Yesterday was forecast to be the nicest day of the week with comfortable temperatures and clear blue skies. Thankfully the WX was as forecast so Gary and I took a ride.
We met at the Duncan's on route 122 in Barre at about 11. We typically ride in west central MA and up into southern NH and/or VT. For this ride we switched it up and rode some routes we hadn't been on in a while.
From Barre we took beautiful route 122 to U.S. 202. This road always delivers with light traffic and plenty of curves. Although I was leading at about speed limit plus 10, a crotch rocket screamed by us on one of the straight-aways. I'm sure Gary would have loved to chase him but he was stuck behind me.
We took U.S. 202 south to Belchertown. We hadn't been on this road in years. Traffic was light and we enjoyed it at a spirited pace.
Hook from Brimfield posted on another board about having lunch at McCarthy's Pub in Belchertown. So we stopped there for a nice lunch and were able to sit outside on the porch to enjoy the great WX. The food was good and reasonably priced. The service was also good. A couple of pics below from our stop.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xgqeKFhjSbpvBVXK8https://photos.app.goo.gl/NcB4QkqvLANVJD6R9After lunch we headed south on roads we hadn't ridden in a long time. We rode 181 S to U.S. 20 E to 32 S into CT. In Stafford Springs we headed east on CT 190. After crossing over I-84 we continued to Union,CT where we picked up CT 171 E. We followed that to CT 197 E into North Woodstock, CT. Both 171 and 197 are extremely curvy and hilly in places. I had forgotten how technical these roads were. I should have waved Gary ahead to take the lead at his pace. But alas, he was stuck behind me.
From North Woodstock we were on familiar roads and found our way home. I stopped at Gary's house on the way home for a rest stop and hydration. It was a great day!
