Warm sun, idyllic New England roads, and 10 ambitious riders. Who could ask for more?

We set off on our 45-mile ride from Brattleboro, VT and pedaled south along the Connecticut River on smooth roads through Vernon VT. Heading west, gorgeous farm country unfolded; one stretch in particular was worth the entire day’s efforts with its deep-green acres of young corn overlooked by a classic farmhouse, huge red barn and silo!

Here’s the shocker: you can count on one hand the number of hills that posed any sort of challenge, a pleasant surprise for this hilly tri-state region!

Only two flat tires later (not to mention two temporarily misplaced riders and one who called it a day a little early), it was well-earned yummy ice cream for all at the “Northfield Creamie” in Northfield, MA. Imagine everyone’s delight to learn that this marked NOT the halfway point but the “15-miles-to-go” point!

Gentle winding roads led us from Winchester to Hinsdale, NH – albeit no beauty queen but good for a couple of sharp and quad-killing inclines. Back in the farmlands, after a quick “water break” within sight of several studley young bucks hauling hay into a truck, we were inspired to close the loop with a Connecticut River crossing back to Brattleboro VT and called it one amazing afternoon of gorgeous scenery and great GO company!

Following the ride the majority of the guys made their way back to Frog Meadow for a 120-minute social hour of good company, snacks, drinks, a dip in the swimming pond and a soak in the hot tub before showering and heading home.

Many thanks to Lew for the home-made “crunchy-bars” and the trip route elevation profile graphic (now uploaded), to Marc, Daniel and Kurt for the post-ride snacks, to Ken for preparing the trip report, to Dave for preparing the map & directions and to all participants for the endless comic relief and for making the day sooo pleasurable!

Mark your calendar now for Saturday September 7 for another spirited ride through the Tri-State region of Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire…and more great company and fun!

  There are 6 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)