Fading Fall and Final Cyclopath Ride of 2016

Catching up on blog posts... it's been a while!!

10...9...8...7...6...5....... Smile everyone!!

We had a great turnout on November 12th for our season-ending breakfast and last Cyclopath get-together for 2016! THE PLAN was to meet for breakfast at Brother's Taverna and follow up with a bike ride after... but when does anything go according to plan with the Cyclopaths?! As it was hovering just over 32 degrees, I was the only rider amongst our fair-weather cycling friends.

OMG, they make me laugh.

It's hard to believe the season has ended but what a fun year we had! I did my best to keep things rolling this year, and initiated a dual-start option that turned out to be a great success. Sam would be pleased. Not only did it allow us to expand our route options and breakfast destinations beyond the same-old, same old, it created an opportunity to bridge the gap that had built over the years between the folks who wished to ride longer, faster miles with those preferring something shorter. (Considering the majority of our riders are now over 70, we're not riding much more than a 12 mph pace.)

A few of our many rides this summer included off-road trail rides to Boxford, a ride to Plum Island and breakfast at Mad Martha's (a first for several), the backroads of Ipswich, and a return Gloucester! (It had been a long time since we all went to Gloucester together!) We also went hiking!! Weather and temperatures permitting, I'll try and plan a few hiking and snowshoeing breakfast adventures this winter.

We had sunny skies for that last ride, but of course it was a solo venture for me. After sharing hugs and warm wishes with everyone, I headed out to Salem Willows and Winter Island for a cold, quick loop -- wrapping up year 42 of the North Shore Cyclopaths.

35 degrees on the final breakfast ride of 2016,
stopping at Winter Island

Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride

The Saturday morning Cyclopath breakfast ride consisted of just four riders this weekend, which is a far cry from just five or six years ago when we'd have to split up the group because we overwhelmed the breakfast establishments we visited! Word is, Ducky will no longer be joining us on Saturdays, which makes me sad. At 85, she's still very strong on the bike, and has always been my inspiration. I could never really gauge how old Ducky was -- as she went bombing up hills leaving everyone in the dust -- and then one day I learned she was older than Av, who at the time was 80. OMG. She's such a badass. Hopefully she'll come out for some short rides when the weather is cooler and we stay more local.

This past Saturday, Paul, Joan, Gail and I took a ride up the coast to Magnolia, stopping for breakfast at the Beach Street Cafe. I took a spill early in the morning, which left me hurting. The light was poor and it was hard to distinguish potholes from shadows on the road. I was a split second behind Gail when she swerved quickly to avoid a pothole, (and didn't have time to warn me), as I hit the hole head on, landing on the pavement. I walked away with few bruises and cuts, but also came down hard on the top tube, which wasn't pretty. Ouuuuuch. It wasn't until later in the day that my injuries became better known. Seriously, no fun.

Still, we had a nice ride up the coast on a perfect day -- which actually started  off cool and I had to break out the arm warmers and vest. The temps are expected to rise into the 90s this week for a blast of summer, which should be awesome. I love summer!

Breakfast Ride, Lost Riders, and Offroad Adventures

I haven't been on a Cyclopath ride in several weeks, and was running a half hour late on Saturday for the 7 am start. (Will needed a ride to the football fields at 7:30.) Still, getting a 30 minute late start didn't really amount to much, as I caught up to Donna en route to Boxford about 45 minutes later.

Hitting grooved pavement on Route 97 in Wenham, (scheduled to be paved next week), I took a shortcut to hop on the Wenham rail trail towards Topsfield. Apparently, Donna fell behind the rest of the gang and opted to do the same thing, while the others apparently stayed on Rt 97. (Eesh. Why? Rough.)

Expecting to find the gang waiting for her in Topsfield, and not finding anyone when she arrived, Donna realized the others stayed on 97 and didn't know she took a different route -- and were likely waiting for her as it's a no-drop ride. So, while she stayed in Topsfield, I turned up 97 for a few miles to find them -- so typically Cyclopath. We always get lost when heading to Boxford!

After breakfast at the Boxford Community Store, we headed back down the Topsfield-Wenham trail to avoid the rough pavement home. Since no one had taken the trail all the way from Topsfield to Danvers, it was a bit of a mystery where we'd eventually end up. Fun ride! The trail took us to Danvers Center -- where we then hopped on Routes 62 and a busy Rt 114 back to Salem. (Not my favorite roads to ride on.)

Pace was slower than slow, but the breakfast and people made it fun -- and I loved the trail through the Danvers swamp and the mystery of wondering where we'd end up. Fun!! I love those kinds of rides.

P. Giddy and the Ladies

Paul Guertin, (AKA P. Giddy), has been the lone male on our Cyclopath rides this year, sometimes joined by Mike Sullivan -- a complete turnaround from "back-in-the-day" when Sam, Av, Sheldon and Bill started the group. For several decades, the men outnumbered the women by a large margin, but in recent years it's the women who keep on riding.

This week, nine riders met at the Cyclopath start and headed up the coast, with a stop at Beach Street Cafe in Manchester for five of the gang. Brenda, Kathy, Donna and I continued up 127 to Gloucester, (and breakfast at The Morning Glory). It was a perfect summer day, nice and hot. I love this weather.

Breakfast Ride: Magnolia

We had just a few riders on Saturday for the Cyclopath Breakfast Ride -- Mike, Paul, Joan, Donna and myself. We headed to Manchester and the Beach Street Cafe for a great breakfast and many laughs. The combination of Mike, Paul and Donna is always a fun one, and I haven't smiled that much on a ride in a long time.

Leaving the cafe, Arlene rode by, at first not seeing us until Paul yelled a little louder. (Hahahaha... Paul!) She stopped and joined us for a photo op at Singing Beach, before continuing on her ride to Essex.

The breakfast ride is starting to get back to the way it was years ago -- a casual, conversational paced ride where stories and laughs are shared along the way -- reminding me of the Sam and Manny days. There are still a few riders who insist on making the ride about them -- their distance, their pace, rolling their eyes at the regrouping and looking at their watches to check the time when waiting for a slower rider -- but there's been less of that lately and I love it. Hopefully this trend will continue.

The Breakfast Ride: Where Kristen got THREE Flats

A late ride report from the breakfast ride two weekends ago: We haven't had a large turnout of Cyclopaths this year -- though not from lack of effort on my part -- so when I heard that Joan and Gail were away for a few weeks, I had a feeling I might be riding alone when Saturday arrived. I invited a few friends to join me if they could, and happy for me, Kristen was free! Yaaaay, Kristen!!

Well surprise, surprise, a few Cyclopaths did manage to make it as well... Mike S., Paul G., Brenda, Arlene and Ducky! The largest group we've had so far! (Wow. I remember the days when 2 dozen would show up for a ride.) At the same time that everyone arrived, I got a text from Kristen saying she had a flat on Lafayette Street, so I sent the gang on their way with a plan to meet them at breakfast at Henderson's.

After breakfast, we looped Miles River Road and then turned back to head out to Bradley Palmer State Park, where we said our goodbyes to the others as Kristen needed to head back -- but then, OMG, she got another flat!

And then a third flat, near the Beverly Airport. Wow.

It was a gorgeous, fun ride, despite the tire problems, and I was soooooooo happy Kristen joined us. Hopefully she'll be back for another breakfast ride when her triathlon schedule eases up a little. It was nice to have her cheerful self along for the ride.

A great day for riding, bikes or horses

Another Cold Breakfast Ride

I'm still waiting for the day I don't have to wear tights and a thermal jacket on the breakfast ride. Like last Saturday, the Cyclopath ride got off to a chilly, damp start. Brrrrr. Only three of us showed up... Joan, Arlene and I... and at the rate we are going, I'm wondering if the season might not happen for the North Shore Cyclopaths this year. (Arlene asked if I'd be happy or sad, and I really couldn't answer.) 

Only two of us have been showing up consistently week after week -- sometimes it's just the two of us -- Joan and I -- and I'm on the fence about sticking things out. On one hand, I made a promise to Sam to keep things going... but on the other, it just hasn't been the same without him.

We rode to Hamilton on Saturday for a nice breakfast ride to Henderson's, (back under it's original ownership). It was a cold ride, for sure, but as we left Hamilton, the sun began to peek out as we headed back towards Salem. Hopefully a few more Cyclopaths will join us next weekend. Fingers crossed.

Day 11, 30 Days of Biking: Cyclopath Breakfast Ride

A late email on Friday had me scrambling to organize a North Shore Cyclopaths ride at the last minute -- beginning the 41st year of the group riding together. I probably should have pulled it together mid-week, when I saw the wet weather was moving out, but I just wasn't thinking. In the end, despite a little pressure to get things going, only three people made it to ride, (including me.) Arghhh. 

Leaving Salem, Ed, Joan, and I headed out to the Depot Diner for breakfast, not a far distance. Ed has knee issues and was riding fairly slow, so Joan and I held back and rode with him. (With only three people riding, it only seemed right.) After breakfast, Ed returned to Salem while Joan suggested looping out to Bradley Palmer State Park, and I was fine with that -- until around mid-way she commented that she forgot there were hills, (I hadn't noticed), and that Bradley Palmer was further than she remembered. It eventually dawned on me that she was struggling with the ride.

We slowed it down a notch as we fought some strong wind gusts heading home -- Joan walking her bike up the hills. That was fine. I took the opportunities to snap some photos while waiting for her. It was a long morning for just 30 miles... but a beautiful day for a ride, and I had no pain in my shoulder. (Yay!) A great morning.

#30daysofbiking

Great Teams, Great Friends

PT on Friday didn't go as well as I thought it would. I expected to get the ok for cycling, (because 30 Days of Biking starts tomorrow), but I got a big NO. (NO?!) Arrrgggghhhhh!!! I understand the shoulder isn't in great shape, and it can get quite painful at times, but I was under the impression it was a mild injury. Fixable. So I wasn't happy with my PT.

On Saturday, still feeling frustrated, I met the Cyclopaths for breakfast -- and of course it was snowing, for the tenth straight weekend. No one braved the elements and rode their bikes, and most agreed it will be a while before they're back on the road. It was good to see folks and catch up, and I'm hoping we have a good summer together.

Afterwards, I headed into Cambridge with Alison, Cate, Jen and Amy for the TriMania Expo, (at MIT -- taking the photo of the pool, above, for Will.)  It was a fun afternoon looking at different bike-swim-run related info, gear, and events -- with many laughs between us. (Those girls are such fun.) I also heard from a few Kittens on Saturday, checking in to see how PT went. Really sweet.) So, despite the gloomy start to the weekend, and my depressing mood, I had a great Saturday spent with Cyclopaths and Spiders, and chatting with Kittens -- and I felt much better about my PT situtation afterwards. Thanks, sweet friends!

30 Days of Biking starts tomorrow.

Winter Island, In memory of Bill

It was 36 degrees this morning for our ride in memory of Cyclopath Bill Cantor today. After several text messages and emails last night telling me it was going to be too cold to ride, (and my response being "suck it up" or "it's not going to be that cold"), I ended up coming close to bailing out on the ride myself!! Planning to get back for Will's football game after the Cyclopath ride and breakfast, I chose to drive and park at B&S Fitness, near our Salem start, and ride from there... but as I got ready to head over to meet the gang on Washington Street, I realized I left my helmet at home! Damn!!

I began to imagine the eyerolls I was about to receive, as I told folks I wouldn't be able to ride afterall, when Brandi Dion arrived and rescued me! She loaned me a helmet, thus allowing me to narrowly escape future Cyclopath retellings of how I convinced people to ride on this freezing cold 36 degree day... and then didn't ride myself. (Thanks for the rescue, Brandi!)

In honesty, after a bunch of emails and text messages on Friday, I really wasn't sure how many people would ride today. (I get it -- it was a chilly one -- but we've ridden in colder weather. I think people forget that.) In all, seven of us showed up to ride -- and a few others joined us for breakfast by car. It was a perfect morning to be together, with fond memories of Bill, and I'm sure he would laugh at us and call us crazy for riding today. That's what makes it perfect.

With Loving Farewell to Bill Cantor

With a heavy heart, we said goodbye to the incredible Bill Cantor today -- Cyclopath founding father, Marine veteran, 30 year PMC rider, true friend, and an inspiration to all. At 91 years old, Bill was still actively riding his bike, (alhough more recently it's been on the indoor trainer.) Bill was a very dear friend of mine, and we made plans recently to get together so he could teach me how to play cribbage! I'm truly sad at his passing. His smile and spirit will remain with me always -- and I'd like to think that he, Sam, Manny and Sue are riding the backroads of heaven together, looking for breakfast. I miss you already, Bill.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Wow. The weeks are flying!

My rides have been consistant, if not exactly fast, and I've been enjoying the waning days of summer. Last week, I headed out with Dr. Jeff at the last minute -- a little wary that I'd be able to keep up with him -- and ended up having a really great ride. I don't talk a lot on my rides -- I actually get really quiet, which several friends have noted over the years. As we rode along in silence, I apologized for not being very chatty, and he laughed and said, "You can learn a lot about a person just by the way they ride". I had no clue what he meant, until he said he noticed that when I came to a large hill, I didn't resign myself to the climb and take it slow, but dug deeper to tackle it, and I don't give up very easily. Hmmm... is he saying I'm stubborn? Hahaha... maybe that's true. After a while, I started to chat more and we laughed and laughed over crazy things. Who knew he was so funny? A great ride.

Saturday's Cyclopath ride was also great fun. Original Cyclopath Av Hammer joined us for the ride, (it had been a long time since his last ride!), and we chose to ride out to the Wenham Tea House -- one of his favorite destinations. The pace is a little more leisurely at the teahouse, but we had a terrific breakfast, and then meandered back through Wenham on the return to Salem.

Before saying our goodbyes, four of us headed out to Winter Island to remember Sam, who is soooo missed by all of us. A really great day.

I love our breakfast rides!

Remembering Sam, Stopping at Winter Island

Remembering Sam Zoll

Honorable Chief Justice, Mayor, Cyclopath, Beach Master

Saturday Morning Cyclopath Ride

We've had a great stretch of weather for riding, as the boy's schedules have become a little crazier. I'm doing my best to get my rides in, but it has been a challenge! On Saturday, I joined the Cyclopaths for a breakfast ride to Manchester, and had a great time -- especially since Ducky rode with us. She is in her mid-80's and rides like a champ. I love her. (Ducky's son, Tim, has been in town for the last two weeks, visiting from Chicago, and joins us every summer. Saturday was his last ride with the gang until next year, so it was fun to ride with him as well.)

Cyclopath rides are often slow and pokey, and I generally don't mind. I know that it's a social ride. I admit to sometimes getting frustrated wth the pace -- but that's really my mood at the time, and not about the group. On the days I need to get in more miles, or I'm pressed for time, I'll head out for a ride on my own. That's how it's been for well over a decade, when riding with Sam, Manny, Sheldon, Av, and Bill... Sue de Vries and Susan Redfield... we have a lot of history.

This past Saturday, we all headed out as a group... but three riders, (led by Anne), conspired ahead of time to go off and do their own thing. As we approached Manchester, they made an announcement that they were not stopping for breakfast at the Beach Street Cafe with the rest of us, but rather the bakery about 500 yards from where our gang planned to stop. (I guess we weren't invited?) What a way to create ill will. All I can ask is, "Why the hell are you riding with the Cyclopaths if you're just going to go do that??"

Just had to ask.

Morning Sunrise over Salem

This is the part of summer that makes me a bit sad. The weather starts to cool down, and jackets are needed for early morning rides as fall starts to creep in. (Saturday's 7 a.m. Cyclopath ride out of Salem was chilly!)

The boys are scrambling to get their summer reading done before school starts in two weeks, and football practices are in full swing. I'm getting my riding done when I can. Will's double sessions with the high school team doesn't mesh with Chip's practice in youth league, so I'm making six trips to the field house every day. (So far, I've been able to squeeze in my rides between the pick ups and drop offs -- School starts August 26th.)

Weekend Wrap-Up

It was a good weekend for riding, although I ditched my original plans to ride the Rapha Women's 100 planned for Sunday. I had hoped to join the century ride up Mt. Wachusett with Ride Studio Cafe, and Firefly friend Carolyn, but knew this week it just wasn't in me. On Friday, I decided to ride the metric century instead, (62 miles), but woke up on Sunday with a serious case of self-doubt. I really didn't think I could do it. (Although I later learned it wouldn't have been a problem -- and I have some regrets for doubting myself.)

Ethan and I headed out early on Saturday for an out and back ride without the Cyclopaths. We both wanted to ride and get in some miles without the traditional stop and go, stop and go, 2 hour breakfast for a 15 mile round trip. Ethan is training for MS Global in September and I'm trying to get back on track for my upcoming rides, so we left early to head to Ipswich. Along the way, before 7 a.m., we ran into a few Cyclopaths and ended up heading out with them as a group. At some point, the casual riders took a turn to Manchester while Drew and Anne joined Ethan and I as we turned towards Ipswich. It turned out into an o.k. ride -- (we did stop for a late breakfast) -- and I managed to tack on an extra 15 miles after leaving the others for a 55 mile day.

Sunday's ride was a nice, easy, 30 miles along the coast. It wasn't the Women's 100 or the Climb to the Clouds, (which Lila tried to convince me to ride), but it was something. It's starting to feel like I'm climbing out of the hole I've been in.

Breakfast Ride: Ipswich

It was good to get back on the bike yesterday, though in typical Cyclopath fasion, it was a slow trek to breakfast. Ten of us gathered in Salem for the ride to Sophia's in Ipswich, taking my favorite roads up through Hamilton and Wenham. It was good to get out for a ride with friends, though I was completely exhausted and not feeling myself.  My ride ended short of what I had wanted for the day -- and I wasn't feeling happy about that. I considered continuing on, solo, for another 15 miles -- but when Arlene, Anne and I arrived at Beach Bluff, I just called it a day at 35. A little frustrating, but I'll step things up next week. Post-RAAM exhaustion.

Happy Birthday to Sheldon, turning 81 today!

Sheldon, Av, Sam, and Bill - The original Cyclopaths

We had our first Cyclopath breakfast ride of the season today, kicking off the FORTIETH YEAR of the North Shore Cyclopaths. Hard to believe it all started with Sheldon, Av, Sam, and Bill, (above), back in 1974, before cycling was even popular! (Wow. Look at those helmets!) Amazing. It was great to have Sheldon join us for breakfast today -- though he chose not to ride -- Happy Birthday to you, Sheldon!

Manchester

Our first breakfast ride took us up to Manchester and the Beach Street Cafe. It was nice to see folks after the long winter we've had! Lots of laughs along the way... which of course, with Paul Guertin along, it's hard not to laugh. Today's gang included Joan and Paul P., Gail, Donna, Drew, Anne, Arlene, Brenda, Paul G., Ducky, Bruce, (after a 4C's ride), and Ethan (who did not stay for breakfast.) And of course, me. It was a short ride, just up to Manchester and back, but a lot of fun. Nice to see everyone back on the road!

Shamrock Ride Postponed

Our Third Annual Shamrock Ride was postponed this morning when I woke up at 7 and saw it was raining. It's always hard to get the Cyclopaths out on the road in March -- and the snow we had Tuesday and Thursday didn't help matters -- but I was still hoping a few would ride. Sadly, despite the promise of warmer temps today, I just couldn't convince anyone to head out for a ride, and a light rain at 7 a.m. was the final blow. I'm starting to wonder if my Cyclopath days are numbered... though it's sad to think about it right now.

With a shower passing through, I headed over to B&S where I knew some of the Spiders were getting their weekly P2 homework done indoors. It wasn't the ride I wanted to do, but I knew it was better than spending the morning at home, or riding in the rain alone. The hour was tough, and my muscles are complaining right now, but it was good to see Justin, Lila, Lisa and Alison this morning and my mood totally turned around. Justin lead a tough workout, cutting through some of the chatter from us girls, and kept us on track. Thanks Justin!

After my workout, I checked my phone and saw several messages and texts from Cyclopaths offering to meet me for breakfast -- to wherever my ride ended up taking me. Nice... but too late. (Maybe next time.)

Weekend Wrap Up

I kept telling everyone that the sun at
our backs was a bad idea... but they
wanted the ocean in the background.
The same ocean we see every single
day. Ha, ha, ha. Typically Cyclopath.

After a slow start to the week, with several of my rides ditched because of rain and sports conflicts, I still ended up with a 100 mile weekend, with a casual 35 mile Cyclopath ride Saturday and a 70 mile SpiderOne ride on Sunday. Not a bad way to end the week.

Our Saturday Cyclopath breakfast ride took us up to Manchester -- not too far -- but always nice, as the Beach Street Cafe was very welcoming and pulled together a few tables to seat us all. The air was crisp on Saturday, and fall is definitely in the air.

After saying goodbye to the Cyclopaths, I ran into Joe coming back from his ride with Velo de Mer (out of Marblehead Cycle). Joe was at mile 63 at the time, and when he asked me how many miles I'd done, (twenty-four), replied, "That's it?" (Ooohh... so mean!) We parted ways as he and a few riders headed towards Marblehead, down Lafayette, while I meandered the loopy back streets up to Salem State. I then ran into him again at the final intersection we cross before heading into Swampscott. I joined him and another rider for the stretch down Humphrey Street, and turned off at Beach Bluff Ave. At that point, I was feeling a bit unsatisfied with my under 30 mileage, knowing Joe would finish at 68, so I passed my house, waving to the LAX net in my yard that hasn't seen much action lately, and continued on to do a loop of Marblehead neck. It was just a few more miles... but I felt a little less lazy after that.