bikebob@crocker.com

Monday 11/1: Today I rode with the kids from NMH. We met at the gymnasium on another unusually warm fall day and headed out for the Cinder Road. This is a long, steep climb up to the four corners, that for the most part is a washed out Jeep road. Along for the ride were 13 students as well as the 3 coaches and myself. Craig rode ahead of the group and took pictures of us as we made our way up the last section of the climb. When we finally got Mark "Chalupa" to the top with us, I gave him my bike to ride, and I took his to see if there was a problem with his gears. After we got going, I found the last few cogs to be worn pretty badly, and I advised him that he will need to get his chain and cassette replaced.  "Chalupa" wanted to continue on my bike and I agreed, since he went from being dead last to riding in the middle of the group. I followed the last rider as we made our way down the Blue Trail past where Craig "Ansel Adams" Hefner was waiting to get a few shots as we past him on the trail. When we were near the last descent we had two mechanical failures. One boy broke his chain and another got a stick in his derailleur and snapped it right off. We fixed the chain for one boy and removed the broken derailleur for the other boy and in so doing, his bike became a coaster. This was not much of a problem since it was down hill nearly all the way. After we arrived back at the school, I provided  some cupcakes (made by Edie) that were left over from the Halloween party, as well as some of the apples grown on my tree. I then began a look over of the bikes and made a few repairs to some of the bikes and took the really broken ones back to the shop with me.

Tuesday's ride was canceled due to rain.

Thursday 11/4: I was getting ready for tonight's ride when I got a call from MPM. It seems that he had misplaced his "Mister Roboto" the other day and he was calling to see if he left it at the shop. I looked around and told him that the device was nowhere to be seen and he said that if he found it he would join us on the trails. Tonight was Lynn's first ride on her "new" bike (she test rode it last week) that Kris gave her. After a few last minute adjustments, she and the rest of the riders were ready to roll. Also joining us for the trip to the Coke Plant was Todd, Matt P., and John Friends. We left the shop and headed over to Gill Road on a chilly 35 degree clear night. After we crossed over RT.2 we rode through the little puddle (which stinks unbelievably) and then up to the turnout where we regrouped. Matt led the group as we rode in through the swamp and onto the ridge trail. The trails are now covered with a thick layer of leaves due to the recent rain/wind storm and this makes the going somewhat slippery. We all had some difficulties with negotiating the trail as we climbed Luke Skywalker, with most people having to dab once or twice on the rocks or roots, as we made our way to the water tank. From the tank we headed over to the power lines and then down the road to Red Rock. I stayed back to give some pointers to Lynn as she was getting used to riding a new bike and I wanted to make sure that she did well. (She did!) When we got to the top of the rock everyone except Kris and I rode down Red Rock Road to Jack's Pond, while Kris led me down the Chute Trail. Kris did very well going down the hill, but he crashed just before the turn and tumbled over his handlebars into a pile of leaves. He jumped to his feet, shook off the leaves and we soon were heading down the trail to join the rest of the bunch. After we made it the pond, we could hear a familiar voice in the woods above us, and sure enough, it was MPM. He found his arm brace and he managed to catch us just as we were about to climb the Hill of Doom. Most of the riders made it up the hill but I slipped on the root near the top of the hill and walked to the rest of the riders waiting at the top. We followed Matt as he took us on the trail near the road and the over to Double Dip. MPM and the rest of us rode up the Streambed Trail behind Matt and Todd all the way to Red Rock, where Todd made a wrong turn onto the crossover trail. I hollered to Todd and when he turned to rejoin us he slipped on a hidden root and twisted his saddle. As we were straightening it the rest of the riders joined us and when we were done, we headed up the power lines to the water tank. When we got to the water tank, Kris and Lynn came up the trail from the crossover trail, they didn't want to climb the power lines again so they opted for a shorter route. After a brief discussion we decided to ride over to the Double Death by heading down the Secret Trail. I as well as most of the other riders did not make it up the hill, but Todd and Matt did and after a brief rest we headed back up the other end of the Secret Trail to the top of Luke Skywalker. We rode down Luke and then back to Five Points, and as soon as everyone was ready we headed out to the Lillian St. trails and then across RT. 2 and back to the shop. It was a nice ride and everyone felt pretty comfortable, although some people got a little chilly near the end of the ride.

Saturday 11/6: I will await a report from Ms. Lynn, as to the ride that Becky and Steve led from The Body Shoppe, and post it as soon as I receive it.

Sunday 11/7: It was a chilly, 40 degree morning, with the wind blowing briskly from the northwest as I arrived at the shop for the road ride. I was greeted by John Hahn, who was waiting in the parking lot, and soon we were joined by the Spanbauer's. After a few minutes to get ready and a couple more minutes just to make sure that we didn't miss anyone, we left for our thirty mile trek. I led the group as we rode down High St. and then over to Wisdom Way, via Olive and Mill Streets. as we climbed up the hill to the fairgrounds, John dropped back and was soon out of sight. I rode back to him and he said that we should continue on, as he was tried and he would just head back by himself. I caught up with Jack and Nancy and we headed out towards the Stillwater Bridge. Nancy chose to climb the Stillwater Road hill, so we turned right after crossing the bridge and up we went. Once we got to the top, we headed over to Lee Rd. and onto Mill Village Rd. At this point we had a nice tailwind and we soon were flying down North Main St. heading for Sugarloaf St. and then to RT. 116. We turned left onto RT.116 (after stopping for the red light) and then we blew down to Sunderland, where we turned onto RT. 47 and into the teeth of a raging headwind. I rode at the front and tried to give draft to Nancy and Jack, but it is difficult with only the three of us, to be very effective. We turned onto Falls Road and we really got hit with the wind. The pace dropped and soon we were just barely rolling along. I dropped back to give a tow to Jack and when he caught up to me, I noticed that he had blood in his mouth. At first I just assumed that he snatched a robin in flight, as an energy snack, but soon we discovered that in his effort to keep a stiff upper lip, he inadvertently bit his lower lip, hence the blood flow. After Nancy and I ministered words of comfort and healing to the dear boy, we headed off towards Montague Center. We encountered a brisk headwind as we rode past the farms on Meadow Road and although Nancy and I did OK, my buddy Jack had a hard time fighting the breeze. We rode up the hill past the Book Mill and after we turned onto Turners Falls Road, we got hit with an even stronger headwind. This just about finished off Jack. It was bad enough that he had to keep up with me and Nancy, but dealing with that wind was the last straw. I pulled along aside of Jack and gave a hand so that he wouldn't hate me for nearly killing him. We all got to the top of the Third Street hill together and I told Jack that it was all down hill from here, but he knew enough local geography to not let my remarks encourage a false sense of relief, and with that we all made the trek through downtown Turners Falls and then UP the hill on Greenfield Road and back to the shop. Although Jack wasn't interested in doing the night ride tonight, he promised to keep going with the road rides as long as I do. Go Jack!! 
Our ride for tonight was the last 5:00 ride we will have for a while. I will schedule next weeks event for 3:00 in the afternoon. Tonight I was joined by Donna "the Hon", Curt, Doug, Billy, and Pete for a ride up to the plains. We rode from the center of town on a 28 degree evening and we headed up the Telephone Pole Trail. Once everyone got to the top, we split into two groups, with Donna, Billy and myself heading out to the Toilet Bowl Trail while the rest of the crew took a longer route. After we got to the meeting place we shut off our lights to wait for the other riders and while we waited we saw light from some other riders off in the distance, but since it was dark we couldn't identify them. After Curt, Doug and Pete arrived we headed off to the Middle Trail and the climb up to the swamp. Billy was starting to complain about the trail conditions as we got into the muddy sections of the hill. Donna and I followed Curt and Doug as we rode up the very slippery rocks to the swamp. After Donna and I got to the big puddle near the top of the hill, we waited for Billy and Pete to join us. As they started across the puddle, both Pete and Billy fell in and got pretty wet. After that, Billy started to complain about the mud and slippery leaves and I felt that it would be best for us to start back, as he was getting cold. After I got Billy to the top of the hill, where the other riders were waiting, we headed up the Kiabuckus Trail to the I-H wreck. After Billy and Pete got up to the wreck, we headed down the trail with the intent of meeting at the top of the ridge. But on one of the descents, Billy crashed and Donna and I rushed back to see if he was OK. He was, but that was the end of his riding down hills tonight, because after that he complained that certain parts of his male anatomy were in a bruised condition and he was afraid that he would not be able to use this part of his manhood, if you know what I mean. I sent the rest of the crew on ahead and I rode with Billy, listening to an endless barrage of questions about what might happen to his former, well functioning apparatus. I spent the rest of the ride reassuring him that he will be all right, as we followed the other riders back out the banked trails to the power lines and then down the Telephone Pole Trail. Once we got to the road we made our way back to the cars and after that Billy felt that he was going to heal up in time for our next trip. Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride in spite of the aforementioned difficulties, and we will do it again next week. Tonight was a special ride for Donna as she got her new bike given to her by Curt just before we left. She got a new K2 Razorback frame and judging by her riding tonight, I think she will really enjoy this for a long, long time.

Tuesday 11/9: It was an unseasonably warm evening as the riders assembled for our trip to the Coke Plant at 6:00. Along for the jaunt was Todd, Kris, Lynn, Jesse, Matt C., Mick and myself. I rode over to the trails via Gill Road with Lynn, Mick and Jesse, while Todd, Kris and Matt headed over on the trails behind Stop&Shop. My crew headed into the trails on the race course and we headed to the Ridge Trail after we passed Five Points. (Jesse noted that there are actually seven trails, which is due to the hacking up of the area by the motorcyclists.) At this point I warned the riders about the fallen leaves on Luke Skywalker and that everyone should use care riding on the rocks. I followed Lynn and Jesse onto Luke, but passed them when they got off on the rocks. I rode up a little further and passed Mick and then I rode to the water tank and did a couple of laps around it while the other riders made their way to the tank. After everyone arrived, we set out for the power lines and Red Rock. I rode with Lynn as we followed Jesse and Mick to the rock, and after a brief stop I took Jesse and Mick down the Messed Up trail, while Lynn rode all the way to the bottom of the hill on the road. We all rode to the bottom of Hill of Doom together, but I went up the hill first and then circled around for a second try, since I didn't make it the first time. After missing my goal the second time, I rejoined the group as they waited for me near the fire pit. At this point, I observed the other three riders coming down the hill towards us, and I rode over to tell them that we would meet them at Five Points. Soon I was leading my group over to Double Dip, and after making it the top, Mick and I turned onto an adjoining trail to do another loop over the dip. After going over the top a second time, we headed off to catch Jesse and Lynn. I caught up with Lynn on the Streambed climb and she indicated that she was ready to start heading back to Five Points. We turned left at the half way point and rode over to Ankle Breaker, and then down to the Mud Road. We did a loop all the way past Jack's Pond and back along the race course route and finally we climbed back up Ankle Breaker. We rode past Double Death and then up to the Ridge Trail and finally we rolled down to Five Points where Matt was waiting for us. Matt had abandoned the last climb up Double Death as his light was fading. After a few minutes, we were joined by Kris and Todd and we all headed out for the shop on the Lillian St. trails. It was a wonderful evening and the warm weather has made this one of the nicest fall seasons we have ever had.

Wednesday 11/10: Today I waited for Kris to show up for the ride, but by 2:00 I could hold out no longer, and I left for a 25 mile trip. I rode through Turners Falls and up the Third St. hill and out to Montague center. I had a full on headwind all the way and I struggled to keep a 17mph average and I only got a respite when I got to the hills in Sunderland. I rode through the center of town and turned right and rode up RT.116 to RT. 5&10  where I turned right and headed towards the shop. It was nice to have a brisk tailwind and my speed improved to 25 mph and I breezed into Greenfield and back to the shop. I ended up with a 21 mph average for the trip. It was another warm (70 degree) day and I do not think we will see too many more of these.

Hi Bob,
    Hey, the 15 watt headlamp worked just great. At Northfield I entered at 4:30 up the yellow trail to the blue. Left over to the reservoir. By now it was dark and progress without light was not possible. Went up the snow mobile trail to 4 corners. Interestingly enough, the route to 4 corners did not seem as long or hard in the dark....Then up cinder road to yellow trail and at top, cut over to blue. Then all the way down blue and around to cinder road and across and back. It was fantastic. While riding I experimented with various combinations and the head lamp was the best, although I did notice how the handlebar spot did show up the dips in the trail better. For now, I'll stick to the headlamp and maybe add a 15 watt spot later. One thing the handlebar spot does while going uphill is show just how much one wobbles back and forth ! A lot of wasted energy there. Several times up near the top, I shut off the lights and just looked and listened to the silence. Very nice. Came by today to return the lights, but .... will bring them in Monday.
bikebob@crocker.com writes: I will be riding on Tuesday and Thursday night. 
Hughes: I do not teach this Thursday and will try to come down to ride. Where do you think you will go ?
bikebob@crocker.com writes: I will also be riding >next Sunday at 2:00 in the afternoon. Let me know if this works for everyone. If I do not hear from anyone about the ride I will be doing a ride in Northfield next Sunday.
Hughes: Hey, count me in for Northfield on Sunday. Is this the ride you mentioned that you did last year ?
Bob, thanks a million for your support and help with all this. It feels good and now I really feel back into it. Future wants and needs : rain jacket, winter shoes, winter riding jacket, another pair of baggies. The bike continues to amaze me !
see ya,
Hughes Pack
Astronomy Teacher - Northfield Mount Hermon School; Northfield, Massachusetts (2 hours west of Boston)

Thursday 11/11: It was a chilly night and I was ready to ride at 6:00 when John Friends showed up and asked that I assist him with his lights. As I was making some adjustments to the lights I noticed that his handlebars were bent and upon further inspection I discovered that his bar ends were also damaged. So, to make a long story; short, I spent the next hour getting John hooked up with new equipment. Although John went out for a ride, I didn't have enough time, so I headed for home.

Saturday 11/13: I was ready for the ride today, as there may not be too many more 50 degree days left this year, and when six riders showed up to join me I pumped. Along for the toot was Big Al, Georgie Boy, Uncle Mic, Tom Terrific, George Crowe, and Mark. Everyone except for Mark, wanted to take it easy so I set the target pace to be at an average of 17 mph. We left the shop and headed for Deerfield, using our usual Hope St route. I stayed at the front as we rolled down RT. 5&10 and kept the pace reasonably near the goal, but when we turned onto Main St. in old Deerfield, Tom and Mark the pace suddenly went up to 22 mph. As soon as I realized what had happened, I sprinted to the front and got things under control again. We rode down Mill Village road and up the hill to RT. 5&10, where we took a right. As we climbed the hill, I was challenged by Mark, and after I ripped up the hill Mark and I were off the front, so we slowed the pace until the group got back together. As we rode down towards Whately, Big Al passed me on the left and shot up to the front. I took this as a sign from god, seeing that he didn't get picked off by a bargain crazed Yankee Candle shopper in a SUV, so I had him ride point. We glided past the diner and headed for Hatfield with Big Al leading the way. As we got to LaSalle's corner, Uncle Mic came up and he and Al led us into the city of Hatfield. Mark was getting antsy at this point and he took a flyer off the front to see if any of the "old boy's" would bite, but no luck form this crowd, so I flew up to him, and sent him down to NoHo to get some extra mileage.  After Mark was down the road we turned left onto N. Hatfield Rd. and at this point I got to spend a few special moments with Georgie. We rode together regaling our past exploits and soon we made the turn onto King St. I hadn't had much chance to ride with George today because he was riding his toy "Friday" bike and those tiny, tiny little wheels scare me. After we made it to River Road, I had the other George take a turn with me at the front as we headed back towards So. Deerfield. As we rode back I kept thinking that Mark would catch up with us, but as we got to the end of River Road, it became apparent that Mark was going to finish solo. The group rode across RT. 116 and then down Sugarloaf St. to North Main St. where we got a police escort across RT. 5&10 and back onto Mill Village Road.  The troops were getting a little short on energy so I slowed things up as we rolled down Main St in Old Deerfield. With my usual expert timing we managed to squirt everyone across RT. 5&10 as we made the turn for home. I took the lead and we quickly made it across the Cheapside Bridge and onto Washington Street, where we backed the pace down. At this point I dropped back to the end and rode back to the shop with Big Al. This was a great ride and everyone seemed to enjoy it and I hope to do it again next week.

Sunday 11/14: No ride today due to rain.

Tuesday 11/16: I did my first Spinning class tonight at 4:30 at the Body Shoppe. The class was led by Janice Bergeron, and I can tell you that it is quite a workout. Anyway, after I caught my breath, I headed back to the shop to await the start of the night ride. I was joined tonight by MPM, Dave M., Alex, Mick and Matt Chickering. It was really cold tonight, around 28 degrees, but we dressed warmly and headed out at 6:00 for a trip to the Coke Plant. I led the way as we rode the trails behind Stop&Shop and soon we were climbing the "New Trail" and on our way to the top of Canada Hill. After everyone got to the road, I headed out for Adams Road, with the crew right behind. We rode up Silvio Conte Dr. and entered the trails behind the guardrails. We rode up the Ridge Trail and then onto Luke Skywalker and we rode at an even tempo all the way up and over to the water tank. We stopped briefly to wait for Mick to catch up and soon as he caught his breath, we headed out for the power lines. It was pretty chilly as we rode down the open trail that leads to Red Rock. After another brief stop, we headed down the Chute Trail and then down the Messed Up Trail and over to the Hill of Doom. I did not make it all the way up to the top, but I was glad to make it most of the way. MPM on the other hand had to retry after the miss on the first attempt. He made it and soon we were all headed over to Double Dip. Mick said that he would meet us over at Five Points if he wasn't able to keep up. After we got to the Streambed trail I directed the crew to ride all the way back to the top and then we were going to take the Crossover Trail back to the top of Luke. After I got to the top of Luke, I discovered that Mick had dropped off and was no where to be seen, so I assumed that we would meet him at Five Points. I led the remaining riders down the Secret Trail and then down Double Death to Ankle Breaker. We looped back up the hill and then we took the Ridge Trail back to Five Points. After we waited a few minutes, and there was no sign of Mick or any lights in the woods, we decided to head back to the shop and see if he was there. Dave and MPM peeled off and took a trip up onto Rock Ridge and then back to MPM's house. After Alex, Matt and I got back to the shop and there was no Mick, I locked up the place and went out looking for him. After I drove down Gill Road I spotted Mick's light shining thorough the forest, so I pulled up on the side of the road and waited for him to cross RT. 2. After making sure he was OK, I gave him a ride back to the shop where he got his car and he headed for home. After I checked the shop for any leftover tasks I soon was headed for my house. We have seen a dramatic drop in women riders lately, maybe it is the cold, or maybe there aren't enough women riders, but whatever the reason we hope to see some of the "girls" back before the snow flies. Miss May and Lynn...where are you!!

Thursday 11/18: I did another Spinning Class today at 12:15. It was led by Steve Shattuck and we had Corrine, Bob Sagor, Phil, and myself. I over did it again and by the time Steve got to the end of the class I was pretty whipped. I will have to tone it down if I am going to keep this up for very long.
    Tonight's ride left the shop at about 6:15  and we had MPM, Dave, Matt C., Vinnie, Donna "the Hon", Kris, Lynn, John Friends and myself. Kris took the girls and headed over to the Coke Plant down Gill Rd, while I rode with the rest of the guys on the trails behind Stop&Shop. I still did not make it to the top of the New Trail as the leaves are pretty deep and I keep slipping on the rocks underneath. After we got to Canada Hill, we decided to ride down Gill Rd. and onto the trails by crossing RT. 2. As we got to the circle I noticed that John and Dave had fallen back so I sent MPM, Matt and Vinnie on through the swamp while I waited for Dave and John. We chose to go in on the race route to Five Points and then up the Ridge Trail to Luke. We rode at an even tempo and I could see the light of the following trio as I made my way up the hill to the water tank. As I go to the top of Luke I saw lights coming at me from the Crossover Trail. It was Kris and crew making their second trip to the tank. We stopped briefly and Lynn and Donna blew by us and out to the power lines. I jumped on behind them with the rest of the bunch following me. We rode down to Red Rock and then we split up again. Vinnie and the two girls went down the road while the rest of us rode the Chute Trail over to the Messed Up Trail. My bunch flew down the trails and passed Jack's Pond on our way to the Hill of Doom. Since the girls got to the bottom of the hill first, they took the lead on the assault, with the rest of us making our attempts after they got up to the top. I followed Dave Minor as he made his way up the hill and unlike Tuesday night, I made it to the top. After another brief stop we headed for Double Dip and we sort of followed MPM and Kris through the lower trails near the road, with several people taking  different routs to the dip. I ended up following Kris over the top of the dip and then I took off to catch the rest of the riders ahead. I left word with Kris that he should head over to Double Death and we were going to ride all the way to the top of the Streambed Trail and the up to the Crossover Trail. After everyone got to the top of Luke, we headed down the Secret Trail and just as we got the junction of Double Death, we met Kris, Lynn and Donna as they made it to the top. We all headed down to the Ridge trail and finally met at Five Points. After a poll of the riders we decided to ride out on the trails behind Lillian St. and then we Crossed over RT. 2 to Gill Road. I rode back to the shop with Kris and the girls at a pretty mellow pace and we joined the others back at the shop. It was a chilly night, (about 40 degrees) but it was a really enjoyable evening. MPM and a few others headed to El Sabroso for dinner while I headed for home to write this report.

Saturday 11/20: What's up with the weather? Here it is the end of November and we are going out on our road bike in shorts. I planned a ride for 1:00 and I expected a large group to show up. I wasn't disappointed as eleven people arrived, due in no small part to the unseasonably warm temperatures. Along for the ride was Clair Sagor, Lynn, Nancy, Becky, Steve, Dave M., Joe Mardeusz, Todd, Rob Lapointe, Bob Sagor, Jack, and me. I selected a route to the south as I knew that the wind would be blowing from that direction. We left the shop and headed over to Turners Falls on Greenfield Rd. We turned left after crossing the river and we continued up the Third ST. hill to Scotty's Store. I rode on ahead because I had to stop to make an adjustment to my bike and after the group passed ahead of me I jumped in behind. After Scotty's we took a right onto Montague Rd. and we were hit with a pretty good headwind coming straight at us. I could see that with the exception of Bob Sagor, everyone was working hard, so I went to the front to pull the group through the worst of it. After we got to the center of Montague I again drifted back and rode in the middle of the bunch. We made it down Leverett Road and after a quick polling of the riders it was decided that we would all head down RT. 63 towards Amherst. The group made the left turn onto RT. 47 and then the right onto RT. 63 and we were once again battling the wind. I rode back to the front as we began to climb the hill. Todd and I doubled up and tried to pull the group to the top, but we only succeeded in splitting the pack up, so I dropped back and Todd took the majority of the group on ahead. I drifted back to the remaining riders and rode at the front, to block the wind for them. The group that I was with, never lost sight of Todd and his bunch. We stayed at about a quarter of a mile behind all the way down RT. 63 past the golf course. We finally caught up with Todd after we made the right turn onto Cowles Ave. We rode at the back of that group all the way out to RT. 116, where we were swept right up to them by a brisk tailwind. Up to this point we had kept a 16 mph average, but with the wind at our backs, everyone was breezing along at 20 mph. We rode down RT. 116 in a double pace line and as we passed through the lights in the center of Sunderland the group decided to forgo River Road, and all of the hills, and instead take the flatter South Deerfield route home. We crossed the river into Deerfield and with the wind still at our backs we headed up Sugarloaf St. to North Main Street. As we passed the high school, Joe rode up to report that Bob Sagor had flatted and that he would drop back and help him make the repair. The rest of the group continued on North Main St. to the intersection of RT. 5&10. After we crossed RT. 5&10 we picked up the speed some more and we were soon blasting down Mill Village Rd at 22 mph, as we made our way towards the village of Old Deerfield. We used our best cycling skills as we made a left turn back onto RT. 5&10 and headed for Greenfield. As we were riding through Deerfield, I spotted a dear friend of mine, DR. Paul Gerstein, and I yelled to him that he was going the wrong way. Well soon enough, Paul pulled up behind me and he and I rolled into Greenfield at the back of the group, chatting about how we should ride together more often. As the group made the right turn onto Washington St., Paul headed north, and I said goodbye to my old friend. I poked along behind the group and soon we were all back at the shop. Well, all but Jack. It seems that the dear boy didn't make it back with Claire and now Nancy and her brother Jim we preparing to make a run in the Bicycles Unlimited, deluxe, rescue van. It didn't take long before Nancy's fears were relieved as "Lantern Rouge" was spotted just as the rescue team made it past the hospital. Jack rolled into the shop with a tale of woe about getting a flat in Sunderland, and riding back by himself. All in all, we had a great ride.

Sunday 11/21: Our ride today was a MTB journey to Northfield. Along for the trip was Joe, Matt P., Matt C., Alex, Jack Rice, Hughes, Kyle and Rob Lapointe, Curt and Donna "the Hon", Todd, Dave Minor, and myself. We left the parking lot behind the fire house and rode up to Birnham Rd. and took a left. The group split up as we got to the trails, with Hughes, Donna, Kyle and Rob, going in on the blue trail. Todd, Matt and Alex were a little behind and they ended up going in on the blue trail as well. The rest of us headed in on Cinder Road. I rode near the back of the group as we made our way up the hill to the cross roads. I didn't fell like hammering so I let Matt and Joe do the lead and I was content to plod along. After I got to the meeting spot, I sent the boys on up the Yellow Trail, and I waited for the rest to arrive. Todd, Matt and Alex were the first to arrive and I sent them on to the reservoir. After Hughes arrived I rode with him and his crew as we made our way to the reservoir. We joined the rest of the riders at the lake, and soon we all headed off for Birch point. In the unusually warm temperatures we found the riding to be more summer like that late fall and we took our time on the climb. We made the first few hills with no problem, but on the steepest climb, Rob took a nasty fall and cut his finger pretty badly. After everyone got to Birch Point, Donna used Matt C's first aid kit to patch up Rob's finger. We spent a few moments looking off at Mt Manadnock some 40 miles away, and soon we were off to look for a trail that I used to take down to the lake. Unfortunately, the trail doesn't exist anymore and all except for my small group, sped off to the power lines. My bunch turned around and we headed back down the same trails we rode up. As we were descending, Curt came up and caught Donna and I, and soon we were all back to the reservoir. From there we headed off for the Yellow/Blue Trail. The trail is a nice single track that splits and re-joins several times and is not as steep as the Cinder Road. As we rode along we got to see some really nice sunset views, and although we "knew" where we were going, we somehow missed a turn and ended up out on School St. just as Joe, Matt P., and Co. sped by. I hollered over to them and they swung around and told me that Matt C. had just crashed and was being taken care of by a friend of Todd's. My group joined with Joe and Matt and we journeyed back to the parking lot. It is truly a joy to be able to ride in shorts and short sleeves in late November, today it was 65 degrees and it looks like the warm weather will last till the end of the week. After everyone left I rode with Alex to look for Matt, but by the time we got to Todd's friend's house, they had already left for the parking spot. After looking over Matt's injury I suggested that he get looked at, and he said he would get his wounds taken care of.

Tuesday 11/23: It was so warm today that we had the doors open and the heat off, and the mild temperatures carried on into the evening. This made for perfect riding conditions and I had twelve people joining me for the trip to the Coke Plant. Along for the late fall trip was Jack Rice, Lynn, Allissa, Miss May, MPM (AKA MR. Roboto), Dave M., Matt P., The Banana Peel, Todd, Hughes, Kris, Ron Rodriguez, and myself. Kris and Lynn rode down Gill Road, while the rest of us headed for the trails behind Stop&Shop and then out to Canada Hill. I had warned several riders that the pace might be higher than what Kris and Lynn were doing, but no one wanted to go with them, a decision that some would later regret. After everyone had arrived at the meeting point we took off for the RT. 2 cross over. The group got pretty split up as we rode through the "stink hole" and up to the truck turnout. Most of the riders rode into the trails through the swamp, while May, Hughes, Dave and I rode in behind the guardrails. We all came together at Five Points and then we rode up the Ridge Trail to Luke Skywalker. I waited at several turns so that the new riders would get to the right trails and not get lost. After the last rider past my position, I headed up Luke for the water tower. I got to the tank and did a couple of laps while I waited for the rest of the riders to arrive. After a brief rest I led the crew out to the power lines, where the full Beaver Moon, was a breathtaking sight. We rode down the hill to Red Rock were we re-grouped again. Most of us took the Chute Trail over to the Messed Up Trail, and then over to the Hill of Doom, while some folks rode straight over on the Red Rock Road. We all rode up the hill and then I took the reigns again and headed the group over to Double Dip. I waited at the top of the dip and directed the riders that passed me to the Streambed Trail. After the last rider passed me, I took off to catch the leaders and direct them back to the power lines. I was starting to feel the effects of the constant stop and go and I couldn't quite catch all the riders ahead of me. Once we all got to the top of Luke again I sent the crew down the Secret Trail to the top of Double Death, where Kris and Lynn were to meet us. We did a quick head count and after everyone was accounted for, we headed off to Five Points. Everyone was ready to head back, so we took the trails near Lillian St. to the Rt. 2 crossover and then back to the shop. We all enjoyed the glorious weather and beautiful moonlit night, and everyone returned to the shop without mishap.

Wednesday 11/24: It was a warm sunny afternoon, more like summer than fall, and Neal Lawrence and I went out for a road ride. We left the shop with a brisk south wind in our face and made our way down to Deerfield at a 18 mph pace. Neal and I took turns riding into the wind, wit Neal getting more benefit from riding behind me, than the other way around. We rode at a modest pace (for Neal) through Old Deerfield , down Mill Village Road, and then up the hill to RT. 5&10. We turned onto 5&10, and headed south past the Yankee Candle shopping zoo, where you will see a shopping (feeding?) frenzy take place every weekend from now until Christmas. Having avoided the bargain crazed drivers as they made their way to the entrance of the So. Deerfield Mecca, we turned onto Rt. 116 and headed for Sunderland. We crossed the Sunderland Bridge and turned onto RT. 47  and headed north. At this point we got a push from a pretty strong tailwind and soon we were going along at a 25 mph pace. I have to admit that I was lagging somewhat at this point and when we hit the hill near Irene Yurkevicz's house, I pretty much exploded. I watched as Neal pulled steadily away on the next couple of hills and by the time he got to Hepburn's house, he had to slow up to allow me to catch on. We rolled on past the Mt. Toby apts. and up the hill into Montague. By this time I had to start back to the shop as I only had an hour and a half for the ride, but Neal wanted to go a little longer, so he took off for Millers Falls while I headed back through Montague Center. I pedaled along at a 20 mph pace and rode through the Village of Turners Falls and then up the Greenfield Road hill and back to the shop. I had a great ride and although I was pretty tired at the end I was glad to be able to enjoy the beautiful weather, doing what I love to do.

Friday 11/26: It was a brisk but sunny day and I decided to head out for a road ride by myself. I rode down to So. Deerfield and back in an hour and although it was fairly cool I had a good time.

Sunday 11/28: This was the first Sunday evening ride of the holiday season and I was not sure of how many people would show up. Todd and Matt C., rode over to the plains with me, but when we arrived at the center of town, there was no one else. We waited for a couple of minutes and then we headed out for a trip up to Willis Hill. I led the ride up the Telephone Pole Trail to the Toilet Bowl Trail where we then headed up to Red Rock. After a brief stop at Red Rock, I then led the duo up to the Kiabuckus Trail, and then up past the I-H wreck to the top of Willis Hill. We then headed down the hill to the bottom and onto the road where we then headed back towards the power lines. We took the banked trails back to Northfield Rd. and then headed back to the Telephone Pole Trail. I led the ride back to the van in a record; one hour and fifteen minutes. Although it was pretty chilly, Todd rode in shorts and Matt and I only had light jersey's and thin tights on. This was possible because we did not stop riding and that enabled us to keep warm.