Sunday 9/10: I arrived at the shop this morning for riding and found the usual crew waiting for me. I had MB, IP, QN, Jorge, Todd, Kerry and Big Al along for today's trip, which will be one of our last Sunday rides for the year . We left the shop and headed to Silver Street where we turned left and rode straight down Silver Street to Country Club Road. We rode down Country Club Road in a single line, but I could see that Kerry and Todd were uncomfortable drafting other riders. As we neared the end of the road I had IP, Kerry, and Todd stay behind me while I sent the rest of the riders on ahead. Our quartet then settled in to work on some pace line skills. Kerry said that she really felt caged in by a large group of riders near and that she didn't feel comfortable getting close to another rider because she usually rides alone. Todd also said that he would like some help riding in the group, so we all rode together with IP at the front and myself riding behind giving pointers and tips. Our group rode up Barton Road and then out to Route 5 & 10 where we'd turned left and headed to Bernardston. We turned right onto Route 10 and rode a double pace line out to Gill, with IP helping with Kerry and Todd as we did so. After we got to the town of Gill I decided to take our group down Main Road and back to Turner's Falls instead of trying to make it through Northfield in the time that we had remaining. We rode at a steady pace down Main Road to the center of town at which point Kerry decided to ride on ahead. The three of us remaining riders stayed together all the way to the end of the road where we found Kerry waiting for us. We rode across the intersection of Route 2 and then across the Gill-Montague bridge and into the town of Turner's Falls. We turned right onto Canal Street and rode across the White Bridge. We rode up Greenfield Road and then we headed back to the shop. It is really nice to get out for ride when the weather has been so great.

After I closed the shop at 5:00, I loaded my mountain bike in the back of the van and headed over to Montague Center for today's family ride. When I arrived in the center of town I was greeted by another large group of riders getting ready to head out to the trails. Along for today's ride was James, Chris and Casey Golec, Maxine, CTD, Scott, Susan, Jack Rice, Cyrus and Ali Moshari, DTH, Kurt, Just in Time, and Tywor Golec, Ken and Seth Cuddeback. After everyone was ready I got our troops together in and then we headed out for the trails. I stayed at the back of the group while we cruised down Main Street on our way to the Telephone Pole Trail, and after everyone made the turn I headed to the front of the front of the group as we made our way up the first hill. We regrouped at the top of the hill and then after moments rest we all took off for the Trail Bowl Trail with DTH leading the way. I followed Cyrus and his dad as we made our way out to the power lines. CTD, Maxine, Scott and Susan took another route out to the power lines and were going to try to hook up with Kurt and Just in Time who had driven to the top the hill in their truck. When the group got to the Toilet Bowl Trail everyone was strung out in a long line and I went to the back to make sure that all the riders made it out to the power lines.  We waited at the power lines for a few minutes to see if CTD and his family would make it out to us, but when they didn't show, we headed out for Red Rock. I had DTH lead us over to the bottom of the hill where we had the riders take it easy going up, due to the slippery rocks. At the top we were met by Curt, who had ridden up from the other side of the hill. After everyone got to the top we rode down the other side to the brook, where Just-in-Time was waiting for us. On the way down I rode with Cyrus and IP, and as we rode over the rocks on the last section of the hill Cyrus took a spill onto the rocks. Both IP and myself held our breath  until Cyrus got back up and shook it off. I couldn't believe that he could be so resilient, but he was OK, and we joined the group at the bottom of the hill. After a few minutes we headed off for the Middle Road with DTH in the lead. We made the turn across the brook and headed for the top of Craggy Hill on a very tough trail. Most of the riders had to walk up the last section and then re-start on the smoother trail. I waited to make sure that everyone got up, and then I followed the group out to the power lines on Willis Hill. We rode down to the bottom of the hill and met up with Curt and his bunch. At this point it was getting late and we decided to head back to town. We all took off for the high banked trails that lead us to the Telephone Pole Trail in a group, but soon there was a long single file line. I rode at the back of the group and soon we were all back at Curt's truck, after I lost the race with Just-in-Time for an ice cream cone. I then followed the group that remained and we all rode down the Telephone Pole Trail and back to the center of town. The last few rides have been the best attended of the summer, and should give us a great start for the fall season.

Tuesday 9/12: We had a small group of riders show up for the ride tonight. IP led MB, DTH, Jack and myself over to the Coke Plant on the Gill Road route. When everyone got to the truck turnout we followed IP into the trails. She led us through the swamp and then over to the Mud Road. She wanted to do a different route than we usually do and we all agreed to follow her. IP took us over to the Streambed Trail and then down the Crossover Trail, past Double Death and the onto the Secret Trail. We rode up the Secret Trail and cut over to Luke Skywalker where we turned right and headed up to the water tank. After a brief stop at the top of the hill we headed for the power lines and then we rode down to Red Rock.  At the top of the hill I went ahead of the group and waited for the girls to get to the rock before heading out on the Red Rock Road for Jack's Pond. Everyone rode at an even pace and we had a great time recalling the rides that we have done this year out on these trails. After giving the Hill of Doom a try, we headed for Double Dip and then out to Five Points. We followed IP out through the swamp and then we headed back to the shop. IP and DTH enjoyed the pace and the fact that they are now able to ride up most of the hill. I also like the fact that the women are now able to lead the rides instead of just following.

Thursday 9/14: Tonight was the last road ride of the season and I was really getting a little sad that another year of fun was ending. We had a small but energetic group arrive for the ride that was scheduled to go for 35 miles. I had hoped that we could get a strong group together and set a 21 mph average so that we could get back to the shop before dark. We left the shop and headed down High Street and then we turned left onto Sanderson Street. The group was all together as we began the climb up Mountain Road. I was riding on Tom McDonald's bike tonight because Tom was trying out my bike. I took the lead at the bottom of the hill and rode at a good pace all the way to the top where I sat up and waited for the rest of the crew to arrive. The saddle on Tom's bike was a little low for me and I noticed that I was a little stretched out on the handlebars, but I kept on going. After GB went by I followed Tom Martyn to the bottom of the hill where we turned left. This is a ride that we have done several times this summer so I felt comfortable going to the middle of the bunch to hang out with GB, Mike Beh and the rest of the Vermont tribe. My plan was for the front group to head down to the center of Montague and then we were going to ride down to RT. 63 while the rest of the riders were going to go down Meadow Road to Sunderland. As we made the turn onto RT. 63 I counted 14 riders in the bunch and when we were all on the hill the pace picked up. I stayed at the front most of the way up the hill, but when I got to the bridge I took a quick look back and noticed that Bob Schilling and QN were falling off. I sent the group on ahead and I dropped back to give a hand to Bob and QN. I got in front of them and we set off in pursuit of the pack ahead. We pedaled as hard as we could, but we could not close the gap. We stayed at about a quarter of a mile behind the pack all the way down Bull Hill Road and only after we got onto RT. 116 and I cranked it up to 30 miles an hour and we finally made contact with the front as we passed Cliffside Apartments. After we got on the bunch again I worked my way to the front to see which route the group wanted to take to head back home. Matt was in the lead as we crossed the bridge into Deerfield and he just went straight, so the choice was made by him. We rode through the center of South Deerfield and then we took North Main Street out to Mill Village Road. The group then split as we roared down the hill onto the flats near the river. I rode near the front and we got the speed up to 28 mph as we rolled up the hill into Old Deerfield and then out to RT. 5&10. I took the lead as we pedaled toward the Cheapside bridge at 23 mph. We caught up with Tom Merrigan and Roger Katz as we neared the bridge and they hooked onto our line as we rode back into Greenfield. We all stayed together until we got to Hope Street, where I dropped back and rode to the shop with Roger. It was a wonderful ride and everyone enjoyed the fun that we shared on our trip. I wish we could go on all year.

Sunday 9/17: This morning I arrived at the shop at 9:00 for the ride and I was greeted by QN, Jorge, Tom, Michelle, Barbara, Karl, Todd Clark and MB. We headed out for a pretty much flat ride down the valley on a cool early autumn day. We rode the usual route down to River Road and I tried to keep the group together as we made our way up the first hill. Although I didn't learn about it until somewhat later, Todd dropped off the back on the hill and I did not notice that he was gone until QN told me about it on the flats near the river. QN said that he was OK and he would find his way back at a slower pace. I then went to the front as we started the next series of hills and as I looked back I could see that Barbara and Karl were falling off, so I went back to help out. I rode with Karl as we made our way up the hill and then up the next one. We finally caught the group at the bottom of the last hill and soon we were all riding together again. I went to the front of the line as we neared the end of the road and when we got to the Sunderland Bridge I made the left turn onto RT. 116. We had been riding into a fairly brisk headwind all morning but we had the hills to block it somewhat. Now we were heading directly into it and we were going through flat farmland with no wind break, and we all felt the pain of the effort as we rode down RT. 47 to Hadley. I took a long pull at the front as we neared the left turn onto Farm Road, and after we made the turn I went to the middle of the group to get a little rest as we rode through North Amherst. After we got through town I noticed that Barb and Kurt were not with us anymore so I pulled off into a parking lot with a few riders and we waited for them to catch up. After everyone was back in the group we headed up Cherry Hill on RT. 63 at a 15 mph average and after we got to the top I had Michelle and QN take a pull as we rode into Leverett. After we made it past the Quaker Center Barb and Kurt started to fall off again so I told MB to take the group back to the shop and I stayed behind. I blocked the wind as we pedaled into Montague Center at a modest speed. After we got to the Turners Falls Fire Station, Barb said that she and Karl wanted to head back to Deerfield, where they had started from. I gave them directions back to their hotel and then I headed off to see if I could catch up with the group before they got to the shop. I gave it a good effort but everyone was waiting for me in the parking lot when I rolled in. Nice try!  I had a good ride on a very windy day, but any day you can ride is a good one!
The Family ride tonight was attended by 12 people who were eager to get going as the daylight would not last too long. Along for the trip was Patrick and Ken Heider, Jack, IP, DTH. Tywor, James, Curtis, Ali, Cyrus, Just-in-Time, Curt, and myself. We left the center of town and headed for the Telephone Pole Trail with DTH and IP in the front and with myself bringing up the rear. We rode to the top of the hill and after I got to the group we headed out for the Toilet Bowl Trail. I rode with the middle of the pack, enjoying the nice weather, and soon we were all out to the power lines. After we re-grouped we did a quick loop up over Red Rock and down to the brook. We decided to head straight up Middle Road and then over to the bottom of Willis Hill. I stayed back to help out with some of the kids and I ended up with Cyrus and his dad, a good way behind the main group. I led Cyrus and Ali on the road rather than the trail, so we would be able to avoid the rougher sections. This seemed like a good idea until I rode off a drop and into a mud hole. My front wheel sunk out of sight and I tumbled into a stinking muck that coated me and my bike with a god awful goop. After I got out of the whole I directed Ali and Cyrus to go around and I followed them out to the bottom of Willis Hill. Everyone was there watching several of the riders trying to ride up the hill, with only Curt making it to the top. After a few moments Curt came back down and we all set off for the base of the climb. We turned right and I had the group follow Just-in-Time on the trail that leads us back to the banked Trails. I had Ken take the main group back to the Telephone Pole Trail and I rode back with Cyrus, Ali, Tywor and DTH. I again lost the race with Just-in-Time back to his dad's truck and I am now going to have to buy him a whole bunch of ice cream cones. When everyone arrived we took off on the Telephone Pole Trail and we just got back as darkness fell. I really enjoy these late season rides because they help us transition to the upcoming winter rides.

Tuesday 9/19: Tonight we had Rod Perez join IP, MB, DTH, Jack and myself for a trip to the Coke Plant. We left the shop and followed IP as she took us over RT. 2 to the truck turnout. IP then took us into the trials and over to Five Points on a path that parallels the road. We then took the Mud Road over to Jack's Pond where we rode to the top of the Hill of Doom and then rode down the hill to a trail that we haven't used in quite a while. We rode up the smaller hill and then out to Jack's Pond where we re-grouped. IP decided to take us up Red Rock Road to the rock itself. Jack and MB headed off together and I stayed with the rest of the crew as we took a slower pace. We rode up to the rock and then over to the water tank where we awaited the arrival of MB and Jack. After quite a wait, MB came up to us and we asked what happened to Jack. MB said that Jack had broken his pedal off and he was walking back to the shop. At this point it was getting dark so we turned on our lights and headed down Luke Skywalker. We rode up the Ridge Trail and took a left onto the Secret Trail. We rode up the Secret Trail to the halfway point where IP took us over to Luke again and we rode back to the top of the hill. We then headed out to the power lines were we hit the downhill section with only our lights to guide us, as we were in total darkness. We rode back down to Red Rock and we rested there for a few minutes. It was a nice evening but we were getting tired so we rode back down the hill to Five Points and then we took the route through the swamp out to the highway. After we crossed RT. 2 we headed down Gill Road and back to the shop. It was great to have Rod back out on the trails again and I hope he keeps on comming.

Thursday 9/21: We rode out to the Coke Plant tonight and did the same route that we did on Tuesday. I was joined by IP, MB and Jack and we had a nice time riding the trails at dusk. The weather has been great and it is nice to get out on these warm early fall evenings. We rode for about an hour before we had to turn on our lights, and then we continued for another hour before we headed for home. I hope that we can get some more riders out for these rides, before the nasty weather arrives.

Sunday 9/24: We postponed today's Five Hill Ride until next week due to the rain, so I stayed at home and waited for the 5:00 MTB ride. Since there was no scheduled Family Ride, I rode with IP, MB, and Michelle. We did an easy ride out to the Coke Plant and when we got to the truck turnout IP took the lead and we did her favorite route out to Five Points. We took the Mud Road to the Hill of Doom, which we rode down, instead of up. At the bottom of the Hill of Doom we took the trail to the left and rode up the side hill and then over to the Doom Trail. From there we then headed back to Jack's Pond where we took Red Rock Road to the top. IP then led us up the hill to the Crossover Trail and from there we headed for the water tank. We did another loop of the power lines and the lower trails, then we headed back to the shop.

Tuesday's ride was rained out.

Thursday 9/28: Tonight we had a good group of riders for a chilly ride over to the Coke Plant. Along for the trip tonight was Penny Abbot, DTH, IP, Michelle, MB, Vinnie, Matt C., Rod Perez and me. We split up at the start with the guy's going on the trails behind Stop&Shop and IP led the rest of us over to Gill Road. When we got to RT. 2, we had to wait for quite a while for the traffic to pass, then we crossed over the highway to the trails. After we got to the truck turnout, IP led us to the trails through the swamp. I rode at the back and was content to follow IP's lead. When we got to Five Points, we turned up the Ridge Trail and at this point Penny started to fall behind the other three girls. I rode on ahead and when I got up to IP I told that trio to continue on and that we would catch up at the water tank. After sending IP's group ahead I waited for a minute or so for Penny to ride up the trail to where I was. At this point it was starting to get dark so we turned our lights on so we could get accustomed to using them. I had Penny ride ahead of me, and we rode over to Luke Skywalker together. Just as we got to the rocky section, Matt and Vinnie passed us on the way to the top. Soon after that Rod caught up with us and said that he had enough of trying to keep up with those two and would ride with us instead. We rode at an even pace to the top of the hill and then we rode the Crossover Trail straight across to Red Rock where we awaited the arrival of the rest of the group. We rested for a couple of minutes at Red Rock and when everyone was ready we split up again. MB rode down the chute with Matt and Vinnie, while IP took the rest of us down the road to the top of the Hill of Doom. We rode down the hill and then up the other side, while MB and his crew rode in the opposite direction. It was quite a sight, with the two groups going around like a merry-go-round. At this point we all had been using our lights for about 45 minutes and IP's group decided to stick together for the last trip around the trails, while MB took his trio on another route. Just before we got going again I noticed that Michelle's light was really dim so I had her shut it off and I had her follow a rider with a light and I lighted her path from behind. Our group rode up the Streambed Trail and then across to the Ridge Trail. When everyone got up to this point, I suggested that we take a flatter route out of the trails, and IP then led us down the Mud Road. Our group was only a few feet onto the trails when MB and his crew came up behind us just as we were making the first mud crossing. Somehow Michelle got distracted and without her light she drove her front wheel off the trail and she fell butt first into a mucky mud hole. I went over to help untangle her from her bike, and after lifting her bike off from on top of her, Michelle pulled herself out of the slop. Michelle tried to get most of the gook off her shorts and legs and after some good natured ribbing, we set off to finish the trail. I rode behind IP as we passed through the next muddy section of the road and when we got to the third section of mud, I reminded everyone to stay in the middle of the road to avoid the mud. IP and I made it across without mishap but while we were waiting for the rest of the people we saw the lights cluster together and we knew that something was about to happen. IP and I watched as the headlamps went down and once again, a rider went into the mud. This time it was Penny and DTH who where the victims of the slop. IP and I could hear the shrieks from the riders as they landed in the goop. When all the riders got up to us we shone our lights on them and could see that they were coated with mud. I commented that the girls should be thanking IP for the favor, since a mud bath at a spa would be pretty expensive, and IP arranged this one for free. We all had a good laugh and then we continued on our way out of the woods. We followed IP as she led us on the trails behind Lillian Street, and soon we were crossing RT. 2 again. We rode slowly back to the shop due to the cold temperatures we had for tonight's ride. It was nice that so many women came out for the ride, I hope that we can continue with this format.