Ride Page
Here You will find the reports of our exploits for the month May 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.
Tuesday 5/2: I have spent the last two day's training police officers on mountain bikes, so tonight I was ready to ride for fun. At 6:00 the were seven riders waiting for me in the parking lot. Along for the trip was Mary-Lynn Wikar, IP and Moose Boy, Gary, Matt Fuller, Jen Spenser, and John Strong. We left the shop and headed up High St. to Gill road where we crossed RT. 2 . I led the way as we got to the stink hole water crossing and all the way up to the truck turnout. When everyone arrived, we split into two groups and headed for the woods. I rode with IP, Gary, and John as we made our way over to Red Rock Road. We rode up the hill and turned left up the steep climb that leads to the water tank. We arrived at the tank just as MB and his crew did. We stopped for a minute so that the mosquito's and black flies could get supper and then we headed out to the power lines. I rode at the back of the group as we pedaled down to Red Rock, where we regrouped again. MB took everyone except IP, John and me down the Chute Trail. IP led the way down the road and I followed until we got to the Messed-Up Trail, where I followed Jen and rode down with her to Jacks Pond. John had to head home so we said good bye to him and took a quick poll as to where to go next. Mar was being a baby and did not want to do the Hill of Doom, but she was quickly hooted down. Matt and MB led the way, with the rest of us in tow. I made it up the hill in the small ring and re-joined the group just as they took off for the Apple Orchard Trail. I rode my own route and found myself at the back of the pack as I headed to Double Dip. IP did a great job on the climb, but her rear wheel broke free near the top and she had to stop. Gary was feeling pretty strong tonight so he wanted to do the Streambed Trail all the way to the top. Since no one objected, he took off with the rest of us following. IP decided to cut over to Double Death on the Crossover Trail and wait for us there. I rode at the back with MB and Jen as we did the steep climb to Luke Skywalker. At the crossroad we too the Secret Trail down to Double Death and we rode down to where IP was waiting for us. I love this time of year because it is pretty warm and the leaves haven't come out yet and I get to see the view of the town as I ride on the trails. After we all got to where IP was waiting we headed down Ankle Breaker and then up to the Ridge Trail. At Five Points we did another poll and Matt suggested that we not take the swamp route back. I agreed and we headed for the road. I took a little detour on a trail we used to ride all the time, but my memory is fading and I somehow took a wrong turn and soon found myself (and everyone else) back on the road. Oh well, we just took the power line road back to the RT. 2 crossover and headed back to Gill Road. Everyone rode back together in a line of riders six abreast. MB made some rude comments as we rode along, and his wife promptly dented his helmet, ending the trip on a high note as usual. It was a really fun night and I hope we can continue the mixed group rides all summer. I am not going to be doing a ride on Wednesday for a while and I will put some effort into taking the rides on Tuesday to other locations. Stay tuned!
Thursday 5/4: It was much warmer this week than last and we had 42 people show up for the road ride. As usual it was controlled chaos around the shop as everyone was busy getting ready to go. I had MaryEllen to help out this week so that the roster was kept and the maps were handed out. The route had been e-mailed to all the people on the list so there were also fewer questions about directions. After all was set we headed out for our trip to Millers Falls and back. We took RT. 2A to Greenfield Road and I took the lead down the hill. I had a group of about twenty riders behind me and after a brief stop at the traffic light, my bunch headed for the hill. I was still in the front at the top of the hill and there was only about eight riders behind me. I rode to the back to get a quick count on the group and "the Star" decided to peel off and head back with another rider. my group that now included Tom Martel, Mike Willard, Patrick Bell, Mark Wheeler, and Dick Easton. We headed out Millers Falls road and we quickly got a pace line going as the wind was pretty stiff. We made the turn onto So. Lyman St. and then we headed out to RT. 63. where I took the lead into the wind. We rode down to RT. 63 at about a 19 mph average and Patrick took the point with he and Mark changing out with me. I jumped to the front before we made the turn onto RT 47 and looked behind to find only Pat and Mark following me. We waited up and then we rode around in circles until everyone caught back on. I let Tom take the lead up the hill because he could set the pace and not have the wind to deal with. I took over at the top and we all rode together down to Sunderland Center. We turned onto RT. 116 and then decided to skip River Road in favor of the flatter RT. 5&10 return route. We rode together at a good clip and when we crossed the Cheapside Bridge our average had jumped to 21 mph. Not bad for this early in the year. We cruised back to the shop just as the rest of the gang returned. It was a great ride and everyone returned safely.
Starting with Friday, one of our illustrious members, Mad dog Dave hit
a milestone in his biking career by going 120+ miles in one day. Way to go Davey. We'll be right behind you. Saturday we had an awesome time. At 9:00AM we were off with what was our first beginner bike ride. We billed as a beginner ride so people would know what to expect but it attracted a number of people that just hadn't ridden for a long time and were glad to get back on the road. A warm welcome to Gary, Sue and daughter Kylee who made the ride. Kylee seemed to enjoy herself perched atop her dad's rear tire. Btw, we had a couple of mountain/hybrid bikes on this ride and they did just fine just in case you're wondering whether or not you can go on a group ride with us. Welcome Lynda and Tim, Peggy, Bob and Marsha. Hope you all had a good time. Not sure if I left anyone out or not, forgive me if I did. Speaking of Marsha M, a big congrats to her. Marsha took a detour with Peggy on the beginner ride and headed up Country Club Rd. Extension, (Eden Trail). This is a hill that many of us use to gauge our climbing ability. Marsha has tried this hill in the past and not made it to the top but not this time. She made it to the top along with Peggy and was positively beaming the rest of the day. If you're not familiar with the road, check it out sometime. Way to go Marsha.Sunday 5/7: It was a very warm morning with the temperatures getting into the eighties, so I wasn't sure if I was going to have a turnout for the road ride, but when I arrived at the shop I found Michelle and His Honor, the mayor of Northfield, and the First Lady, Nancy waiting for me. Jack said that the tensions of governmental decision making were making him a little antsy so he needed to go out and hammer a thirty miler. We all headed out of the parking lot and headed for Turners Falls with myself in the lead. I spotted a dead raccoon on the side of the road and mentioned that Jack might need some head gear befitting the noble rank bestowed him, but Nancy said that it wasn't fresh enough and we passed it by. We rode across the bridge and turned right onto Canal Street and rode all the way to the end of the street. We headed down Ave A and we turned onto Greenfield Road. I had Nancy and Michelle ride at the front and as soon as we got to the hill they put the hammer down. Nancy and Michelle took over the lead and soon we were out of Jack's site. We continued out Swamp Road and then turned onto RT. 63. We rode into the headwind and when we got to Bull Hill Road, I had no trouble convincing the duo to turn right. We rode to RT. 116 and turned right for the trip back to the shop. At this point the girls were getting a little tired so I rode to Nancy's side to block the wind and Michelle took up a position behind us. We talked about the bikes and Nancy asked me about the different components that I have used. I told her about the Campagnolo 10 speed group and how nice it was. We chatted about bike stuff as we headed into Sunderland and across the bridge into Deerfield where we took a right onto Sugarloaf Street. We cruised through the center of town and then we headed up North Main Street. As we passed Saint James church we saw MaryEllen as she headed to Mass to pray for us fools. We waved to her and then we headed for Mill Village Road. After we got across RT. 5&10 we headed down the hill and onto the flat road next to the river. It was here that the devil must have possessed me, because I suggested that if Nancy really wanted to know about the difference in components she should try my bike. It just so happens that she and I ride the same size bike and so we stopped and we switched bikes. Well that was it! She was amazed and so the trip back to the shop was spent talking about the different possibilities. I told Nancy to think about a way to spring this onto His Highness so she would not face the tower or the Ann Bolin treatment. As I left the shop to get a shower, Jack had not returned yet so I will have to await the outcome of this one. Go Nancy!!
After working at the shop for the afternoon I had to hurry up to get ready for the "Family Ride". We had a large group of riders at the shop, with several new people joining us, for the trip to Montague. We had Cathy, Patrick, Tommy, Aaron, Jeremy, Isaac Leavitt, CTD, Gary, Nick and Alex Filler, along for the trip. Once we got to the Center of Montague, we found Tywor, Just in Time, Donna "The Hon", Curt, IP, MB, Mark Courtermarche, Jack Rice, John and Shamus Strong waiting for us. As we arrived in Montague we were treated to a concert on the common. We listened to the band as we got ready to go, and the music serenade was a wonderful way to begin the ride. After everyone was ready we spit into groups to head out to the trails. I rode with the younger kids again this week and Mark took the faster group out ahead of us. Curt and Just in Time took the truck and headed to the top of the hill and they were going to wait until we arrived before heading out on the trails. My group rode out to the power lines at a pretty good clip, in fact, the kids we going pretty hard. After we got to the power lines we found Curt and Justin waiting for us. We decided to let Justin ride with Cathy and CTD and Curt, John and I took the rest of the kids off to the trails. We rode along the route we usually ride all the way out to the bottom of Willis Hill where we were expecting to meet up with the rest of the riders. We waited for a while, but when no one showed up we headed back to the junction of the trail and the road. When we arrived there we found most of the people were waiting for us. MB and IP said that they had seen Justin, Cathy and CTD at the top of Red Rock and that they were heading back to the cars. We discussed the return route and it was decided that we would head over to the Brook Trail. Curt and I took the kids and a flatter route which included a ride up the brook itself. We encountered a dam and diversion ditch which we dismantled. After that we rode up the brook to where the other riders awaited us. IP and Donna wanted to do some more hills so they shamed the rest of the boys into riding up over Red Rock again. I took the younger kids around the hill and we then regrouped at the sand pit. At that point we all decided to head back to the Golec's pickup truck and see if we could find CTD, Cathy and Justin. When we arrived at the truck we found Cathy and Justin waiting for us, but CTD had taken off to do another loop by himself. I left Curt and Justin to wait for CTD to return, while I took the rest of the riders back to the center of town. As we headed down the road into town, Curt pulled up to us in his truck and reported that CTD had returned and was heading back to the center of town. When I arrived back at the common, I took out the cooler and we commenced to enjoy the refreshments provided by CTD, while we listened to the concert. After a fashion the rest of the riders arrived and we all enjoyed the warm spring evening, before heading home.
Tuesday 5/9: It was a very hot and humid afternoon when the riders started to assemble for the ride. We had IP, MB, John Friends, Ben John, Jessie, Matt C., Aaron Stalens, Dave M., John Strong, Alex, Patrick Heider and myself in the parking lot at 6:15 for the start. We briefly discussed two ride options, the first was a trip to the Coke Plant and the second was a trip to Mark Stotz's property. After a vote we headed for Mark's place. We rode out to the RT. 2 crossover and then we took the power lines out to Silvio Conte Dr. where we turned right. We rode to the end of the street and then we turned left and headed up Adams Rd. to Butternut Street. At the end of the street we rode around the fence and headed for the trail head. At that point I cautioned everyone about the steep hill just ahead and then I went in and waited for the riders to pass my position. I wanted to make sure that we all got down safely. I followed IP and Aaron until IP dismounted and then I rode past her on my way down the hill. Everyone was waiting at the bottom of the hill and when IP arrived I gave the group directions to the bridge across the river. After I crossed the bridge, I waited for MB and IP to cross, and then I rode at the back as we approached the first steep hill. This is just the beginning of a two mile climb to the top of the ridge. As I rode up the hill I encouraged IP and Aaron as they made the climb. IP rode strongly as she crested the top and I urged her to continue on as long as she could. IP pushed over the next hill and rode easily on toward the next steep incline. She made it all the way to the top of that hill and almost made the next hill, but she felt uncomfortable with the trail and dismounted. IP did a marvelous job on a new trail and under very difficult conditions. At this point MB and Aaron joined me and Patrick at the top of the hill. We waited for IP and then we all took off to catch up with the rest of the riders. We met at the bottom of the last part of the climb and I waited as Aaron and IP caught their breath and the other riders took off for the top. My group followed the others on our way over the top and then we headed to the descent to the river. We followed the trail along the river until we met up with the others at the washed out bridge. As we approached we could hear the sounds of the riders as they rode across the river. At this point we could see them as the floated and floundered in the current. It was great fun watching the riders go across and after a while I got into the fray and made several attempts to ride the torrent, with no success. After my last shot I just walked over to the other side where most of the people were waiting. The dip in the river was just what we needed on such a hot evening. We waited on the other side for the last few riders to cross and when all were present I noticed that IP was barely wet. I then got MB to hold IP's bike on the pretext that she needed to rest. At that point I snuck up behind her and carried her over to the river and dropped her in. She was very surprised and she made it clear that although she had cooled off in the water, she was not pleased with the dunking. After that we all rode over to the falls and some of us rode down the steep hill. After everyone either rode to or got a look at the water falls we all made our way over to the same steep hill we rode down. As penance for throwing IP in the drink, I carried her bike up the hill. (It's hard to stay mad at someone who totes your bike up a hill like that.) We retraced our route back to the shop where we all regaled in the stories of the trip. It was a great ride.
Thursday 5/11: Tonight we had 49 riders show up for the road ride. Matt Putnam took the lead group of seven riders and headed for Conway. After Matt's bunch left, I led the middle group out of the shop and headed down High Street. I tried to get the riders to make smooth turns by bunching up as they make the turns. This worked pretty good and people took the corner onto Hope Street with a new precision. I want people to learn this so that the large number of riders will not be a hazard to traffic. After the turn we rode to the end of Washington St and executed the maneuver again as we entered RT. 5&10. As we rode towards Deerfield we saw Tom Martel on the side of the road fixing a flat tire and we asked if he was OK. He said he could manage, and we continued on across the Cheapside Bridge. I was still at the front and I kept the pace at an even 20 mph all the way to the turn onto Main Street in Old Deerfield. At this point I drifted to the back to chat with Uncle Mic and some of the other riders. I got to talk with Georgie Boy and "Big Al" Ross as we rolled out of town. After I got to check on everyone I pushed to the front to take the group across the flats to the turn onto Stillwater Road. I made the turn and announced that we should take it easy on the hill so as to keep the group together. Well as soon as the pavement steepened MPM and Georgie Boy took off and I had no choice but to give chase. I however, was still in the big ring and I was also in the 15, so I had to really step on it. I got to the front OK, but I started to run out of steam near the top, so I bailed before catching the two rabbits. I never did see those two again on the road. After cresting the hill, I rode easy and let the group reform. I saw some riders just behind us, so I dropped back to give them a pull back up. When I got everyone back together, the others were out of sight and we decided to ride on and try to catch them later. In the group was Michelle, Rick M., Steve Daby, and me. We rode along Stillwater Road to RT. 116 and then turned left to head down the hill. We turned onto So. Mill River Road and started to give chase to the others. I was at the front and caught a bug in my teeth, which I promptly barfed up all over Steve. It was ugly, but we pressed on. Timster caught up with us and he rolled on ahead. We hit the next series of hills and I could see that my group was never going to catch the others and so I decided to sit back and enjoy the evening. We rode through Whately and we picked up Uncle Mic on our way down Christian lane. Our group rode at a steady pace and I had a good time just riding along at a mellow pace. I made the turn onto River Road and I spotted a group just ahead. I picked up the pace and the trio behind me held the speed and eventually we caught up with Dave Minor. We all rode together as we hit the three hills on River Road, and I gave Michelle a couple of pointers on climbing. When we got to the last hill I charged to the front and managed to crest the hill just ahead of Uncle Mic. At the top Mic and I backed it down until Michelle caught up and then we all rode to the end of the road together. Mic turned left to head home and I took the rest of the crew right and we headed back to the shop. I rode up High Street and caught up with MaryEllen and Pat Baker as they were finishing up their ride and we all cruised into the parking lot just as it was getting dark. Another one for the record book.
Sunday 5/14: I arrived at the shop at 9:00 to find Michelle H., and Michelle Santangelo waiting for me. At first I thought that it was going to be a small ride but then Rapid Rick M., "Big Al" Ross, Ron Johnson, His Majesty and First Lady Nancy showed up, so I knew I was in for a good one. We left the shop with the intention of riding down to Whatley and then up the hill to Conway. The return would be down RT. 116 to RT 5&10 and then back to the shop. We rode into Deerfield in a double pace line and I spent a few minuets getting everyone comfortable with the way a pace line works. After we left Main Street we headed down Mill Village Road in the double line and we carried the pace to Stillwater Road where we took a right. At this point we said adieu to Jack and Rick. They were going to take it a little easier and would follow us around the course. I cautioned the remaining riders about the hill ahead and we all took it at a mellow pace. At the top of the hill we re-grouped and started to head on to Whately. At this point I mentioned that we were getting a little behind time in order to make it back to the shop before 11:00. After a brief discussion we decided to change the route and head for Montague. We no sooner made the decision when my rear tire flatted. I sent the group ahead and started to replace the tube when "Big Al" turned around to watch me make the repair. I warned him that I was planning on catching the group after I fixed the flat and he said that he was up to the task. I made the repair in about three minutes and hopped back on the saddle. Al and I rode to RT. 116 together where we turned left. At this point I put the hammer down and soon we were riding at 27mph as we hit the flat land in So. Deerfield. I then picked up the pace and hit 30 mph as we approached MT. Sugarloaf. After I crossed the Sunderland Bridge I could see Al a ways back, but he wasn't gaining, so I put the hammer down and headed off to catch the group. I caught a glimpse of them as I made the turn onto Falls Road but I did not catch up with them until I took the shortcut down Greenfield Road and then made the climb up Ferry Road. As I reached the top of the climb I saw the group, which included Nancy, Ron and Michelle x 2, pass in front of me and I quickly jumped onto the back of the line. We rode down the road a short way and I moved to the front and picked up the pace, which broke the group apart. Since I hadn't been riding with the group I wasn't aware of the pace they had been keeping, so I put the speed a little too high at first. After a "heads up" from Nancy, I backed the speed down and went to the back of the line. I coached Michelle S., as we rolled into Turners Falls and we all rode down the hill and across the canal to Greenfield together. We rode up the hill and I gave a few tips to Michelle S., as we crested the climb. I saw a carload of your average downtown Turners youth give Michelle H., a bad time as we rounded the corner and headed down to the lights. For a brief moment I thought of giving chase, but why spoil a great ride because of a carload of knuckleheads. We rode over to the shop together and we were soon joined by "Big Al". We waited for Jack and Rick for a few minutes before I remembered that I did not tell the boys of the route change. I was making the flat repair when the duo passed Al and I and I was focused on my task and not on giving directions. The boys rode the original route and finished about 40 minutes after us. Good job Jack!!
At 5:00 I still had a bunch of folks in the shop and since I was alone, I had to really hustle to get out the door. I took Brent S., Dan Fish and Brad with me in the van while Aaron took Jeremy and another kid with him for the ride to Montague. Waiting in the center of town we IP, Donna "The Hon", Curt, Cathy, Ken, Tommy and Patrick Heider, Billy Cowan, Mike Willard, Nick and Alex Filler, and of course CTD. Once everyone was ready we split into three groups. Cathy and CTD took Tommy and Jeremy with them and I took Donna, IP, Nick, Aaron and Ken with me. Curt and Billy took the rest of the crew and we all headed out for the Telephone Pole Trail. My bunch took it easy as we started up the hill but I could see the back of the lead group, so I sped up to them as they waited at the top. I asked if any of them wanted to go with my ride, but none did so I sent them on ahead before my group got there. After everyone arrived I set out to the power lines with Aaron and IP in the lead. We rode out to the trails off the second first left. I kept an eye on our group as we made our way across the trails we usually ride, but I had the group take a left before the power lines. We rode out to another un-named trail and it was here that we met the other group going the opposite way. We waved as they passed and three of the riders opted to join us and turned around and rode at the end of the bunch. When everyone got to the main power lines, we headed out for the Middle Trail. I followed the girls as we rode up to the brook and we all took a rest there. Because we wanted to stay out of the mud we rode up Red Rock and then up the hill to the swamp. We rode over to the Kiabuckus Trail and then up to the I-H wreck. We headed over to the top of Willis Hill and from there we could see all the other riders at the bottom of the hill. Curt and a couple others tried to ride up but most of the riders had the good sense to wait for us to ride down to them. After a moment we all decided to take the left route around the ponds. I tried to ride across the last one but got stuck in the mud. After getting myself out, I re-joined the group and we all headed down the hill. I took about six people and we rode the shortcut across the hill and we rode down Craggy Hill and rejoined the others at the bottom of Red Rock Road. We all then rode over the Rock again and from the sand pit we all rode out to the power lines again. We headed east on the power lines and I rode at the front until the Toilet Bowl Trail turn, where I stopped and got the other rider onto the trail. I followed the last rider all the way back to the center of town where CTD provided us with the usual refreshments.
Tuesday 5/16: It has been another cool rainy week and although today was nice it was still not that warm. My plan for tonight was to have the faster riders leave from the shop and ride down to Deerfield and meet the rest of us at Woolman Hill. I had John Strong, IP, and MB follow me to the parking spot in Deerfield, where John Friends was to meet us. MPM and Dave Minor left from the shop a few minutes before we did and we figured that they would get there just after we got ready. We got to the parking spot where we found John F., waiting for us but after we all were ready to go and there was no MPM, we changed plans somewhat. I asked John to ride down the hill to get Dave and MPM . He was to ride up the hill and meet the rest of us at the "Rock". I took the rest of the group and then headed out on the end of the "Mud Mile" route. We rode up the hill through the stream that was once the road. We took the "Bruiser Trail" up the hill to Pine Nook Road. I rode behind IP most of the way up and when we got to the road I decided to take the trails part of the ways up to the top. We all rode together until we exited the trails and got onto the road for the last half of the climb. I rode with MB as we made our way up the steep section of the hill. We got to the top and then we turned around and rode down to ride up with IP and John S. We all got over the top on the bikes and rode out to the rock to await the trio of
Tuesday 5/23: Tonight's ride was hosted by Todd Amato at his father's house in Vernon Vermont. This was the first of our Tuesday night trips to outlying areas. Along for the ride was Billy Cowan, Stephanie Swinerton, Matt P., Matt C., Vinnie, Aaron, Dave in the BMW, Zeb Jacub, Patrick Heider, Eric Coughlin, Bill Janti and me. As we drove in the van up to Tony's place we saw IP and Moose Boy on their road bikes heading south. I think IP is trying to get into shape so that she can kick my butt on Sunday. We'll see about that. When we arrived at Tony's we got organized and soon we were on our way with Todd in the lead. Since I had no idea where we were going I got a rare treat of riding in the group, instead of at the front. After we got on the trails I found the terrain to be pretty much like that of the Coke Plant, which is short steep climbs and descents. I rode with Dave and Aaron at the back of the group as we made our way across the highway and then back into the woods. We rode along dirt roads and through farm fields as we made our way to the Pond Road. Todd was a great ride leader, he rode at the front and then he waited at the turns for the back of the group to arrive. I know how hard this is, and he did very well to get back to the front each time. When we got to the second road crossing Todd told us that there was a large water crossing ahead. When I got to the water everyone was waiting to see if I was going to try to ride it as I had boasted that I would. I looked the situation over and seeing that the bridge was under water I decided to walk. I found the pallets that the bridge was made of to be very slippery and after I got across I watched as the riders crossed. Stephanie slipped and fell in up to her knees, but she was OK and soon joined the rest of us on the other side. We rode through the woods for a while and after crossing a few more roads we headed into the woods at Huckle Hill. This was a very nice little section and we found some pretty sweet, technical single track. We all rode down the hill in the diminishing daylight and near the bottom of the descent I turned on my lights. After I got to the bottom with Dave and Aaron we all took it easy as we made our way back to the rest of the riders who were waiting for us in the field. We all rode across Pond Road again and then we headed across RT. 142 to another single track section. We had several steep climbs on the way back and did pretty good on them although I didn't make it on any of them. After a short descent we rode through Eric's backyard and over to Tony's house. It was a fun ride and everyone made it back without mishap.
Thursday 5/25: Although it was supposed to rain tonight we once again dodged the bullet and were treated to a nice evening. Forty-one riders showed up to do our 38 miler to Whatley and back. I took the lead as we left the shop and soon the pace was up to 18mph as we rode onto Main Street. We followed the usual route down Deerfield Street and after we crossed the Cheapside Bridge we made a left turn onto River Road. At this point I dropped back and let some of the others take the lead. MPM, Dan Laroche, Mark Stotz, Dick Easton and Matt took the hint and off they went. I jumped back onto the end of the line and soon Mark and Dan had the speed up to 25 mph. I tried to keep the pace sensible but the attacks kept on comming and after a few miles the group was down to four. I rode with the leaders and did a few hill jumps as we made our way down River Road. As we got to the flat part of the road I turned around and found that there was just Dick and Dan behind me. I pulled off and dropped back to the chasers. After collecting George, Mark Santangelo, Jamie Laurin, MPM, Stephanie and Matt, we took off to catch the two riders ahead of us. We rode a pace line all the way to the Whatley Ballet where we caught up with Dick and Dan. We crossed the highway and began the hilly portion of the ride. As we got to the bottom of the first hill, MPM attacked and Matt countered as the rest of us rode at a high tempo to catch up. This move tended to shatter the group and I found myself in between the two groups. I pushed hard and I managed to catch up just as we began the long climb up Haydenville Road. At this point I heard Jamie say something about dropping his chain, but since I was more concerned about coughing up my liver, I concentrated on my task. I made it over the top of the hill behind Dan and Dick, but my heart rate was at 185 bpm and I was near my limit. As I rode down the other side of the hill my rate dropped significantly and I got ready for the next climb. As I approached the steep hill I was in the big ring and I expected a smooth ascent, so as the grade steepened I switched to my little ring. I was amazed when Matt attacked and everyone else came around me and hopped on his wheel. I started to spin up the hill but I found that my heart rate went up to 192 bpm and I was about to blow up. I drifted off the back and slowly the rest of the group pulled away from me. I could see the group ahead of me but I knew that if I had tried to catch up before I recovered, I would get spit out on the next hill, so I just tried to keep them in sight. I was very near the back of the group as I approached the climb past the reservoir on Whatley Road, but I decided to wait until I got over the top of the hill and try to catch up on the descent. As I got over the top I was amazed to see Matt coming out of the woods, having just relieved himself in the bushes, and I hooked onto his wheel and off we went to catch the bunch ahead. I rested on Matt's wheel for a couple of minutes and then I took the front and the push was on. We rode at a steady 25 mph all the way to the swamp, where we made contact with the group. I then joined the group for the last hill on RT. 116 and although I was near the back, I managed to stay on all the way to the bottom of the hill where the group sat up before the turn onto Lee Road. We waited for Mark to catch up before we made the turn onto Stillwater Road, and then we rode together all the way out to RT. 5&10. After making the turn onto the highway, we started to catch riders on the back of Becky and Steve's group. We waved as we passed the riders on the return into Greenfield. We rode at a steady tempo up Deerfield Street and then onto Hope Street. I made the turn onto Main Street and then onto High Street and soon I was back at the shop. Although I got myself into some difficulty on several occasions I was happy with my ride and grateful for the help Matt gave me. Otherwise, I would have had to ride with George and Jamie, and that could have just about finished me!
Sunday 5/28: I arrived at the shop early today, so that I could get my bike ready for the ride. I did not have any idea of how many people would be coming so I wanted to be ready when the riders arrived. The weather was perfect for the ride, with the temperatures in the 60's and a cloud cover overhead. I was watching as the riders were getting ready and I noticed that everyone was putting on jackets and hats and I wondered if that was a little much. We ended up with 16 riders, well short of last year's number, when we left the shop at 9:15. MaryEllen, Helen and Sue Putnam left at 9:00 to do a 25 mile ride. I had Matt Putnam lead the group out of the parking lot and over to Turners Falls. We rode at a very slow pace for the first few miles. So slow in fact, that I had to go to the front to speed things up, because the people in the rear were jamming on their brakes so often. We rolled through Montague and onto Meadow Road where we slowed things down again. The group formed a double pace line and everyone enjoyed the scenic ride along the river. As we neared the intersection of RT. 47, we came upon MaryEllen, Helen and Sue as they rode along ahead of us. I had stayed at the back of the group for most of the ride and I only rode at the front to get the riders to make a turn or ride single file. It was nice to get to ride at a more leisurely pace and I got to ride with MB and IP along with Ron Johnson, Nancy and others that I haven't ridden with in a while. After we got to Sunderland and made the turn, the sun came out and the temperature went up a little. This prompted some of the riders to take off their jackets that they had worn since the start. We rode across the bridge and into South Deerfield where we turned right onto Sugarloaf Street. Joe Brunell, Stephanie, George, and Matt rode at the front all the way to North Main Street and then they led as we crossed RT. 5&10 onto Mill Village Road. We rode down Mill Village Road and when we got to Main Street in Deerfield we were diverted to Memorial Street because of the graduation ceremonies at Deerfield Academy. At the end of Memorial Street we had to turn left onto RT. 5&10. I tried to get everyone to cross together, but Stephanie broke her chain and we almost lost a few people to the oncoming traffic. After I got the riders going again I asked George to stay and help Stephanie. He had a chain tool and I did not, so he agreed. I took off to catch up with the rest of the group and when we all were together I rode in the middle of the bunch. As we crossed the bridge I was amazed to see that Matt and several others go straight instead of turning right. I hollered to them and then took the rest of the group onto Cheapside Street. After Matt and the other riders joined me I went to the back as the route traveled to the center of Turners Falls and then over the Gill-Montague Bridge. Everyone had to stop at the traffic lights and when we got going again I rode at the back of the group. I stayed with IP as we rode up the first hill of the route, and we ended up just off the back of the rest of the riders. MB had stopped to take off his jacket as IP and I rode past him on West Gill Road. IP kept a steady pace up the hill but soon MB rode up to us. The three of us rode together until both MB and I had to make pit stops, and then had to chase back on. After taking care of business MB rode ahead of IP and I followed all the way to RT. 142 where we turned left and headed for the hill. We kept a steady pace all the way to the turn onto Pond Road where I had IP slow the pace a little, so that she would have enough energy to ride up Huckle Hill. After we made the turn onto Huckle Hill Road, I had MB take the road ahead and I stayed back to coach IP up the hill. It was a very hard effort for IP and she wasn't sure if she could do it, but I stayed by her side and kept urging her along. She used all of he strength as we snaked our way up the steep incline. After we made it past the state boundary line and she realized that she had made it, I could see that she was very pleased with her work. We caught up with MB at the top and after making sure that IP was OK, I left them behind on my rip down the hill. I took off in hope of catching the rest of the riders ahead of me, but I got back to the shop about ten minutes behind. It was a beautiful day for a ride and I am sure that this will be hard to beat!
5/29: Here is a note I received from Michelle
Hurley today.
Hi Bob,
I was on my way to Brattleboro today when I got a hankering to try
Huckle
Thanks again for the ride yesterday, that was great.
-Michelle