I stepped in as ride leader this week and chose a remote start from Shelburne Falls.  Dusty provided a great route idea to take us up to Vermont and then return through beautiful Rowe.

We had 9 riders roll out and took the classic route up Adamsville Rd.  It was high energy to start out- with a rapid pace in the 20's.

Then the climbs, of course.  But well worth it, as eventually there is the fun descent on Rte 8a to Rte 112. At the bottom, instead of heading home, we took the left up to the Jacksonville store for water and refreshments.

Leaving the store was not pleasant because of the 17% grade climb!  But I suppose it was worth it. Some new to me roads, quiet and beautiful.

Climbing up to the MA state line / Rowe was not awesome, but again, the quiet and scenery made it worth it. 

Our way back home was down through Zoar and then Charlemont's S. River Road.  And guess what?  Tim's ride had a closed bridge again!

We did get past it (via the train tracks!) and then were punished with the two last climbs into Buckland.

I rolled into Shelburne Falls about 1 PM. 48 miles and 3693'.