Cardboard Carlin sends her video regrets. Check it out!
Bill
End of Season Ride and Party
Dear AdventuRiders,
Here is what we have so far for the party:
They have taken the rain out of the Monday forecast, but its still supposed to be Mostly Cloudy and in the mid 40's.
The morning Combination Ride will start at Carole's house in Groton. We will visit Lost Lake, Duck Pond, and Knops Pond on our way to the Stone Arch Bridge. From there it is off to Cow Pond Brook and the Red Line trail. On the way back we will ride through the Black Land and Burnt Meadow Road. The route is about 15 miles long will some rolling hills. There will be quite a bit of civilized off road and gravel. Here is a map.
On Monday, November 23rd, we will meet at Carole's House in Groton. Here is a map.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
Here is what we have so far for the party:
- Alcohol, beer, wine, etc - Bill
- Gefilte fish and horseradish - Alex
- Enchanted Broccoli Forest - Jane
- Appetizer – mango slices/goat cheese/honey - Joe
- Stuffed acorn squash - Carole
- Wheat bulgar confetti salad - Darlene
They have taken the rain out of the Monday forecast, but its still supposed to be Mostly Cloudy and in the mid 40's.
The morning Combination Ride will start at Carole's house in Groton. We will visit Lost Lake, Duck Pond, and Knops Pond on our way to the Stone Arch Bridge. From there it is off to Cow Pond Brook and the Red Line trail. On the way back we will ride through the Black Land and Burnt Meadow Road. The route is about 15 miles long will some rolling hills. There will be quite a bit of civilized off road and gravel. Here is a map.
On Monday, November 23rd, we will meet at Carole's House in Groton. Here is a map.
- At 9:30 AM - we will leave for our last official adventure of the season :-( Here is a map.
- At 12:00 Noon - PARTY!!!
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
End of Season PARTY!!!
Dear AdventuRiders,
I hope you got a chance to get outside this afternoon for the beautiful weather! Stupid weatherman, ^%@#$ ...
Anyhow, its time to get ready for the End Of Season PARTY. This season, we are going to have a pot luck lunch at Carole's house on Monday, November 23rd at noon. Not only are we going to have great food, great drink, and great companionship, we are also going to have a meet-and-greet with Carole's goats. Everyone is invited! Oh yeah, if the weather cooperates, we will have a morning combination ride too.
To minimize the number of duplicate dishes, I have opened up the mailing list so that anyone can post a message. Just reply to this email with what you plan to bring to the party. Please, no shell fish or pork dishes.
I will start by offering to bring the alcohol, beer, wine, glasses, and whatever else seems appropriate for the occasion.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
PS. If the real Carlin doesn't show up, I will have the virtual Carlin on standby...
I hope you got a chance to get outside this afternoon for the beautiful weather! Stupid weatherman, ^%@#$ ...
Anyhow, its time to get ready for the End Of Season PARTY. This season, we are going to have a pot luck lunch at Carole's house on Monday, November 23rd at noon. Not only are we going to have great food, great drink, and great companionship, we are also going to have a meet-and-greet with Carole's goats. Everyone is invited! Oh yeah, if the weather cooperates, we will have a morning combination ride too.
To minimize the number of duplicate dishes, I have opened up the mailing list so that anyone can post a message. Just reply to this email with what you plan to bring to the party. Please, no shell fish or pork dishes.
I will start by offering to bring the alcohol, beer, wine, glasses, and whatever else seems appropriate for the occasion.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
PS. If the real Carlin doesn't show up, I will have the virtual Carlin on standby...
Reminder - East Pepperell Center Tomorrow
Well, tomorrow's forecast is looking decidedly unpleasant :-( Rain, Rain, Rain, ... I'll call it before 8:00 tomorrow morning.
I attached a picture of our sunny sidewalk lunch in Somerville yesterday to appease the weather gods.
The morning Recreation Ride will visit the Pepperell Town Pound and Fatima Shrine on the way to scenic Heald Pond. The route is about 13 miles and quite hilly. There is a bit of walkable offroad on the way down to Heald Pond Beach. Here is a map.
Lunch will be at the Pepperell Spa.
The afternoon Fitness Ride will go UP to the Beaver Brook Association and we will ride offroad along Beaver Brook to beautiful Hollis Center. Depending on my mood, we will come back via North Pepperell Road, or the Rail Trail. The route is about 16 miles, quite hilly, and a fair amount of offroad. Here is a map.
On Friday, November 20th, we will meet in East Pepperell Center at the Rail Trail parking lot. Here is a map.
- At 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave for Heald Pond. Here is a map.
- At 11:30 AM - We will have lunch at the Pepperell Spa.
- At 12:15 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Beaver Brook. Here is a map.
- At 2:15 PM - We will be back.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
Reminder - Bedford Tomorrow
Dear AdventuRiders,
Another fine November day is forecast for tomorrow! Sunny and mid 40's in the morning with very little wind. Mid 50's in the afternoon!
On Wednesday, November 18, we will meet in Bedford for a ride on the Minuteman Bike Trail to Somerville. Here is a map. There will be two starting points. From Fawn Lake, we will ride the unpaved narrow guage rail trail to the start of the Minuteman at Bedford Depot. Its about 27 miles round trip. For a shorter, paved, and very flat ride, you can meet us at Bedford Depot for a 22 mile round trip. Everyone is welcome.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
Another fine November day is forecast for tomorrow! Sunny and mid 40's in the morning with very little wind. Mid 50's in the afternoon!
On Wednesday, November 18, we will meet in Bedford for a ride on the Minuteman Bike Trail to Somerville. Here is a map. There will be two starting points. From Fawn Lake, we will ride the unpaved narrow guage rail trail to the start of the Minuteman at Bedford Depot. Its about 27 miles round trip. For a shorter, paved, and very flat ride, you can meet us at Bedford Depot for a 22 mile round trip. Everyone is welcome.
- At 9:45 AM - We will leave from Fawn Lake.
- At 10:00 AM - We will leave from Bedford Depot.
- At 11:30 ish - We will have lunch at Dave's Fresh Pasta in Somerville
- At 2:00 PM - We should be back to Bedford Depot.
- At 2:15 PM - We should be back to Fawn Pond.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
This Week - Stow, Bedford, & Pepperell + Party
Well, this is the last full week of AdventuRides this season :-( Mark Your Calendars! Next Monday, November 23rd is our End of the Season Pot Luck PARTY!
The lunch menu this week is:
- Monday - Nancy's Airfield Cafe.
- Wednesday - Dave's Fresh Pasta - Somerville.
- Friday - Pepperell Spa.
The morning Fitness Ride features a trip through the Assebet River National Wildlife Refuge. Its only recently been open to bicycling. Along the way we will also ride past Delaney Pond and check out the last paved section of the Assebet River Rail Trail. The route is about 18 miles with a few hills and a bit of off road. Here is a map.
The afternoon Recreation Ride will feature a beautiful unpaved portion of the Assebet River Rail Trail. We will also visit the restored Victorian houses in West Acton on the way back. We might even visit the CIA Headquarters! The route is about 14 miles with a couple of significant hill and some extremely civilized, unpaved rail trail. Here is a map.
On Monday, November 16, we will meet at the Minuteman Airport in Stow. Here is a map. Please park away from Nancy's.
- At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave for the Wildlife Refuge. Here is a map.
- At 11:30 AM - Lunch at Nancy's Airfield Cafe.
- At 12:15 PM - The Recreation Ride will leave for the Assebet River. Here is a map.
- At 2:15 PM - We will be back.
On Wednesday, November 18, we will meet in Bedford for a ride on the Minuteman Bike Trail to Somerville. There will be two starting points. From Fawn Pond, we will ride the unpaved narrow guage rail trail to the start of the Minuteman at Bedford Depot. Its about 27 miles round trip. For a shorter, paved, and very flat ride, you can meet us at Bedford Depot for a 22 mile round trip. Everyone is welcome.
- At 9:45 AM - We will leave from Fawn Pond. Here is a map.
- At 10:00 AM - We will leave from Bedford Depot.
- At 11:30 ish - We will have lunch at Dave's Fresh Pasta in Somerville
- At 2:00 PM - We should be back to Bedford Depot.
- At 2:15 PM - We should be back to Fawn Pond.
On Friday, November 20th, we will return to where we started the season - Good 'Ole East Pepperell.
- At 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
- At 11:30 AM - Lunch at the Pepperell Spa.
- At 12:15 PM - The Fitness Ride leaves.
- At 2:15 PM - We will be back.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
Reminder - Groton Center Tomorrow
Dear AdventuRiders,
Surprisingly, the weather tomorrow will not be as nice as it was on Monday :-) The forecast calls for Mostly Cloudy and mid 40's in the morning and upper 40's and Cloudy in the afternoon. DRESS WARMLY! What do you expect on Friday the 13th?
The morning Recreation Ride will feature a tour of the Wharton Plantation via Dan Parker Road. From there we will wind our way to Dunstable on a hidden backroad. Then its off to Pepperell Center for an easy ride back to Groton on the Rail Trail. The route is about 14 miles with some mostly civilized off road in Wharton Plantation. There are rolling hills, but nothing significant. Here is a map.
Lunch will be at Filho's Cucina in Groton. YUMMY!!!
The afternoon Fitness Ride will check out the views from Surrenden Farm on our way to Ayer. Then its off to historic Shirley Center and West Groton. Finally, we will explore a bit of Groton Place and Groton School on our way back up the hill to Groton Center. The route is about 17 1/2 miles and is quite hilly with some civilized off road. Here is a map.
On Friday, November 13th, we will meet in Groton Center. Here is a map.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
Surprisingly, the weather tomorrow will not be as nice as it was on Monday :-) The forecast calls for Mostly Cloudy and mid 40's in the morning and upper 40's and Cloudy in the afternoon. DRESS WARMLY! What do you expect on Friday the 13th?
The morning Recreation Ride will feature a tour of the Wharton Plantation via Dan Parker Road. From there we will wind our way to Dunstable on a hidden backroad. Then its off to Pepperell Center for an easy ride back to Groton on the Rail Trail. The route is about 14 miles with some mostly civilized off road in Wharton Plantation. There are rolling hills, but nothing significant. Here is a map.
Lunch will be at Filho's Cucina in Groton. YUMMY!!!
The afternoon Fitness Ride will check out the views from Surrenden Farm on our way to Ayer. Then its off to historic Shirley Center and West Groton. Finally, we will explore a bit of Groton Place and Groton School on our way back up the hill to Groton Center. The route is about 17 1/2 miles and is quite hilly with some civilized off road. Here is a map.
On Friday, November 13th, we will meet in Groton Center. Here is a map.
- At 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave for Wharton Plantation. Here is a map.
- At 11:30 AM - We will have lunch at Filho's Cucina in Groton.
- At 12:15 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Shirley Center. Here is a map.
- At 2:15 PM - We will be back.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
Takin' Care O' Business
Dear AdventuRiders,
I hope you had a nice Veteran's Day! Here are a few items of interest (hopefully).
AdventuVideos: Some of you may have noticed a new addition to the website (AdventuRides.com). Below the Photos sidebar is the new AdventuVideos sidebar. This is a collection of bike related videos featuring segments of the video that my son Keaton did this summer for the GrotonChannel. If you click the rectanglular icon next to the "play" button, you will get a listing of all the available videos. If you have videos on YouTube you would like included, let me know!
"Rivers and Rails and Riding": As noted above, this is the complete video that my son did this summer. You may recognize the voice of the narrator :-) You can view it in HD and/or full screen on OpenFilm.com. Here is a link.
Wachusett Season Ski Pass: You still have one week to get in on one of the best deals for downhill skiing. Until Novenber 18th, you can get a Bronze Season Pass through AdventuRides for only $199. This pass works every weekday except holiday periods and every evening. You only need to use it 5 times before it pays for itself! Be careful though, skiing weekday mornings at Wachusett will spoil you forever!
To sign up, go to the Wachusett group sales page and use "AdventuRides" as the group name. See you on the slopes!
Bill
I hope you had a nice Veteran's Day! Here are a few items of interest (hopefully).
AdventuVideos: Some of you may have noticed a new addition to the website (AdventuRides.com). Below the Photos sidebar is the new AdventuVideos sidebar. This is a collection of bike related videos featuring segments of the video that my son Keaton did this summer for the GrotonChannel. If you click the rectanglular icon next to the "play" button, you will get a listing of all the available videos. If you have videos on YouTube you would like included, let me know!
"Rivers and Rails and Riding": As noted above, this is the complete video that my son did this summer. You may recognize the voice of the narrator :-) You can view it in HD and/or full screen on OpenFilm.com. Here is a link.
Wachusett Season Ski Pass: You still have one week to get in on one of the best deals for downhill skiing. Until Novenber 18th, you can get a Bronze Season Pass through AdventuRides for only $199. This pass works every weekday except holiday periods and every evening. You only need to use it 5 times before it pays for itself! Be careful though, skiing weekday mornings at Wachusett will spoil you forever!
To sign up, go to the Wachusett group sales page and use "AdventuRides" as the group name. See you on the slopes!
Bill
This Week - South Chelmsford - Veteran's Day - Groton Center
Dear AdventuRiders,
Picnic Season is back (for one day anyway)! The forecast is for Sunny and Warm tomorrow with mid 50's in the morning and mid 60's in the afternoon.
The morning Fitness Ride will go south on the new Bruce Freeman Bike Trail. From there we will explore the beautiful backroads of Carlisle. Finally we will do a bit of civilized off roading in Great Brook Farm State Park before heading back. The route is a little over 17 miles, but its not particularly hilly. Here is a map.
Lunch will be a picnic at Heart Pond with subs from Kate's Korner.
The afternoon Recreation Ride will go north on the new Bruce Freeman Bike Trail to Chelmsford Center. From there we will wind our way to the Cranberry Bogs and finally to back to the Rail Trail in Carlisle with a possible side trip to a "Scenic Westford Road". The route is about 14 1/2 miles with some civilized off road in the Cranberry Bogs and Little Bear Hill. There is one noteworthy hill on the way back from Chelmsford Center, but other than that its just rolling hills. Here is a map.
On Monday, November 9th, we will meet at Heart (Hart) Pond in South Chelmsford. Here is a map.
On Friday, November 13th, we will meet in Groton Center.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
Picnic Season is back (for one day anyway)! The forecast is for Sunny and Warm tomorrow with mid 50's in the morning and mid 60's in the afternoon.
The morning Fitness Ride will go south on the new Bruce Freeman Bike Trail. From there we will explore the beautiful backroads of Carlisle. Finally we will do a bit of civilized off roading in Great Brook Farm State Park before heading back. The route is a little over 17 miles, but its not particularly hilly. Here is a map.
Lunch will be a picnic at Heart Pond with subs from Kate's Korner.
The afternoon Recreation Ride will go north on the new Bruce Freeman Bike Trail to Chelmsford Center. From there we will wind our way to the Cranberry Bogs and finally to back to the Rail Trail in Carlisle with a possible side trip to a "Scenic Westford Road". The route is about 14 1/2 miles with some civilized off road in the Cranberry Bogs and Little Bear Hill. There is one noteworthy hill on the way back from Chelmsford Center, but other than that its just rolling hills. Here is a map.
On Monday, November 9th, we will meet at Heart (Hart) Pond in South Chelmsford. Here is a map.
- At 9:30 AM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Carlisle and Great Brook Farm State Park. Here is a map.
- At 11:30 AM - We will get a picnic lunch from Kate's Korner and go to Heart Pond Beach.
- At 12:15 PM - The Recreation Ride will leave for Chelmsford Center and the Cranberry Bogs. Here is a map.
- At 2:15 PM - We will be back.
On Friday, November 13th, we will meet in Groton Center.
- At 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave.
- At 11:30 AM - Lunch - Filho's?
- At 12:15 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave.
- At 2:15 PM - We will be back.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
Reminder - Lunenburg Tomorrow
Dear AdventuRiders,
Well, the weather is looking much better for tomorrow. They've taken the rain / snow out of the forecast, and now it is supposed to be Mostly Sunny. Its going to be cold (low 40's) and windy though. DRESS WARMLY!
The morning Recreation Ride will start downhill (sorry) to Lake Shirley before climbing up Flat Hill (it isn't) for lovely views. Then its off to the Cowdrey Nature Center and Hickory Hills Lake before climbing back up to Lunenburg. The route is about 13 1/2 miles and all on road. There are two significant hills, but it will all be worth it! Here is a map.
Lunch will be at Trudie's Treats (YUM).
The afternoon Fitness Ride will climb Bayberry Hill with its farms and views. Then we will explore Hickory Hills Lake and the Cowdrey Nature Center on the way back to Lunenburg. The route is about 16 1/2 miles and is all on road and quite hilly.Here is a map.
On Friday, November 6th, we will meet between the Senior Center and the Teen Center in Lunenburg Center. Here is a map.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
Well, the weather is looking much better for tomorrow. They've taken the rain / snow out of the forecast, and now it is supposed to be Mostly Sunny. Its going to be cold (low 40's) and windy though. DRESS WARMLY!
The morning Recreation Ride will start downhill (sorry) to Lake Shirley before climbing up Flat Hill (it isn't) for lovely views. Then its off to the Cowdrey Nature Center and Hickory Hills Lake before climbing back up to Lunenburg. The route is about 13 1/2 miles and all on road. There are two significant hills, but it will all be worth it! Here is a map.
Lunch will be at Trudie's Treats (YUM).
The afternoon Fitness Ride will climb Bayberry Hill with its farms and views. Then we will explore Hickory Hills Lake and the Cowdrey Nature Center on the way back to Lunenburg. The route is about 16 1/2 miles and is all on road and quite hilly.Here is a map.
On Friday, November 6th, we will meet between the Senior Center and the Teen Center in Lunenburg Center. Here is a map.
- At 9:30 AM - The Recreation Ride will leave for Flat Hill. Here is a map.
- At 11:30 AM - Yummy lunch at Trudie's Treats.
- At 12:15 PM - The Fitness Ride will leave for Bayberry Hill. Here is a map.
- At 2:15 PM - We will be back.
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole
Reminder - Sterling Tomorrow
Dear AdventuRiders,
Well, I have more good news and bad news.
The good news it that its supposed to Sunny tomorrow and Milo is feeling much better. The bad news is that the temperature will be in the low 40's with wind chills in the upper 30's. The other bad news is that my other son Keaton is sick now :-(
I guess it will be another DIY ride :-( I attached a PDF printable map and cue sheet.
This ride starts and ends on the Mass Central Rail Trail with its smooth crushed rock surface. In the middle we will climb Justice Hill, before descending to the plateau around Mount Wachusett. The views in this area are really fantastic especially with the foliage. We will visit the East Princeton Historic District before turning south to Jefferson. This part of the ride is relatively level along the ridge to Jefferson and back to Sterling. Along the way we will stop at Trout Brook Conservation Area.
Lunch will be at Countryside Cafe. Its the only place around, so I hope the good reviews are correct!
After lunch, its only 5 relatively level miles back to the starting point via the Rail Trail.
The route is about 25 miles and very hilly as we climb Justice Hill. Mostly rolling terrain after that. Its all on road except for the Rail Trail. Here is a map.
On Wednesday, November 4th, we will meet in Sterling Center at the Mass Central Rail Trail. Here is a map.
Have a good ride,
Bill
Well, I have more good news and bad news.
The good news it that its supposed to Sunny tomorrow and Milo is feeling much better. The bad news is that the temperature will be in the low 40's with wind chills in the upper 30's. The other bad news is that my other son Keaton is sick now :-(
I guess it will be another DIY ride :-( I attached a PDF printable map and cue sheet.
This ride starts and ends on the Mass Central Rail Trail with its smooth crushed rock surface. In the middle we will climb Justice Hill, before descending to the plateau around Mount Wachusett. The views in this area are really fantastic especially with the foliage. We will visit the East Princeton Historic District before turning south to Jefferson. This part of the ride is relatively level along the ridge to Jefferson and back to Sterling. Along the way we will stop at Trout Brook Conservation Area.
Lunch will be at Countryside Cafe. Its the only place around, so I hope the good reviews are correct!
After lunch, its only 5 relatively level miles back to the starting point via the Rail Trail.
The route is about 25 miles and very hilly as we climb Justice Hill. Mostly rolling terrain after that. Its all on road except for the Rail Trail. Here is a map.
On Wednesday, November 4th, we will meet in Sterling Center at the Mass Central Rail Trail. Here is a map.
- At 9:30 AM we will leave for East Princeton and views of Mount Wachusett. Here is a map.
- At 12:30 PM we will have lunch at the Countryside Cafe.
- At 2:15 PM, we should be back.
Have a good ride,
Bill
This Week - Westford - Sterling - Lunenburg
Dear AdventuRiders,
The good news is that the weather forecast for tomorrow is mid 40's and Partly Cloudy in the morning and around 50 in the afternoon.
The bad news is that my son Milo has a "flu like illness" and I should stay home with him. Carole is still recovering, so tomorrow is going to be a DIY ride.
I attached a PDF file with a printable map and cue sheet.
So, I mapped out a combination morning ride, and the afternoon ride is CANCELLED.
The morning Combination Ride visits all sorts of water features around Westford and Chelmsford. You will cross Stoney Brook several times, visit Burgess Pond in the old East Boston Camps, and finally circle around Nabnasset Pond to the new playground and then back. The route is about 13 miles with some civilized off road around Burgess Pond.
On Monday, November 2nd, You will meet near the Roudenbush Center in Nabnasset. DO NOT park at Roudenbush! You can park on the other side of the playing fields on Laurel Ave. Here is a map.
On Wednesday, November 4th, We will meet in Sterling Center at the Rail Trail parking.
On Friday, November 6th, We will meet in Lunenburg Center (Lunch at Trudie's Treats).
Bill (and Carole)
The good news is that the weather forecast for tomorrow is mid 40's and Partly Cloudy in the morning and around 50 in the afternoon.
The bad news is that my son Milo has a "flu like illness" and I should stay home with him. Carole is still recovering, so tomorrow is going to be a DIY ride.
I attached a PDF file with a printable map and cue sheet.
So, I mapped out a combination morning ride, and the afternoon ride is CANCELLED.
The morning Combination Ride visits all sorts of water features around Westford and Chelmsford. You will cross Stoney Brook several times, visit Burgess Pond in the old East Boston Camps, and finally circle around Nabnasset Pond to the new playground and then back. The route is about 13 miles with some civilized off road around Burgess Pond.
On Monday, November 2nd, You will meet near the Roudenbush Center in Nabnasset. DO NOT park at Roudenbush! You can park on the other side of the playing fields on Laurel Ave. Here is a map.
- At 9:30 AM - The Combination Ride will leave for Stoney Brook. Here is a map.
- At 11:30 AM - Lunch at Silver Palate Pizza
- The afternoon ride is CANCELLED
On Wednesday, November 4th, We will meet in Sterling Center at the Rail Trail parking.
On Friday, November 6th, We will meet in Lunenburg Center (Lunch at Trudie's Treats).
Bill (and Carole)
