A few people are talking about a Monday March 9 Hookie ride starting at 1 PM from the 110 Grill in Berlin/Hudson. Looks like a high of 62 that day.
This would be ~3.5 hours, probably heading up to Wachusett Ranger station and back. Obviously not up rest of the mountain since the ski slopes are still there. Endurance pace is my plan. Draft route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32070379
Everything is still not finalized yet but that is what it is looking like. Post up if you are interested.
I'm questionable for this as my afternoon appears booked, but a few caution notes:
1) Descent of Jefferson Rd/Princeton St off Ball Hill (mile 42-43.5). There is quite a bit of sand on this road, especially at two spots where the road takes a twisty turn. There is one area in particular close to probably mile 43 where sand has collected. Also, there was signficant ice buildup over the road as the descending ends so while there won't be ice, I'd be on the lookout for bad frost heaves.
2) There are really nasty RR crossings at mile 44.5 and just before 46. 44.5 especially as it's on a slight downhill. Big cracks on all sides of the tracks. DO NOT take either of these at any kind of speed.
3)Quinapoxet from 46.5 to 47.5 is a really fun descent. But, the final pitch drops you right into 31 which is a busier road. Just use caution as the stop sign comes up very fast.
While it would cut off a couple miles, if you have a decent sized group I'd consider just taking Ball Hill Rd out to Rt.31 and take that to Manning/Laurel.
You will be fine. My plan is only for endurance. O-man did a hundo today. And another guy (Russ) who is joining us also did a 4+ hour ride today. We will all just let Dave M go.
Last edited by jraguin on Sun Mar 08, 2020 9:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
