Leader: Barbara Haney
Members: Ron Haney, Alan Kurzweil, David Schnirel, Mike Bivens, Jan Tucker, Larry Peed, Tom Roberts, Tom Short, Jim Hudnall
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17440368, a new route to La Plata via Hawthorne/Rose Hill/Rt 6, a stop at the Dash In, then a loop west of 301 over some lesser-used but good roads, Oak, Glen Albin, Springhill Newtown, back across 301 and over to Chapel Point and back via Valley/Hawthorne/Marshall Corner/Pomfret
Weather: Overcast, in the low 50s to start, then occasionally sunny, with a steady moderate NW wind, warming up to near 60
AMS: 15.4 for leader
Mechanicals/Mishaps: Larry was beset by unresolvable issues with his on-bike technology; Jim waited and then went back to check up on him, but by then Larry had decided not to continue. Having become separated from the group, Jim used his thorough knowledge of the roads to devise a shortcut that got him to the rest stop about the same time as we did. Hopefully Larry will be back at the next ride with the problem solved.
Report: We started with 10 riders. a nice turnout for this time of year. Despite several windy stretches on open roads, it was a pleasant day on the bike; we split and regrouped several times but in general rode together. The route gets a thumbs-up: there are some nice roads out there that are not over-familiar, and the La Plata Dash In is a good facility for a rest stop. Overall the drivers were courteous, the worst incident occurring on Chapel Point, where an oncoming van had to come to a stop to avoid colliding headlong with a car that was passing us. Fortunately this is a rare occurrence, but it is always scary and makes roads with wide shoulders ever more welcome, as well as making us appreciate even more those drivers who are patient...As usual, thanks to all who came out this morning!
