None of the weather outlets could promise a dry day Saturday, and all were in disagreement on when and how much rain we might get. Despite many NCC members likely attending the D2R2, and the threat of rain, I posted an NCC SMR B ride anyway.

When I woke up Saturday morning, it was dark and gloomy. I stepped outdoors, and although it was not raining I decided I needed arm warmers. Mind you, we are still in August! Made one final check of the useless weather forecast and decided to carry on as planned.

I arrived at our starting point, Pulaski Park in downtown Northampton a little early, and…. yup, it started to drizzle. Luckily, that did not last long. Madeline, Melissa, Kevin, and Conan joined me. We headed out of town toward Williamsburg over the still milled pavement on Elm St (wonder if it will get paved before school starts, and why they did not do Nonatuck St. further?). It was said that I was a bit spunky on the pace starting out from the park.

During our ride into Williamsburg I asked who had ridden up Petticoat Hill in the past. Turns out Conan and Kevin never have, and Melissa only once. Madeline knew what she was getting into, as did I (I’ve done it 7 times!). Petticoat cuts out about half of Rte 143 heading up to Chesterfield. It rises nearly 700 feet in 2.25 miles, and has upwards of a 22% in there. 

Once out to Rte 143, it seemed like easy pedaling climbing past the Chesterfield town line, and finally pretty much coasting until we turned up onto Sugar Hill Rd. Hmmm… me and my “hill” roads! We passed the old Boy Scout Reservation, which recently was purchased by the Ashmere Project. They already have done a huge amount of work rehabilitating the property, and as a former scout who spent time there, I think it is so wonderful for them!

We continued up Sugar Hill Rd past my childhood home, and by now I am sure everyone was tired of me telling stories about Chesterfield from my childhood and teenage years. As we turned onto Lake Damon Rd and passed the pond I also elaborated on the history of the pond an the former mill there.

We stopped at the Chesterfield General Store and voted to make it the coffee stop, since there were no better places to get sweets and good coffee later. As I continued to elaborate on where the gasoline pumps used to be at the store and how my Dad and I would go there and then sit in the back room and have breakfast- Melissa’s long time friend happened to be there and so they had a nice chat with all of us as well.

Before we headed down the hill to West Chesterfield, there was debate if the slog up Ireland St will be worse than Petticoat Hill. I went for a no, but Conan (ahem, whom lives on Ireland St) was leaning toward yes. I don’t know that we ever came to a verdict, but one thing we did agree on- it sure was nice to be able to literally take over the whole road while we took in the views- no vehicles for a long time. On the way up Ireland St, there was a lovely display of the minions, complete with (what I will call ) a banana in hand! (PC: Melissa Warwick)

As we approached Rte 112, I made sure everyone knew we were turning off to the Knightville Dam. And also to enjoy the fun because much more climbing ahead. The descent down Rte 112 into Huntington was fabulous. We even had a very polite driver keep back and not pass us until we turned off. That is rare, and appreciated.

Of course, it was up hill to the Knightville Dam. I explained to everyone the purpose of the dam, since not everyone had been here. And of course, for the the obligatory group photo I handed my phone to the person with the longest arms.

The break was nice. But we had work to do ahead to get back home. I am sure I have said this before, but there is no easy way to get back to Northampton from Huntington.

My choice was to climb into Montgomery center, up Montgomery Rd. While not as short and steep as our previous climbs today, it was the longest. Or at least seemed tat way. We regrouped at the town hall and talked about what conversations are had during Zwift rides as well as what tech all of us had on us today.

Soon, we were on our way down to “the Hamptons”, and without checking the map, I led us down the “fun” way. Melissa promptly checked in with me when her computer said off course. I assured her I knew how to get us home. So, the “fun” way is steeper and curvier, and less traveled, that is all.

At the bottom, everyone but me said they were lost. Not to worry as it is all in the area of my usual after work riding loops.

I had one last hill- Park Hill Rd, in my pocket. Luckily we were going up it, as it is in horrible shape. Nevertheless, still very pretty scenery across the orchard.

The way home was Rte 66, where a bear crossed our path for the last excitement of the day. Everyone peeled off at the bottom of Rte 66 in Northampton. For a “climb-y” SMR I had 53.7 miles, 4580′ and 14.6 MPH Average. I certainly am not going to complain, as some members did twice the climbing we did today at D2R2!