Conference noted::bicycle

    How about directions to Gamache's? (for those of us who keep getting
    lost in Fitchburg) :-)
    
    Paul

     I'll give it a whack... If I make a mistake, someone will correct me
    (I'm sure)...
    
     From the east, take the Fitchburg exit about a mile after the
    Searstown Mall. This puts yoou on Rte 12... Take twelve all the way
    near the center of Fitchburg. You'll come to a set of traffic lights.
    Bear left (Rte31) and Gamache's is right there on your right.
    
     From the west, take the Fitchburg exit (Rte 31) where the Best Western
    is. Take a left at the end of the ramp onto Rte 31. Stay on Rte 31 for
    about 4 miles. Gamache's will be on your left.
    
     Chip

The past three weekends have been really nice and the turnout for these rides
has been between 20 and 30 people. Ages from 16-65 every week. At least 
3-4 women every week, maybe 3-4  45+ fellows like myself, then an age mix
of what I would call strong fitness riders, and a few racers. Everyone seems to
be able to manage 18-20 mph for the whole ride.

The first part of each ride the pace is very reasonable (15-18mph). Typically
the whole group stays together. The route is usually understood before we leave
and there are always a number of stops where water and food may be replenished.
Usually after the first stop the pace will pick up and two or three groups will
form.

At the second stop all the groups come back together. Some folks may chose
to head back others may continue on for more miles. There is a pretty concerted
effort made to insure no one is dropped and left on there own. Also if anyone
flats we all stop and help. 

                                                               

Better directions??? 

From the West, Route 2 East, to Fitchburg/Leominster South Street exit.
Right at exit onto South Street. You'll see KMART plazz on the right. 
Follow South St all the way to the end and you see Gamache's on the left.

From the East, Route 2 to Fitchburg/Leominster South Street exit.
This exit wraps around and they'll be two stop signs. At the second stop 
sign (You see KMART plaza right across the street) take a left onto South 
Street, follow South St all the way to the end and you'll see Gamache's
on the left.


/Charlie

    What time is everyone meeting these days?  Has the time moved up any
    from what it used to be (8AM)??
    
    Hope to join you soon!
    
    Linda

    It's 8:00am. I don't think anyone will show this Sunday (Red Cross
    Ride) because most of the folks do the Red Cross (+) it being Father's
    Day...
    
    They do usually move it to 7:00am once it gets deeper into summer. When
    that happens I'll post it here (along with any other changes).
    
     Chip

    
>     They do usually move it to 7:00am once it gets deeper into summer. When
>     that happens I'll post it here (along with any other changes).
    
    You lot over there certainly like to get up early.

     It's a survival tactic for us married folks. This way you get to
    impact a weekend day (minimally) and can get back home in time for
    Sunday lunch - it saves lives! :-)
    
       Chip

    Are these rides still taking place??
    
    		tim

     Absolutely! Everyone is welcome. They start promptly at 8:00am on
    Sunday mornings. Try and be there at 7:30...
    
     We're usually back at the shop between 11:30 - 12:00.
    
     We did a nice swift 60 miler into Nashua last week with approximately
    30-35 people (men - women - children).
    
     A little bad luck - Something like 4 flats.
    
     Hope to see ya Tim...
    
         Chip

    Got to go mountain biking Sunday, but I'll show if I'm going in the 
    afternoon instead of the AM.
    
    		Thanks-