I was around this holiday weekend and nobody had posted an NCC Saturday ride, so I decided to do so. I admit, I was hesitating a bit because of the terribly humid and hot weather plus not so many riders are around, being on the actual 4th of July date. But being lazy for those reasons was not an option for me! I posted a note tossing around an earlier start time to beat (some) of the heat. I decided on an 8 AM start. I chose the route up to the Patten are of Shelburne not only because it is beautiful, but, the major climb is in the shade, and we got the open fast, part out of the way early.

At the start we had four riders, including myself.  Notably, Ari was among us.  Ari co-leads the Monday intro rides.  I have not ridden with him since he was a young teenager and hardly recognized him!  It was so awesome to have him along and to catch up (literally and physically) with him!

It was already greasy and gross feeling at the start Around 77 degrees, sun beating down and humidity somewhere at 80%!

We headed out of town over to Hatfield and Whately’s River Rd at a fairly brisk pace for a Saturday… but I was happy to get this part out of the way early before the sunshine really beats down, as there is no shade here. Somewhere in north Hatfield, we picked up John M. He told me that he parked at “a watering hole so shave off some miles”. Once we crossed over Rte 116 to the north segment of River Rd, we also found Brent, A Kinda cool picking up unplanned riders, so now we were at six!

It was on to Greenfield and our hydration stop. I had wondered if Colrain Rd was still closed over I-91. Mike H messaged me and confirmed yes,  and suggested we take the bike path to avoid it. (thanks, Mike!) I have only been on the Riverside Community Path a few times before… it parallels the Green River and the interstate. It is pretty, but the pavement is showing its age and needs some love.

We fueled up at the Harper’s store, where Wendy and Keith met us. 

And so we ascended the main climb- Brook Rd. Not an epic climb, but it is work. At least it was mostly in the shade. Ouch. I couldn’t chase.

And not to be done, there still was the ascent up… and up. Where we took a quick photo op at the Wheel View beef farm. I do not have long enough arms for selfies!

It was a rapid descent to the Bardwells Ferry bridge (with a few quick punches). I was unable to grab any wheels. But I enjoyed the scenery.

We stopped on the bridge and pondered our choice of activity for the day- so many folks enjoying the cool water of the Deerfield.

After the (what seemed) grueling climb back up out of the ferry, K & W peeled off back for home. The rest of us headed to Conway center, where Brent split away on 116 for home.

We slogged up through Conway and Whatley- somewhere there John also peeled off, leaving Tim P, Madeline, and I to conquer N. Farms Rd climb to get back home.

A great route- another of my favorites, and fine crew of riders to keep me motivated and pushed to my limits. I loved that we picked up riders on the way!

I arrived in downtown Northampton about 12:15, ~60 miles, 15.8 MPH average, 3274′ climbed. Good times, as always!