Full disclosure:  I did not plan or lead this ride.  Instead, I am popping into the website to write about it since I was a participant.

Earlier in the week Christian posted a C+  56 Mile ride up to Millers Falls and back for Saturday.  I had not the time to post a B ride for the weekend, so I was pleased to see it and planned to attend that ride.

On Friday, Joe L posted to the group that he would like to lead a ride on the COVAC century route.  Right, 100 miles!

On Saturday morning we had a group of about 15 riders meet, and talked about the options.  We settled on all riding Christian's route of 56 miles with about 2562' of climbing, rather than the century proposed by Joe.

Despite the mix of B and C riders, everyone kept together most of the ride.

We weaved our way fairly rapidly though Hatfield and Whatley to avoid the boring River Rd, and at Sunderland we took a quick rest stop at the intersection of 116 and 47.

With some pretty efficient pace-line work we landed in the Montague plains, a well maintained dirt road.

The honeymoon was over!  It was time to do the biggest climb of the day - up Wendell Rd to the Wendell State Forrest.  I have not taken this road often.  Usually I do Mormon Hollow and Farley. But, I was reminded how beautiful this climb is.

Michael Bello took the group photo when we stopped at the State Forrest HQ:

We were treated to a fun decent (and great pavement) into the Lake Wyola area.  But the fun did end, having to climb up to Shutesbury.

The descent down the S-curves was well enjoyed by all, and we had pretty patient auto drivers behind us, allowing for a safe descent.

Our refuel stop at Cushman Market was overdue, as many of us were dry.  Surprisingly, I had never, ever been inside Chushman market (!), and I was surprised and pleased with the selection of beverages and snacks!  It was a very busy place!

After a bit long rest, we headed out toward Hadley to get home. But to my surprise, the route took us off of Rte 47, up Mt Warner Rd (read: UP).  Perhaps something I might do to get some more elevation... but... geez, I just wanted to get home.  Not a complaint- all good fun!

The group continued to move rapidly back toward the bike path bridge in a great pace line.  Once on the bridge we all settled down and folks started peeling off toward Damon Rd and Florence.

This was one of the larger SMR's in a while and it went so well!  We did not drop anyone other than Don F, who turned around in Montague.  The "worst" confusion was Mt. Warner Rd, where several riders continued on down River Rd instead.  Not a big deal.

Many thanks to Christian for posting this ride, and to Joe for his ambition.  It all worked out great!

Next week, please join your fellow NCC riders at Hatfield Lions Annual Bike Tour!