Yes both Wednesday and Thursday were a bit wet and a bit cold, but that would not stop the NCC group rides from finally starting!
On Wednesday we did cancel the C ride out of an abundance of caution, playing a game of puddles or potholes with what was expected to be a large group of riders is not a great way to start the season. With that being said, twenty A and B riders showed up to hear Don Frank give our pre ride instructions and send us on our way.
We rolled out as one group until Hatfield where seven A riders, made up of some of the rejuvenated NCC racers, put the hammer down. Rumor has it that town lines were contested (safely) and that speeds on the return averaged 26 mph. As is our custom, the B riders rolled out of Hatfield at a reasonable 20 mile an hour pace, and with the exception of a few riders who chose to shorten the ride a bit, headed up to the Book Mill and Taylor Hill. The tailwind heading south allowed us to roll into town just prior to dark. All in all, great ride!
The Thursday B ride was cancelled due to lack of a ride leader. I am sure this will not be a season long issue. This time of year is pretty busy for all, so it is understandable. The C+ ride did roll out of Mill Side Park in Easthampton. We had five well matched riders head out under threatening clouds. Remarkably we really didn’t get rained on. I am going to take a quote from Henry’s Strava feed to describe this one: “The ride felt charmed. Green lights and clear intersections all the way. Super nice group worked well together. Delightful all around.” That about sums it up perfectly!
On Saturday (5/6), we have our B ride leaving from Pulaski Park in Northampton at 9 AM. Northampton is hosting the Pride Parade on Saturday, so parking may be challenging. Also at 9 AM, the C ride is leaving from the JFK Middle School parking lot in Florence.
Please remember to sign up for our rides, including Saturday’s B Ride (📲 link) and C Ride (📲 link), using the free Link My Ride app. We have complete instructions on how to create a free account, follow the NCC, attend NCC rides, download GPS routes, receive cancellation notices, and adjust your settings/privacy on the NCC’s Link My Ride page.
