by Kevin Schott » Sat May 05, 2012 5:44 pm
There were 10 of us. We went to many different towns. They were all higher than Northampton. We saw meat. Finally flat on the way back!
Jonathans — see what happens when you leave this report stuff to amateurs?
Post by Roberto Ludovico » Sun May 06, 2012 7:26 am
I entirely subscribe Kevin’s acute analysis of the ride, including the unattainable standards in report writing established by Jonathan B. and Jonathan O’K, whom we’ll miss a great deal these Saturdays in May. I’ll do my best to add a few details to Kevin’s report. Don, Kevin, Andrew, Zac, Frank, Mike, Ron, Chris, T and I left the Academy at the new summer time of 9 am under a light drizzle that persisted for an hour or two, ending with a passing shower around Williamsburg. The plan was to head toward Cosby’s house in Shelburne, cross rt. 2 into the Patten district and to Apex Orchards. Don led us toward Conway through Bridge st. and North Farms rd to the reservoir where a bunch of us tried to keep up with Andrew’s and Zac’s pace on the hills. After regrouping in Conway we went forward all together toward Shelburne rd. and Bardswell Ferry rd.’s beautiful views, then down to the bridge over the Deerfield river. Once again the group chased the usual suspects up the Cosby hill and regrouped at the top where Ron bid us farewell and cut the ride short to go home. The nine of us crossed rt. 2 onto Little Mohawk rd where Chris had a chain drop. The group negotiated the climb at steady pace and regrouped at the top by the big red map of the area. From here we looped around Patten rd. to enjoy the spectacular views from Wheel View Farm, then we descended back to Frank Williams rd. to head toward Apex Orchards. After a brief democratic discussion on Brook rd. wether we should go across the Apex or follow another route back through Shelburne Falls, we decided to stick to the original plan, and that was good, because we could enjoy the blooming apple trees against the backdrop of the views, spectacular once again, from the top of the hill. We came down rt. 2 into Greenfield, where Andrew and Zac went on toward Amherst, while the rest of us made a pit stop for water at the gas station. We made our way back home via River rd into Sunderland and rt. 47 from there where the tail wind helped us to keep a fast pace on the flats of Hadley. I split off to head toward Amherst at Rocky Hill rd. I trust the rest of the group made it home happy and safe. I finished with 126 km at 27.3 km/h (I’ll leave to Kevin the pleasure of the conversion in miles), lots of fun and soar legs, but still looking forward to next Saturday ride. Thanks everybody for the great ride, and to Don in particular for his help with the route.
Post by Frank Sleegers » Mon May 07, 2012 11:08 am
Mille grazie Roberto.
I told my wife about the meat place – next time they will be around we will definetely check it out.
Was a nice ride. Some good climbing and new places.
Frank
