jimmuller 

We pulled it off! 53.3 miles (for most of us; several of us ended up with 55.9 miles because they rode right on by the turn I wanted us to take, but I won't say who those riders were ). We rode at a pretty brisk pace too. Or computer read 13.8mph avg speed (and I think otg's did too), which for us on the tandem is a record.

Okay, some pics! At the start, L-R: JJScaliger, Frog, Prowler, otg, Ed., me, Sharon (my sweetie), Larry (our neighbor).


An alternative to Sharon's cookies, Prowler's brickies.


Some waiting for Ed. to finish assembling his bike.


We rode by Waldon Pond just "because", no major philosophical thoughts were entertained publicly.


After a long roundabout route to Chelmsford we stopped for this photo op.


A stop to check out tattooed poultry, a local landmark in Carlisle.


Finally, we arrived at Fern's for lunch.


More pics below...

Ed.

It was great! Sharon's cookies were great! Todd's 'Bombs' were spectacular (I think he called them bombs). The weather turned out perfect! I was able to pass along all the stuff I brought, but for my very, very early Bell helmet. (I was peripherally involved in their development, I think this helmet might be pre-production, I'm not certain.)

For Jim's edification - the Seth Thomas stopped at 2:41:035. The pendulum on the Grandfather clock was still swinging, but there was no 'Tick-Tock', and the time was correct, so I just wound it up. The Chelsea was fine, not a minute slow, so about usual for a week.

Also, and this is exciting indeed. Sharon insisted on a photo stop at Walden Pond. While standing around, not worrying about looking good on my bike (a perennial worry) I had an inspiration from the 7-page tubular vs clincher thread. I've come up with an idea that will revolutionize the cycling world. I'm sorry to keep you on the edge of your seat, but first I have to meet with an intellectual property attorney to get a non-disclosure written up so that I can form an LLC with Jim Muller.


PS: Speak of the devil - the correct mileage is 54.9. We also went a little bit faster, on average, than last year.

PPS: Todd (Prowler) entertained us by reciting The Cremation of Sam McGee

oddjob2

So much heavy clothing? No New England heat wave?

Looks like a great time, nice weather, good turnout, home baked goodies. How nice!

jimmuller 

More pics! We rode 43 miles before we stopped for lunch!

Me, JJScaliger, Prowler, otg, Larry.


otg, Prowler, Larry, Ed..


Frog, and my sweetie Sharon.


otg, Larry.


Larry, Ed..


Unlike last year, Prowler did not suffer a cut in a nice sew-up, probably because he was riding his own bike this time. On the other hand, at the end of the ride Ed. finally decided his sew-ups were ready to be replaced. They have what, 35,000 miles, Ed.?

The end:

Velocivixen

Great recap and photos! I'm on the wrong coast, but I like to think I was there in spirit, and really looked forward to this particular ride report.

BengalCat

Sounds like a great time. I should have scheduled a ride for today, the day after Christmas. Instead I scheduled a weight workout at the Y. Got there and they were closed. %$%^#@! Now I'll have to fit it in tomorrow. It's not a good idea for me to ride and workout with weights on consecutive days. But I need to ride on Monday. Oh, well, life is tough sometimes.

otg 

It was a great ride, thanks Jim for organizing this. I'm home safe and sound (and showered), enjoying a leftover turkey sandwich.

JJScaliger

Thanks Jim and Sharon! I had a great time.

Prowler 

A right proper Boxing Day celebration. The highlight of the week. Jim and Sharon picked over 50 miles of excellent roads and outstanding scenery. Great way to wrap up the year (though I'll ride 2 to 3 times before NYD anyway). Thanks Jim and Sharon. Yeeeehaaaa.

Vonruden

Looks like it was a good time and great ride.

thinktubes 

Good lookin' group there! Glad the wx cooperated.

jonwvara 

Having grown up in that area (though I left 40+ years ago) I'm pretty familiar with the roads. Looks like a great time!

Sir_Name 

Yes, looks like a great time. Wish I could have made the trip.

Ed.

Without further ado: https://www.strava.com/activities/456808608 (contains map of our ride, over hills and dales, thru scary, primeval forests, past curious signage, and historical artifacts, lead by the always intrepid team of Jim and Sharon.)

ScottRyder 

I love seeing photos of all my buddies!! And I just melt when I see any any photo of Sharon. Hi Sharon !!!!!!! I didn't ride on the Cape as intended but my plan now is to get out New Years Days. I won't do those kind of miles but it will suffice.

But this really get's me pumped up for the 2016 Spring CCRT ride!! Is it too early to plan? Ha! rats, yea it is, off well.

Happy New Year everyone! and good to see Frog again.

Scott

pastorbobnlnh 

Great ride friends! Still sorry I couldn't participate and catch up with the Pennsylvania interloper (aka @Prowler ).

Riding weather 100 miles north in the NH mountains couldn't have better! While the family napped, I hit the roads on the warmest NH December 25th on record. 18 miles later I took this pic. Shorts and short sleeves the end of December--- simply unbelievable!



I was able to grab 28 miles of riding on Boxing Day while the family went shopping. All is good in the universe!

spiker

Can't imagine better weather for this time of year, very nice indeed! Had to settle for a jog. Next year has moved up to maybe. (Kids might be coming to visit us)

jimmuller 

Hi, Bob. Glad you made it out. It would have been nice if you could have ridden with us!

I have your handlebar/stem/brake levers hostage. If you want to see them in one piece you will have to come up with a few howdy's in person.

bikemore 

This is my boxing day photo. As promised, Lake Ontario. Some of you might recognize the Zinn.



Sorry for the Non drive side photo. In a hurry to get back.