Five Rippers (Phillip S, Jay F, Mark P, Roger K, and Trish K) left
Starbucks at 7am and discovered a hidden treasure of dirt trails in Winchester,
Lexington, and Arlington. The Diverged route meanders for 41 miles, but we were never more than 9
miles from Winchester Center.
We rode through grass fields lined by stone walls that looked like they must have during the Revolutionary War. We rode through the woods on narrow trails littered with fallen leaves. We rode along stone dust paths with views of blazing red, yellow, and orange trees. We rode over small bridges and long boardwalks through marshy areas. After each trail section we would pop out on a familiar street, surprised that the trails seemed so remote, but were just yards from roads we ride on every week.
Mostly we had laugh-out-loud fun on our bikes. Riding trails on skinny
tires brought back that feeling we had as kids, when a bike was a toy that we
played all sorts of games with. We cheered anyone who got up a little rise. We
exulted in safely navigating a rocky downhill. One intrepid rider decided to
explore and got lost in the woods. While the rest of us searched for him we
discovered a magical hillock.
Originally, we expected to cover the full 41 miles at a 10 mph average, but after 4 hours we had only covered 30 miles and happily stopped at the Ride Studio Cafe to enjoy a cappuccino before taking the most direct route home on paved roads.
The weather, scenery, and trails were all perfect, but the best aspect of the ride was the company. We chatted and got updated on the changes and adventures in our lives. We even had unexpected encounters. We met Mark, Trish's friend from Milton, on the trails and rode with him for many miles.
At RSC, Jay met a friend and they arranged to ride together soon. In addition, we chatted with local legends Richard Fries and Rob Vandermark.
Take a look at Roger's video and my photos, and get psyched to join us when we repeat this ride in a few weeks.
Postscript: Roger K dishes out some kudos:
"When he says skinny tires, he means it! Trish planned on swapping out tires in the morning with Jay, but they wouldnt fit. Rather than let that stop her from riding, in true Ripper spirit she took it as an opportunity to showcase her great bike handling skills. A few times I was lucky to see her squirm through a rock and a hard place (literally), and come out laughing!
Jay and Mark make every section look so easy! Jay mounts and dismounts like a gazelle. Fast and smooth, but never looking rushed or hurried...I almost ran right into the first downed tree barrier watching him! And Mark is just a natural. Great lines, knows when to power and when to just let it flow. He also stayed immaculately clean and unbloodied. I otoh loaded up with prickers in my socks and was speared by trident, or a branch resembling one!"
We rode through grass fields lined by stone walls that looked like they must have during the Revolutionary War. We rode through the woods on narrow trails littered with fallen leaves. We rode along stone dust paths with views of blazing red, yellow, and orange trees. We rode over small bridges and long boardwalks through marshy areas. After each trail section we would pop out on a familiar street, surprised that the trails seemed so remote, but were just yards from roads we ride on every week.
Originally, we expected to cover the full 41 miles at a 10 mph average, but after 4 hours we had only covered 30 miles and happily stopped at the Ride Studio Cafe to enjoy a cappuccino before taking the most direct route home on paved roads.
The weather, scenery, and trails were all perfect, but the best aspect of the ride was the company. We chatted and got updated on the changes and adventures in our lives. We even had unexpected encounters. We met Mark, Trish's friend from Milton, on the trails and rode with him for many miles.
At RSC, Jay met a friend and they arranged to ride together soon. In addition, we chatted with local legends Richard Fries and Rob Vandermark.
Take a look at Roger's video and my photos, and get psyched to join us when we repeat this ride in a few weeks.
Postscript: Roger K dishes out some kudos:
"When he says skinny tires, he means it! Trish planned on swapping out tires in the morning with Jay, but they wouldnt fit. Rather than let that stop her from riding, in true Ripper spirit she took it as an opportunity to showcase her great bike handling skills. A few times I was lucky to see her squirm through a rock and a hard place (literally), and come out laughing!
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