WNR 5/4 5:30/5:35 (before the club meeting)

[pace21]

Thank you sir may I have another!

We're working on a strategy to split the main group into two as we really need A/B/C groups to keep the numbers reasonable. As a general rule we really shouldn't have more than 8-10 in each group for safety's sake. We'll be clear at the start what the plan is.

The course is tweaked *slightly* from last week (see map below). Basically at the bottom of Old Bay we stay left and proceed to Farm Road and then backtrack the first part of the course -- this avoids the whole stretch on 62 by the new traffic lights and construction. The sprint finish is where the road goes under Rt 495. There's a yellow sign that says 14'2" clearance (or something similar). That's the end of the formal ride, then just cool down back to the parking lot. Also at the beginning of the loop let's keep it reasonable and do a warm up from the parking lot until we go under 495 on the way out. This will keep it more sensible for the assorted turns that we have to make before we reach that 495 underpass. Here's a Strava segment of the "on" part of the ride: https://www.strava.com/segments/11937109?filter=overall

Remember this week BOTH the ride AND the meeting are all happening at the 110 Grill at Highland Commons. No Bolton Street Tavern.

Who's in?



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Details:

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: At 110 Grill (this week for the MRC monthly all club meeting)

[cbusick]

I'm in for the A unless I'm needed to lead/sag one of the other groups.
Also did we update the start place in that other pinned post about start locations?
I'd hate to have someone go to the PNR and wonder why nobody showed up.

[Smudger]

in

[slisab72]

In. Just to be clear - the ride starts at Highland Commons in Berlin, right? Sorry, I'm new to the ride and not very familiar with the area. We need an acronym index! PNR? BST? We only have GTF up this way.

[KTeves]

Acronym index:
WNR: Wednesday night ride
FMR: Friday morning ride
vFMR: virtual FMR (on Zwift)
PNR: The park-n-ride on rt. 62 in Berlin. This is where some used to start the 'old' WNR.
BST: The Bolton Street Tavern in Marlborough. This is the where the monthly club meetings are usually(?) held. I added (?) because now that the WNR is starting mere feet from the 110 Grill the meetings may be held there (this week's will be) until the weather shuts-down the WNR, or the 110 Grill's food, and, more importantly, beer list is found to be lacking. I hear their Wachusett Brewery line-up needs some improvement.

[KTeves]

We only have GTF up this way.

What the hell does GTF mean?

[Mkidd3]

In out for the ride, in for the meeting still

[djming]

In.
May be testing out the new Flight jacket's performance..
I can be there as early as right around 4 if anyone wants to meet up for some noodling before. Or, if the weather looks crappy we can get a jump start on testing the beer selection at the 110 Grille.

[slisab72]

Awesome! Thanks for the handy index, KT.

GTF: Groton Town Forest

[pace21]

Right now let's plan on a 4:30 preride.

If it's raining I'll skip the preride but I'm still planning on doing the 5:30 ride wet or dry.

[Danielsm99]

Likely In depending on how work day goes..

[JeremyC]

In for A ride. I need to protect my well-earned KoM!

[pace21]

Also did we update the start place in that other pinned post about start locations?

Done.

[ehrlinger]

out, but I'll be at the meeting

[J.Brodie]

Can't make the ride or meeting this week.

[DavidColvin]

I plan on attending the post ride meeting - but with 41 degrees and rain will pass on the ride - in spite of rule number 9.

[slisab72]

Out. This cold rain is sucking the #9 grit out of me. Anyone up for vWNR? 2.5 hours

[Danielsm99]

As much as I do not want to give up on real ride, a ride in this weather will suck. I am in for a VWNR and will be on Zwift a few mins after 5. At least if/when I get dropped I can get consoled by my 4 year old. I have the 'MRC' tag.

[slisab72]

okay, i'll start setting up my trainer. I have MRC/Mnstrs tag.

[KTeves]

Out. This cold rain is sucking the #9 grit out of me. Anyone up for vWNR? 2.5 hours

You may be interested in this: https://teamup.com/event/show/id/TncycX ... 5kcqRgnDvZ

I thought about do it, but I'm probably going to do a Sufferfest or Zwift workout instead.

If you don't already know about it a Zwift ride calendar is here: https://teamup.com/ks4861763bd63ce3d8/

[slisab72]

cool. thanks! i know about the facebook rides but not this. i usually do specific workouts that are on my plan but today calls for a "group ride - practice race techniques" so I'm looking for some entertainment -- will take a look.