TE ride #4 ???

[NoNo]

Sounds interesting. Right now I'm open that weekend, but I'll keep an eye on any date changes. It'd be really nice to meet some TE'ers.

[mayanorange]

Sounds like a great idea. I'll attempt to come and attempt to keep up. Do you have an idea of a route?

[Crankin]

Well, it will be in the NW suburbs; I live in Concord, so usually we start here or in Acton or Stow. Last year we went to the Wayside Inn area in Sudbury. Two years ago we did a flattish (by request) 40 miles, starting in Concord, going into Acton, Stow, and Boxborough. So, probably a variation on one of these. If you are up for hills, I have a really nice route that goes into Harvard and Bolton a bit.
Keep the comments coming.

[mayanorange]

Those are nice areas- we got married at the Colonial Inn last year, it was great fun. I'm not sure I could handle 40 miles- maybe if they were flat. I'm currently at 15-20 miles, tho it's rather hilly where we go by Dover, Natick. I'm willing to try for longer of course, just not sure how pretty it'll be! I'm averaging around 13mph including snailing my way up the hills and zooming like a crazy fool (25mph) down. I also don't draft yet because I'm worried about touching wheels (and my hubby sets the pace too high when he leads anyway). This would be my first group ride, so I might need a quick crash course on what's expected of me- signaling slowing, etc.

[Crankin]

We won't be doing 40 miles this year; several of us were training for long rides 2 years ago, so that's what we did. Don't worry, you will be fine. I would estimate any ride we do will be around 25 miles. If we do the hilly route, naturally, speeds will go down.
I'm a ride leader with AMC and will review all the "rules" so you will feel comfortable. And, we will wait and regroup for anyone if need be. Last year I had a friend come as a sweep, so no one felt uncomfortable.

[mayanorange]

Sounds great. Looking forward to it!