Minuteman Road Club

Maiden voyage of the Assabet River Bicycles WNR is set for this Wednesday at 5:30. Looking to do v1 of the two routes I came up with a couple weeks back:
https://www.strava.com/routes/2806313039937705192 (~33 miles)
Fast section to start things off leading into Oak Hill, then it's all usual WNR.

Who's in?

Assabet River Bicycles
90 Cherry St.
Hudson, MA 01749

In

In

In

Probable

In

In and I will have some tasty post ride treats.

Also if you are planning to race this year you should come as we’ll be discussing some race team swag that may be available to you.

In

Maybe.

In! i wont be able to pull... Im still trying to get in shape

Yes

Now upgraded to in. Riding to and from, will meet you at Hiley Brook/117 on your outbound.

Are new/non-MRC riders welcome?
I’m a Very experienced rider.
If I’m welcome What pace? Is this no drop?
Thanks, Dan

DanO wrote: ↑Wed Apr 07, 2021 5:01 am Are new/non-MRC riders welcome?
I’m a Very experienced rider.
If I’m welcome What pace? Is this no drop?
Thanks, Dan

Hi Dan - please check your PM's for some additional comments.
That said, yes, you are welcome to join the ride as a non-member (and hopefully become a new member!)
As to pace, without a dedicated B group (which as of now there is not), expect at least 18.5-19mph average. If we split, one group potentially 20+
There will be regrouping, but that will be kept to a minimum, so please have the route loaded if possible (this part goes to everyone, not just newcomers!)

And to all attendees - I will have a supply of the new MRC "cube" water bottles available ($7.50 each for 20oz non-insulated, $10 each for 22oz insulated, or a 4 pack of two each for $30).
Plus I'll have some of the all blue MRC caps for $5 (gotta get rid of that old supply still taking up space in my basement)
I'll be arriving early. Hit me up if you want anything.

I’ll throw this out there as there was some confusion last week as to the difference between “no drop” and “no gap”. Our WNR has and probably always will be “no drop” meaning we will stop and wait for everyone to be accounted for at logically spaced waypoints. We typically don’t adhere to a “no gap” philosophy, meaning we are free to attack/climb at any pace we see fit, even if it causes gaps until the next waypoint (which is usually the top of the next hill).

For tonight because of the new route I propose we keep it all together (no gaps) until Oak Hill, then revert to our “typical” regroup points:

- top of Oak Hill at 4 way stop sign
- end of Fruitlands/Prospect just after The right turn onto 110 (or is it 111? whatever...)
- end of West Bare at the fork in the road with the triangular traffic island

After we cross 117 it’s typically game on for the finish line (which is the yellow “Bridge clearance” sign just before crossing under 495. We typically don’t regroup there either, we just roll back in small groups.

Clarification: this only applies to a combined A/B group, which is the default assumption unless we deliberately split up before rolling out.

pace21 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 07, 2021 10:23 am
For tonight because of the new route I propose we keep it all together (no gaps) until Oak Hill, then revert to our “typical” regroup points:

- top of Oak Hill at 4 way stop sign
- end of Fruitlands/Prospect just after The right turn onto 110 (or is it 111? whatever...)
- end of West Bare at the fork in the road with the triangular traffic island

Good clarification, except KT's route for tonight has us continuing down Scott and up Bare Hill so maybe replace #3 with crest of Bare Hill at intersection with Green. And then there's Old Bay to contend with before the finish drag.

djming wrote: ↑Wed Apr 07, 2021 10:54 am Good clarification, except KT's route for tonight has us continuing down Scott and up Bare Hill so maybe replace #3 with crest of Bare Hill at intersection with Green. And then there's Old Bay to contend with before the finish drag.

I believe the two of you are referring to the same intersection.

The route, as always, continues onto Scott and Bare Hill Road from W. Bare Hill Road, but the segment is known colloquially as just W. Bare Hill.

KTeves wrote: ↑Wed Apr 07, 2021 11:17 am The route, as always, continues onto Scott and Bare Hill Road from W. Bare Hill Road, but the segment is known colloquially as just W. Bare Hill.

Ah, yes, see that now.
I should just shut up now and let those the really ride out in that area take the lead.

Yup, what KT said. Also Old Bay is part of the “game on” portion of the ride on the run in to the 495 finish line, hence no regrouping at the top.

IMHO, "game on" and zooming down Old Bay with the sketchy blind left turn onto Randall is not a great idea. So count me out for that part.

Something tells me Cactus will be put on probation again after tonights ride

I literally almost wrote it like this:

pace21 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 07, 2021 10:23 am Our WNR has and probably always will be “no drop” meaning we will stop and wait for everyone to be accounted for at logically spaced waypoints (unless Cactus is there).

But unlike you, Briana, I try to be kind to everyone