Berkshire Boondoggle 2017

[PJ McQuade]

The Berkshire Boondoggle, Part V: "Greylock's Revenge" is scheduled for Thursday, May 18th with an 8:45 clip in from Berkshire East ski area in Charlemont, MA. We will use the same (outstanding!) route as previous editions of this ride. Expect 5 hrs in the saddle, around 10k feet of climbing (there are some killers!), with brief stops to refuel along the way. We'll keep it civil on the flats and "every man for himself" on the climbs, with regrouping at the top.

Rain date will be the following day, May 19.

[djming]

Yes please! Still allows a full week+ before KSR so should be okay (right?).
Link to the route PJ?

[Mkidd3]

Oh man... put me down for a strong possibility.

[Fintan]

Possible.

[jraguin]

Bummer, won't be able to make either of those two days.

[PJ McQuade]

Yes please! Still allows a full week+ before KSR so should be okay (right?).
Link to the route PJ?

Route linked from Strava. https://www.strava.com/activities/571992065

[mfwestbe]

Probably in, pending clearance from the boss, and hoping I can breathe better by then

[cbusick]

IN

[oscarp]

maybe

[Fintan]

Out. Can't skip a training class.

[cbusick]

WHAT? Oh different kind of training.

[Mkidd3]

WHAT? Oh different kind of training.

i thought the same thing and then I figured... Ohhh work stuff.

[slisab72]

In.

[rraymond]

In

[PJ McQuade]

Please note new start time of 8:45. Starting 15 mins earlier to give a little more breathing room later in the day.

[mfwestbe]

Current forecast shows us starting fairly cool, but heating up to low 80's!

[djming]

Current forecast shows us starting fairly cool, but heating up to low 80's!

Well, at least it isn't showing rain.
If the current forecast holds and it's convenient for everyone, I'm fine with pushing the start even earlier.

[oscarp]

In
Im fine with an earlier start if everyone else is too.

[PJ McQuade]

RE: start time. Our rendezvous point is 100 miles from home, could be more/less for others, but given the drive, I'd say the absolute earliest should be 8:30 start (I'll be there by quarter past 8). This will also help with the fact that it's supposed to be freakishly warm that day. Speaking of the heat, I recommend 3 bottles. The route has 3 water stops - one before Greylock after the Rt 2 decent, one at the summit (water only) and then a final stop at a convenience store on the last leg of the journey. Shelburne Falls Coffee is my usual lunch spot after the ride and this year I'll be making a special pit-stop at Tree House Brewing for recovery hops (to go). Feel free to join me!

[mfwestbe]

Sounds all good (and yeah, what's up with our weather swings?)

Is anyone up for carpooling? Save gas/environment, etc? I have room for at least one other + bike, and could probably fit another bike and person in the back (subie outback), putting one seat down and removing a wheel (from the bike, not my car). Departing from Northborough, and could meet along 495 in Hudson or along 117.

[Mkidd3]

I'm down for car pooling

[cbusick]

I'm up for car pool. I'm probably closest to PJ.

[mfwestbe]

Mark, you up in leominster, if I recall? I could meet you in that area

[Mkidd3]

Yes sir!

[djming]

There is a chance I will have to bail. Somewhat due to heat concerns (after two scares last year) but mainly due to some work stuff that absolutely must get done before Thursday to be able to go.
Regardless, I will likely have to head back in a different direction afterwards so carpooling, while preferable, won't work for me.