I couldn't get out for a ride during the first two weeks of November because I was tied up with various house projects. Today's WX provided an opportunity to take a ride; maybe the last one of the season? Who knows.
I was on the road a little after 10:30 with temps in the high 50s. I was headed to the Blue Moon Diner in Gardner for lunch. On the way there I passed Wachusett Mountain and saw some man-made snow on the slopes. There wasn't much. A lot colder WX is needed for snow making.
During the ride up the temps stayed under 59, with the coldest being about 53 at elevation by the Mountain. The Diner was not crowded making it easy to park. I don't like close parking quarters for the bike or my vehicles. I had the Irish Benedict with homemade corned beef and home fries. The portions there are huge. I left a few home fired on my plate and waddled out.
From Gardner I got onto 101 south and followed it to its end in Petersham. With all the leaves off the trees the ride felt different and in some ways more enjoyable than during the summer. There's just more to see when the leaves are down.
I stopped at the Country Store in Petersham Center. It was busy. The Store was decorated for Christmas and looked quaint. The fireplace in the back room was lit, adding to the ambience. Folks were shopping for Holiday Gifts and eating lunch. I bought a jar of honey and then walked around the Common a bit to enjoy the day.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/quGqmJjP9yxe9unT6Instead of taking 122 back to Barre Center, I took a left from the Country Store on to East Street. This is a beautiful country ride all the way into Barre Center. There's new pavement on a portion that makes it even better. With all the leaves down, the site lines into the fields were great.
From Barre Center I took 62 east all the way to Sterling Center. I took a right on to Redstone Hill Road which has great views as it descends into a valley by Davis Farm. Got back on 62 east and followed it to the Wachusett Reservoir in Clinton. By then the temp was 60 and I stopped to unplug the heated jacket liner.
From there I got onto 70 west, which faced directly into the Sun. The solar glare was really bad! The heavily tar-snaked road was lit up.
From route 70 I took a left onto French Road by the New England Botanical Garden at Tower Hill and found my way home. The total was 116 miles with an average of 53 mpg. Great Day!
