT Trail. I rode along behind Homer and when I got to BPT
I stopped at the tree before heading out to where the rest of the group
was waiting . After a brief discussion we all decided to stick together
and so we headed off for Red Rock. I was the last to arrive at the
bottom of the hill and Kip, Wayne and Mark were part way up the
hill. Soon after I got there the riders turned around and headed back
down. The rocks were too slippery and they could not get any traction so
we then headed off along the Brook Trail. I led the group out to the
Sand Pit where we turned left and headed back out onto the main power
lines. I led the group down the power lines to the trailhead for the
Toilet Bowl Trail and I stopped to wait for all the riders to arrive
before heading onward. I rode at the front of the bunch all the way out
to the junction of Old Northfield Road where I stopped to wait for
everyone to pass. I sent the riders that were with me on ahead to ride
back to the cars and I waited for Chris, Homer and Penny. Chris came
right along, but Penny and Homer were not in sight so I headed back up
the trail to see what happened. I didn't have to ride far before I saw
their lights comming down the trail, so I waited there for them to pass.
When penny and Homer got out to the road, they told me that Homer's
water bottle holder had broken and her battery had fallen out so the
stopped to pick it up. Homer had another light so she was OK to ride
back, so we all headed back down the road to the center of town where
our cars were parked. Although the ride was wet and a little slippery in
spots, we all had a good time on a relatively warm winter's evening.
Tuesday 1/14: At
6:00 our ride group assembled for the trip over to the Coke Plant.
Along for the journey on this cool starlit night was PJW; Mark
Newton, Liam, Joe and myself. When we left the shop it was 35 degrees
with a slight breeze from the west. PJW, Mark and myself rode over to
the trails via Gill Road, while Joe and Liam took the longer loop behind
Stop&Shop. When we got to the truck turnout we decided to take the
Mud Road to Five Points to avoid the ice at the brook. I took the lead
up the road to five points where we made a left turn onto the Ridge
Trail and headed up the hill to Luke. As we got to the top there was a
large tree that had fallen across the trail, so Mark and I stopped and
pulled it off to the side of the path. After that I was a little winded
so I waited while Mark and PJW went on ahead. After I got going I rode
up Luke, passing PJW at the rock section, and when I got to the top I
rode over to the water tank and waited with Mark for PJW to arrive. I
only had a couple of jersey's on under my wind shell, but I really
quite warm, so I took off the wind shell and the skull cap. As we were
getting ready to head out, Joe and Liam caught up with us, and
we all then rode over to the power lines. The trails were in good
condition tonight. Most of them were snow free and the little snow we
did find was no problem to ride through. After we got to the power
lines, Joe took the lead and he headed down to Red Rock with the rest of
us close behind. We paused at the rock to rest and decide on the route
to take. I had been giving Joe a little review of the trail names
as we rode along tonight so that he could remember the routes that we
use. After a few minutes everyone except PJW decided to take the Chute down
to the Hill of Doom. PJW took the road and was going to meet us at the
top of the hill. I was having a lot of trouble with my glasses fogging
up tonight, so I took it real easy going down the hills; Basically
I used the Madison approach of bumping into stuff and then going the
other way. I got down to Jacks Pond just a Joe was making the turn and I
followed him down to the Hill of Doom. Joe rode right up the hill but I
only made it to the roots near the top, and my rear wheel spun out and I
walked up the rest of the way to where the group was waiting for me.
When I got to the top Joe led the boys through the Orchard Trail while
PJW and I took the road over to Double Dip. When we all got to the top
of the hill we decided to take the Streambed Trail, with PJW taking the
Deer Run route over to the Ridge Trail and the rest of us rode all the
way up to the Crossover Trail and we then met up at the top of the
Secret Trail. From there we rode down to the bottom of the Secret trail
and then up to the ridge to meet up with PJW. When we got to the ridge,
PJW was not there so we headed down to Five Points to see if maybe she
had gone there instead, but she was not there either. At this point we
decided to split up and head back up the hill and look on Deer Run for
her. Liam and I rode over to the Mud Road, while Mark and Joe went back
up the ridge and then over to Deer run and we were all going to meet at
the intersection of the gravel road and Deer Run. Liam and I rode up to
the meeting spot where we found PJW waiting for us. We then headed
down the hill and we met up with Mark and Joe who turned around and we
all rode back over to the Ridge Trail. Joe, Liam and Mark took the Wall
Trail out to Lillian Street while PJW and I rode through the
swamp where we met up with Joe's group and then we all rode
back across the highway. After we got over to Gill Road we rode easily
back to the shop where we partook of the beverages supplied by Liam. I
went out and got a bag of chips and some Lean Cuisine food and we had nice
post ride par-T.
Thursday 1/17: I rode
over to Montague with MPM tonight and we were met there by PJW, Homer
and Rick Manson (I was hoping that Malcolm was going to attend tonight,
but maybe he was pumping iron to get ready for the AZ trip). We got
ready to ride in short order and then we headed out for the trails. I
rode along the road with PJW and Homer, while MPM and Rick took the
Meadow Trail. When we got to the Telephone Pole Trail we found it to be
mostly snow covered at the bottom and less so near the top. I led the
girls up the hill and I thought that the trail was easier to ride than
last week when we had all the slush. I got to the fire pit and waited
for a few minutes before the rest of the riders came along. It was a
really nice evening and everyone commented on the fact that there we
twice as many people out a few weeks ago, when it was brutally cold, and
only a small group when it was so nice. Hard to figure! After a brief
stop we all headed out for the Toilet Bowl Trail and then out to the
power lines. I kept up a steady pace for most of the way out and I when
I got to the power lines I kept going along the trail until I got to
Plain Road, where I stopped to let everyone catch up. After everyone
arrived we split up again, MPM and Rick rode over Red Rock and I took
the girls along the road to the Brook Trial. We met briefly again at the
brook before MPM and Rick headed up to Willis Hill and PJW, Homer and I
rode along to the BPT Trail. After passing the "tree" we then
rode out to the bottom of Willis Hill. The trails tonight were in great
shape and we had no difficulties riding across the icy sections, due to
the snow cover that gave us great traction. When my group got to the
bottom of the hill we waited for a few minutes before MPM came flying
down the hill followed shortly afterwards by Rick, who was having
trouble with his pedals freezing up. I told Rick about using some White
Lightning on his cleats and Pedals before heading out on the fresh snow
and he said the he would give it a try. We all rode together along the
road to the Banked trail and we got to see MPM do a couple of
spectacular dismounts on the ice that we encountered. Most of us did not
share MPM's falling fits as we were lucky enough to see where he went
and then we avoided those spots. We finished the ride by riding on The
Banked Trail and then we took the Second First Left out to the Telephone
Pole Trail. MPM led the way down the trail and I rode behind him to the
fire pit where I waited for the rest of the group to come along. I
followed Rick down the hill until he put a pedal into the dirt and
tumbled into the snow. He was OK and got right up and then
followed PJW the rest of the way out to the Hardtop. We rode slowly back
to the center of town where MPM and I checked out this really nice RV
before loading our bikes into the van for the trip back to the shop.
This weather that we have had is just about perfect for getting out and
riding in the cold. If you haven't given it a try, maybe you should.
Sunday 1/20: Although we
got a few inches of snow last night I decided to do the ride anyway. I
arrived at the common in Montague Center where PJW, Homer, MPM, Rich
Flye, Jack Rice were waiting for me. Rich and MPM took the meadow route
out to the Telephone Pole Trail while the rest of us took the road. We
found that the trail was snow covered but it was easy to ride through
it. I followed Jack for a short way until he slid off the trail. I was
then in front and was able to pick my own line through the fresh powder,
it was awesome! There were some slippery spots, but the snow cover
allowed me to ride over the ice without much difficulty. I was the first
one up to the fire pit and I waited for the rest of the group to arrive
in the pine forest. After Rich and MPM arrived we all headed out to Jon
Parrott's Trail. The snow was much deeper out in this section of trail
but we were still able to ride through it, although at a much slower
pace. I followed MPM and Rich all the way out to the Banked Trails and
we rode up onto the berms, just like in the summer; it was a blast! PJW
and Homer were following behind the rest of us for most of the trip so I
gave them the direction that we were going to take and we rode along at
a steady pace all the way out to Willis Hill Road. When we got to
the turn onto Willis Hill Road we waited up for the girls. When they
arrived we then headed out to the BPT Trail. The group stayed pretty
much together all the way out to the tree, where we stopped briefly.
After some discussion we decided to stay on the flatter sections of
trail and so I took the lead and we rode out towards Red Rock. I stopped
about half way to get some ice off my shoe and everyone passed me. I
caught up with the group at the Brook Trail and then I took over the
lead again. We met up with Brian Pierce as we neared the Sand Pit and he
joined us for the rest of the ride. At this point it was getting late so
I led the troops over to the Sand Trail that Jack likes so much in the
summer. After we got back out to the power lines we took the Toilet Bowl
Trail back to the Telephone Pole Trail and then we rode back to town on
the hardtop road. As we were getting ready to go Emily stopped by to say
that she will try to ride again in the spring as she is not much of a
snow rider. It will be nice to have her back again (Maybe Matt will come
too, if he gets his studies done.)! I was hoping to see a few more
people out this week, but maybe they will read this and get inspired.
Tuesday 1/22: It was
another mild day today with the temps in the 40's, but when the sun went
down it cooled off pretty quickly, and it was only 33 degrees at 6:00.
(This may seem cold but last year at this time it was 23) I was joined
for the ride over to the Coke Plant by PJW, Joe, Liam, Mark C., and Mark
Newton. We left the shop in two groups to ride over to the trails. I
rode with PJW and Mark N. along the Gill Road route and across the
highway. When we got to the trials we found that the snow cover was thin
in some spots and really deep in others. We rode at a steady pace up to
the truck turnout and then we took the Mud Road over to Five Points,
where Mark and I stopped to wait for PJW. Apparently we set too high of
a pace and when PJW arrived she said that she was too tired to continue
and she was turning around. I told her to rest and if she still felt
tired after a few minutes then she should turn around. She rested and
then she decided to continue at a slower pace. Mark and I rode on ahead
and PJW followed us up the ridge and onto Luke. The snow was not too
deep on either of the trails and for the first time in several weeks, I
made it from Five Points all the way to the water tank without a dab.
Mark and I waited at the water tank and PJW came along in a few
minutes and she was followed shortly thereafter by Joe, Liam and Mark.
Everyone commented on how deep the snow was on top of the hill and the
fact that the hardest part of the climb was the 100 yards from the top
of Luke to the water tank. We all paused for a few minutes and took in
the view on a cloudless starry night. PJW said that she was really hot
(She is!) so she took off a few layers of clothes before we got going
again. (No Jorge, just a few layers, it was not that kind of a ride!).
Joe led the boys out to the power lines while PJW and I took a shorter
route to Red Rock. When PJW and I got to the power lines, we found the
trail to be snow covered with ice underneath. It was somewhat difficult
to ride down the hill and I had to stay clipped out the whole way. When
we got to the rock, we split up again with Mark N., PJW and I taking the
road down to Jacks Pond and Joe took the rest of the crew down the
Messed UP Trail. After we got to the top of the hill near Jack's Pond,
we took the road down the other side and then up and over Double Dip.
Joe then took the boys up the Streambed Trail to the Secret trail and I
took PJW up to Deer Run and then back to The Ridge Trail. At this point
PJW said that she was pretty whipped and she wanted to head back. We
waited for Joe to come down the Secret Trail and I told him that PJW and
I would be heading back. He said that he was going to go out on the Wall
Trail and that he would see us back at the shop. PJW and I rode back to
the shop and after the boys arrived we all partook of the usual
refreshments and listened to Nine Inch Toenails on the music box. A good
time was had by all.
Saturday 1/26: Today was
another warm spring-like day and I was fortunate enough to have planned
a road ride for 1:00 from the shop. We had a large contingent of
Beermonters arrive at 12:30 to go on the 30 mile trip. Joining me was
Malcolm, Rick2, Steve Shriner, Andy Rome, as Homer, Big Al,
and Wayne. We left the shop and headed down the hill into Montague and
after we crossed the canal we turned right and headed over to Ave. A.
where we turned right again. As I turned, I noticed that the temperature
on the bank clock was 50 degrees, not bad for the end of January! Anyway
I led the group down the Avenue at a 19 mph pace and everyone seemed to
be comfortable with that. We rode along for a couple of miles and then
we turned onto Sherman Ave. At this point I checked to make sure that
everyone was doing OK and then we continued out to Greenfield
Road. Now I was trying to keep things mellow and I was doing pretty good
until Malcolm came riding up beside me just before the hill. I made him
ride in front and this resulted in a slight rise in the speed which in
turn caused Rick McCulloch to come off the back. When we got the top of
the hill we all slowed up to let him get back on. We rode on to Turners
Falls Road and I turned to see if Rick was with us, but he was still
off. Rick called over to me and he said that he would ride back to the
shop himself. At that point I got back in line and followed Steve and
Rick Manson down to the center of town. We headed out of town and I then
took the lead again and we rode over to RT. 63. After I made the turn
Rick came along and told me that Big Al took RT. 47 down to Sunderland
and would get back to the shop himself. As we began the climb we were
down to 7 riders and I dropped back to make sure that everyone was doing
OK. Andy was starting to drop back and so I sent the rest of the group
on ahead and I went back to ride with him. The group was soon out of
sight and I though that Andy and I would be riding back together, but as
we neared the horse farm, the group had pulled over to the side of the
road and some of the people were taking off jackets and heavy jersey's.
Andy and I just continued on because I figured that the rest of the
group would be able to catch us without any problem. Andy and I rode
along at a steady pace and soon we were overtaken by the rest of the
group and we all made the turn onto Bull Hill Road together. I went to
the front for a few minutes and we rolled along toward RT. 116, but as I
neared the top of the hill I noticed that Andy was off again, so I went
back and rode with him. We got out to RT. 116 where we caught the group
which had slowed up to wait for us. We all rode through the center of
town and across the bridge together, but Andy and I went straight ahead,
while the rest of the group took a right onto River Road. Andy and I
rode at a steady pace through South Deerfield where we picked up another
rider on a mountain bike and he rode with us for a few miles before he
turned to go home. Andy and I rode the rest of the way back to
Greenfield at an even pace and when we got to the Cheapside Bridge we
were joined briefly by Rick and Homer. I rode along with Andy all the
way back to the shop where we were greeted by the rest of the group. It
was a great ride on an unusually warm day. Below is a report that Homer
sent me about the encounter with a crazed lunatic car driver on River
Road.
Rick and I did not get a chance to tell you about
our near-death experience on River Road.
We riding along River Road minding our own business,
just enjoying the fact that we were so fortunate to have a day like
today in January when all of the sudden what should appear in the road
coming straight for us?! Yes,
the hippymobile. Jorge was
zooming down the road at a rate that was
definitely in excess of what was legally appropriate.
I put my arms out as he passed and I thought for a second that
he was going to pass closely enough to knock me right down.
I think maybe he tried, but I veered right
in the nick of time. Of
course, to be extra obnoxious, he leaned on the
hippymobile horn as he went by. After
the incident Rick asked if that was a friend or a
foe... He wasn't too sure what to think.
He did admit later that the incident frightened him.
Anyway, I thought you should know.
I know that you have methods of dealing
with that hippy Jorge. Car
riding on a day like today! What's
up with that?!
Homer
Sunday
1/27: Another beautiful 55 degree day here in Pleasant Valley and we had
a MTB ride scheduled for 1:00. What could be better than that? Certainly
not a football game... right? Well we had five hearty riders show up at
the shop for the trip to Deerfield. We had IP, Wayne, Ruthie, Homer,
Todd and myself ready to go at 1:00 so we headed out to ride down to the
Keets Road parking spot. When we got there Ruthie realized that she had
left her front wheel at home so I told her to go back and get it and I
directed her on a route that would hook up with our route when she got
back. Ruthie took off for home and the rest of us went on ahead with the
ride. We left the parking lot and headed up the hill to the plank
bridge. After crossing the bridge we rode up the hill to the Crystal
Cave Trail. Todd led the way and he was followed by Wayne and I was
right behind Wayne. Todd's rear wheel spun out on some mud and he
dismounted with Wayne and I doing just the same. I managed to remount
and I rode to the top of the hill where I waited for the rest of the
riders to arrive. After everyone got up to the lookout I took some
photo's of the group. 
After
the photo we headed off down the trail to the road where we were going
to wait up for Ruthie. After a few minutes I rode up the icy path to see
if I could see Ruthie coming up the trail. Since she was not in sight I
went back down to where the rest of the group was waiting and I had them
join me up the hill. After a few minutes Wayne rode down the trail to
get Ruthie and they returned shortly. After some discussion we decided
not to try to go up the Cross-Country Trail, since it would be snow
covered and we would most likely have to walk. I led the way up the Bruiser
Trail to Pine Nook Road with the group following close behind me. I rode
over to the access road and headed up the climb to Red Rock, with Todd
right on my wheel. When I got to the top of the hill I stopped and took
a couple of pictures of the riders as they came up the climb.
When everyone got to the top of the hill we rode out to the rock where I
took some more photos. The picture on the left is Ruthie on 
top
of the ridge while the one on the right is Ruthie, Homer and Todd on the
rock. After a few minutes rest on the rock I led the group down the
ridge trail toward the Stairmaster. A couple of weeks ago we did this
route on a Thursday night and we had to jump over the barricades that a
landowner had erected across the trail, but today when I got to the spot
I was surprised to find the trail to be clear and all the materials have
been removed. It was really nice to ride down the whole ridge without
having to climb over that mess. We rode along to the power lines and at
that point we stopped to discuss the route. I thought that going all the
way down to Stage Road and then onto the trails out to Clapp Pond would
be the easiest route since I thought that there would be more snow in
the woods than out on the open Stairmaster, and the group agreed, so off
we went. The section of trail that leads out to the road is one of the
nicest trails around, and I really enjoy riding through the pine forest
and down the hill. I rode the trail at a pretty good clip and I thought
that I would have to wait a few minutes for the group to catch up, but
when I stopped to look back for them, they were right behind me. We rode
out to the hardtop and then down the hill to the trailhead. I led the
group out along the trails to Clapp Pond where we stopped to take some
more pictures. This is a shot of the group at the boulder. 
After the picture we headed out down the trail towards the Stairmaster.
The trail was snow free and easy to ride and we made good time out to
the power lines, but as I neared the corner to the Stairmaster I
realized that this was not going to be an easy task. Because as I
approached the turn all I could see was a field of white. Yep, the
entire trail was snow covered and when I started to ride up the hill I
soon found out that this was going to be a hike and not a ride. Todd,
Wayne and I tried to ride the few sections that we could, but for the
most part we had to walk. It was really bizarre to be walking in 6
inches of snow out on the trial, while just a few feet away the woods
were completely snow free. Eventually I gave up trudging through the
snow and instead took to hiking the dry, snow free woods. When we got
near the end of the climb we were able to get back on and ride to the
top of the hill, where we sat in the sun to let out bikes and feet thaw
out. After everyone got a rest, we returned back to Pine Nook Road along
the same route we took out to the Stairmaster. The trip back down the
access road was really wet and muddy, due to the melting of the snow
from the ski area and we were all pretty much soaked when we got to the
bottom of the hill. From Pine Nook Road we took the Refrigerator Trail
down to the Mud Mile and then back to the cars. The whole trip took
about three hours and although we were tired, it was such a nice warm
day that it almost didn't matter. I think that everyone had a good time
and I hope that our good fortune will continue for the rest of the
winter!
After
the photo we headed off down the trail to the road where we were going
to wait up for Ruthie. After a few minutes I rode up the icy path to see
if I could see Ruthie coming up the trail. Since she was not in sight I
went back down to where the rest of the group was waiting and I had them
join me up the hill. After a few minutes Wayne rode down the trail to
get Ruthie and they returned shortly. After some discussion we decided
not to try to go up the Cross-Country Trail, since it would be snow
covered and we would most likely have to walk. I led the way up the Bruiser
Trail to Pine Nook Road with the group following close behind me. I rode
over to the access road and headed up the climb to Red Rock, with Todd
right on my wheel. When I got to the top of the hill I stopped and took
a couple of pictures of the riders as they came up the climb.
When everyone got to the top of the hill we rode out to the rock where I
took some more photos. The picture on the left is Ruthie on 
top
of the ridge while the one on the right is Ruthie, Homer and Todd on the
rock. After a few minutes rest on the rock I led the group down the
ridge trail toward the Stairmaster. A couple of weeks ago we did this
route on a Thursday night and we had to jump over the barricades that a
landowner had erected across the trail, but today when I got to the spot
I was surprised to find the trail to be clear and all the materials have
been removed. It was really nice to ride down the whole ridge without
having to climb over that mess. We rode along to the power lines and at
that point we stopped to discuss the route. I thought that going all the
way down to Stage Road and then onto the trails out to Clapp Pond would
be the easiest route since I thought that there would be more snow in
the woods than out on the open Stairmaster, and the group agreed, so off
we went. The section of trail that leads out to the road is one of the
nicest trails around, and I really enjoy riding through the pine forest
and down the hill. I rode the trail at a pretty good clip and I thought
that I would have to wait a few minutes for the group to catch up, but
when I stopped to look back for them, they were right behind me. We rode
out to the hardtop and then down the hill to the trailhead. I led the
group out along the trails to Clapp Pond where we stopped to take some
more pictures. This is a shot of the group at the boulder. 
After the picture we headed out down the trail towards the Stairmaster.
The trail was snow free and easy to ride and we made good time out to
the power lines, but as I neared the corner to the Stairmaster I
realized that this was not going to be an easy task. Because as I
approached the turn all I could see was a field of white. Yep, the
entire trail was snow covered and when I started to ride up the hill I
soon found out that this was going to be a hike and not a ride. Todd,
Wayne and I tried to ride the few sections that we could, but for the
most part we had to walk. It was really bizarre to be walking in 6
inches of snow out on the trial, while just a few feet away the woods
were completely snow free. Eventually I gave up trudging through the
snow and instead took to hiking the dry, snow free woods. When we got
near the end of the climb we were able to get back on and ride to the
top of the hill, where we sat in the sun to let out bikes and feet thaw
out. After everyone got a rest, we returned back to Pine Nook Road along
the same route we took out to the Stairmaster. The trip back down the
access road was really wet and muddy, due to the melting of the snow
from the ski area and we were all pretty much soaked when we got to the
bottom of the hill. From Pine Nook Road we took the Refrigerator Trail
down to the Mud Mile and then back to the cars. The whole trip took
about three hours and although we were tired, it was such a nice warm
day that it almost didn't matter. I think that everyone had a good time
and I hope that our good fortune will continue for the rest of the
winter!