First WNR of the season 3/30 at 5:30 from Cabela's in Berlin

[pace21]

So here it is, the official ride call for WNR 2016. We're switching things up a bit in hopes that it makes for a more successful ride for more people.

We will have 2 groups, starting and ending at the same location but with a 5 minute gap in start time. The main group will leave at 5:35pm and ride in the mode of the traditional WNR from years past. That means paceline, as hard as individually desired on the hills, regroup as appropriate, no drop, obey all the accepted rules of the road. The main change this year is that there will be a first group that will leave at 5:30pm and is encouraged to ruthlessly attack, hammer, and otherwise inflict pain on each other while not waiting for any dropped riders (but also obeying all the accepted rules of the road!). Riders dropped from the A group will be swept up by the B group if necessary. Depending on turnout there may be room for groups in between.

The route was designed with a few goals in mind, however it is new for all of us and may need some tweaking in coming weeks. The intent is to minimize main roads and traffic crossings (especially left turns after stops). I haven't been on many of these roads yet this year so stay vigilant for the usual road surface "issues". Also please study the course -- there are several spots where shortcuts are possible, most notably at mile 13/19 where Oak Hill can be cut out. Anyone is encouraged to use the shortcuts as needed but of course if you are in the main group you need to let the group know so they don't wait for you later down the road. And load up those Garmins just in case!

We'll be looking for main group ride leaders in the coming weeks. The two main requirements are to know the roads reasonably well (or have a Garmin), and be committed to leaving no one behind. If anyone is interested please let us know. It can be a different person each week but we'll identify the main group ride leader before rolling out.

Details:
Start time: 5:30pm (first group), 5:35pm (main group)
Start location: The parking lot at Highland Commons on the Berlin/Hudson town line, park to the right of Cabela's
Post ride grub: maybe, but not this week. There is a restaurant opening April 4th in Highland Commons that we can check out next week.

The route:

[cbusick]

IN

[JeremyC]

In

[djming]

In
I'll be near Northborough center earlier, getting out of an appointment between 3:30-3:45 so if anyone's around say 4'sh, I'm looking to do an hour or so easy beforehand.

[scottc]

In

[Suffering Bastard]

It's going to hurt, but IN.

[kenchadwick]

Out this week, but I like the plan. Can't wait to suffer, not...

[Mkidd3]

In

[KTeves]

In

[mohinishvi]

90% IN. Have flight to catch at night.

[oscarp]

IN

[mfwestbe]

In
I'll be near Northborough center earlier, getting out of an appointment between 3:30-3:45 so if anyone's around say 4'sh, I'm looking to do an hour or so easy beforehand.

In. Dave - I should be up for this. 4 sharp might be a squeeze for me, but I should be good by 4:15. PM me, and we can set a meeting spot

[Jrichard705]

In!

[JCaputo]

I'm in as well. Hoping this doesn't hurt too badly.

[KTeves]

Hoping this doesn't hurt too badly.

The hurting is what makes you stronger. Embrace it!

[Fintan]

In for the 5:35. Out

[pwess]

Out - work...

[JBurgel]

Hopefully, Would be first, and maybe last of the soccer season.

[jraguin]

In. (hopefully)

[oscarp]

I will be riding there and dont expect to be at the start but will join the first group along the route.