Yesterday's Ride with Gary

[Tony C.]

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/xgqeKFhjSbpvBVXK8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NcB4QkqvLANVJD6R9

After 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!

[HayHauler]

Man, it DOES sound like a great day! 
Thanks for the report.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[GaryC]

It was a great ride Tony, thanks for planning it and leading the way.  You forgot to mention the bird strike on Route 202, RIP. 

[Tony C.]

It was a great ride Tony, thanks for planning it and leading the way.  You forgot to mention the bird strike on Route 202, RIP. 

That's right. I was going about 50 when a small bird bounced off my windshield. I felt bad. Probably killed it. 

[ybnorml]

Nice to hear you and Gary had a good ride Tony..
Wondering if Gary caught the somersaulting bird after it left your windshield...

[Hook#3287]

Great report

I can visualize every road you mentioned as they are in my front and back yards

I sometimes forget we live in a excellent riding area.

Thanks for reminding me.

[DragonRdr]

Thanks for sharing Tony, it was a great day to ride.   

[Wall]

"I was leading at about speed limit plus 10," Dude, I've been behind you. It's amazing your +10 is more +March 1. I had the paint peeled off my bike by you on 93 South one ride. Gary was probably just caught in your draft and couldn't get out of it. I can hear Gary now doing his best Goose impersonation "watch out for the jet wash Mav." Gary never had a chance.

[Tony C.]

"I was leading at about speed limit plus 10," Dude, I've been behind you. It's amazing your +10 is more +March 1. I had the paint peeled off my bike by you on 93 South one ride. Gary was probably just caught in your draft and couldn't get out of it. I can hear Gary now doing his best Goose impersonation "watch out for the jet wash Mav." Gary never had a chance.

How long ago was that 93 South ride? Probably 20+ years. I haven't gone over 100 mph since then, including on the GW bought in 2018. No desire to.

On our ride about a month ago, I had difficulty keeping up with you on route 9 west in VT from Bratleboro to Wilmington. Anyone can ride fast on long, uncrowded interstate straight aways. Few can carve up the curves like you can. You're the real speed demon!  

P.S. If it ever stops raining on weekends, let's take a ride.  

[ybnorml]

Long range indications show a sunny and dry weekend ahead of us Tony....'bout time ain't it ?? 

[Tony C.]

Long range indications show a sunny and dry weekend ahead of us Tony....'bout time ain't it ?? 

The weekend WX forecast for my area currently shows showers. Plenty of time for the forecast to change. Fingers crossed. 

[Wall]

Tony, I'd love to get out for a weekend ride. I have rain gear if it doesn't stop soon.

[ybnorml]

Long range indications show a sunny and dry weekend ahead of us Tony....'bout time ain't it ?? 

The weekend WX forecast for my area currently shows showers. Plenty of time for the forecast to change. Fingers crossed. 

WX forecast has changed up here for Saturday...Those rain showers are drifting north and will be hoovering around here for the start of the weekend...