A Memorable Memorial Day Ride

As part of our countdown to Spring, here is the first of a series of ride reports from last Summer, starting with the Memorial Day weekend ride on May 29, 2010, starting in East Winthrop at Tom's Bike Boutique on Rt.202.

We had a fine turnout, considering that the ride was scheduled at the last minute on a long holiday weekend. The weather was dry, although mostly cloudy.






It's usually a good sign when the ride leader is smiling! (Or perhaps that's the trademark of a professional dental hygienist?).














The route took us over the back roads of Winthrop and into Litchfield and Monmouth.
















We rolled past historic cemeteries and many lakes and ponds.



As customary, we often stopped to chat while we waited for others to catch up.












And once everyone had caught up, we more often than not, continued to chat.












But there were more fine roads to explore, so we were soon on our way.

If you missed this ride, don't miss it twice - Denise will be leading it again on April 30th! Thanks, Denise!

Ospreys and Oatmeal Cookies - Litchfield Part 3

We actually got to see a pair of ospreys at their nest up in the high tension lines.



































Thanks again to all who made this a great ride!

Ospreys and Oatmeal Cookies - Litchfield Part 2

Here are some more photos from the "rolling hills" and other features on the Tour de Litchfield on May 22nd.



















































Many thanks to George and Chris for the great ride, and the great cookies! (To be continued...)

Ospreys and Oatmeal Cookies - Litchfield Part 1

The KVBC's Tour de Litchfield is a very scenic ride with historic buildings, including the old Litchfield Academy at the ride start, and our host's house, where we were treated to oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies. The roads are really nice, passing by well-kept farms, the Litchfield Fairgrounds, and several pretty lakes. What few hills there are, all lead to great vistas and even opportunities to view nesting ospreys. Here are some views from the ride on May 22nd.









































(To be continued...)

Manchester United

All the elements necessary for a great bike ride were united in Manchester for last Saturday's Wake up the Earth Ride. We had great weather, a great group of people (14 at the start), and some remarkably clean, smooth roads for this stage of the season.

Even the solitary flat tire on the ride was dealt with in a united fashion, with convenient roadside assistance, many helping hands, and perhaps some divine intervention.

















There were some hills (for which the ride leader took some good-natured ribbing). But there were also some options over less strenuous terrain. The greater challenge proved to be some local farmers using the early spring weather to get a jump on the growing season by hitting their fields with their manure spreaders. Fortunately this didn't coincide with the long hills. It was bad enough riding by on the flats, eyes watering and throats gagging. One wonders if those poor guys dragging those spreaders around all day get any oxygen breaks. Wake up the Earth indeed!


Next week's ride will be Saturday, May Day, May 1st in Wayne. Frank has a great route planned for us, with more scenic roads, fewer hills, and hopefully less manure. See you there!