After a somewhat damp excursion last Monday night, we enjoyed perfect weather for tonight's edition of the Monday Night Intro Ride. Clarissa, Karl, Kavi, first-timer Jack, Rachel, Audrey, and Shelby joined Ari and me for our Easthampton loop. Shelby somehow managed to collide with a bird on the bike path in Easthampton. She appeared unscathed; no word on the bird.

Rachel had a minor mechanical on Glendale Road, a softening rear tire. My efforts to help by adding some air backfired when my pump removed her valve core, deflating the whole tire. Fail. Fortunately, Ari's mechanical skills are a lot better than mine, and he quickly had her back on the road.

We climbed Park Hill Road to the orchard at the top for our usual photo-op. The pavement seems to get worse every time we do this climb, but the views from the top are worth it. We finished up by rolling down Route 66 and through downtown Northampton, getting back to Sheldon Field just before 7:30, with 18 miles at around 11.8 mph.

Next week we'll be on our Hadley loop, guaranteed to be (almost) 100% flat. Hope to see you there!