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2008 Ride
Reports
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Sunday,
March 23rd, 2008
(Easter)
Easter on The Charles
Riders: 17
Mileage: 20
Terrain: Mostly Flat
Destination: Arlington, Cambridge, Boston
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Although I believe that it was even colder this year than last (30° at the
start), seventeen warmly dressed, enthusiastic riders joined in our annual
cycling season kickoff event.
This year construction on the Charles River Bike Path
forced us to find a new route to our traditional picture spot in front of Arthur
Fielder (not the man; the statue). This was a much more urban ride. After riding to
Alewife Station on the Minuteman Bikeway, we took side streets into Harvard
Square, rode to Cambridgeport along the river and wound our way thru the
neighborhood to MIT. The view from the MIT bridge as we crossed the Charles
was
spectacular. Once on the other side, we picked up the bike path to
reach our first stopping point and took the picture above. From there,
we continued to the end bike path so we could make a stop at the Museum of
Science. Warm and watered, we headed home on Cambridge St., picking up
Hampshire St to bring us to Mass Ave. By the time we got to Arlington
Center, the wind was in our face, to we rejoined the Minuteman for the final
leg of the ride. |
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Sunday, April 20th
Horn Pond Loop (map)
Riders: 14
Mileage: 17
Terrain: Flat, Rolling Hills and One Long Hilll
Destination: Arlington, Lexington, Woburn, Winchester
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What a beautiful day it
was. I decided to to the ride reverse the direction of the route
we have done in the past to eliminated the big hill where Wildwood
become Johnson Rd. This really helped keep the group together.
Tom Allen who knows the area inside and out, showed us a little know
bike path in Lexington and also led us on Ridge Street, a hard packed
dirt road which kept away from the Lowell St. traffic After
circling the pond, we made a short stop and took this picture.
Riding the Horn Pond bike path in this direction made it a new
experience and very nice. Tom showed us one more shortcut off
Bacon St. that gave us a nice view of Upper Mystic Lake, before joining
the Mystic Valley Parkway. Tom suggested one more stop by the
entrance to the Medford Boat Club where we found a large map of the
area, painted on the pavement. Then back on the Parkway for a very
scenic ride home. |
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Sunday, May 11th
Dudley Road Ride (Map)
Riders: 17
Mileage: 19.5
Terrain: Flat - Gently Rolling Hills
Destination: Lexington, Bedford, Billerica, Carlisle.
Another beautiful day
for riding with lots of new faces and new bikes today. For
many, this was their first ride of the year or their first ride with
Bike Rides For Ordinary People |
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This ride goes along many wonderfully secluded
roads, past a cranberry bog and includes a stop at Great Brook Farm
for ice cream and a look at the cows. This is the first time
that I have ridden this route in a clockwise direction. The up hills
seemed much gentler, and maybe even more picturesque. Note: We
had a rider take a fall when here front break locked up, but
thankfully her injuries were limited to minor cuts, scratches and a
bruise on the palm of her hand. Thanks to Ron, who escorted
her back to the start. |
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