November 2000

Ride Page
Here You will find the reports of our exploits for the month November 2000 more or less as they happened. If you have a ride you want listed or want to submit a report of a ride you went on, please leave me a note. bikebob@crocker.com
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)

Thursday 11/2: After a cold start to the week we have had a gradual warm-up and tonight's temperature was just about perfect for our ride. We had 12 people come out for the ride to the Coke Plant. The riders included IP, MB, DTH, Mark Newton, Mark Courtermarche, Jorge, GB, Richard Rogers, Penny, Homer, Matt C., and me. We split the group up with the girls going out to the trails on Gill Road and the boys going out on the trails behind Stop&Shop. I rode at the back of the group as we made our way along the rocky trails that lead us over to the RT. 2 cross-over. The group got strung out quite a bit with myself, Mark C., Jorge, GB, and Richard riding out of sight of the rest of the crew. We re-grouped at Canada Hill and then we headed to the truck turnout. After everyone arrived at the turnout, we headed out to the swamp and then on to Five Points. We decided to head up Luke to the water tower and then re-group. Matt led the way up the Ridge Trail and soon he was out of sight of my group of four. I followed GB, Jorge, and Richard up Luke and we kept a pretty steady pace as we rode up to the rest of the group at the water tank. We left the top of the hill and headed to the power lines we then rode down the trail that has really been hacked up by the motorcycles. It was here that GB piled up last week and it was lucky that he was going slowly because he could have really gotten creamed if he wasn't. We all made our way to Red Rock and then I followed the bunch down the Chute Trail to the Messed-Up Trail. As we got further into the woods, I noticed that the trails were covered with a deep carpet of leaves. Although the leaves were not a hazard, the fact that you couldn't always see what was beneath them, was a hazard. I told my riders to take it easy and to go slowly if they felt uncomfortable with the conditions. This worked well as we made the trip to the Hill of Doom (I did not make it up tonight.) and we all paused at the top to re-group. Mark C., decided to head back to the shop after his light started to dim, while the rest of us took off for the Red Rock Road. We rode all the way up the road to the top of the power lines. I led my group up the hill to Red Rock and I was greeted there by MB and Matt. I pointed out that there were lights on top of the hill and we all headed out towards the lights. I rode at the back of the group but I passed a few riders going up and I actually ended up near the middle of the group as we crested the top of the hill. We stopped to chat with the girls for a moment and then we headed back to the top of Luke. Our plan was to meet back up with the girls at the Hill of Doom and then we would all ride back together. We planned to ride down the Secret Trail and then down to the Mud Road before re-joining the girls for the trip back to the shop. All went well until we got onto the steep section of the Secret Trail, where Richard crashed pretty hard. He actually had made it to the bottom of the hill, but he must have hit something on the trail and he went over the bars. I sent the rest of the group on ahead and I spent a couple of minutes checking Richard to see if he had broken anything. He was OK and we got him back on his bike and we rode slowly over to the rest of the riders who were waiting for us at the Hill of Doom. Richard was getting pretty sore, so I told him that we would head back to the shop. I sent the rest of the boys on another loop and Richard, myself and the girls rode out of the trails to the road. We followed the road back to the truck turnout and then we rode the trails to RT.2, where we crossed over to Gill Road. While we were riding back to the shop, IP mentioned that she felt like she could ride another lap. Go Lynn!! We arrived at the shop and further ministered to Richard's injury and a few people partook of the refreshments that remained after the last pizza party. We generally hoo-hawed for a few minutes before the boy's arrived and then we all regaled stories of the ride before heading for our homes. News Flash: Today I got a call from Richard, and he in fact, broke his collar bone. He said that the orthopedic DR. was going to look at it on Monday or Tuesday to see if he needed surgery. I hope that he does not need to get hacked.

Saturday 11/4: Today was a really warm day for early November and we had 11 riders show up for the trip. We had Tom Martyn, John Bentley, Roger Katz, Malcolm Moore, Mark Ziter come down from the frozen northlands to join us warm weather folks. Our tropical guests included, Homer, QN, Bad Bob, Shawn Manchester, Jorge and myself. We left the shop and headed over to Turners Falls in a large group, with Jorge at the front (sometimes) and myself at the rear of the group. After we crossed the river we headed south on Ave. A, all the way to Sherman Drive where we turned left and rode over to Greenfield Road. We kept the pace fairly mellow as we followed our usual route to Montague Center. The group split in two as we neared the center of town and my group kept a steady 18 mph average as we headed out of town on Leverett Road. We could see Jorge's group just ahead of us but I kept the pace down and when we got out to RT. 63 we found Jorge waiting for us. I rode up to the front to tell the riders to continue on without us, and that I would ride sweep. Jorge said that he would sweep for me and so I headed to the front of the group and we took off towards Amherst. At some point after this Jorge and Roger dropped off the back and we lost sight of them. We rode along at a 20 mph pace for most of the way, slowing slightly on the hills. I stayed at or near the front to make sure that no one missed any turns and I took several trips to the back to keep an eye on Bad Bob, so he wouldn't get dropped. The group worked very well together, considering how much crabbing the boys from the north did about the hot weather we got today. We kept our good pace up after the turn in Amherst and soon we were flying down RT. 116 at 25 mph heading towards Sunderland. We rolled up to the red traffic light in the center of Sunderland and I demonstrated the track stand at a light for the group. After the light turned green we headed over the Sunderland Bridge to Deerfield and rode up the hill to Sugarloaf Street. I stayed at the front and after we got onto N. Main Street we headed into the wind and the group started to string out a little. After we crossed RT. 5&10 I dropped back and got the bunch back together and I stayed there until we got going down the hill. I shot to the front near the bottom of the hill and I then raced with Malcolm all the way to the Bar-Way Farm where we let up and the group came back together again. We headed toward Old Deerfield and as we neared the hill into town, we could see Jorge and Roger up ahead. We caught up with them at the top of the hill and the whole group rode together out of town and back onto the highway. I rode in the front at 23 mph all the way to the Wok Restaurant and at that point Jorge came flying by me with a couple of others. I waited until they got a little ahead of me and then I charged past them just as we entered Greenfield. I let up a little and then I took the group up to Washington Street, where I sent the group ahead and I went back to get Roger and Malcolm. I rode back to the shop with them and after everyone arrived we had some refreshments before the riders left for home. It was nice to get a ride in shorts and jersey's at this time of the year.

Sunday 11/5: I drove over to Montague for the family ride today and I was met there by LB, DTH, Homer, Penny, Service, Tywor, JiT, and Kurt. It was a blustery cool day with the skies sprinkling rain off and on. We left town and rode over to the Telephone Pole Trail and we re-grouped at the top. We rode at a pretty easy pace all the way to the sofa's in the woods. Kurt and JiT had driven up to the power lines and they were going to wait for us at the end of the Toilet Bowl Trail. After all the riders were together we headed out for the Toilet Bowl Trail. I had LB and Tywor lead us on the route and soon we were all out at the power lines. JiT took the lead and we rode out for a trip to Red Rock on the power lines. JiT and Kurt took an alternate route to the brook, while the rest of us continued on the power lines to the hill. I spent a couple of minutes coaching the girls on some of the different methods that can be used when climbing a difficult hill such as this one. After that we all headed up the climb and I gave a few more tips to the crew as we made our way to the top. All of the girls did very well and I know that soon they will all be riding up this one with ease. Once we got to the top we headed down to the brook where Kurt and JiT were waiting for us. After some discussion, we split up again, with LB and Tywor leading the larger group up the Middle Road and Kurt taking JiT with him. Our plan was to meet at the bottom of Three Hills Road. I rode with Penny, Home and DTH up to the swamp and then I followed them out to the bottom of Willis Hill where Service and the two boys awaited us. It was starting to get dark so we all took off and rode to the bottom of Three Hills Road where we met up with Kurt. I then led the group through the woods to the left turn and then I took up the rear position again. At this point the boys were getting tired so Penny, Homer, Service and I took LB and Tywor on the banked trails to the Telephone Pole Trail, while DTH and Kurt took JiT with them back to the truck. When my group got to the Telephone Pole Trail, LB decided to wait for Kurt and take a ride back to town with him, while I followed the rest of the riders back down the Telephone Pole Trail to the hardtop road. We all rode easily back to our cars and then headed for home. It was a nice ride at a good pace for everyone. Before the ride left today we gave a call to MB and IP to see if they were comming. Apparently MB was unsure if we would ride and so the did not show up at the start. Next week I will plan for a sunny, 60 degree day, to ensure that he and Jorge will make the trip. After all, Homer and I have to have someone to pick on.

Tuesday 11/7: Election Day Ride! Tonight I got a quorum of voters together to register their wishes for the future of the nation. It was a landslide! Everyone should get out of their houses every week for a bike ride.
After the tally was complete we set out for a ride to reinforce our beliefs. Along for the ride to the Coke Plant was Service, Penny, IP, MB, Matt, Jorge and myself. Jorge started the evening by whining about how he broke some spokes on his wheel during last weeks ride. He later complained that the trails were all covered by leaves and he thought that we should clean them up. Hell-lo, earth to Jorge, we ride in the woods not on your kitchen floor, so keep your eyes open. After we got Jorge settled down, Matt led the ride for the boys while IP and Penny followed behind us. Our group rode to Gill road and then we crossed RT. 2 (the mud hole has dried up so we didn't get all dirty here) and soon we were at the truck turnout. We followed MB into the swamp after Matt stopped for equipment repairs. MB took us through the swamp and then up the Ridge Trail to Luke. I followed MB all the way to the water tank and then we did a loop out to the power lines and back. At this point everyone was waiting at the tank and we all took off to ride to Red Rock. I was riding behind Jorge as we began the descent when, suddenly, he tumbled over the handlebars. It seems that the dear boy hit one of the ruts left by the motorcycles and over he went. We were going pretty slowly at the time and he got up quickly, but we took it a little easy from there, all the way to the rock. When we arrived at the rock we decided to take a different route than the Chute Trail we usually do. We took a right turn off the trail and headed up the Crossover Trail to the Secret Trail. We rode all the way back down to the Ridge Trail and then down to the Mud Road. This gave everyone a chance to catch their wind after all the climbing we did. We rode along the Mud Road to the Messed-Up Trail and then out to Red Rock Road, where we were met by Penny and IP. The girls decided to call it an evening and then headed back to the shop, while MB and I led the boys over to the Hill of Doom. I rode behind Matt and MB as we made the climb up the hill and I could hear Jorge cussing as he slipped on the leaves. When he got to the top of the hill he said that he wished there had been some rain so that the leaves would get compacted. I mentioned that even if the leaves got compacted, he still wouldn't make the climb because, if it rains, the leaves would be wet and the rocks and roots would then be to slippery for him. You just can't win! Well, after that we headed out through the Apple Orchard Trail to Double Dip and then over to the Streambed Trail. We stopped to re-group at the turn and as we waited in the dark for Service to arrive, we noticed that the moonlight was sufficient enough for us to see our way, even in the woods. After Service got up to us we then headed back to the Ridge Trail on the Deer Run Trail. We then headed out through the swamp to the trails behind Lillian Street. We rode at a steady pace over to Gill Road and then we headed back to the shop. It was another beautiful, warm fall evening and we all had a great time.

Thursday 11/9: After several phone calls from Jorge, we finally settled on riding from the field at Keets Road. GB arrived at the shop a little early so I sent him, along with instructions for finding the parking place to Keets Road, and I waited at the shop for the rest of the riders to arrive. We decided to take as few cars as possible because the field is not that large, so I had some of the people ride with Homer while IP and I took the van with the bikes. We headed off for Woolman Hill, where we were to meet with GB and Jorge. When we got to the field we were greeted by the dynamic duo of GB and Jorge, who found each other after GB made several thousand drives past the field. Anyway, we arrived and unloaded the bikes and prepared to hit the trails. Along for the trip tonight was Penny, Homer, IP, DTH, Mark C., Jorge, GB, Service, Matt C., John, and myself. I led Service, GB and the girls up the Mud Mile Trail, while Jorge took the boys and rode over the ridge. My group motored up the trail and after a brief stop at the end of the trial, we headed off for the Refrigerator Trail. These trails are all uphill and the riders kept up a fairly high pace all the way to the top at Pine Nook Road, where we regrouped. At this point we still hadn't seen Jorge and his bunch so we decide to keep on going. I had brought the two way radio's tonight and I gave one to Jorge, so I knew that he could get in touch with me if he had to. We only rode a short way up the trail when I heard the sound of riders comming from behind and soon I was passed by Jorge and his trio of riders as we made our way up. The trail we were on is a connector to the road that leads to the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail and so we soon we at the intersection where we re-grouped. After the brief pause at the road we then began the ascent to the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail. Before we began all of this, I had sent Penny along the road to begin the climb, so that she would not have to deal with the rocks and leaves on the singletrack. After we made the turn onto the road we caught up with Penny as she was making her way up the hill. We offered her words of encouragement as we passed by, those of us who could still talk and ride, of course. I rode with Matt and GB all the way to the top of the hill and then I led them out to the overlook. Words cannot describe the conditions that we had tonight. It was a warm clear, moonlit night and we were all dressed in shorts and light jackets or jerseys. We stood on the edge of the rock as we awaited the rest of the riders and regaled in our good fortune. When all the riders were together I had Jorge take the lead and he headed out for the power lines. I stayed behind and rode with Penny and we got all most to the power lines when we saw the lights of the riders comming back at us. I had Penny turn around and head back towards the rock, while I waited for the last rider to pass and I took up the sweep position. I rode back to the tower with the group and then I sent them down the ski slopes at EagleBrook, while Penny and I took the road back down to the top of Refrigerator. Penny and I arrived at the trail just as the main group did and when we all were together I took most of the riders and headed down Bruiser to the Mud Mile. We stopped at the Mud Mile and said good-bye (riddance?) to Jorge and I thanked him for his help on the trip. He led the group throughout most of the evening and none of the riders reported any whining from him all night. After Jorge left we then headed down the hill on the Mud Mile and rode across the field to the vehicles. We then loaded the bikes into the van and I drove with IP back to the shop. When everyone got back, some of us decided to go out for some food, and we headed out for Goodies restaurant. We feasted on great food and generally (mostly me) harassed the employees of the establishment. It was a great time and it was a shame it had to be paused. (Good times never end, we just adjourn until the next ride!)

Sunday 11/12: It was another glorious day here in the valley and I headed over to the center of Montague to begin another of our Sunday rides. I will include a few photographic illustrations of the ride in this report. We began with a small group headed by and including IP, Penny, Kevin Neville, and myself. We left the shop and headed up the Telephone Pole Trail to the Toilet Bowl trail. We all stayed together as we rode through the forest on this warm late fall afternoon and soon we were out at the power lines. I have to tell you that Jorge was riding his cyclocross bike and we were looking to give him a challenge today. After we paused at the power lines we headed for Red Rock. I followed IP and Jorge out to the hill and as soon as they were clear I rode up the hill and over to the rock to await Kevin and Penny. From the top of the hill I could see Penny coming, but Kevin was no where to be seen. I took some shots of our group as we waited to see if Kevin was going to show up.
IP then took a shot of Jorge after he finally arrived. After it became clear that Kevin took another route (he knows the area well) we all headed off on the Swamp Road. We were waiting at the bottom of the hill for Penny to arrive, when Kevin came riding up the Middle Road, explaining that he had lost his water bottle and then took another route. Anyway, after everyone got to the swamp we then headed for the Kiabuckus Trail. Penny decided to pass on that climb and instead headed for Willis Hill Road. I led the group up the Kiabuckus Trail with Kevin following my lead. From behind me I could hear that Jorge was whining that we were not going fast enough to suit his riding skills. I picked up the speed and I could hear his voice fade as Kevin and I trooped up the hill. When we got to the top we could hear IP and Jorge comming so I took out my camera and captured the moment for all to see.
After that I decided that I better let IP take the lead, so that I could stay behind and help Jorge, if needed. We rode up to the I-H wreck and then over to the top of Willis Hill. IP arrived ahead of Jorge, after he made a "pit stop" , but I captured his arrival on disc anyway. After he arrived, we then headed down the hill to where Penny was waiting and then we rode back to the Red Rock Road following the Swamp Road to the Middle Trail. IP and Penny decided to ride back together, while I took Kevin and Jorge for a quick loop around Red Rock and then back to the Toilet Bowl Trail. We met up with the girls at the beginning of the Toilet Bowl Trail and we all rode back to the cars together. It was such a nice day that we all felt like continuing, even after riding for two hours. It doesn't get any better than this.

Thursday 11/16: Tonight's ride was held in Northfield and the event was hosted by Homer. After the shop closed at 6:00, I led a caravan of 6 cars up to the campus of NMH, where we were greeted by our hostess. We parked our cars at the Hillside dormitory and quickly got ready for our ride. Our group included Penny, Homer, QN, IP, MB, Jack, Mark Newton, MPM, GB, Jorge and myself. We were fortunate in having Mark Newton along tonight as he knows the trails very well and he was kind enough to lead the group. We set out from the parking area to Louisiana Road and we were going to re-group at the reservoir. It was a perfect evening for a ride, with cloudy skies, no wind and temperatures in the middle forties. I rode sweep and as soon as we got to the dirt Penny and I got a nice rhythm going and we began the climb to the reservoir. Penny and I arrived at the rendezvous point just as Mark was heading out with his group. After we rested for a minute we (mainly me) forced Jorge to take the lead. Our plan was to follow the blue trail and lose Jorge as soon as possible, (Oops, I meant we wanted him to be our guide.), but he missed the first turn and instead of leading he wound up at the back of the group with Penny and I. Now, Penny is a nice girl and she had no idea of the torture that was soon to be visited upon her. You see, prior to Jorge joining us, Penny and I rode quietly along the beautiful trails, enjoying the serenity of an evening in the woods. However, when Jorge joined us, he immediately started to sing. It is bad enough that he was off key and had no idea what the verse was, but he forced me to join in, simply because I wanted to drown out that horrific din comming from him and save the woodland animals from throwing themselves into the lake as they fled the cacophony that approached. This worked pretty well and when the three of us finally caught up with the rest of the group, he was warned that any further musical accompaniment would be cause for his immediate banishment. After a moments rest I diplomatically suggested that Jorge and GB lead us up the next climb. We started to climb the Cinder Road and soon we were to witness an unbelievable incident. Jorge was unable to keep up the pace with IP and QN and he started to fall behind. Just as QN and IP were about to pass him on the steeper section of the hill, he reached out and pushed QN off her bike. This nearly caused IP to fall and, in my opinion, was grounds for his banishment from the group. But cooler heads prevailed and we allowed him to continue as long as he behaved himself. Homer who also witnessed the offence, was not so forgiving, and she socked Jorge in the arm as she passed him on the hill. At that point I was sure that he got the message and so no further punishment was needed. IP led our group up the hill (she rode the entire way) to Four Corners where we waited for the rest of the riders to join us. After Mark and his bunch arrived we again split up for the ride back down to the reservoir. Mark again led the faster group which now included Jorge on a longer loop while I led the rest of the riders. In my group we now had Jack, whose battery had failed, and who was relying on GB and my lights to see. We made our way down the rocky descent without any trouble, (although I heard some grousing from GB about the directions) and soon we were back at the reservoir with Mark's bunch. At this point we decided to call in a pizza and after several tries I was able to connect to the Northfield Pizza House where we placed our order. After watching MPM do some amazing trials maneuvers on the banks of the reservoir for a while, we headed back to the cars. I offered to go get the food while Homer led everyone over to her house. By the time I got to Homer's place the group was already out of hand. It was so bad that another resident followed me to Homer's place to see what was going on. Once inside we found a large group of revelers consuming Homer's refreshments and preparing to gorge themselves on the pizza's that I brought. I assured the resident that I would keep things under control and once the feeding began she could see that I was going manage without any further assistance. I did pretty well for a while, but QN then suggested that we go watch some movies from Homer's DVD collection. MB's suggestion that we watch the Zorro trailer as well as the "Time Warp" clip from Rocky Horror was the undoing of the calm that I had brought to the party. Soon we were sitting in the darkness of Homer's living room (a bad idea if Jorge is present) watching the film roll, when the group spontaneously started to hoot, holler and dance to the music. It was bedlam! It took me quite a while to get things under control, and when I did, I decided to end the evening before the local constabulary had to be called. I thanked our hostess for her hospitality and assured her that we would help her find new employment and/or counseling if necessary. I had to carry Jorge out to his car (or whatever it is that he travels in) while guiding the rest of the party goers back out of the building. When everyone was safely on their way, I headed for home. Another one for the record books!

Saturday 11/18: Today's ride was a last minute affair due to uncertainties about the weather. It was a cloudy; cool day, but our energetic group was ready to ride at 1:00. We had Homer, QN, Shawn, Paul, Kerri, Dave Lepore and myself for what we planned to be a 25-30 mile ride. We all agreed that if it got too cold for anyone they would turn around and head back to the shop. We left Bicycles Unlimited and headed south on High Street. We rode down to Deerfield on our usual route and when we got to Old Main Street, we turned right and headed down towards the Academy. At this point Paul rode up to me from the rear of the line and said that Kerri was falling back. I looked back and I could see that Kerri was clearly not going to stay with us, so I waved goodbye to her and we then headed for Mill Village Road. Paul and I stayed at the front of the group as we climbed the hill to Lee Road where we turned right. We rode up the hill to Stillwater Road where we re-grouped at the stop sign. At this point everyone said that they were warm enough and the pace was good so we decided to continue on towards Whatley Center. We rolled along at an even 19 mph and all the riders stayed in the draft of the leaders as we crossed RT.116 and headed down Saw Mill River Road. When we got to the first hill on Newton Street, I dropped back to check on the riders in the back and when I got to QN, she said that her saddle wasn't quite right. We stopped at the top of the hill and I adjusted her saddle and retightened the bolt. I noticed that the seat bag wasn't clicking correctly at first but after a few shoves it seemed OK, so off we went down the hill. The group was led by myself and Paul and we soon were passing through the town of Whatley on our way towards Hatfield. After a few miles QN said that her saddle was much better and that she would be good for the whole ride. As we were riding along on Hatfield Street we were nearly hit by a woman in an SUV on a sharp curve in the road. I yelled to her as she whizzed by, but I sure that she didn't have a clue what the trouble was. After that the group turned onto Mountain Road and we rolled down to RT 5&10. When we all got to RT 5&10, QN suggested that we go by Jamie's house and harass him. We rode over to N. Hatfield Road and when we got to Jamie's House everyone started to yell and carry on as we passed by. It will serve him well to show up for the rides in the future! After disturbing the peace in that neighborhood, we continued on our way down to King Street. We turned onto King Street and then headed for River Road. At this point I took the lead and we found ourselves headed into a good headwind. I kept the pace at 20 mph for a while, but the group got strung out, and I backed it down to 18 mph. I rode at the front and Paul kept an eye on the group from behind. David and Shawn stayed in the middle of the group with Homer and QN. We rode along for several miles when I heard someone shout from behind. I couldn't make out what was said, so I pulled over and stopped to see what was going on. After a moment Shawn caught up with Homer and myself. He said that QN had lost her seat bag and that Paul was helping her out. We waited by the side of the road for a few minutes and when Paul caught up with us we took off towards South Deerfield. We rode along together for a while, but QN started to fall back and I dropped back to stay with her. As we neared the stop lights, I hollered up to the riders in front and I told them to keep on going and that QN and I would see them back at the shop. After we crossed RT. 116 onto Sugarloaf Street we could see the other riders up the road about a 1/4 mile ahead. They stayed at that distance all the way up N. Main Street and when we got to RT. 5&10 we found everyone waiting for us. We headed north on the RT. 5&10 and I told Paul to just keep on going if anyone fell off the pace, and that I would be the sweep. We rode a short distance, when Homer dropped back with QN to ride with me at a slower pace. We rode at 19 mph back to Greenfield, but we made a couple of stops on the way. (One stop to retrieve QN and then I stopped to pick up a seat bag that dislodged onto the roadway.) It was a nice ride and with a few cold toes and a couple of bruises we all returned with no problems. We will try to do more rides as the weather permits.

Sunday 11/19: I was met at the shop by MPM and we rode over to Montague center in the van. We were greeted there by a large group of riders who included. IP, DTH, Tywor, LB, Roxie, Kurt, Jack, James, Jorge, Penny, Kyle and Rob Lapointe. After everyone got ready we headed out of town for the Telephone Pole Trail. As we rode along, Richard and Ben Sanders pulled along beside me and asked where he could park. I got him to park at the bottom of the Telephone Pole Trail and Kurt and I helped get their bikes ready. Ben had a flat and after a couple of blown Co₂cartridges, Kurt took out his trusty pump and inflated the tire. After getting Ben going I followed the trio up the Telephone Pole Trail to the fire pit where everyone was waiting. When I arrived at the top we split the large group in two. IP led my group which included Homer, MPM, Jorge, Jack, Kyle, and Rob. We bid adieu to DTH and the other riders with the understanding that we would meet at the bottom of Willis Hill Road. IP led us out to the Toilet Bowl and although we were almost lucky enough to lose Jorge on one turn, he managed to re-join us and we headed out to the power lines. On the way Jorge let MPM try his Cyclocross bike (yep, that idiot brought the 'cross bike again). We stopped briefly at the power lines and then IP cracked the whip and off we went towards Red Rock. I made a point to allow Jorge all the room he needed to take the hill without me being in the way. He made it a few feet up the hill before he had to dismount. I, on the other hand, rode up the left side of the hill and even though I had to bushwhack across the side of the trail because of Jorge being in the way, I managed to ride the whole way to the top. When everyone was at the cross trail I again had our boy take the lead and he took off with Rob right behind him. Rob got a quick lesson on whom to follow, when a few feet up the trail, Jorge drove straight into a gully, which promptly sent the dear boy right over the handlebar. I just shook my head as I passed him and headed up the hill. If he had a mountain bike he could have ridden out of that hole! Anyway, I continued up the Swamp Road with MPM and we rode out to the swamp, where we waited for the rest of the group to arrive. When everyone arrived IP and Homer decided to ride up the Kiabuckus Trail, in part because they wanted to, and in part to see if Jorge could do it. Well everyone made it to the top and soon we were heading down the other side of the ridge. We rode across the middle of the hill and then up the back side to the top of Willis Hill. MPM, myself, Rob and Jorge then rode to the bottom and back up to the top of the hill. MPM and I made it all the way with Rob making it to the root near the top. Jorge, on the other hand took it upon himself to try and race me up the hill and he made it a quarter of the way before he hit a large gully and stopped. It was his usual complaint; "Bob was in my way." but no one way buying that malarkey. After a few moments at the top of the hill I led IP and Homer to the bottom and then along Willis Hill Road to where the rest of the riders were waiting for us. After a brief discussion we decide to spit up again, with my group heading back over Red Rock and Curt taking the larger group out along the banked trails. I told Jorge to take the lead so that he would be able to speed along without my interference, but he insisted that he wanted to follow my line instead. Well, I didn't want to argue as it was getting late, so off I went with psychocross-boy right behind me. I rode along at a good clip and all went well for a while, but suddenly, I heard an "Oh S - - t" from behind. I turned around and I saw psychoidiot lying in a heap in the middle of the trail. When I got back over to where he landed, he had gotten up and MPM was trying to get a huge log out of his front wheel. The first thing he said was "Your wheel popped that log into me.", and then he went on to whine about the fact that he had several broken spokes. Like that was my fault! It was very fortunate for him to have a large group of witnesses there, because they caused me to re-think retaliation. Well, we finally got him going and he and MPM followed the rest of us out of the woods and back up over Red Rock. We rode to the sand pit and then we followed the usual route back to the Telephone Pole Trail. We kept the pace going as it was starting to get dark, and we all made it to Turners Falls Road, just at dusk. After everyone was safely back to the road, MPM, Rob and I took a scenic route through the meadow and then back to the center of town. It was another fun ride on a very nice late fall day.

Tuesday 11/21: Burr; It's cold outside! Tonight was a clear cold night and we had a large group of energetic riders show up for the trip to the Coke Plant. Joining me was Service, IP (who already put up all her Christmas decorations), MB, Jack, Mark Newton, Penny, Homer, Jorge and Scott LeClerc. It was 32 degrees when the troops left the shop and headed for Gill Road. I took the lead and kept the pace pretty steady as we rode to the highway crossing. I had warned the riders earlier that they would do well if they did not ride too fast at the start of the trip, because if you overheat, you will freeze on the way back to the shop. I had also cautioned them about over dressing, and how it is better to be a little cool to begin with and then warm up as you ride along. I have found that when I ride at the front of the group it is hard for me to know what is going on behind me, so I had to stop a couple of times to make sure that the pace was good for everyone. When we arrived at the truck turnout there was only five of us and so I decided to keep on going. I knew that we would catch up with the rest of the riders somewhere along the trail. I headed over to the swamp where I found the first brook crossing to be somewhat icy. My front tire slid out as I tried to cross and I had to dismount, but I quickly got going again. I led the troops on a trip up Luke Skywalker and out to the power lines. We rode down to Red Rock and then down to the Streambed Trail. I turned onto Deer Run Trail and headed back over to the Secret Trail. We rode up the Secret Trail and then crossed over to Luke again. We then did a repeat of the first lap and ended up at Red Rock where everyone else was waiting for us. At this point we all joined up for a ride down to the Hill of Doom. I followed IP and Homer down the hill and tried to keep Jorge from smashing into Homer as we made our way past Jacks Pond. I took over the lead at the bottom of the Hill of Doom and rode up the leaf covered trail without difficulty. I waited at the top for everyone to arrive and then I asked IP which way she wanted to go. She said that she wanted to do the Streambed all the way to the top again, so I said "lead on girly" and off we went. I stayed behind Homer on the first part of the hill, but I decided to pass when the group got too bunched up behind her and IP. I took my time riding up the hill and after getting to the top I did another lap out to the power lines and back across the Crossover Trail to the top of Luke. When all the riders had arrived we set out down Luke to the Secret Trail behind IP. some of us missed the turn to the secret trail and had to turn back, but we all made it down the hill and back to the Ridge Trail where we re-grouped again. I sent everyone on ahead and I stayed back with Scotty and Penny. We rode behind the larger group over to the swamp and when we got to the Coke Plant I sent everyone except Penny over to the trails behind Lillian Street. Penny and I then rode back to the truck turnout and down the trail to the big hole. I posted myself there to alert the riders of the danger and then I sent Penny across the highway. After all the riders had safely passed my position, I headed back across the highway myself and I re-joined everyone for the ride back to the shop. Although this was the coldest night we have had this year, all the riders did very well. There were a few cold fingers and toes, but all in all, we had no difficulty with the low temperatures. When we got back to the shop, all the riders came inside briefly to warm up before heading back to their homes and I then closed up and went home.

Friday 11/24: Brrr! It was a really cold day today and I knew that tonight's ride was going to be an artic adventure. I arrived at Homer's house at 6:30 with a caravan of three cars following me. Jorge greeted us at the door to Gould and soon everyone was getting dressed for the trip. I explained that MB and IP would not be joining us tonight due to the frigid temperatures, but we had Jorge, Homer, Scott, Penny, Jack and myself to carry the torch anyway. After a short time we set out for the trails on Louisiana Road. We rode at a slow pace up the paved road to the dirt section, so that we could preserve our body heat. Once on the dirt road Homer and I followed Jack up the hill to the reservoir where we waited a few minutes for Jorge's group to arrive. As soon as all the riders joined us, I told the group that we had to keep moving to stay warm so we quickly headed off on the snowmobile trail. I again followed Jack up the trail and we were the first to the top of the hill where we shut off our lights to await the rest of the riders. We took a few moments to look at the sky above us and it seemed to be filled with stars. After several minutes the rest of the riders joined us and I then made the call to the Northfield Pizza House to order the food. After the food was ordered, Homer mentioned that she thought that MB didn't come out tonight because he wanted to eat all the shrimp and pinwheels himself, so I made a second telephone call. MB wisely decided not to answer as he would have been unable to speak through the mouthful of shrimp. After the call our group headed down the hill to Four Corners. All of the riders were able to stay warm despite the 16 degree weather, due to the fact that there was no wind and we rode at a slow, steady pace. From Four Corners we rode down the hill and back to Homer's house, where we feasted on the pizza and Homer's beer.

Tuesday 11/28: It was pretty mild day for the end of November and we had a large group show up for the trip to the Coke Plant. Joining me for the ride was IP, MB, Kurt, Penny, Homer, Jorge, Mark Newton, Matt C., LP, Jack and Service. It is always difficult to know what to wear at this time of the year, because of the changes in temperatures. One day it is freezing cold and the next day it is warm. I advised some of the riders that it is better to go out a little cool and warm up on the trail, than to overdress and then have to take off a layer. I had on just a polypropylene undershirt, a long sleeved jersey and a pair of tights over my shorts. I knew that I was going to be just fine with this, but I also brought a wind shell and extra gloves in case I needed them. We headed out for the trails in two groups with Matt C. leading my bunch and IP leading the other group. I stayed near the back of the bunch as we made our way along the trails behind Stop&Shop. When we got to the top of the first hill, I found myself riding with a group of four, and the rest of the riders were out of sight. I decided to take a shortcut over to Canada Hill so that we would all be together at the highway crossing. When all the riders got to Canada Hill I sent them on ahead, while I helped Kurt with his light. Kurt and I caught up with the group on Gill Road and we all crossed the highway together. MB was at the front of the group and when he went to cross the stink hole, he found the water frozen over. The ice was about an inch thick and MB got about half way across when the ice gave way. He slid over to the side of the hole and managed to get a foot down on solid ground. Jack, on the other hand was not so lucky. He fell right in and was soon soaked in the stinky water. He was not a happy camper! Most of the riders who crossed after those two got at least one foot wet trying to ride through the ice filled puddle. (Not me, of course!) My group rode up to the truck turnout where I decided to take a less watery route to the trails. I had Matt C. take us across the field to the Mud Road where we turned right and headed over to the Streambed Trail. Jorge was whining about the mud and the fact that we were riding on just flat trails. I reminded him that we would soon be heading up and that he had better be in front of me at the top or else! Matt took the Streambed Trail and I followed Jack as we started to climb the hill to Red Rock. Jack was having trouble with his shifting and I passed him about half way up the hill. I caught up with Jorge and MB and soon we were at Red Rock where Matt and the rest of the bunch were waiting. I sent Matt on ahead and I followed MB up the power lines to the water tank. When we got to the tank Jorge told me that Jack had decided to hook up with IP's group. I directed Matt to take the Secret Trail down to the bottom and then take Luke back up to the water tank again. I took up the third position in the line so that I could direct Matt if necessary and I rode down the hill to the turn. I directed all the riders to Luke and then I followed Jorge. Big mistake! As I came around the corner to start the climb up Luke, Jorge did a flop into the middle of the trail. There was no way to get around him and I had to dismount. After running past him (a la cyclocross) I hopped on my bike and caught up to MB, whom I followed to the top of the hill. After I made the turn to go up to the water tank I saw Jorge take the shortcut to Red Rock, so I rode to the tank and re-joined the rest of the boys. I sent the riders out to the power lines and I headed out behind Kurt. MB was following me as we rode to the top of the hill, and as we started for the descent, I heard him crash. I slowed and asked if he was OK and he said that he was alright, so I went on down to Red Rock where everyone was waiting. Matt asked me which way I thought he should go and I told him that it didn't matter, as long as he was riding, any direction was good. After everyone had headed down the hill I followed them to the Hill of Doom. I rode all the way to the last root section near the top and then I spun out and had to walk the rest of the way. When I got up to the next trail, MB, Jorge and Service were waiting for me and we all followed MB over to the Orchard Trail. MB then took us bushwhacking through some god awful trail that led us to nowhere. I then took over and I had him follow me back out to the Mud Road. We briefly met up with IP and her crew, who were on their way to the Streambed Trail, as we made our way over to Ankle Breaker. I led the boys up the hill and we turned onto the Deer Run Trail. At the end of the Deer Run, I turned to head up to the Secret Trail and I notice that only Jorge was behind me. (If that isn't a scary thought, I don't know what is!) Anyway, I yelled back down the trail and MB responded, so I waited near the top. When MB got up to us he said that Service had dropped back. I then headed up the Secret Trail to Double Death and then we rode down to the Deer Run Trail again. When we got there we found everyone standing around waiting for LP to repair the chain on Service's bike. It seem that when we made the turn onto Ankle Breaker, he snapped his chain and LP came along to help him fix it. After we got Service rolling again, we all headed down the hill and we followed LP out of the trails and back down the power lines to the RT. 2 crossover. I waited at the hole and after all the riders passed me, I rode across the highway and the entire group rode back to the shop. It was nice to have a bonus day of warm temps, it gives us a feeling of spring, in the winter.

Thursday 11/30: Well that's it for November 2000! This was your last chance to ride in November 2000 with Jorge, and most of you blew it! The lucky few that showed up for the trip to Deerfield included myself, Homer, Service and Mike Szteliga. When we arrived at the parking spot we found Jorge, limping around and moaning about his having just smacked into a tree on the way to meet us. I warned him that if he damaged any of the vegetation, the land owner might sue him. We all got our bikes out of the van and after a few more minutes of listening to Jorge whine and groan I checked him out to see if there was anything broken or if he was just looking for sympathy. Yep, sympathy, so I told him to "buck up" and we got ready to head out. As usual, Jorge tried to get the group to commit suicide by following a bizarre route that only he knew, but we are now much smarter than that and we beat him into submission. We were treated to perfect weather as we left the field off Keets Road and began the ride up The Mud Mile. I led the group on the ride up the hill and then we had to discuss the next route with Jorge for twenty minutes. I just decided to take any route, rather than spend the rest of my life yakking with Jorge, so off we went to ride up Bruiser to Pine Nook Road. When we got to the road we headed up the singletrack to the Deerfield Academy cross country trail. I like this route, as it is easy to follow and except for a couple of difficult sections, the trail is great. When we got to the end of the trail, I let Jorge lead us up a nearby road to a trail that he knew. As is his habit, he got to the top of the road and promptly got lost. Fortunately I knew where the road was and after Jorge got himself out of the brush that he tried to ride through, we were back on the trail. We ended back on the trail that we began on and we all rode down to Pine Nook Road. Jorge said goodbye and headed for home, with well wishes from all of us. I led the rest of the riders back down Bruiser to the Mud Mile and back to the van. It was a really nice ride and everyone was able to stay warm and dry.