Wednesday night Stow loop 5:30pm

[JeremyC]

We're trying to build momentum for a more consistent big group ride on Wednesday again. There are some ideas about new routes and formats that should be discussed further.

In the meantime, I'd like to do the typical route at 5:30 at the plaza. My preference would be fast pace line and hill work, which I think is what the old Wednesday ride consisted of.

Who's in?

[JerryD]

I may be able to make this. Also re: new route with stated attributes. It's this humble outsiders opinion that you should include the stretch of Rt 70 in Lancaster that goes by the Kimballs farm/ soccer fields etc. (could even make a lollipop, hit it twice) and Ft. Devens in your route mapping. Excellent paceline territory.

[pace21]

In. If anyone is interested I'll probably leave from Berlin (Rt 62 Park N Ride) at 5:00 and meet you in Stow plaza.

[swawersik]

In

For week 1, I'd vote that we do the "standard" course.

I seem to recall attendance at this ride waning a bit last year, in part due to differences in expectations for the ride, so it might be worth clarifying this. This should be a ride where people can come and test their fitness without worrying about being left for dead.

I would propose the following:
1. Brisk but civil paceline at the rollout, with a possible turn of the screws up the hill after we cross Rt. 111. Regroup at the top.
2. Lord of the Flies-like throat punching contests up the Oak Hill, Fruitlands, and Bare Hill climbs. Regroup at the top of each climb. Steady paceline between climbs.
3. After Bare Hill, steady, rotating paceline to Taylor Rd.
4. Rotating paceline on Taylor road, but may devolve into a slugfest of attacking & counterattacking. Regroup at the intersection with W Acton Rd.
5. Town line sprint along S Acton Rd., then slow roll back to the Plaza

We can split into A and B groups if necessary, and will take a head count at the start to make sure we don't lose anyone. If you don't know the route, make sure you let people know this at the start so we make sure you don't get lost.

If your bike has aero bars on it, please stay off them for the duration of the ride.

Again, this is my opinion only, and is meant to help set expectations for this ride. Comments, additions, corrections, etc. are welcome and encouraged.

[JerryD]

"Lord of the Flies-like throat punching contests..." nice, I like it

I am happy however to abide by whatever ride rules are laid down.

[JeremyC]

Stefan, I think you summed it up perfectly.

[Gumbo]

I will try to hang in there with you tonight as long as possible.

[ahamilton]

I'm almost always up for a good throat punching. Hope to make it tonight.

[rusto]

The finish: clicky

[pace21]

Great ride tonight guys. Played out almost perfectly to Stefan's script. Saw some new faces too -- welcome to the club RobD, good climbing out there, now when can we get you on the cat 4 team?

[Gumbo]

Good ride tonight! Thanks for waiting around for the slow guy.

[Robd2]

Yes great riding out there tonight guys, thanks for organizing and letting me tag along. Good to meet you all and count me in for the cat 4 team.

[swawersik]

Good ride tonight! Thanks for waiting around for the slow guy.

Don't sell yourself short. You're way stronger than you were last year. Keep coming out and hanging on as best you can and you'll only get better.

Yes great riding out there tonight guys, thanks for organizing and letting me tag along. Good to meet you all and count me in for the cat 4 team.

Nice! Welcome aboard.

[JerryD]

Yeah good ride last night, made it back to my car just as it got dark. Had to squeeze in one new "climb", welcome to BJs!!

[JeremyC]

Are you the BJs KOM?